*eval.txt* For Vim version 8.2. Last change: 2020 Oct 05 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval* Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|. Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and |no-eval-feature|. This file is about the backwards compatible Vim script. For Vim9 script, which executes much faster, supports type checking and much more, see |vim9.txt|. 1. Variables |variables| 1.1 Variable types 1.2 Function references |Funcref| 1.3 Lists |Lists| 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries| 1.5 Blobs |Blobs| 1.6 More about variables |more-variables| 2. Expression syntax |expression-syntax| 3. Internal variable |internal-variables| 4. Builtin Functions |functions| 5. Defining functions |user-functions| 6. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names| 7. Commands |expression-commands| 8. Exception handling |exception-handling| 9. Examples |eval-examples| 10. Vim script version |vimscript-version| 11. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature| 12. The sandbox |eval-sandbox| 13. Textlock |textlock| Testing support is documented in |testing.txt|. Profiling is documented at |profiling|. ============================================================================== 1. Variables *variables* 1.1 Variable types ~ *E712* *E896* *E897* *E899* There are ten types of variables: *Number* *Integer* Number A 32 or 64 bit signed number. |expr-number| The number of bits is available in |v:numbersize|. Examples: -123 0x10 0177 0b1011 Float A floating point number. |floating-point-format| *Float* {only when compiled with the |+float| feature} Examples: 123.456 1.15e-6 -1.1e3 *E928* String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes). |expr-string| Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c' List An ordered sequence of items, see |List| for details. Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']] Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a value. |Dictionary| Examples: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"} #{blue: "#0000ff", red: "#ff0000"} Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|. Example: function("strlen") It can be bound to a dictionary and arguments, it then works like a Partial. Example: function("Callback", [arg], myDict) Special |v:false|, |v:true|, |v:none| and |v:null|. *Special* Job Used for a job, see |job_start()|. *Job* *Jobs* Channel Used for a channel, see |ch_open()|. *Channel* *Channels* Blob Binary Large Object. Stores any sequence of bytes. See |Blob| for details Example: 0zFF00ED015DAF 0z is an empty Blob. The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they are used. Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of the Number. Examples: Number 123 --> String "123" ~ Number 0 --> String "0" ~ Number -1 --> String "-1" ~ *octal* Conversion from a String to a Number only happens in legacy Vim script, not in Vim9 script. It is done by converting the first digits to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9", Octal "017" or "0o17", and Binary "0b10" numbers are recognized (NOTE: when using |scriptversion-4| octal with a leading "0" is not recognized). If the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: String "456" --> Number 456 ~ String "6bar" --> Number 6 ~ String "foo" --> Number 0 ~ String "0xf1" --> Number 241 ~ String "0100" --> Number 64 ~ String "0o100" --> Number 64 ~ String "0b101" --> Number 5 ~ String "-8" --> Number -8 ~ String "+8" --> Number 0 ~ To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: > :echo "0100" + 0 < 64 ~ To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different base, use |str2nr()|. *TRUE* *FALSE* *Boolean* For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE. You can also use |v:false| and |v:true|. In Vim9 script |false| and |true|. When TRUE is returned from a function it is the Number one, FALSE is the number zero. Note that in the command: > :if "foo" :" NOT executed "foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. If the string starts with a non-zero number it means TRUE: > :if "8foo" :" executed To test for a non-empty string, use empty(): > :if !empty("foo") < *falsy* *truthy* An expression can be used as a condition, ignoring the type and only using whether the value is "sort of true" or "sort of false". Falsy is: the number zero empty string, blob, list or dictionary Other values are truthy. Examples: 0 falsy 1 truthy -1 truthy 0.0 falsy 0.1 truthy '' falsy 'x' truthy [] falsy [0] truthy {} falsy #{x: 1} truthy 0z falsy 0z00 truthy *non-zero-arg* Function arguments often behave slightly different from |TRUE|: If the argument is present and it evaluates to a non-zero Number, |v:true| or a non-empty String, then the value is considered to be TRUE. Note that " " and "0" are also non-empty strings, thus considered to be TRUE. A List, Dictionary or Float is not a Number or String, thus evaluate to FALSE. *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731* *E908* *E910* *E913* *E974* *E975* *E976* |List|, |Dictionary|, |Funcref|, |Job|, |Channel| and |Blob| types are not automatically converted. *E805* *E806* *E808* When mixing Number and Float the Number is converted to Float. Otherwise there is no automatic conversion of Float. You can use str2float() for String to Float, printf() for Float to String and float2nr() for Float to Number. *E891* *E892* *E893* *E894* *E907* *E911* *E914* When expecting a Float a Number can also be used, but nothing else. *no-type-checking* You will not get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. 1.2 Function references ~ *Funcref* *E695* *E718* A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function, the |funcref()| function or created with the lambda expression |expr-lambda|. It can be used in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: > :let Fn = function("MyFunc") :echo Fn() < *E704* *E705* *E707* A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You can use "g:" but the following name must still start with a capital. You cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name. A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a Dictionary entry. Example: > :function dict.init() dict : let self.val = 0 :endfunction The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|. A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: > :call Fn() :call dict.init() The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. > :let func = string(Fn) You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the arguments: > :let r = call(Fn, mylist) < *Partial* A Funcref optionally binds a Dictionary and/or arguments. This is also called a Partial. This is created by passing the Dictionary and/or arguments to function() or funcref(). When calling the function the Dictionary and/or arguments will be passed to the function. Example: > let Cb = function('Callback', ['foo'], myDict) call Cb('bar') This will invoke the function as if using: > call myDict.Callback('foo', 'bar') This is very useful when passing a function around, e.g. in the arguments of |ch_open()|. Note that binding a function to a Dictionary also happens when the function is a member of the Dictionary: > let myDict.myFunction = MyFunction call myDict.myFunction() Here MyFunction() will get myDict passed as "self". This happens when the "myFunction" member is accessed. When making assigning "myFunction" to otherDict and calling it, it will be bound to otherDict: > let otherDict.myFunction = myDict.myFunction call otherDict.myFunction() Now "self" will be "otherDict". But when the dictionary was bound explicitly this won't happen: > let myDict.myFunction = function(MyFunction, myDict) let otherDict.myFunction = myDict.myFunction call otherDict.myFunction() Here "self" will be "myDict", because it was bound explicitly. 1.3 Lists ~ *list* *List* *Lists* *E686* A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any position in the sequence. List creation ~ *E696* *E697* A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets. Examples: > :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"] :let emptylist = [] An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a List of Lists: > :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]] An extra comma after the last item is ignored. List index ~ *list-index* *E684* An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. > :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3 When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: > :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12 < A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. > :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four" To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: > :echo get(mylist, idx) :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE") List concatenation ~ Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: > :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6] :let mylist += [7, 8] To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below. Sublist ~ *sublist* A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index, separated by a colon in square brackets: > :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"] Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is similar to -1. > :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"] :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3] :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error message. If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the length minus one is used: > :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3] :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3] NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed: mylist[s : e]. List identity ~ *list-identity* When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also change "bb": > :let aa = [1, 2, 3] :let bb = aa :call add(aa, 4) :echo bb < [1, 2, 3, 4] Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: > :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3] :let bb = copy(aa) :call add(aa, 4) :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa' :echo aa < [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] > :echo bb < [[1, aaa], 2, 3] To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep. The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have the same value. > :let alist = [1, 2, 3] :let blist = [1, 2, 3] :echo alist is blist < 0 > :echo alist == blist < 1 Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on variables. Example: > echo 4 == "4" < 1 > echo [4] == ["4"] < 0 Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a list: > :let a = 5 :let b = "5" :echo a == b < 1 > :echo [a] == [b] < 0 List unpack ~ To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in square brackets, like list items: > :let [var1, var2] = mylist When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";" and a variable name: > :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist This works like: > :let var1 = mylist[0] :let var2 = mylist[1] :let rest = mylist[2:] Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an empty list then. List modification ~ *list-modification* To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: > :let list[4] = "four" :let listlist[0][3] = item To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: > :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5] Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few examples: > :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a' :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3] :call add(list, "new") " append String item :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3 :unlet list[3] " idem :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item :unlet list[3 : ] " idem :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x' Changing the order of items in a list: > :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items :call uniq(sort(list)) " sort and remove duplicates For loop ~ The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set to each item in the list in sequence. Example: > :for item in mylist : call Doit(item) :endfor This works like: > :let index = 0 :while index < len(mylist) : let item = mylist[index] : :call Doit(item) : let index = index + 1 :endwhile If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()| function will be a simpler method than a for loop. Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This requires the argument to be a list of lists. > :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]] : call Doit(lnum, col) :endfor This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types must remain the same to avoid an error. It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: > :for [i, j; rest] in listlist : call Doit(i, j) : if !empty(rest) : echo "remainder: " . string(rest) : endif :endfor List functions ~ *E714* Functions that are useful with a List: > :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list :if empty(list) " check if list is empty :let l = len(list) " number of items in list :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items :let s = string(list) " String representation of list :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For example, to add up all the numbers in a list: > :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+') 1.4 Dictionaries ~ *dict* *Dict* *Dictionaries* *Dictionary* A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific ordering. Dictionary creation ~ *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723* A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can only appear once. Examples: > :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'} :let emptydict = {} < *E713* *E716* *E717* A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the Number will be converted to the String '4'. The empty string can also be used as a key. *literal-Dict* *#{}* To avoid having to put quotes around every key the #{} form can be used. This does require the key to consist only of ASCII letters, digits, '-' and '_'. Example: > :let mydict = #{zero: 0, one_key: 1, two-key: 2, 333: 3} Note that 333 here is the string "333". Empty keys are not possible with #{}. A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a nested Dictionary: > :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}} An extra comma after the last entry is ignored. Accessing entries ~ The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: > :let val = mydict["one"] :let mydict["four"] = 4 You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists. For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following form can be used |expr-entry|: > :let val = mydict.one :let mydict.four = 4 Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and key lookup can be repeated: > :echo dict.key[idx].key Dictionary to List conversion ~ You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|. Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: > :for key in keys(mydict) : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key] :endfor The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: > :for key in sort(keys(mydict)) To loop over the values use the |values()| function: > :for v in values(mydict) : echo "value: " . v :endfor If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: > :for [key, value] in items(mydict) : echo key . ': ' . value :endfor Dictionary identity ~ *dict-identity* Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same Dictionary: > :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2} :let adict = onedict :let adict['a'] = 11 :echo onedict['a'] 11 Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For more info see |list-identity|. Dictionary modification ~ *dict-modification* To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry, use |:let| this way: > :let dict[4] = "four" :let dict['one'] = item Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|. Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: > :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa') :unlet dict.aaa :unlet dict['aaa'] Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: > :call extend(adict, bdict) This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this. Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in adict. Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: > :call filter(dict, 'v:val =~ "x"') This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'. This can also be used to remove all entries: > call filter(dict, 0) Dictionary function ~ *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725* *E862* When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a special way with a dictionary. Example: > :function Mylen() dict : return len(self.data) :endfunction :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")} :echo mydict.len() This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary the function was invoked from. It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then. *numbered-function* *anonymous-function* To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly assigned to a Dictionary in this way: > :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]} :function mydict.len() : return len(self.data) :endfunction :echo mydict.len() The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref| that references this function. The function can only be used through a |Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref| remaining that refers to it. It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function. If you get an error for a numbered function, you can find out what it is with a trick. Assuming the function is 42, the command is: > :function {42} Functions for Dictionaries ~ *E715* Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: > :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo" :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item 1.5 Blobs ~ *blob* *Blob* *Blobs* *E978* A Blob is a binary object. It can be used to read an image from a file and send it over a channel, for example. A Blob mostly behaves like a |List| of numbers, where each number has the value of an 8-bit byte, from 0 to 255. Blob creation ~ A Blob can be created with a |blob-literal|: > :let b = 0zFF00ED015DAF Dots can be inserted between bytes (pair of hex characters) for readability, they don't change the value: > :let b = 0zFF00.ED01.5DAF A blob can be read from a file with |readfile()| passing the {type} argument set to "B", for example: > :let b = readfile('image.png', 'B') A blob can be read from a channel with the |ch_readblob()| function. Blob index ~ *blob-index* *E979* A byte in the Blob can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets after the Blob. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first byte has index zero. > :let myblob = 0z00112233 :let byte = myblob[0] " get the first byte: 0x00 :let byte = myblob[2] " get the third byte: 0x22 A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last byte in the Blob, -2 to the last but one byte, etc. > :let last = myblob[-1] " get the last byte: 0x33 To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item is not available it returns -1 or the default value you specify: > :echo get(myblob, idx) :echo get(myblob, idx, 999) Blob iteration ~ The |:for| loop executes commands for each byte of a Blob. The loop variable is set to each byte in the Blob. Example: > :for byte in 0z112233 : call Doit(byte) :endfor This calls Doit() with 0x11, 0x22 and 0x33. Blob concatenation ~ Two blobs can be concatenated with the "+" operator: > :let longblob = myblob + 0z4455 :let myblob += 0z6677 To change a blob in-place see |blob-modification| below. Part of a blob ~ A part of the Blob can be obtained by specifying the first and last index, separated by a colon in square brackets: > :let myblob = 0z00112233 :let shortblob = myblob[1:2] " get 0z1122 :let shortblob = myblob[2:-1] " get 0z2233 Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is similar to -1. > :let endblob = myblob[2:] " from item 2 to the end: 0z2233 :let shortblob = myblob[2:2] " Blob with one byte: 0z22 :let otherblob = myblob[:] " make a copy of the Blob If the first index is beyond the last byte of the Blob or the second index is before the first index, the result is an empty Blob. There is no error message. If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the length minus one is used: > :echo myblob[2:8] " result: 0z2233 Blob modification ~ *blob-modification* To change a specific byte of a blob use |:let| this way: > :let blob[4] = 0x44 When the index is just one beyond the end of the Blob, it is appended. Any higher index is an error. To change a sequence of bytes the [:] notation can be used: > let blob[1:3] = 0z445566 The length of the replaced bytes must be exactly the same as the value provided. *E972* To change part of a blob you can specify the first and last byte to be modified. The value must have the same number of bytes in the range: > :let blob[3:5] = 0z334455 You can also use the functions |add()|, |remove()| and |insert()|. Blob identity ~ Blobs can be compared for equality: > if blob == 0z001122 And for equal identity: > if blob is otherblob < *blob-identity* *E977* When variable "aa" is a Blob and you assign it to another variable "bb", both variables refer to the same Blob. Then the "is" operator returns true. When making a copy using [:] or |copy()| the values are the same, but the identity is different: > :let blob = 0z112233 :let blob2 = blob :echo blob == blob2 < 1 > :echo blob is blob2 < 1 > :let blob3 = blob[:] :echo blob == blob3 < 1 > :echo blob is blob3 < 0 Making a copy of a Blob is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also works, as explained above. 1.6 More about variables ~ *more-variables* If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()| function. When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|. When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are stored in the session file |session-file|. variable name can be stored where ~ my_var_6 not My_Var_6 session file MY_VAR_6 viminfo file It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. ============================================================================== 2. Expression syntax *expression-syntax* Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant: |expr1| expr2 expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else |expr2| expr3 expr3 || expr3 ... logical OR |expr3| expr4 expr4 && expr4 ... logical AND |expr4| expr5 expr5 == expr5 equal expr5 != expr5 not equal expr5 > expr5 greater than expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal expr5 < expr5 smaller than expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for matching case expr5 is expr5 same |List|, |Dictionary| or |Blob| instance expr5 isnot expr5 different |List|, |Dictionary| or |Blob| instance |expr5| expr6 expr6 + expr6 ... number addition, list or blob concatenation expr6 - expr6 ... number subtraction expr6 . expr6 ... string concatenation expr6 .. expr6 ... string concatenation |expr6| expr7 expr7 * expr7 ... number multiplication expr7 / expr7 ... number division expr7 % expr7 ... number modulo |expr7| expr8 ! expr7 logical NOT - expr7 unary minus + expr7 unary plus |expr8| expr9 expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List| expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List| expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable expr8->name(expr1, ...) |method| call |expr9| number number constant "string" string constant, backslash is special 'string' string constant, ' is doubled [expr1, ...] |List| {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary| #{key: expr1, ...} |Dictionary| &option option value (expr1) nested expression variable internal variable va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces $VAR environment variable @r contents of register 'r' function(expr1, ...) function call func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces {args -> expr1} lambda expression "..." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated. Example: > &nu || &list && &shell == "csh" All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right. expr1 *expr1* *trinary* *falsy-operator* *??* *E109* ----- The trinary operator: expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 The falsy operator: expr2 ?? expr1 Trinary operator ~ The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to |TRUE|, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':', otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'. Example: > :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:. Example: > :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: > :echo lnum == 1 :\ ? "top" :\ : lnum == 1000 :\ ? "last" :\ : lnum You should always put a space before the ':', otherwise it can be mistaken for use in a variable such as "a:1". Falsy operator ~ This is also known as the "null coalescing operator", but that's too complicated, thus we just call it the falsy operator. The expression before the '??' is evaluated. If it evaluates to |truthy|, this is used as the result. Otherwise the expression after the '??' is evaluated and used as the result. This is most useful to have a default value for an expression that may result in zero or empty: > echo theList ?? 