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diff --git a/runtime/doc/editing.txt b/runtime/doc/editing.txt new file mode 100644 index 000000000..e25c34a6f --- /dev/null +++ b/runtime/doc/editing.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1432 @@ +*editing.txt* For Vim version 7.0aa. Last change: 2004 Apr 28 + + + VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar + + +Editing files *edit-files* + +1. Introduction |edit-intro| +2. Editing a file |edit-a-file| +3. Dialogs |edit-dialogs| +4. The current directory |current-directory| +5. The argument list |argument-list| +6. Writing |writing| +7. Writing and quitting |write-quit| +8. Editing binary files |edit-binary| +9. Encryption |encryption| +10. Timestamps |timestamps| + +============================================================================== +1. Introduction *edit-intro* + +Editing a file with Vim means: + +1. reading the file into the internal buffer +2. changing the buffer with editor commands +3. writing the buffer into a file + + *current-file* +As long as you don't write the buffer, the original file remains unchanged. +If you start editing a file (read a file into the buffer), the file name is +remembered as the "current file name". + + *alternate-file* +If there already was a current file name, then that one becomes the alternate +file name. All file names are remembered in the file list. When you enter a +file name, for editing (e.g., with ":e filename") or writing (e.g., with (:w +file name"), the file name is added to the list. You can use this list to +remember which files you edited and to quickly switch from one file to +another with the CTRL-^ command (e.g., to copy text). First type the number +of the file and then hit CTRL-^. {Vi: only one alternate file name} + +CTRL-G or *CTRL-G* *:f* *:fi* *:file* +:f[ile] Prints the current file name (as typed), the + cursor position (unless the 'ruler' option is set), + and the file status (readonly, modified, read errors, + new file)). See the 'shortmess' option about how tho + make this message shorter. {Vi does not include + column number} + +{count}CTRL-G Like CTRL-G, but prints the current file name with + full path. If the count is higher than 1 the current + buffer number is also given. {not in Vi} + + *g_CTRL-G* *word-count* *byte-count* +g CTRL-G Prints the current position of the cursor in four + ways: Column, Line, Word and Byte. If there are + characters in the line that take more than one + position on the screen (<Tab> or special character), + both the "real" column and the screen column are + shown, separated with a dash. See also 'ruler' + option. {not in Vi} + + *v_g_CTRL-G* +{Visual}g CTRL-G Similar to "g CTRL-G", but Word, Line, and Byte counts + for the visually selected region are displayed. In + Blockwise mode, Column count is also shown. (For + {Visual} see |Visual-mode|.) + {not in VI} + + *:file_f* +:f[ile] {name} Sets the current file name to {name}. + +:buffers +:files +:ls List all the currently known file names. See + 'windows.txt' |:files| |:buffers| |:ls|. {not in + Vi} + +Vim will remember the full path name of a file name that you enter. In most +cases when the file name is displayed only the name you typed is shown, but +the full path name is being used if you used the ":cd" command |:cd|. + + *home-replace* +If the environment variable $HOME is set, and the file name starts with that +string, it is often displayed with HOME replaced with "~". This was done to +keep file names short. When reading or writing files the full name is still +used, the "~" is only used when displaying file names. When replacing the +file name would result in just "~", "~/" is used instead (to avoid confusion +with 'backupext' set to "~"). + +When writing the buffer, the default is to use the current file name. Thus +when you give the "ZZ" or ":wq" command, the original file will be +overwritten. If you do not want this, the buffer can be written into another +file by giving a file name argument to the ":write" command. For example: > + + vim testfile + [change the buffer with editor commands] + :w newfile + :q + +This will create a file "newfile", that is a modified copy of "testfile". +The file "testfile" will remain unchanged. Anyway, if the 'backup' option is +set, Vim renames or copies the original file before it will be overwritten. +You can use this file if you discover that you need the original file. See +also the 'patchmode' option. The name of the backup file is normally the same +as the original file with 'backupext' appended. The default "~" is a bit +strange to avoid accidentally overwriting existing files. If you prefer ".bak" +change the 'backupext' option. Extra dots are replaced with '_' on MS-DOS +machines, when Vim has detected that an MS-DOS-like filesystem is being used +(e.g., messydos or crossdos) or when the 'shortname' option is on. The +backup file can be placed in another directory by setting 'backupdir'. + + *auto-shortname* +Technical: On the Amiga you can use 30 characters for a file name. But on an + MS-DOS-compatible filesystem only 8 plus 3 characters are + available. Vim tries to detect the type of filesystem when it is + creating the .swp file. If an MS-DOS-like filesystem is suspected, + a flag is set that has the same effect as setting the 'shortname' + option. This flag will be reset as soon as you start editing a + new file. The flag will be used when making the file name for the + ".swp" and ".~" files for the current file. But when you are + editing a file in a normal filesystem and write to an MS-DOS-like + filesystem the flag will not have been set. In that case the + creation of the ".~" file may fail and you will get an error + message. Use the 'shortname' option in this case. + +When you started editing without giving a file name, "No File" is displayed in +messages. If the ":write" command is used with a file name argument, the file +name for the current file is set to that file name. This only happens when +the 'F' flag is included in 'cpoptions' (by default it is included). This is +useful when entering text in an empty buffer and then writing it to a file. +If 'cpoptions' contains the 'f' flag (by default it is NOT included) the file +name is set for the ":read file" command. This is useful when starting Vim +without an argument and then doing ":read file" to start editing a file. + *not-edited* +Because the file name was set without really starting to edit that file, you +are protected from overwriting that file. This is done by setting the +"notedited" flag. You can see if this flag is set with the CTRL-G or ":file" +command. It will include "[Not edited]" when the "notedited" flag is set. +When writing the buffer to the current file name (with ":w!"), the "notedited" +flag is reset. + + *abandon* +Vim remembers whether you have changed the buffer. You are protected from +losing the changes you made. If you try to quit without writing, or want to +start editing another file, Vim will refuse this. In order to overrule this +protection, add a '!' to the command. The changes will then be lost. For +example: ":q" will not work if the buffer was changed, but ":q!" will. To see +whether the buffer was changed use the "CTRL-G" command. The message includes +the string "[Modified]" if the buffer has been changed. + +If you want to automatically save the changes without asking, switch on the +'autowriteall' option. 'autowrite' is the associated Vi-compatible option +that does not work for all commands. + +If you want to keep the changed buffer without saving it, switch on the +'hidden' option. See |hidden-buffer|. + +============================================================================== +2. Editing a file *edit-a-file* + + *:e* *:edit* +:e[dit] [++opt] [+cmd] Edit the current file. This is useful to re-edit the + current file, when it has been changed outside of Vim. + This fails when changes have been made to the current + buffer and 'autowriteall' isn't set or the file can't + be written. + Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. + {Vi: no ++opt} + + *:edit!* +:e[dit]! [++opt] [+cmd] + Edit the current file always. Discard any changes to + the current buffer. This is useful if you want to + start all over again. + Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. + {Vi: no ++opt} + + *:edit_f* +:e[dit] [++opt] [+cmd] {file} + Edit {file}. + This fails when changes have been made to the current + buffer, unless 'hidden' is set or 'autowriteall' is + set and the file can be written. + Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. + {Vi: no ++opt} + + *:edit!_f* +:e[dit]! [++opt] [+cmd] {file} + Edit {file} always. Discard any changes to the + current buffer. + Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. + {Vi: no ++opt} + +:e[dit] [++opt] [+cmd] #[count] + Edit the [count]th alternate file name (as shown by + :files). This command does the same as + [count] CTRL-^. But ":e #" doesn't work if the + alternate buffer doesn't have a file name, while + CTRL-^ still works then. + Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. + {Vi: no ++opt} + + *:ene* *:enew* +:ene[w] Edit a new, unnamed buffer. This fails when changes + have been made to the current buffer, unless 'hidden' + is set or 'autowriteall' is set and the file can be + written. + If 'fileformats' is not empty, the first format given + will be used for the new buffer. If 'fileformats' is + empty, the 'fileformat' of the current buffer is used. + {not in Vi} + + *:ene!* *:enew!* +:ene[w]! Edit a new, unnamed buffer. Discard any changes to + the current buffer. + Set 'fileformat' like |:enew|. + {not in Vi} + + *:fin* *:find* +:fin[d][!] [++opt] [+cmd] {file} + Find {file} in 'path' and then |:edit| it. + {not in Vi} {not available when the |+file_in_path| + feature was disabled at compile time} + +:{count}fin[d][!] [++opt] [+cmd] {file} + Just like ":find", but use the {count} match in + 'path'. Thus ":2find file" will find the second + "file" found in 'path'. When there are fewer matches + for the file in 'path' than asked for, you get an + error message. + + *:ex* +:ex [++opt] [+cmd] [file] + Same as |:edit|. + + *:vi* *:visual* +:vi[sual][!] [++opt] [+cmd] [file] + When entered in Ex mode: Leave |Ex-mode|, go back to + Normal mode. Otherwise same as |:edit|. + + *:vie* *:view* +:vie[w] [++opt] [+cmd] file + When entered in Ex mode: Leave Ex mode, go back to + Normal mode. Otherwise same as |:edit|, but set + 'readonly' option for this buffer. {not in Vi} + + *CTRL-^* *CTRL-6* +[count]CTRL-^ Edit [count]th alternate file (equivalent to ":e + #[count]"). Without count this gets you to the + previously edited file. This is a quick way to toggle + between two (or more) files. + If the 'autowrite' or 'autowriteall' option is on and + the buffer was changed, write it. + Mostly the ^ character is positioned on the 6 key, + pressing CTRL and 6 then gets you what we call CTRL-^. + But on some non-US keyboards CTRL-^ is produced in + another way. + +[count]]f *]f* *[f* +[count][f Same as "gf". Deprecated. + + *gf* *E446* *E447* +[count]gf Edit the file whose name is under or after the cursor. + Mnemonic: "goto file". + Uses the 'isfname' option to find out which characters + are supposed to be in a file name. Trailing + punctuation characters ".,:;!" are ignored. + Uses the 'path' option as a list of directory names + to look for the file. Also looks for the file + relative to the current file. + Uses the 'suffixesadd' option to check for file names + with a suffix added. + If the file can't be found, 'includeexpr' is used to + modify the name and another attempt is done. + If a [count] is given, the count'th file that is found + in the 'path' is edited. + This command fails if Vim refuses to |abandon| the + current file. + If you do want to edit a new file, use: > + :e <cfile> +< To make gf always work like that: > + :map gf :e <cfile><CR> +< If the name is a hypertext link, that looks like + "type://machine/path", you need the |netrw| plugin. + For Unix the '~' character is expanded, like in + "~user/file". Environment variables are expanded too + |expand-env|. + {not in Vi} + {not available when the |+file_in_path| feature was + disabled at compile time} + + *v_gf* +{Visual}[count]gf Same as "gf", but the highlighted text is used as the + name of the file to edit. 'isfname' is ignored. + Leading blanks are skipped, otherwise all blanks and + special characters are included in the file name. + (For {Visual} see |Visual-mode|.) + {not in VI} + +These commands are used to start editing a single file. This means that the +file is read into the buffer and the current file name is set. The file that +is opened depends on the current directory, see |:cd|. + +See |read-messages| for an explanation of the message that is given after the +file has been read. + +You can use the ":e!" command if you messed up the buffer and want to start +all over again. The ":e" command is only useful if you have changed the +current file name. + + *:filename* *{file}* +Note for systems other than Unix and MS-DOS: When using a command that +accepts a single file name (like ":edit file") spaces in the file name are +allowed, but trailing spaces are ignored. This is useful on systems that +allow file names with embedded spaces (like the Amiga). Example: The command +":e Long File Name " will edit the file "Long File Name". When using a +command that accepts more than one file name (like ":next file1 file2") +embedded spaces must be escaped with a backslash. + +Wildcards in {file} are expanded. Which wildcards are supported depends on +the system. These are the common ones: + * matches anything, including nothing + ? matches one character + [abc] match 'a', 'b' or 'c' +To avoid the special meaning of the wildcards prepend a backslash. However, +on MS-Windows the backslash is a path separator and "path\[abc]" is still seen +as a wildcard when "[" is in the 'isfname' option. A simple way to avoid this +is to use "path\[[]abc]". Then the file "path[abc]" literally. + + *backtick-expansion* *`-expansion* +On Unix you can also use backticks in the file name, for example: > + :e `find . -name ver\\*.c -print` +The backslashes before the star are required to prevent "ver*.c" to be +expanded by the shell before executing the find program. +This also works for most other systems, with the restriction that the +backticks must be around the whole item. It is not possible to have text +directly before the first or just after the last backtick. + +You can have the backticks expanded as a Vim expression, instead of +an external command, by using the syntax `={expr}` e.g. > + :let foo='bar' + :e `=foo . ".c" ` +edits "bar.c". Note that the expression cannot contain a backtick. + + *++opt* *[++opt]* +The [++opt] argument can be used to force the value of 'fileformat' or +'fileencoding' to a value for one command. The form is: > + ++{optname}={value} + +Where {optname} is one of: *++ff* *++enc* *++bin* *++nobin* + ff or fileformat overrides 'fileformat' + enc or encoding overrides 'fileencoding' + bin or binary sets 'binary' + nobin or nobinary resets 'binary' + +{value} cannot contain white space. It can be any valid value for these +options. Examples: > + :e ++ff=unix +This edits the same file again with 'fileformat' set to "unix". > + + :w ++enc=latin1 newfile +This writes the current buffer to "newfile" in latin1 format. + +Note that when reading, the 'fileformat' and 'fileencoding' options will be +set to the used format. When writing this doesn't happen, thus a next write +will use the old value of the option. Same for the 'binary' option. + +There may be several ++opt arguments, separated by white space. They must all +appear before any |+cmd| argument. + + *+cmd* *[+cmd]* +The [+cmd] argument can be used to position the cursor in the newly opened +file, or execute any other command: + + Start at the last line. + +{num} Start at line {num}. + +/{pat} Start at first line containing {pat}. + +{command} Execute {command} after opening the new file. + {command} is any Ex command. +To include a white space in the {pat} or {command}, precede it with a +backslash. Double the number of backslashes. > + :edit +/The\ book file + :edit +/dir\ dirname\\ file + :edit +set\ dir=c:\\\\temp file +Note that in the last example the number of backslashes is halved twice: Once +for the "+cmd" argument and once for the ":set" command. + + *file-formats* +The 'fileformat' option sets the <EOL> style for a file: +'fileformat' characters name ~ + "dos" <CR><NL> or <NL> DOS format *DOS-format* + "unix" <NL> Unix format *Unix-format* + "mac" <CR> Mac format *Mac-format* +Previously 'textmode' was used. It is obsolete now. + +When reading a file, the mentioned characters are interpreted as the <EOL>. +In DOS format (default for MS-DOS, OS/2 and Win32), <CR><NL> and <NL> are both +interpreted as the <EOL>. Note that when writing the file in DOS format, +<CR> characters will be added for each single <NL>. Also see |file-read|. + +When writing a file, the mentioned characters are used for <EOL>. For DOS +format <CR><NL> is used. Also see |DOS-format-write|. + +You can read a file in DOS format and write it in Unix format. This will +replace all <CR><NL> pairs by <NL> (assuming 'fileformats' includes "dos"): > + :e file + :set fileformat=unix + :w +If you read a file in Unix format and write with DOS format, all <NL> +characters will be replaced with <CR><NL> (assuming 'fileformats' includes +"unix"): > + :e file + :set fileformat=dos + :w + +If you start editing a new file and the 'fileformats' option is not empty +(which is the default), Vim will try to detect whether the lines in the file +are separated by the specified formats. When set to "unix,dos", Vim will +check for lines with a single <NL> (as used on Unix and Amiga) or by a <CR> +<NL> pair (MS-DOS). Only when ALL lines end in <CR><NL>, 'fileformat' is set +to "dos", otherwise it is set to "unix". When 'fileformats' includes "mac", +and no <NL> characters are found in the file, 'fileformat' is set to "mac". + +If the 'fileformat' option is set to "dos" on non-MS-DOS systems the message +"[dos format]" is shown to remind you that something unusual is happening. On +MS-DOS systems you get the message "[unix format]" if 'fileformat' is set to +"unix". On all systems but the Macintosh you get the message "[mac format]" +if 'fileformat' is set to "mac". + +If the 'fileformats' option is empty and DOS format is used, but while reading +a file some lines did not end in <CR><NL>, "[CR missing]" will be included in +the file message. +If the 'fileformats' option is empty and Mac format is used, but while reading +a file a <NL> was found, "[NL missing]" will be included in the file message. + +If the new file does not exist, the 'fileformat' of the current buffer is used +when 'fileformats' is empty. Otherwise the first format from 'fileformats' is +used for the new file. + +Before editing binary, executable or Vim script files you should set the +'binary' option. A simple way to do this is by starting Vim with the "-b" +option. This will avoid the use of 'fileformat'. Without this you risk that +single <NL> characters are unexpectedly replaced with <CR><NL>. + +You can encrypt files that are written by setting the 'key' option. This +provides some security against others reading your files. |encryption| + + +File Searching *file-searching* + +{not available when compiled without the |+path_extra| feature} + +The file searching is currently used for the 'path', 'cdpath' and 'tags' +options. There are three different types of searching: + +1) Downward search: + Downward search uses the wildcards '*', '**' and possibly others + supported by your operating system. '*' and '**' are handled inside Vim, so + they work on all operating systems. + + The usage of '*' is quite simple: It matches 0 or more characters. + + '**' is more sophisticated: + - It ONLY matches directories. + - It matches up to 30 directories deep, so you can use it to search an + entire directory tree + - The maximum number of levels matched can be given by appending a number + to '**'. + Thus '/usr/**2' can match: > + /usr + /usr/include + /usr/include/sys + /usr/include/g++ + /usr/lib + /usr/lib/X11 + .... +< It does NOT match '/usr/include/g++/std' as this would be three + levels. + The allowed number range is 0 ('**0' is removed) to 255. + If the given number is smaller than 0 it defaults to 30, if it's + bigger than 255 it defaults to 255. + - '**' can only be at the end of the path or be followed by a path + separator or by a number and a path separator. + + You can combine '*' and '**' in any order: > + /usr/**/sys/* + /usr/*/sys/** + /usr/**2/sys/* + +2) Upward search: + Here you can give a directory and then search the directory tree upward for + a file. You could give stop-directories to limit the upward search. The + stop-directories are appended to the path (for the 'path' option) or to + the filename (for the 'tags' option) with a ';'. If you want several + stop-directories separate them with ';'. If you want no stop-directory + ("search upward till the root directory) just use ';'. > + /usr/include/sys;/usr +< will search in: > + /usr/include/sys + /usr/include + /usr +< + If you use a relative path the upward search is started in Vim's current + directory or in the directory of the current file (if the relative path + starts with './' and 'd' is not included in 'cpoptions'). + + If Vim's current path is /u/user_x/work/release and you do > + :set path=include;/u/user_x +< and then search for a file with |gf| the file is searched in: > + /u/user_x/work/release/include + /u/user_x/work/include + /u/user_x/include + +3) Combined up/downward search + If Vim's current path is /u/user_x/work/release and you do > + set path=**;/u/user_x +< and then search for a file with |gf| the file is searched in: > + /u/user_x/work/release/** + /u/user_x/work/** + /u/user_x/** +< + BE CAREFUL! This might consume a lot of time, as the search of + '/u/user_x/**' includes '/u/user_x/work/**' and + '/u/user_x/work/release/**'. So '/u/user_x/work/release/**' is searched + three and '/u/user_x/work/**' is searched two times. + + In the above example you might want to set path to: > + :set path=**,/u/user_x/** +< This searches: > + /u/user_x/work/release/** + /u/user_x/** +< This searches the same directories, but in a different