'list is empty' echo GetName() ?? 'unknown' These are similar, but not equal: > expr2 ?? expr1 expr2 ? expr2 : expr1 In the second line "expr2" is evaluated twice. expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3* --------------- expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR *expr-barbar* expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND *expr-&&* The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments are (converted to) Numbers. The result is: input output ~ n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~ |FALSE| |FALSE| |FALSE| |FALSE| |FALSE| |TRUE| |TRUE| |FALSE| |TRUE| |FALSE| |TRUE| |FALSE| |TRUE| |TRUE| |TRUE| |TRUE| The operators can be concatenated, for example: > &nu || &list && &shell == "csh" Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: > &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh") Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: > let a = 1 echo a || b This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is |TRUE|, so the result must be |TRUE|. Similarly below: > echo exists("b") && b == "yes" This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will only be evaluated if "b" has been defined. expr4 *expr4* ----- expr5 {cmp} expr5 Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1 if it evaluates to true. *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=* *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~* *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#* *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#* *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?* *expr- ># >? greater than or equal >= >=# >=? smaller than < <# if get(Part1, 'name') == get(Part2, 'name') " Part1 and Part2 refer to the same function Using "is" or "isnot" with a |List|, |Dictionary| or |Blob| checks whether the expressions are referring to the same |List|, |Dictionary| or |Blob| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List|, |Dictionary| or |Blob|, it is equivalent to using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a different type means the values are different: > echo 4 == '4' 1 echo 4 is '4' 0 echo 0 is [] 0 "is#"/"isnot#" and "is?"/"isnot?" can be used to match and ignore case. When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number, and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that: > echo 0 == 'x' 1 because 'x' converted to a Number is zero. However: > echo [0] == ['x'] 0 Inside a List or Dictionary this conversion is not used. When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language. When using the operators with a trailing '#', or the short version and 'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp(): case matters. When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and 'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp(): case is ignored. 'smartcase' is not used. The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is. This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a single-quote string, see |literal-string|. Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern (containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples: "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0 expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6* --------------- expr6 + expr6 Number addition, |List| or |Blob| concatenation *expr-+* expr6 - expr6 Number subtraction *expr--* expr6 . expr6 String concatenation *expr-.* expr6 .. expr6 String concatenation *expr-..* For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated. For String concatenation ".." is preferred, since "." is ambiguous, it is also used for |Dict| member access and floating point numbers. When |vimscript-version| is 2 or higher, using "." is not allowed. expr7 * expr7 Number multiplication *expr-star* expr7 / expr7 Number division *expr-/* expr7 % expr7 Number modulo *expr-%* For all, except "." and "..", Strings are converted to Numbers. For bitwise operators see |and()|, |or()| and |xor()|. Note the difference between "+" and ".": "123" + "456" = 579 "123" . "456" = "123456" Since '.' has the same precedence as '+' and '-', you need to read: > 1 . 90 + 90.0 As: > (1 . 90) + 90.0 That works, since the String "190" is automatically converted to the Number 190, which can be added to the Float 90.0. However: > 1 . 90 * 90.0 Should be read as: > 1 . (90 * 90.0) Since '.' has lower precedence than '*'. This does NOT work, since this attempts to concatenate a Float and a String. When dividing a Number by zero the result depends on the value: 0 / 0 = -0x80000000 (like NaN for Float) >0 / 0 = 0x7fffffff (like positive infinity) <0 / 0 = -0x7fffffff (like negative infinity) (before Vim 7.2 it was always 0x7fffffff) When 64-bit Number support is enabled: 0 / 0 = -0x8000000000000000 (like NaN for Float) >0 / 0 = 0x7fffffffffffffff (like positive infinity) <0 / 0 = -0x7fffffffffffffff (like negative infinity) When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0. None of these work for |Funcref|s. . and % do not work for Float. *E804* expr7 *expr7* ----- ! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!* - expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--* + expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+* For '!' |TRUE| becomes |FALSE|, |FALSE| becomes |TRUE| (one). For '-' the sign of the number is changed. For '+' the number is unchanged. A String will be converted to a Number first. These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples: !-1 == 0 !!8 == 1 --9 == 9 expr8 *expr8* ----- This expression is either |expr9| or a sequence of the alternatives below, in any order. E.g., these are all possible: expr8[expr1].name expr8.name[expr1] expr8(expr1, ...)[expr1].name expr8->(expr1, ...)[expr1] Evaluation is always from left to right. expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111* *E909* *subscript* In legacy Vim script: If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String (a number is automatically converted to a String), expr1 as a Number. This doesn't recognize multibyte encodings, see `byteidx()` for an alternative, or use `split()` to turn the string into a list of characters. Example, to get the byte under the cursor: > :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1] In Vim9 script: If expr8 is a String this results in a String that contains the expr1'th single character from expr8. To use byte indexes use |strpart()|. Index zero gives the first byte or character. Careful: text column numbers start with one! If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backward compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte or character. If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index| for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an error. Example: > :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the |List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an error. expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]* If expr8 is a String this results in the substring with the bytes or characters from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and expr1b are used as a Number. In legacy Vim script the indexes are byte indexes. This doesn't recognize multibyte encodings, see |byteidx()| for computing the indexes. If expr8 is a Number it is first converted to a String. In Vim9 script the indexes are character indexes. To use byte indexes use |strpart()|. If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the string minus one is used. A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is the last character, -2 the last but one, etc. If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string. Examples: > :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string :let c = name[0:-1] " the whole string :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes < *slice* If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained just above. Also see |sublist| below. Examples: > :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List If expr8 is a |Blob| this results in a new |Blob| with the bytes in the indexes expr1a and expr1b, inclusive. Examples: > :let b = 0zDEADBEEF :let bs = b[1:2] " 0zADBE :let bs = b[:] " copy of 0zDEADBEEF Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an error. Watch out for confusion between a namespace and a variable followed by a colon for a sublist: > mylist[n:] " uses variable n mylist[s:] " uses namespace s:, error! expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry* If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like: expr8[name]. The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name, but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used. There must not be white space before or after the dot. Examples: > :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"} :echo dict.one " shows "1" :echo dict.2 " shows "two" :echo dict .2 " error because of space before the dot Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation. expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to. expr8->name([args]) method call *method* *->* expr8->{lambda}([args]) *E276* For methods that are also available as global functions this is the same as: > name(expr8 [, args]) There can also be methods specifically for the type of "expr8". This allows for chaining, passing the value that one method returns to the next method: > mylist->filter(filterexpr)->map(mapexpr)->sort()->join() < Example of using a lambda: > GetPercentage()->{x -> x * 100}()->printf('%d%%') < When using -> the |expr7| operators will be applied first, thus: > -1.234->string() Is equivalent to: > (-1.234)->string() And NOT: > -(1.234->string()) < *E274* "->name(" must not contain white space. There can be white space before the "->" and after the "(", thus you can split the lines like this: > mylist \ ->filter(filterexpr) \ ->map(mapexpr) \ ->sort() \ ->join() When using the lambda form there must be no white space between the } and the (. *expr9* number ------ number number constant *expr-number* *hex-number* *octal-number* *binary-number* Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), Binary (starting with 0b or 0B) and Octal (starting with 0, 0o or 0O). *floating-point-format* Floating point numbers can be written in two forms: [-+]{N}.{M} [-+]{N}.{M}[eE][-+]{exp} {N} and {M} are numbers. Both {N} and {M} must be present and can only contain digits. [-+] means there is an optional plus or minus sign. {exp} is the exponent, power of 10. Only a decimal point is accepted, not a comma. No matter what the current locale is. {only when compiled with the |+float| feature} Examples: 123.456 +0.0001 55.0 -0.123 1.234e03 1.0E-6 -3.1416e+88 These are INVALID: 3. empty {M} 1e40 missing .{M} Rationale: Before floating point was introduced, the text "123.456" was interpreted as the two numbers "123" and "456", both converted to a string and concatenated, resulting in the string "123456". Since this was considered pointless, and we could not find it intentionally being used in Vim scripts, this backwards incompatibility was accepted in favor of being able to use the normal notation for floating point numbers. *float-pi* *float-e* A few useful values to copy&paste: > :let pi = 3.14159265359 :let e = 2.71828182846 Or, if you don't want to write them in as floating-point literals, you can also use functions, like the following: > :let pi = acos(-1.0) :let e = exp(1.0) < *floating-point-precision* The precision and range of floating points numbers depends on what "double" means in the library Vim was compiled with. There is no way to change this at runtime. The default for displaying a |Float| is to use 6 decimal places, like using printf("%g", f). You can select something else when using the |printf()| function. Example: > :echo printf('%.15e', atan(1)) < 7.853981633974483e-01 string *string* *String* *expr-string* *E114* ------ "string" string constant *expr-quote* Note that double quotes are used. A string constant accepts these special characters: \... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316") \.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit) \. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit) \x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f") \x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char) \X.. same as \x.. \X. same as \x. \u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4") \U.... same as \u but allows up to 8 hex numbers. \b backspace \e escape \f formfeed \n newline \r return \t tab \\ backslash \" double quote \ Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\" for CTRL-W. This is for use in mappings, the 0x80 byte is escaped. To use the double quote character it must be escaped: "". Don't use to get a utf-8 character, use \uxxxx as mentioned above. \<*xxx> Like \ but prepends a modifier instead of including it in the character. E.g. "\" is one character 0x17 while "\<*C-w>" is four bytes: 3 for the CTRL modifier and then character "W". Note that "\xff" is stored as the byte 255, which may be invalid in some encodings. Use "\u00ff" to store character 255 according to the current value of 'encoding'. Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string. blob-literal *blob-literal* *E973* ------------ Hexadecimal starting with 0z or 0Z, with an arbitrary number of bytes. The sequence must be an even number of hex characters. Example: > :let b = 0zFF00ED015DAF literal-string *literal-string* *E115* --------------- 'string' string constant *expr-'* Note that single quotes are used. This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote. Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: > if a =~ "\\s*" if a =~ '\s*' option *expr-option* *E112* *E113* ------ &option option value, local value if possible &g:option global option value &l:option local option value Examples: > echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop if &insertmode Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used anyway. register *expr-register* *@r* -------- @r contents of register 'r' The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string. Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available registers. When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it. nesting *expr-nesting* *E110* ------- (expr1) nested expression environment variable *expr-env* -------------------- $VAR environment variable The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the result is an empty string. The functions `getenv()` and `setenv()` can also be used and work for environment variables with non-alphanumeric names. The function `environ()` can be used to get a Dict with all environment variables. *expr-env-expand* Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: > :echo $shell :echo expand("$shell") The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $shell variable (if your shell supports it). internal variable *expr-variable* ----------------- variable internal variable See below |internal-variables|. function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120* ------------- function(expr1, ...) function call See below |functions|. lambda expression *expr-lambda* *lambda* ----------------- {args -> expr1} lambda expression A lambda expression creates a new unnamed function which returns the result of evaluating |expr1|. Lambda expressions differ from |user-functions| in the following ways: 1. The body of the lambda expression is an |expr1| and not a sequence of |Ex| commands. 2. The prefix "a:" should not be used for arguments. E.g.: > :let F = {arg1, arg2 -> arg1 - arg2} :echo F(5, 2) < 3 The arguments are optional. Example: > :let F = {-> 'error function'} :echo F() < error function *closure* Lambda expressions can access outer scope variables and arguments. This is often called a closure. Example where "i" and "a:arg" are used in a lambda while they already exist in the function scope. They remain valid even after the function returns: > :function Foo(arg) : let i = 3 : return {x -> x + i - a:arg} :endfunction :let Bar = Foo(4) :echo Bar(6) < 5 Note that the variables must exist in the outer scope before the lambda is defined for this to work. See also |:func-closure|. Lambda and closure support can be checked with: > if has('lambda') Examples for using a lambda expression with |sort()|, |map()| and |filter()|: > :echo map([1, 2, 3], {idx, val -> val + 1}) < [2, 3, 4] > :echo sort([3,7,2,1,4], {a, b -> a - b}) < [1, 2, 3, 4, 7] The lambda expression is also useful for Channel, Job and timer: > :let timer = timer_start(500, \ {-> execute("echo 'Handler called'", "")}, \ {'repeat': 3}) < Handler called Handler called Handler called Note how execute() is used to execute an Ex command. That's ugly though. Lambda expressions have internal names like '42'. If you get an error for a lambda expression, you can find what it is with the following command: > :function {'42'} See also: |numbered-function| ============================================================================== 3. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E461* An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|. An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command |:unlet|. Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has been destroyed results in an error. *variable-scope* There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is specified by what is prepended: (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global |buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer. |window-variable| w: Local to the current window. |tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page. |global-variable| g: Global. |local-variable| l: Local to a function. |script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script. |function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function). |vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim. The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to delete all script-local variables: > :for k in keys(s:) : unlet s:[k] :endfor Note: in Vim9 script this is different, see |vim9-scopes|. *buffer-variable* *b:var* *b:* A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer. Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer. This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with |:bdelete|. One local buffer variable is predefined: *b:changedtick* *changetick* b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change in this case. Resetting 'modified' when writing the buffer is also counted. This can be used to perform an action only when the buffer has changed. Example: > :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick : call My_Update() :endif < You cannot change or delete the b:changedtick variable. *window-variable* *w:var* *w:* A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It is deleted when the window is closed. *tabpage-variable* *t:var* *t:* A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page, It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled without the |+windows| feature} *global-variable* *g:var* *g:* Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other place if you like. *local-variable* *l:var* *l:* Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything. But you can also prepend "l:" if you like. However, without prepending "l:" you may run into reserved variable names. For example "count". By itself it refers to "v:count". Using "l:count" you can have a local variable with the same name. *script-variable* *s:var* In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script. They can be used in: - commands executed while the script is sourced - functions defined in the script - autocommands defined in the script - functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were defined in the script (recursively) - user defined commands defined in the script Thus not in: - other scripts sourced from this one - mappings - menus - etc. Script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names. Take this example: > let s:counter = 0 function MyCounter() let s:counter = s:counter + 1 echo s:counter endfunction command Tick call MyCounter() You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where "Tick" was defined is used. Another example that does the same: > let s:counter = 0 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for script variables is set to the script where the function or command was defined. The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a function that is defined in a script. Example: > let s:counter = 0 function StartCounting(incr) if a:incr function MyCounter() let s:counter = s:counter + 1 endfunction else function MyCounter() let s:counter = s:counter - 1 endfunction endif endfunction This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter(). When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables. They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to maintain a counter: > if !exists("s:counter") let s:counter = 1 echo "script executed for the first time" else let s:counter = s:counter + 1 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now" endif Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|. PREDEFINED VIM VARIABLES *vim-variable* *v:var* *v:* *E963* Some variables can be set by the user, but the type cannot be changed. *v:argv* *argv-variable* v:argv The command line arguments Vim was invoked with. This is a list of strings. The first item is the Vim command. *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable* v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is. This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line. Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable* v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable* v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable* v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies, but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the highlighted text is used. Also see ||. Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable* v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. The first window has number zero (unlike most other places where a window gets a number). *v:beval_winid* *beval_winid-variable* v:beval_winid The |window-ID| of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Otherwise like v:beval_winnr. *v:char* *char-variable* v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr' and used for the typed character when using in an abbreviation |:map-|. It is also used by the |InsertCharPre| and |InsertEnter| events. *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable* v:charconvert_from The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted. Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option. *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable* v:charconvert_to The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion. Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option. *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable* v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes: 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command. Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is set before an autocommand event for a file read/write command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it possible to append this variable directly after the read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't included here, because it will be executed anyway. 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used in 'printexpr'. *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable* v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!" was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this can only be used in autocommands. For user commands || can be used. *v:collate* *collate-variable* v:collate The current locale setting for collation order of the runtime environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of LC_COLLATE. When not using a locale the value is "C". This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language| command. See |multi-lang|. *v:completed_item* *completed_item-variable* v:completed_item |Dictionary| containing the |complete-items| for the most recently completed word after |CompleteDone|. The |Dictionary| is empty if the completion failed. *v:count* *count-variable* v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: > :map _x :echo "the count is " . v:count < Note: The is required to remove the line range that you get when typing ':' after a count. When there are two counts, as in "3d2w", they are multiplied, just like what happens in the command, "d6w" for the example. Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option. "count" also works, for backwards compatibility, unless |scriptversion| is 3 or higher. *v:count1* *count1-variable* v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is used. *v:ctype* *ctype-variable* v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C". This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language| command. See |multi-lang|. *v:dying* *dying-variable* v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases. Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't terminate normally. {only works on Unix} Example: > :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif < Note: if another deadly signal is caught when v:dying is one, VimLeave autocommands will not be executed. *v:echospace* *echospace-variable* v:echospace Number of screen cells that can be used for an `:echo` message in the last screen line before causing the |hit-enter-prompt|. Depends on 'showcmd', 'ruler' and 'columns'. You need to check 'cmdheight' for whether there are full-width lines available above the last line. *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable* v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable. Example: > :let v:errmsg = "" :silent! next :if v:errmsg != "" : ... handle error < "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility, unless |scriptversion| is 3 or higher. *v:errors* *errors-variable* *assert-return* v:errors Errors found by assert functions, such as |assert_true()|. This is a list of strings. The assert functions append an item when an assert fails. The return value indicates this: a one is returned if an item was added to v:errors, otherwise zero is returned. To remove old results make it empty: > :let v:errors = [] < If v:errors is set to anything but a list it is made an empty list by the assert function. *v:event* *event-variable* v:event Dictionary containing information about the current |autocommand|. See the specific event for what it puts in this dictionary. The dictionary is emptied when the |autocommand| finishes, please refer to |dict-identity| for how to get an independent copy of it. Use |deepcopy()| if you want to keep the information after the event triggers. Example: > au TextYankPost * let g:foo = deepcopy(v:event) < *v:exception* *exception-variable* v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|. Example: > :try : throw "oops" :catch /.*/ : echo "caught " .. v:exception :endtry < Output: "caught oops". *v:false* *false-variable* v:false A Number with value zero. Used to put "false" in JSON. See |json_encode()|. When used as a string this evaluates to "v:false". > echo v:false < v:false ~ That is so that eval() can parse the string back to the same value. Read-only. *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable* v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values: deleted file no longer exists conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was changed and buffer is modified changed file contents has changed mode mode of file changed time only file timestamp changed *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable* v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to do with the affected buffer: reload Reload the buffer (does not work if the file was deleted). ask Ask the user what to do, as if there was no autocommand. Except that when only the timestamp changed nothing will happen. Nothing, the autocommand should do everything that needs to be done. The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message. *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable* v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating: option used for ~ 'charconvert' file to be converted 'diffexpr' original file 'patchexpr' original file 'printexpr' file to be printed And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|. *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable* v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while evaluating: option used for ~ 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*) 'diffexpr' output of diff 'patchexpr' resulting patched file (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary file and different from v:fname_in. *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable* v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while evaluating 'diffexpr'. *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable* v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while evaluating 'patchexpr'. *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable* v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed fold. Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext| *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable* v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold. Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext| *v:foldend* *foldend-variable* v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold. Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext| *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable* v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold. Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext| *v:hlsearch* *hlsearch-variable* v:hlsearch Variable that indicates whether search highlighting is on. Setting it makes sense only if 'hlsearch' is enabled which requires |+extra_search|. Setting this variable to zero acts like the |:nohlsearch| command, setting it to one acts like > let &hlsearch = &hlsearch < Note that the value is restored when returning from a function. |function-search-undo|. *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable* v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand events. Values: i Insert mode r Replace mode v Virtual Replace mode *v:key* *key-variable* v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|. Read-only. *v:lang* *lang-variable* v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES. The value is system dependent. This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language| command. It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired in a different language than what is used for character encoding. See |multi-lang|. *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable* v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME. This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language| command. See |multi-lang|. *v:lnum* *lnum-variable* v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr|, 'formatexpr' and 'indentexpr' expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel' and 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these expressions is being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|. *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable* v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|. First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is zero when there was no mouse button click. *v:mouse_winid* *mouse_winid-variable* v:mouse_winid Window ID for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|. The value is zero when there was no mouse button click. *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable* v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|. This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The value is zero when there was no mouse button click. *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable* v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|. This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The value is zero when there was no mouse button click. *v:none* *none-variable* *None* v:none An empty String. Used to put an empty item in JSON. See |json_encode()|. This can also be used as a function argument to use the default value, see |none-function_argument|. When used as a number this evaluates to zero. When used as a string this evaluates to "v:none". > echo v:none < v:none ~ That is so that eval() can parse the string back to the same value. Read-only. *v:null* *null-variable* v:null An empty String. Used to put "null" in JSON. See |json_encode()|. When used as a number this evaluates to zero. When used as a string this evaluates to "v:null". > echo v:null < v:null ~ That is so that eval() can parse the string back to the same value. Read-only. *v:numbersize* *numbersize-variable* v:numbersize Number of bits in a Number. This is normally 64, but on some systems it may be 32. *v:oldfiles* *oldfiles-variable* v:oldfiles List of file names that is loaded from the |viminfo| file on startup. These are the files that Vim remembers marks for. The length of the List is limited by the ' argument of the 'viminfo' option (default is 100). When the |viminfo| file is not used the List is empty. Also see |:oldfiles| and |c_#<|. The List can be modified, but this has no effect on what is stored in the |viminfo| file later. If you use values other than String this will cause trouble. {only when compiled with the |+viminfo| feature} *v:option_new* v:option_new New value of the option. Valid while executing an |OptionSet| autocommand. *v:option_old* v:option_old Old value of the option. Valid while executing an |OptionSet| autocommand. Depending on the command used for setting and the kind of option this is either the local old value or the global old value. *v:option_oldlocal* v:option_oldlocal Old local value of the option. Valid while executing an |OptionSet| autocommand. *v:option_oldglobal* v:option_oldglobal Old global value of the option. Valid while executing an |OptionSet| autocommand. *v:option_type* v:option_type Scope of the set command. Valid while executing an |OptionSet| autocommand. Can be either "global" or "local" *v:option_command* v:option_command Command used to set the option. Valid while executing an |OptionSet| autocommand. value option was set via ~ "setlocal" |:setlocal| or ":let l:xxx" "setglobal" |:setglobal| or ":let g:xxx" "set" |:set| or |:let| "modeline" |modeline| *v:operator* *operator-variable* v:operator The last operator given in Normal mode. This is a single character except for commands starting with or , in which case it is two characters. Best used alongside |v:prevcount| and |v:register|. Useful if you want to cancel Operator-pending mode and then use the operator, e.g.: > :omap O :call MyMotion(v:operator) < The value remains set until another operator is entered, thus don't expect it to be empty. v:operator is not set for |:delete|, |:yank| or other Ex commands. Read-only. *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable* v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command. This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if you want to cancel Visual or Operator-pending mode and then use the count, e.g.: > :vmap % :call MyFilter(v:prevcount) < Read-only. *v:profiling* *profiling-variable* v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start". See |profiling|. *v:progname* *progname-variable* v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for |view|, |evim| etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim. Read-only. *v:progpath* *progpath-variable* v:progpath Contains the command with which Vim was invoked, in a form that when passed to the shell will run the same Vim executable as the current one (if $PATH remains unchanged). Useful if you want to message a Vim server using a |--remote-expr|. To get the full path use: > echo exepath(v:progpath) < If the command has a relative path it will be expanded to the full path, so that it still works after `:cd`. Thus starting "./vim" results in "/home/user/path/to/vim/src/vim". On Linux and other systems it will always be the full path. On Mac it may just be "vim" and using exepath() as mentioned above should be used to get the full path. On MS-Windows the executable may be called "vim.exe", but the ".exe" is not added to v:progpath. Read-only. *v:register* *register-variable* v:register The name of the register in effect for the current normal mode command (regardless of whether that command actually used a register). Or for the currently executing normal mode mapping (use this in custom commands that take a register). If none is supplied it is the default register '"', unless 'clipboard' contains "unnamed" or "unnamedplus", then it is '*' or '+'. Also see |getreg()| and |setreg()| *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable* v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a typed command. This can be used to find out why your script causes the hit-enter prompt. *v:servername* *servername-variable* v:servername The resulting registered |client-server-name| if any. Read-only. v:searchforward *v:searchforward* *searchforward-variable* Search direction: 1 after a forward search, 0 after a backward search. It is reset to forward when directly setting the last search pattern, see |quote/|. Note that the value is restored when returning from a