order. + +============================================================================== +3. Dialogs *edit-dialogs* + + *:confirm* *:conf* +:conf[irm] {command} Execute {command}, and use a dialog when an + operation has to be confirmed. Can be used on the + ":q", ":qa" and ":w" commands (the latter to over-ride + a read-only setting). + +Examples: > + :confirm w foo +< Will ask for confirmation when "foo" already exists. > + :confirm q +< Will ask for confirmation when there are changes. > + :confirm qa +< If any modified, unsaved buffers exist, you will be prompted to save + or abandon each one. There are also choices to "save all" or "abandon + all". + +If you want to always use ":confirm", set the 'confirm' option. + + *:browse* *:bro* *E338* *E614* *E615* *E616* *E578* +:bro[wse] {command} Open a file selection dialog for an argument to + {command}. At present this works for |:e|, |:w|, + |:r|, |:saveas|, |:sp|, |:mkexrc|, |:mkvimrc| and + |:mksession|. + {only in Win32, Athena, Motif, GTK and Mac GUI} + When ":browse" is not possible you get an error + message. If the |+browse| feature is missing or the + {command} doesn't support browsing, the {command} is + executed without a dialog. + ":browse set" works like |:options|. + +The syntax is best shown via some examples: > + :browse e $vim/foo +< Open the browser in the $vim/foo directory, and edit the + file chosen. > + :browse e +< Open the browser in the directory specified with 'browsedir', + and edit the file chosen. > + :browse w +< Open the browser in the directory of the current buffer, + with the current buffer filename as default, and save the + buffer under the filename chosen. > + :browse w C:/bar +< Open the browser in the C:/bar directory, with the current + buffer filename as default, and save the buffer under the + filename chosen. +Also see the |'browsedir'| option. +For versions of Vim where browsing is not supported, the command is executed +unmodified. + + *browsefilter* +For MS Windows, you can modify the filters that are used in the browse dialog. +By setting the g:browsefilter or b:browsefilter variables, you can change the +filters globally or locally to the buffer. The variable is set to a string in +the format "{filter label}\t{pattern};{pattern}\n" where {filter label} is the +text that appears in the "Files of Type" comboBox, and {pattern} is the +pattern which filters the filenames. Several patterns can be given, separated +by ';'. + +For Motif the same format is used, but only the very first pattern is actually +used (Motif only offers one pattern, but you can edit it). + +For example, to have only Vim files in the dialog, you could use the following +command: > + + let g:browsefilter="Vim Scripts\t*.vim\nVim Startup Files\t*vimrc\n" + +You can override the filter setting on a per-buffer basis by setting the +b:browsefilter variable. You would most likely set b:browsefilter in a +filetype plugin, so that the browse dialog would contain entries related to +the type of file you are currently editing. Disadvantage: This makes it +difficult to start editing a file of a different type. To overcome this, you +may want to add "All Files\t*.*\n" as the final filter, so that the user can +still access any desired file. + +============================================================================== +4. The current directory *current-directory* + +You may use the |:cd| and |:lcd| commands to change to another directory, so +you will not have to type that directory name in front of the file names. It +also makes a difference for executing external commands, e.g. ":!ls". + + *:cd* *E472* +:cd On non-Unix systems: Print the current directory + name. On Unix systems: Change the current directory + to the home directory. Use |:pwd| to print the + current directory on all systems. + +:cd {path} Change the current directory to {path}. + If {path} is relative, it is searched for in the + directories listed in |'cdpath'|. + Does not change the meaning of an already opened file, + because its full path name is remembered. Files from + the |arglist| may change though! + On MS-DOS this also changes the active drive. + To change to the directory of the current file: > + :cd %:h +< + *:cd-* *E186* +:cd - Change to the previous current directory (before the + previous ":cd {path}" command). {not in Vi} + + *:chd* *:chdir* +:chd[ir] [path] Same as |:cd|. + + *:lc* *:lcd* +:lc[d] {path} Like |:cd|, but only set the current directory for the + current window. The current directory for other + windows is not changed. {not in Vi} + + *:lch* *:lchdir* +:lch[dir] Same as |:lcd|. {not in Vi} + + *:pw* *:pwd* *E187* +:pw[d] Print the current directory name. {Vi: no pwd} + Also see |getcwd()|. + +So long as no |:lcd| command has been used, all windows share the same current +directory. Using a command to jump to another window doesn't change anything +for the current directory. +When a |:lcd| command has been used for a window, the specified directory +becomes the current directory for that window. Windows where the |:lcd| +command has not been used stick to the global current directory. When jumping +to another window the current directory will become the last specified local +current directory. If none was specified, the global current directory is +used. +When a |:cd| command is used, the current window will lose his local current +directory and will use the global current directory from now on. + +After using |:cd| the full path name will be used for reading and writing +files. On some networked file systems this may cause problems. The result of +using the full path name is that the file names currently in use will remain +referring to the same file. Example: If you have a file a:test and a +directory a:vim the commands ":e test" ":cd vim" ":w" will overwrite the file +a:test and not write a:vim/test. But if you do ":w test" the file a:vim/test +will be written, because you gave a new file name and did not refer to a +filename before the ":cd". + +============================================================================== +5. The argument list *argument-list* *arglist* + +If you give more than one file name when starting Vim, this list is remembered +as the argument list. You can jump to each file in this list. + +Do not confuse this with the buffer list, which you can see with the +|:buffers| command. The argument list was already present in Vi, the buffer +list is new in Vim. A file name in the argument list will also be present in +the buffer list (unless it was deleted with ":bdel"). + +This subject is introduced in section |07.2| of the user manual. + +There is one global argument list, which is used for all windows by default. +It is possible to create a new argument list local to a window, see +|:arglocal|. + +You can use the argument list with the following commands, and with the +expression functions |argc()| and |argv()|. These all work on the argument +list of the current window. + + *:ar* *:args* +:ar[gs] Print the argument list, with the current file in + square brackets. + +:ar[gs] [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist} *:args_f* + Define {arglist} as the new argument list and edit + the first one. This fails when changes have been made + and Vim does not want to |abandon| the current buffer. + Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. + {Vi: no ++opt} + +:ar[gs]! [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist} *:args_f!* + Define {arglist} as the new argument list and edit + the first one. Discard any changes to the current + buffer. + Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. + {Vi: no ++opt} + +:[count]arge[dit][!] [++opt] [+cmd] {name} *:arge* *:argedit* + Add {name} to the argument list and edit it. + When {name} already exists in the argument list, this + entry is edited. + This is like using |:argadd| and then |:edit|. + Note that only one file name is allowed, and spaces + inside the file name are allowed, like with |:edit|. + [count] is used like with |:argadd|. + [!] is required if the current file cannot be + |abandon|ed. + Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. + {not in Vi} + +:[count]arga[dd] {name} .. *:arga* *:argadd* *E479* + Add the {name}s to the argument list. + If [count] is omitted, the {name}s are added just + after the current entry in the argument list. + Otherwise they are added after the [count]'th file. + If the argument list is "a b c", and "b" is the + current argument, then these commands result in: + command new argument list ~ + :argadd x a b x c + :0argadd x x a b c + :1argadd x a x b c + :99argadd x a b c x + There is no check for duplicates, it is possible to + add a file to the argument list twice. + The currently edited file is not changed. + {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the + |+listcmds| feature} + Note: you can also use this method: > + :args ## x +< This will add the "x" item and sort the new list. + +:argd[elete] {pattern} .. *:argd* *:argdelete* *E480* + Delete files from the argument list that match the + {pattern}s. {pattern} is used like a file pattern, + see |file-pattern|. "%" can be used to delete the + current entry. + This command keeps the currently edited file, also + when it's deleted from the argument list. + {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the + |+listcmds| feature} + +:{range}argd[elete] Delete the {range} files from the argument list. + When the last number in the range is too high, up to + the last argument is deleted. Example: > + :10,1000argdel +< Deletes arguments 10 and further, keeping 1-9. + {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the + |+listcmds| feature} + + *:argu* *:argument* +:[count]argu[ment] [count] [++opt] [+cmd] + Edit file [count] in the argument list. When [count] + is omitted the current entry is used. This fails + when changes have been made and Vim does not want to + |abandon| the current buffer. + Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. + {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the + |+listcmds| feature} + +:[count]argu[ment]! [count] [++opt] [+cmd] + Edit file [count] in the argument list, discard any + changes to the current buffer. When [count] is + omitted the current entry is used. + Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. + {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the + |+listcmds| feature} + +:[count]n[ext] [++opt] [+cmd] *:n* *:ne* *:next* *E165* *E163* + Edit [count] next file. This fails when changes have + been made and Vim does not want to |abandon| the + current buffer. Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {Vi: no + count or ++opt}. + +:[count]n[ext]! [++opt] [+cmd] + Edit [count] next file, discard any changes to the + buffer. Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {Vi: no count + or ++opt}. + +:n[ext] [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist} *:next_f* + Same as |:args_f|. + +:n[ext]! [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist} + Same as |:args_f!|. + +:[count]N[ext] [count] [++opt] [+cmd] *:Next* *:N* *E164* + Edit [count] previous file in argument list. This + fails when changes have been made and Vim does not + want to |abandon| the current buffer. + Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {Vi: no count or ++opt}. + +:[count]N[ext]! [count] [++opt] [+cmd] + Edit [count] previous file in argument list. Discard + any changes to the buffer. Also see |++opt| and + |+cmd|. {Vi: no count or ++opt}. + +:[count]prev[ious] [count] [++opt] [+cmd] *:prev* *:previous* + Same as :Next. Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {Vi: + only in some versions} + + *:rew* *:rewind* +:rew[ind] [++opt] [+cmd] + Start editing the first file in the argument list. + This fails when changes have been made and Vim does + not want to |abandon| the current buffer. + Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {Vi: no ++opt} + +:rew[ind]! [++opt] [+cmd] + Start editing the first file in the argument list. + Discard any changes to the buffer. Also see |++opt| + and |+cmd|. {Vi: no ++opt} + + *:fir* *:first* +:fir[st][!] [++opt] [+cmd] + Other name for ":rewind". {not in Vi} + + *:la* *:last* +:la[st] [++opt] [+cmd] + Start editing the last file in the argument list. + This fails when changes have been made and Vim does + not want to |abandon| the current buffer. + Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {not in Vi} + +:la[st]! [++opt] [+cmd] + Start editing the last file in the argument list. + Discard any changes to the buffer. Also see |++opt| + and |+cmd|. {not in Vi} + + *:wn* *:wnext* +:[count]wn[ext] [++opt] [+cmd] + Write current file and start editing the [count] + next file. Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {not in Vi} + +:[count]wn[ext] [++opt] [+cmd] {file} + Write current file to {file} and start editing the + [count] next file, unless {file} already exists and + the 'writeany' option is off. Also see |++opt| and + |+cmd|. {not in Vi} + +:[count]wn[ext]! [++opt] [+cmd] {file} + Write current file to {file} and start editing the + [count] next file. Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {not + in Vi} + +:[count]wN[ext][!] [++opt] [+cmd] [file] *:wN* *:wNext* +:[count]wp[revous][!] [++opt] [+cmd] [file] *:wp* *:wprevious* + Same as :wnext, but go to previous file instead of + next. {not in Vi} + +The [count] in the commands above defaults to one. For some commands it is +possible to use two counts. The last one (rightmost one) is used. + +If no [+cmd] argument is present, the cursor is positioned at the last known +cursor position for the file. If 'startofline' is set, the cursor will be +positioned at the first non-blank in the line, otherwise the last know column +is used. If there is no last known cursor position the cursor will be in the +first line (the last line in Ex mode). + +The wildcards in the argument list are expanded and the file names are sorted. +Thus you can use the command "vim *.c" to edit all the C files. From within +Vim the command ":n *.c" does the same. On Unix you can also use backticks, +for example: > + :n `find . -name \\*.c -print` +The backslashes before the star are required to prevent "*.c" to be expanded +by the shell before executing the find program. + + *arglist-position* +When there is an argument list you can see which file you are editing in the +title of the window (if there is one and 'title' is on) and with the file +message you get with the "CTRL-G" command. You will see something like + (file 4 of 11) +If 'shortmess' contains 'f' it will be + (4 of 11) +If you are not really editing the file at the current position in the argument +list it will be + (file (4) of 11) +This means that you are position 4 in the argument list, but not editing the +fourth file in the argument list. This happens when you do ":e file". + + +LOCAL ARGUMENT LIST + +{not in Vi} +{not available when compiled without the |+windows| or |+listcmds| feature} + + *:arglocal* +:argl[ocal] Make a local copy