function. |function-search-undo|. Read-write. *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable* v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem. This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim. The value -1 is often used when the command could not be executed. Read-only. Example: > :!mv foo bar :if v:shell_error : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!' :endif < "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility, unless |scriptversion| is 3 or higher. *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable* v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable. *v:swapname* *swapname-variable* v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of the swap file found. Read-only. *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable* v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice for handling an existing swap file: 'o' Open read-only 'e' Edit anyway 'r' Recover 'd' Delete swapfile 'q' Quit 'a' Abort The value should be a single-character string. An empty value results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty. *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable* v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r". For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r". *v:t_TYPE* *v:t_bool* *t_bool-variable* v:t_bool Value of |Boolean| type. Read-only. See: |type()| *v:t_channel* *t_channel-variable* v:t_channel Value of |Channel| type. Read-only. See: |type()| *v:t_dict* *t_dict-variable* v:t_dict Value of |Dictionary| type. Read-only. See: |type()| *v:t_float* *t_float-variable* v:t_float Value of |Float| type. Read-only. See: |type()| *v:t_func* *t_func-variable* v:t_func Value of |Funcref| type. Read-only. See: |type()| *v:t_job* *t_job-variable* v:t_job Value of |Job| type. Read-only. See: |type()| *v:t_list* *t_list-variable* v:t_list Value of |List| type. Read-only. See: |type()| *v:t_none* *t_none-variable* v:t_none Value of |None| type. Read-only. See: |type()| *v:t_number* *t_number-variable* v:t_number Value of |Number| type. Read-only. See: |type()| *v:t_string* *t_string-variable* v:t_string Value of |String| type. Read-only. See: |type()| *v:t_blob* *t_blob-variable* v:t_blob Value of |Blob| type. Read-only. See: |type()| *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable* v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV| termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence that starts with ESC [ or CSI, then '>' or '?' and ends in a 'c', with only digits and ';' in between. When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is fired, so that you can react to the response from the terminal. You can use |terminalprops()| to see what Vim figured out about the terminal. The response from a new xterm is: "[> Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero. {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature} *v:termblinkresp* v:termblinkresp The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RC| termcap entry. This is used to find out whether the terminal cursor is blinking. This is used by |term_getcursor()|. *v:termstyleresp* v:termstyleresp The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RS| termcap entry. This is used to find out what the shape of the cursor is. This is used by |term_getcursor()|. *v:termrbgresp* v:termrbgresp The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RB| termcap entry. This is used to find out what the terminal background color is, see 'background'. *v:termrfgresp* v:termrfgresp The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RF| termcap entry. This is used to find out what the terminal foreground color is. *v:termu7resp* v:termu7resp The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_u7| termcap entry. This is used to find out what the terminal does with ambiguous width characters, see 'ambiwidth'. *v:testing* *testing-variable* v:testing Must be set before using `test_garbagecollect_now()`. Also, when set certain error messages won't be shown for 2 seconds. (e.g. "'dictionary' option is empty") *v:this_session* *this_session-variable* v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no session file has been saved, this variable is empty. "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility, unless |scriptversion| is 3 or higher *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable* v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|. Example: > :try : throw "oops" :catch /.*/ : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint :endtry < Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2" *v:true* *true-variable* v:true A Number with value one. Used to put "true" in JSON. See |json_encode()|. When used as a string this evaluates to "v:true". > echo v:true < v:true ~ That is so that eval() can parse the string back to the same value. Read-only. *v:val* *val-variable* v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|. Read-only. *v:version* *version-variable* v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards compatibility, unless |scriptversion| is 3 or higher. Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: > if has("patch-7.4.123") < Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are completely different. *v:versionlong* *versionlong-variable* v:versionlong Like v:version, but also including the patchlevel in the last four digits. Version 8.1 with patch 123 has value 8010123. This can be used like this: > if v:versionlong >= 8010123 < However, if there are gaps in the list of patches included this will not work well. This can happen if a recent patch was included into an older version, e.g. for a security fix. Use the has() function to make sure the patch is actually included. *v:vim_did_enter* *vim_did_enter-variable* v:vim_did_enter Zero until most of startup is done. It is set to one just before |VimEnter| autocommands are triggered. *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable* v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable. *v:windowid* *windowid-variable* v:windowid When any X11 based GUI is running or when running in a terminal and Vim connects to the X server (|-X|) this will be set to the window ID. When an MS-Windows GUI is running this will be set to the window handle. Otherwise the value is zero. Note: for windows inside Vim use |winnr()| or |win_getid()|, see |window-ID|. ============================================================================== 4. Builtin Functions *functions* See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for. (Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.) USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~ abs({expr}) Float or Number absolute value of {expr} acos({expr}) Float arc cosine of {expr} add({object}, {item}) List/Blob append {item} to {object} and({expr}, {expr}) Number bitwise AND append({lnum}, {text}) Number append {text} below line {lnum} appendbufline({expr}, {lnum}, {text}) Number append {text} below line {lnum} in buffer {expr} argc([{winid}]) Number number of files in the argument list argidx() Number current index in the argument list arglistid([{winnr} [, {tabnr}]]) Number argument list id argv({nr} [, {winid}]) String {nr} entry of the argument list argv([-1, {winid}]) List the argument list asin({expr}) Float arc sine of {expr} assert_beeps({cmd}) Number assert {cmd} causes a beep assert_equal({exp}, {act} [, {msg}]) Number assert {exp} is equal to {act} assert_equalfile({fname-one}, {fname-two} [, {msg}]) Number assert file contents are equal assert_exception({error} [, {msg}]) Number assert {error} is in v:exception assert_fails({cmd} [, {error} [, {msg} [, {lnum} [, {context}]]]]) Number assert {cmd} fails assert_false({actual} [, {msg}]) Number assert {actual} is false assert_inrange({lower}, {upper}, {actual} [, {msg}]) Number assert {actual} is inside the range assert_match({pat}, {text} [, {msg}]) Number assert {pat} matches {text} assert_notequal({exp}, {act} [, {msg}]) Number assert {exp} is not equal {act} assert_notmatch({pat}, {text} [, {msg}]) Number assert {pat} not matches {text} assert_report({msg}) Number report a test failure assert_true({actual} [, {msg}]) Number assert {actual} is true atan({expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr} atan2({expr1}, {expr2}) Float arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2} balloon_gettext() String current text in the balloon balloon_show({expr}) none show {expr} inside the balloon balloon_split({msg}) List split {msg} as used for a balloon browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default}) String put up a file requester browsedir({title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester bufadd({name}) Number add a buffer to the buffer list bufexists({expr}) Number |TRUE| if buffer {expr} exists buflisted({expr}) Number |TRUE| if buffer {expr} is listed bufload({expr}) Number load buffer {expr} if not loaded yet bufloaded({expr}) Number |TRUE| if buffer {expr} is loaded bufname([{expr}]) String Name of the buffer {expr} bufnr([{expr} [, {create}]]) Number Number of the buffer {expr} bufwinid({expr}) Number window ID of buffer {expr} bufwinnr({expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr} byte2line({byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte} byteidx({expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr} byteidxcomp({expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr} call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) any call {func} with arguments {arglist} ceil({expr}) Float round {expr} up ch_canread({handle}) Number check if there is something to read ch_close({handle}) none close {handle} ch_close_in({handle}) none close in part of {handle} ch_evalexpr({handle}, {expr} [, {options}]) any evaluate {expr} on JSON {handle} ch_evalraw({handle}, {string} [, {options}]) any evaluate {string} on raw {handle} ch_getbufnr({handle}, {what}) Number get buffer number for {handle}/{what} ch_getjob({channel}) Job get the Job of {channel} ch_info({handle}) String info about channel {handle} ch_log({msg} [, {handle}]) none write {msg} in the channel log file ch_logfile({fname} [, {mode}]) none start logging channel activity ch_open({address} [, {options}]) Channel open a channel to {address} ch_read({handle} [, {options}]) String read from {handle} ch_readblob({handle} [, {options}]) Blob read Blob from {handle} ch_readraw({handle} [, {options}]) String read raw from {handle} ch_sendexpr({handle}, {expr} [, {options}]) any send {expr} over JSON {handle} ch_sendraw({handle}, {expr} [, {options}]) any send {expr} over raw {handle} ch_setoptions({handle}, {options}) none set options for {handle} ch_status({handle} [, {options}]) String status of channel {handle} changenr() Number current change number char2nr({expr} [, {utf8}]) Number ASCII/UTF8 value of first char in {expr} charclass({string}) Number character class of {string} chdir({dir}) String change current working directory cindent({lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum} clearmatches([{win}]) none clear all matches col({expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark complete({startcol}, {matches}) none set Insert mode completion complete_add({expr}) Number add completion match complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion complete_info([{what}]) Dict get current completion information confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]]) Number number of choice picked by user copy({expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr} cos({expr}) Float cosine of {expr} cosh({expr}) Float hyperbolic cosine of {expr} count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) Number count how many {expr} are in {comp} cscope_connection([{num}, {dbpath} [, {prepend}]]) Number checks existence of cscope connection cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {off} cursor({list}) Number move cursor to position in {list} debugbreak({pid}) Number interrupt process being debugged deepcopy({expr} [, {noref}]) any make a full copy of {expr} delete({fname} [, {flags}]) Number delete the file or directory {fname} deletebufline({expr}, {first} [, {last}]) Number delete lines from buffer {expr} did_filetype() Number |TRUE| if FileType autocmd event used diff_filler({lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum} diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col} echoraw({expr}) none output {expr} as-is empty({expr}) Number |TRUE| if {expr} is empty environ() Dict return environment variables escape({string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\' eval({string}) any