of the global argument list. + Doesn't start editing another file. + +:argl[ocal][!] [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist} + Define a new argument list, which is local to the + current window. Works like |:args_f| otherwise. + + *:argglobal* +:argg[lobal] Use the global argument list for the current window. + Doesn't start editing another file. + +:argg[lobal][!] [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist} + Use the global argument list for the current window. + Define a new global argument list like |:args_f|. + All windows using the global argument list will see + this new list. + +There can be several argument lists. They can be shared between windows. +When they are shared, changing the argument list in one window will also +change it in the other window. + +When a window is split the new window inherits the argument list from the +current window. The two windows then share this list, until one of them uses +|:arglocal| or |:argglobal| to use another argument list. + + +USING THE ARGUMENT LIST + + *:argdo* +:argdo[!] {cmd} Execute {cmd} for each file in the argument list. + It works like doing this: > + :rewind + :{cmd} + :next + :{cmd} + etc. +< When the current file can't be |abandon|ed and the [!] + is not present, the command fails. + When an error is detected on one file, further files + in the argument list will not be visited. + The last file in the argument list (or where an error + occurred) becomes the current file. + {cmd} can contain '|' to concatenate several commands. + {cmd} must not change the argument list. + Note: While this command is executing, the Syntax + autocommand event is disabled by adding it to + 'eventignore'. This considerably speeds up editing + each file. + {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the + |+listcmds| feature} + Also see |:windo| and |:bufdo|. + +Example: > + :args *.c + :argdo set ff=unix | update +This sets the 'fileformat' option to "unix" and writes the file if is now +changed. This is done for all *.c files. + +Example: > + :args *.[ch] + :argdo %s/\<my_foo\>/My_Foo/ge | update +This changes the word "my_foo" to "My_Foo" in all *.c and *.h files. The "e" +flag is used for the ":substitute" command to avoid an error for files where +"my_foo" isn't used. ":update" writes the file only if changes were made. + +============================================================================== +6. Writing *writing* *save-file* + +Note: When the 'write' option is off, you are not able to write any file. + + *:w* *:write* + *E502* *E503* *E504* *E505* + *E512* *E514* *E667* +:w[rite] Write the whole buffer to the current file. This is + the normal way to save changes to a file. It fails + when the 'readonly' option is set or when there is + another reason why the file can't be written. + +:w[rite]! Like ":write", but forcefully write when 'readonly' is + set or there is another reason why writing was + refused. + Note: This may change the permission and ownership of + the file and break (symbolic) links. Add the 'W' flag + to 'cpoptions' to avoid this. + +:[range]w[rite][!] Write the specified lines to the current file. This + is unusual, because the file will not contain all + lines in the buffer. + + *:w_f* *:write_f* +:[range]w[rite] {file} Write the specified lines to {file}, unless it + already exists and the 'writeany' option is off. + + *:w!* +:[range]w[rite]! {file} Write the specified lines to {file}. Overwrite an + existing file. + + *:w_a* *:write_a* *E494* +:[range]w[rite][!] >> Append the specified lines to the current file. + +:[range]w[rite][!] >> {file} + Append the specified lines to {file}. '!' forces the + write even if file does not exist. + + *:w_c* *:write_c* +:[range]w[rite] !{cmd} Execute {cmd} with [range] lines as standard input + (note the space in front of the '!'). {cmd} is + executed like with ":!{cmd}", any '!' is replaced with + the previous command |:!|. + +The default [range] for the ":w" command is the whole buffer (1,$). +If a file name is given with ":w" it becomes the alternate file. This can be +used, for example, when the write fails and you want to try again later with +":w #". This can be switched off by removing the 'A' flag from the +'cpoptions' option. + + *:sav* *:saveas* +:sav[eas][!] {file} Save the current buffer under the name {file} and set + the filename of the current buffer to {file}. The + previous name is used for the alternate file name. + The [!] is needed to overwrite an existing file. + {not in Vi} + + *:up* *:update* +:[range]up[date][!] [>>] [file] + Like ":write", but only write when the buffer has been + modified. {not in Vi} + + +WRITING WITH MULTIPLE BUFFERS *buffer-write* + + *:wa* *:wall* +:wa[ll] Write all changed buffers. Buffers without a file + name or which are readonly are not written. {not in + Vi} + +:wa[ll]! Write all changed buffers, even the ones that are + readonly. Buffers without a file name are not + written. {not in Vi} + + +Vim will warn you if you try to overwrite a file that has been changed +elsewhere. See |timestamp|. + + *backup* *E207* *E506* *E507* *E508* *E509* *E510* +If you write to an existing file (but do not append) while the 'backup', +'writebackup' or 'patchmode' option is on, a backup of the original file is +made. The file is either copied or renamed (see 'backupcopy'). After the +file has been successfully written and when the 'writebackup' option is on and +the 'backup' option is off, the backup file is deleted. When the 'patchmode' +option is on the backup file may be renamed. + + *backup-table* +'backup' 'writebackup' action ~ + off off no backup made + off on backup current file, deleted afterwards (default) + on off delete old backup, backup current file + on on delete old backup, backup current file + +When the 'backupskip' pattern matches with the name of the file which is +written, no backup file is made. The values of 'backup' and 'writebackup' are +ignored then. + +When the 'backup' option is on, an old backup file (with the same name as the +new backup file) will be deleted. If 'backup' is not set, but 'writebackup' +is set, an existing backup file will not be deleted. The backup file that is +made while the file is being written will have a different name. + +On some filesystems it's possible that in a crash you lose both the backup and +the newly written file (it might be there but contain bogus data). In that +case try recovery, because the swap file is synced to disk and might still be +there. |:recover| + +The directories given with the 'backupdir' option is used to put the backup +file in. (default: same directory as the written file). + +Whether the backup is a new file, which is a copy of the original file, or the +original file renamed depends on the 'backupcopy' option. See there for an +explanation of when the copy is made and when the file is renamed. + +If the creation of a backup file fails, the write is not done. If you want +to write anyway add a '!' to the command. + + *write-readonly* +When the 'cpoptions' option contains 'W', Vim will refuse to overwrite a +readonly file. When 'W' is not present, ":w!" will overwrite a readonly file, +if the system allows it (the directory must be writable). + + *write-fail* +If the writing of the new file fails, you have to be careful not to lose +your changes AND the original file. If there is no backup file and writing +the new file failed, you have already lost the original file! DON'T EXIT VIM +UNTIL YOU WRITE OUT THE FILE! If a backup was made, it is put back in place +of the original file (if possible). If you exit Vim, and lose the changes +you made, the original file will mostly still be there. If putting back the +original file fails, there will be an error message telling you that you +lost the original file. + + *DOS-format-write* +If the 'fileformat' is "dos", <CR> <NL> is used for <EOL>. This is default +for MS-DOS, Win32 and OS/2. On other systems the message "[dos format]" is +shown to remind you that an unusual <EOL> was used. + *Unix-format-write* +If the 'fileformat' is "unix", <NL> is used for <EOL>. On MS-DOS, Win32 and +OS/2 the message "[unix format]" is shown. + *Mac-format-write* +If the 'fileformat' is "mac", <CR> is used for <EOL>. On non-Mac systems the +message "[mac format]" is shown. + +See also |file-formats| and the 'fileformat' and 'fileformats' options. + + *ACL* +ACL stands for Access Control List. It is an advanced way to control access +rights for a file. It is used on new MS-Windows and Unix systems, but only +when the filesystem supports it. + Vim attempts to preserve the ACL info when writing a file. The backup file +will get the ACL info of the original file. + The ACL info is also used to check if a file is read-only (when opening the +file). + + *read-only-share* +When MS-Windows shares a drive on the network it can be marked as read-only. +This means that even if the file read-only attribute is absent, and the ACL +settings on NT network shared drives allow writing to the file, you can still +not write to the file. Vim on Win32 platforms will detect read-only network +drives and will mark the file as read-only. You will not be able to override +it with |:write|. + + *write-device* +When the file name is actually a device name, Vim will not make a backup (that +would be impossible). You need to use "!", since the device already exists. +Example for Unix: > + :w! /dev/lpt0 +and for MS-DOS or MS-Windows: > + :w! lpt0 +For Unix a device is detected when the name doesn't refer to a normal file or +a directory. A fifo or named pipe also looks like a device to Vim. +For MS-DOS and MS-Windows the device is detected by its name: + AUX + CON + CLOCK$ + NUL + PRN + COMn n=1,2,3... etc + LPTn n=1,2,3... etc +The names can be in upper- or lowercase. + +============================================================================== +7. Writing and quitting *write-quit* + + *:q* *:quit* +:q[uit] Quit the current window. Quit Vim if this is the last + window. This fails when changes have been made and + Vim refuses to |abandon| the current buffer, and when + the last file in the argument list has not been + edited. + +:conf[irm] q[uit] Quit, but give prompt when changes have been made, or + the last file in the argument list has not been + edited. See |:confirm| and 'confirm'. {not in Vi} + +:q[uit]! Quit without writing, also when visible buffers have + changes. Does not exit when there are changed hidden + buffers. Use ":qall!" to exit always. + +:cq[uit] Quit always, without writing, and return an error + code. See |:cq|. Used for Manx's QuickFix mode (see + |quickfix|). {not in Vi} + + *:wq* +:wq Write the current file and quit. Writing fails when + the file is read-only or the buffer does not have a + name. Quitting fails when the last file in the + argument list has not been edited. + +:wq! Write the current file and quit. Writing fails when + the current buffer does not have a name. + +:wq {file} Write to {file} and quit. Quitting fails when the + last file in the argument list has not been edited. + +:wq! {file} Write to {file} and quit. + +:[range]wq[!] [file] Same as above, but only write the lines in [range]. + + *:x* *:xit* +:[range]x[it][!] [file] + Like ":wq", but write only when changes have been + made. + When 'hidden' is set and there are more windows, the + current buffer becomes hidden, after writing the file. + + *:exi* *:exit* +:[range]exi[t][!] [file] + Same as :xit. + + *ZZ* +ZZ Write current file, if modified, and quit (same as + ":x"). (Note: If there are several windows for the + current file, the file is written if it was modified + and the window is closed). + + *ZQ* +ZQ Quit without checking for changes (same as ":q!"). + {not in Vi} + +MULTIPLE WINDOWS AND BUFFERS *window-exit* + + *:qa* *:qall* +:qa[ll] Exit Vim, unless there are some buffers which have been + changed. (Use ":bmod" to go to the next modified buffer). + When 'autowriteall' is set all changed buffers will be + written, like |:wqall|. {not in Vi} + +:conf[irm] qa[ll] + Exit Vim. Bring up a prompt when some buffers have been + changed. See |:confirm|. {not in Vi} + +:qa[ll]! Exit Vim. Any changes to buffers are lost. {not in Vi} + + *:quita* *:quitall* +:quita[ll][!] Same as ":qall". {not in Vi} + +:wqa[ll] *:wqa* *:wqall* *:xa* *:xall* +:xa[ll] Write all changed buffers and exit Vim. If there are buffers + without a file name, which are readonly or which cannot be + written for another reason, Vim will not quit. {not in Vi} + +:conf[irm] wqa[ll] +:conf[irm] xa[ll] + Write all changed buffers and exit Vim. Bring up a prompt + when some buffers are readonly or cannot be written for + another reason. See |:confirm|. {not in Vi} + +:wqa[ll]! +:xa[ll]! Write all changed buffers, even the ones that are readonly, + and exit Vim. If there are buffers without a file name or + which cannot be written for another reason, Vim will not quit. + {not in Vi} + +============================================================================== +8. Editing binary files *edit-binary* + +Although Vim was made to edit text files, it is possible to edit binary +files. The |-b| Vim argument (b for binary) makes Vim do file I/O in binary +mode, and sets some options for editing binary files ('binary' on, 'textwidth' +to 0, 'modeline' off, 'expandtab' off). Setting the 'binary' option has the +same effect. Don't forget to do this before reading the file. + +There are a few things to remember when editing binary files: +- When editing executable files the number of characters must not change. + Use only the "R" or "r" command to change text. Do not delete characters + with "x" or by backspacing. +- Set the 'textwidth' option to 0. Otherwise lines will unexpectedly be + split in two. +- When there are not many <EOL>s, the lines will become very long. If you + want to edit a line that does not fit on the screen reset the 'wrap' option. + Horizontal scrolling is used then. If a line becomes too long (more than + about 32767 characters on the Amiga, much more on 32-bit systems, see + |limits|) you cannot edit that line. The line will be split when reading + the file. It is also possible that you get an "out of memory" error when + reading the file. +- Make sure the 'binary' option is set BEFORE loading the + file. Otherwise both <CR> <NL> and <NL> are considered to end a line + and when the file is written the <NL> will be replaced with <CR> <NL>. +- <Nul> characters are shown on the screen as ^@. You can enter them with + "CTRL-V CTRL-@" or "CTRL-V 000" {Vi cannot handle <Nul> characters in the + file} +- To insert a <NL> character in the file split up a line. When writing the + buffer to a file a <NL> will be written for the <EOL>. +- Vim normally appends an <EOL> at the end of the file if there is none. + Setting the 'binary' option prevents this. If you want to add the final + <EOL>, set the 'endofline' option. You can also read the value of this + option to see if there was an <EOL> for