evaluate {string} into its value eventhandler() Number |TRUE| if inside an event handler executable({expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists execute({command}) String execute {command} and get the output exepath({expr}) String full path of the command {expr} exists({expr}) Number |TRUE| if {expr} exists exp({expr}) Float exponential of {expr} expand({expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list}]]) any expand special keywords in {expr} expandcmd({expr}) String expand {expr} like with `:edit` extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1} feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer filereadable({file}) Number |TRUE| if {file} is a readable file filewritable({file}) Number |TRUE| if {file} is a writable file filter({expr1}, {expr2}) List/Dict remove items from {expr1} where {expr2} is 0 finddir({name} [, {path} [, {count}]]) String find directory {name} in {path} findfile({name} [, {path} [, {count}]]) String find file {name} in {path} flatten({list} [, {maxdepth}]) List flatten {list} up to {maxdepth} levels float2nr({expr}) Number convert Float {expr} to a Number floor({expr}) Float round {expr} down fmod({expr1}, {expr2}) Float remainder of {expr1} / {expr2} fnameescape({fname}) String escape special characters in {fname} fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) String modify file name foldclosed({lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed foldclosedend({lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed foldlevel({lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum} foldtext() String line displayed for closed fold foldtextresult({lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum} foreground() Number bring the Vim window to the foreground funcref({name} [, {arglist}] [, {dict}]) Funcref reference to function {name} function({name} [, {arglist}] [, {dict}]) Funcref named reference to function {name} garbagecollect([{atexit}]) none free memory, breaking cyclic references get({list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def} get({dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def} get({func}, {what}) any get property of funcref/partial {func} getbufinfo([{expr}]) List information about buffers getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}]) List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr} getbufvar({expr}, {varname} [, {def}]) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr} getchangelist([{expr}]) List list of change list items getchar([expr]) Number get one character from the user getcharmod() Number modifiers for the last typed character getcharsearch() Dict last character search getcmdline() String return the current command-line getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line getcmdtype() String return current command-line type getcmdwintype() String return current command-line window type getcompletion({pat}, {type} [, {filtered}]) List list of cmdline completion matches getcurpos([{winnr}]) List position of the cursor getcwd([{winnr} [, {tabnr}]]) String get the current working directory getenv({name}) String return environment variable getfontname([{name}]) String name of font being used getfperm({fname}) String file permissions of file {fname} getfsize({fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname} getftime({fname}) Number last modification time of file getftype({fname}) String description of type of file {fname} getimstatus() Number |TRUE| if the IME status is active getjumplist([{winnr} [, {tabnr}]]) List list of jump list items getline({lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer getline({lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer getloclist({nr}) List list of location list items getloclist({nr}, {what}) Dict get specific location list properties getmarklist([{expr}]) List list of global/local marks getmatches([{win}]) List list of current matches getmousepos() Dict last known mouse position getpid() Number process ID of Vim getpos({expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc. getqflist() List list of quickfix items getqflist({what}) Dict get specific quickfix list properties getreg([{regname} [, 1 [, {list}]]]) String or List contents of a register getreginfo([{regname}]) Dict information about a register getregtype([{regname}]) String type of a register gettabinfo([{expr}]) List list of tab pages gettabvar({nr}, {varname} [, {def}]) any variable {varname} in tab {nr} or {def} gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {name} [, {def}]) any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} gettagstack([{nr}]) Dict get the tag stack of window {nr} gettext({text}) String lookup translation of {text} getwininfo([{winid}]) List list of info about each window getwinpos([{timeout}]) List X and Y coord in pixels of the Vim window getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of the Vim window getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of the Vim window getwinvar({nr}, {varname} [, {def}]) any variable {varname} in window {nr} glob({expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list} [, {alllinks}]]]) any expand file wildcards in {expr} glob2regpat({expr}) String convert a glob pat into a search pat globpath({path}, {expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list} [, {alllinks}]]]) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path} has({feature} [, {check}]) Number |TRUE| if feature {feature} supported has_key({dict}, {key}) Number |TRUE| if {dict} has entry {key} haslocaldir([{winnr} [, {tabnr}]]) Number |TRUE| if the window executed |:lcd| or |:tcd| hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) Number |TRUE| if mapping to {what} exists histadd({history}, {item}) Number add an item to a history histdel({history} [, {item}]) Number remove an item from a history histget({history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history histnr({history}) Number highest index of a history hlID({name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name} hlexists({name}) Number |TRUE| if highlight group {name} exists hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr} indent({lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum} index({object}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) Number index in {object} where {expr} appears input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) String get input from the user inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog inputlist({textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list inputrestore() Number restore typeahead inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text insert({object}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {object} [before {idx}] interrupt() none interrupt script execution invert({expr}) Number bitwise invert isdirectory({directory}) Number |TRUE| if {directory} is a directory isinf({expr}) Number determine if {expr} is infinity value (positive or negative) islocked({expr}) Number |TRUE| if {expr} is locked isnan({expr}) Number |TRUE| if {expr} is NaN items({dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict} job_getchannel({job}) Channel get the channel handle for {job} job_info([{job}]) Dict get information about {job} job_setoptions({job}, {options}) none set options for {job} job_start({command} [, {options}]) Job start a job job_status({job}) String get the status of {job} job_stop({job} [, {how}]) Number stop {job} join({list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String js_decode({string}) any decode JS style JSON js_encode({expr}) String encode JS style JSON json_decode({string}) any decode JSON json_encode({expr}) String encode JSON keys({dict}) List keys in {dict} len({expr}) Number the length of {expr} libcall({lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg} libcallnr({lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number line({expr} [, {winid}]) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark line2byte({lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum} lispindent({lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum} list2str({list} [, {utf8}]) String turn numbers in {list} into a String listener_add({callback} [, {buf}]) Number add a callback to listen to changes listener_flush([{buf}]) none invoke listener callbacks listener_remove({id}) none remove a listener callback localtime() Number current time log({expr}) Float natural logarithm (base e) of {expr} log10({expr}) Float logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 luaeval({expr} [, {expr}]) any evaluate |Lua| expression map({expr1}, {expr2}) List/Dict change each item in {expr1} to {expr} maparg({name} [, {mode} [, {abbr} [, {dict}]]]) String or Dict rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode} mapcheck({name} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) String check for mappings matching {name} mapset({mode}, {abbr}, {dict}) none restore mapping from |maparg()| result match({expr}, {pat} [, {start} [, {count}]]) Number position where {pat} matches in {expr} matchadd({group}, {pattern} [, {priority} [, {id} [, {dict}]]]) Number highlight {pattern} with {group} matchaddpos({group}, {pos} [, {priority} [, {id} [, {dict}]]]) Number highlight positions with {group} matcharg({nr}) List arguments of |:match| matchdelete({id} [, {win}]) Number delete match identified by {id} matchend({expr}, {pat} [, {start} [, {count}]]) Number position where {pat} ends in {expr} matchfuzzy({list}, {str} [, {dict}]) List fuzzy match {str} in {list} matchfuzzypos({list}, {str} [, {dict}]) List fuzzy match {str} in {list} matchlist({expr}, {pat} [, {start} [, {count}]]) List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr} matchstr({expr}, {pat} [, {start} [, {count}]]) String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr} matchstrpos({expr}, {pat} [, {start} [, {count}]]) List {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr} max({expr}) Number maximum value of items in {expr} menu_info({name} [, {mode}]) Dict get menu item information min({expr}) Number minimum value of items in {expr} mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]]) Number create directory {name} mode([expr]) String current editing mode mzeval({expr}) any evaluate |MzScheme| expression nextnonblank({lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum} nr2char({expr} [, {utf8}]) String single char with ASCII/UTF8 value {expr} or({expr}, {expr}) Number bitwise OR pathshorten({expr} [, {len}]) String shorten directory names in a path perleval({expr}) any evaluate |Perl| expression popup_atcursor({what}, {options}) Number create popup window near the cursor popup_beval({what}, {options}) Number create popup window for 'ballooneval' popup_clear() none close all popup windows popup_close({id} [, {result}]) none close popup window {id} popup_create({what}, {options}) Number create a popup window popup_dialog({what}, {options}) Number create a popup window used as a dialog popup_filter_menu({id}, {key}) Number filter for a menu popup window popup_filter_yesno({id}, {key}) Number filter for a dialog popup window popup_findinfo() Number get window ID of info popup window popup_findpreview() Number get window ID of preview popup window popup_getoptions({id}) Dict get options of popup window {id} popup_getpos({id}) Dict get position of popup window {id} popup_hide({id}) none hide popup menu {id} popup_list() List get a list of window IDs of all popups popup_locate({row}, {col}) Number get window ID of popup at position popup_menu({what}, {options}) Number create a popup window used as a menu popup_move({id}, {options}) none set position of popup window {id} popup_notification({what}, {options}) Number create a notification popup window popup_setoptions({id}, {options}) none set options for popup window {id} popup_settext({id}, {text}) none set the text of popup window {id} popup_show({id}) none unhide popup window {id} pow({x}, {y}) Float {x} to the power of {y} prevnonblank({lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum} printf({fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text prompt_getprompt({buf}) String get prompt text prompt_setcallback({buf}, {expr}) none set prompt callback function prompt_setinterrupt({buf}, {text}) none set prompt interrupt function prompt_setprompt({buf}, {text}) none set prompt text prop_add({lnum}, {col}, {props}) none add a text property prop_clear({lnum} [, {lnum-end} [, {props}]]) none remove all text properties prop_find({props} [, {direction}]) Dict search