the last line (you cannot see this + in the text). + +============================================================================== +9. Encryption *encryption* + +Vim is able to write files encrypted, and read them back. The encrypted text +cannot be read without the right key. + +Note: The swapfile and text in memory is not encrypted. A system +administrator will be able to see your text while you are editing it. +When filtering text with ":!filter" or using ":w !command" the text is not +encrypted, this may reveal it to others. + +WARNING: If you make a typo when entering the key and then write the file and +exit, the text will be lost! + +The normal way to work with encryption, is to use the ":X" command, which will +ask you to enter a key. A following write command will use that key to +encrypt the file. If you later edit the same file, Vim will ask you to enter +a key. If you type the same key as that was used for writing, the text will +be readable again. If you use a wrong key, it will be a mess. + + *:X* +:X Prompt for an encryption key. The typing is done without showing the + actual text, so that someone looking at the display won't see it. + The typed key is stored in the 'key' option, which is used to encrypt + the file when it is written. The file will remain unchanged until you + write it. See also |-x|. + +The value of the 'key' options is used when text is written. When the option +is not empty, the written file will be encrypted, using the value as the +encryption key. A magic number is prepended, so that Vim can recognize that +the file is encrypted. + +To disable the encryption, reset the 'key' option to an empty value: > + :set key= + +When reading a file that has been encrypted and this option is not empty, it +will be used for decryption. If the value is empty, you will be prompted to +enter the key. If you don't enter a key, the file is edited without being +decrypted. + +If want to start reading a file that uses a different key, set the 'key' +option to an empty string, so that Vim will prompt for a new one. Don't use +the ":set" command to enter the value, other people can read the command over +your shoulder. + +Since the value of the 'key' option is supposed to be a secret, its value can +never be viewed. You should not set this option in a vimrc file. + +An encrypted file can be recognized by the "file" command, if you add this +line to "/etc/magic", "/usr/share/misc/magic" or wherever your system has the +"magic" file: > + 0 string VimCrypt~ Vim encrypted file + +Notes: +- Encryption is not possible when doing conversion with 'charconvert'. +- Text you copy or delete goes to the numbered registers. The registers can + be saved in the .viminfo file, where they could be read. Change your + 'viminfo' option to be safe. +- Someone can type commands in Vim when you walk away for a moment, he should + not be able to get the key. +- If you make a typing mistake when entering the key, you might not be able to + get your text back! +- If you type the key with a ":set key=value" command, it can be kept in the + history, showing the 'key' value in a viminfo file. +- There is never 100% safety. The encryption in Vim has not been tested for + robustness. +- The algorithm used is breakable. A 4 character key in about one hour, a 6 + character key in one day (on a Pentium 133 PC). This requires that you know + some text that must appear in the file. An expert can break it for any key. + When the text has been decrypted, this also means that the key can be + revealed, and other files encrypted with the same key can be decrypted. +- Pkzip uses the same encryption, and US Govt has no objection to its export. + Pkzip's public file APPNOTE.TXT describes this algorithm in detail. +- Vim originates from the Netherlands. That is where the sources come from. + Thus the encryption code is not exported from the USA. + +============================================================================== +10. Timestamps *timestamp* *timestamps* + +Vim remembers the modification timestamp of a file when you begin editing it. +This is used to avoid that you have two different versions of the same file +(without you knowing this). + +After a shell command is run (|:!cmd| |suspend| |:read!| |K|) timestamps are +compared for all buffers in a window. Vim will run any associated +|FileChangedShell| autocommands or display a warning for any files that have +changed. In the GUI this happens when Vim regains input focus. + + *E321* *E462* +If you want to automatically reload a file when it has been changed outside of +Vim, set the 'autoread' option. This doesn't work at the moment you write the +file though, only when the file wasn't changed inside of Vim. + +Note that if a FileChangedShell autocommand is defined you will not get a +warning message or prompt. The autocommand is expected to handle this. + +There is no warning for a directory (e.g., in the |file-explorer|). But you +do get warned if you started editing a new file and it was created as a +directory later. + +When Vim notices the timestamp of a file has changed, and the file is being +edited in a buffer but has not changed, Vim checks if the contents of the file +is equal. This is done by reading the file again (into a hidden buffer, which +is immediately deleted again) and comparing the text. If the text is equal, +you will get no warning. + +If you don't get warned often enough you can use the following command. + + *:checkt* *:checktime* +:checkt[ime] Check if any buffers were changed outside of Vim. + This checks and warns you if you would end up with two + versions of a file. + If this is called from an autocommand, a ":global" + command or is not typed the actual check is postponed + until a moment the side effects (reloading the file) + would be harmless. + Each loaded buffer is checked for its associated file + being changed. If the file was changed Vim will take + action. If there are no changes in the buffer and + 'autoread' is set, the buffer is reloaded. Otherwise, + you are offered the choice of reloading the file. If + the file was deleted you get an error message. + If the file previously didn't exist you get a warning + if it exists now. + Once a file has been checked the timestamp is reset, + you will not be warned again. + +:[N]checkt[ime] {filename} +:[N]checkt[ime] [N] + Check the timestamp of a specific buffer. The buffer + may be specified by name, number or with a pattern. + + +Before writing a file the timestamp is checked. If it has changed, Vim will +ask if you really want to overwrite the file: + + WARNING: The file has been changed since reading it!!! + Do you really want to write to it (y/n)? + +If you hit 'y' Vim will continue writing the file. If you hit 'n' the write is +aborted. If you used ":wq" or "ZZ" Vim will not exit, you will get another +chance to write the file. + +The message would normally mean that somebody has written to the file after +the edit session started. This could be another person, in which case you +probably want to check if your changes to the file and the changes from the +other person should be merged. Write the file under another name and check for +differences (the "diff" program can be used for this). + +It is also possible that you modified the file yourself, from another edit +session or with another command (e.g., a filter command). Then you will know +which version of the file you want to keep. + + + vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: |