for a text property prop_list({lnum} [, {props}]) List text properties in {lnum} prop_remove({props} [, {lnum} [, {lnum-end}]]) Number remove a text property prop_type_add({name}, {props}) none define a new property type prop_type_change({name}, {props}) none change an existing property type prop_type_delete({name} [, {props}]) none delete a property type prop_type_get([{name} [, {props}]]) Dict get property type values prop_type_list([{props}]) List get list of property types pum_getpos() Dict position and size of pum if visible pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible py3eval({expr}) any evaluate |python3| expression pyeval({expr}) any evaluate |Python| expression pyxeval({expr}) any evaluate |python_x| expression rand([{expr}]) Number get pseudo-random number range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) List items from {expr} to {max} readdir({dir} [, {expr} [, {dict}]]) List file names in {dir} selected by {expr} readdirex({dir} [, {expr} [, {dict}]]) List file info in {dir} selected by {expr} readfile({fname} [, {type} [, {max}]]) List get list of lines from file {fname} reduce({object}, {func} [, {initial}]) any reduce {object} using {func} reg_executing() String get the executing register name reg_recording() String get the recording register name reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value reltimefloat({time}) Float turn the time value into a Float reltimestr({time}) String turn time value into a String remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar} [, {timeout}]]) String send expression remote_foreground({server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) Number check for reply string remote_read({serverid} [, {timeout}]) String read reply string remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}]) String send key sequence remote_startserver({name}) none become server {name} remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any/List remove items {idx}-{end} from {list} remove({blob}, {idx} [, {end}]) Number/Blob remove bytes {idx}-{end} from {blob} remove({dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict} rename({from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to} repeat({expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times resolve({filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to reverse({list}) List reverse {list} in-place round({expr}) Float round off {expr} rubyeval({expr}) any evaluate |Ruby| expression screenattr({row}, {col}) Number attribute at screen position screenchar({row}, {col}) Number character at screen position screenchars({row}, {col}) List List of characters at screen position screencol() Number current cursor column screenpos({winid}, {lnum}, {col}) Dict screen row and col of a text character screenrow() Number current cursor row screenstring({row}, {col}) String characters at screen position search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout} [, {skip}]]]]) Number search for {pattern} searchcount([{options}]) Dict get or update search stats searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) Number search for variable declaration searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]]) Number search for other end of start/end pair searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]]) List search for other end of start/end pair searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout} [, {skip}]]]]) List search for {pattern} server2client({clientid}, {string}) Number send reply string serverlist() String get a list of available servers setbufline({expr}, {lnum}, {text}) Number set line {lnum} to {text} in buffer {expr} setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) none set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val} setcellwidths({list}) none set character cell width overrides setcharsearch({dict}) Dict set character search from {dict} setcmdpos({pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line setenv({name}, {val}) none set environment variable setfperm({fname}, {mode}) Number set {fname} file permissions to {mode} setline({lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line} setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) Number modify location list using {list} setloclist({nr}, {list}, {action}, {what}) Number modify specific location list props setmatches({list} [, {win}]) Number restore a list of matches setpos({expr}, {list}) Number set the {expr} position to {list} setqflist({list} [, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list} setqflist({list}, {action}, {what}) Number modify specific quickfix list props setreg({n}, {v} [, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type settabvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) none set {varname} in tab page {nr} to {val} settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) none set {varname} in window {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val} settagstack({nr}, {dict} [, {action}]) Number modify tag stack using {dict} setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) none set {varname} in window {nr} to {val} sha256({string}) String SHA256 checksum of {string} shellescape({string} [, {special}]) String escape {string} for use as shell command argument shiftwidth([{col}]) Number effective value of 'shiftwidth' sign_define({name} [, {dict}]) Number define or update a sign sign_define({list}) List define or update a list of signs sign_getdefined([{name}]) List get a list of defined signs sign_getplaced([{expr} [, {dict}]]) List get a list of placed signs sign_jump({id}, {group}, {expr}) Number jump to a sign sign_place({id}, {group}, {name}, {expr} [, {dict}]) Number place a sign sign_placelist({list}) List place a list of signs sign_undefine([{name}]) Number undefine a sign sign_undefine({list}) List undefine a list of signs sign_unplace({group} [, {dict}]) Number unplace a sign sign_unplacelist({list}) List unplace a list of signs simplify({filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible sin({expr}) Float sine of {expr} sinh({expr}) Float hyperbolic sine of {expr} sort({list} [, {func} [, {dict}]]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare sound_clear() none stop playing all sounds sound_playevent({name} [, {callback}]) Number play an event sound sound_playfile({path} [, {callback}]) Number play sound file {path} sound_stop({id}) none stop playing sound {id} soundfold({word}) String sound-fold {word} spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]]) List spelling suggestions split({expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]]) List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr} sqrt({expr}) Float square root of {expr} srand([{expr}]) List get seed for |rand()| state([{what}]) String current state of Vim str2float({expr}) Float convert String to Float str2list({expr} [, {utf8}]) List convert each character of {expr} to ASCII/UTF8 value str2nr({expr} [, {base} [, {quoted}]]) Number convert String to Number strcharpart({str}, {start} [, {len}]) String {len} characters of {str} at character {start} strchars({expr} [, {skipcc}]) Number character length of the String {expr} strdisplaywidth({expr} [, {col}]) Number display length of the String {expr} strftime({format} [, {time}]) String format time with a specified format strgetchar({str}, {index}) Number get char {index} from {str} stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) Number index of {needle} in {haystack} string({expr}) String String representation of {expr} value strlen({expr}) Number length of the String {expr} strpart({str}, {start} [, {len} [, {chars}]]) String {len} bytes/chars of {str} at byte {start} strptime({format}, {timestring}) Number Convert {timestring} to unix timestamp strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) Number last index of {needle} in {haystack} strtrans({expr}) String translate string to make it printable strwidth({expr}) Number display cell length of the String {expr} submatch({nr} [, {list}]) String or List specific match in ":s" or substitute() substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub} swapinfo({fname}) Dict information about swap file {fname} swapname({expr}) String swap file of buffer {expr} synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col} synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID} synIDtrans({synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID} synconcealed({lnum}, {col}) List info about concealing synstack({lnum}, {col}) List stack of syntax IDs at {lnum} and {col} system({expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr} systemlist({expr} [, {input}]) List output of shell command/filter {expr} tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page tabpagenr([{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page tabpagewinnr({tabarg} [, {arg}]) Number number of current window in tab page tagfiles() List tags files used taglist({expr} [, {filename}]) List list of tags matching {expr} tan({expr}) Float tangent of {expr} tanh({expr}) Float hyperbolic tangent of {expr} tempname() String name for a temporary file term_dumpdiff({filename}, {filename} [, {options}]) Number display difference between two dumps term_dumpload({filename} [, {options}]) Number displaying a screen dump term_dumpwrite({buf}, {filename} [, {options}]) none dump terminal window contents term_getaltscreen({buf}) Number get the alternate screen flag term_getansicolors({buf}) List get ANSI palette in GUI color mode term_getattr({attr}, {what}) Number get the value of attribute {what} term_getcursor({buf}) List get the cursor position of a terminal term_getjob({buf}) Job get the job associated with a terminal term_getline({buf}, {row}) String get a line of text from a terminal term_getscrolled({buf}) Number get the scroll count of a terminal term_getsize({buf}) List get the size of a terminal term_getstatus({buf}) String get the status of a terminal term_gettitle({buf}) String get the title of a terminal term_gettty({buf}, [{input}]) String get the tty name of a terminal term_list() List get the list of terminal buffers term_scrape({buf}, {row}) List get row of a terminal screen term_sendkeys({buf}, {keys}) none send keystrokes to a terminal term_setansicolors({buf}, {colors}) none set ANSI palette in GUI color mode term_setapi({buf}, {expr}) none set |terminal-api| function name prefix term_setkill({buf}, {how}) none set signal to stop job in terminal term_setrestore({buf}, {command}) none set command to restore terminal term_setsize({buf}, {rows}, {cols}) none set the size of a terminal term_start({cmd} [, {options}]) Number open a terminal window and run a job term_wait({buf} [, {time}]) Number wait for screen to be updated terminalprops() Dict properties of the terminal test_alloc_fail({id}, {countdown}, {repeat}) none make memory allocation fail test_autochdir() none enable 'autochdir' during startup test_feedinput({string}) none add key sequence to input buffer test_garbagecollect_now() none free memory right now for testing test_garbagecollect_soon() none free memory soon for testing test_getvalue({string}) any get value of an internal variable test_ignore_error({expr}) none ignore a specific error test_null_blob() Blob null value for testing test_null_channel() Channel null value for testing test_null_dict() Dict null value for testing test_null_function() Funcref null value for testing test_null_job() Job null value for testing test_null_list() List null value for testing test_null_partial() Funcref null value for testing test_null_string() String null value for testing test_option_not_set({name}) none reset flag indicating option was set test_override({expr}, {val}) none test with Vim internal overrides test_refcount({expr}) Number get the reference count of {expr} test_scrollbar({which}, {value}, {dragging}) none scroll in the GUI for testing test_setmouse({row}, {col}) none set the mouse position for testing test_settime({expr}) none set current time for testing test_srand_seed([seed]) none set seed for testing srand() test_unknown() any unknown value for testing test_void() any void value for testing timer_info([{id}]) List information about timers timer_pause({id}, {pause}) none pause or unpause a timer timer_start({time}, {callback} [, {options}]) Number create a timer timer_stop({timer}) none stop a timer timer_stopall() none stop all timers tolower({expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase toupper({expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr} to chars in {tostr} trim({text} [, {mask} [, {dir}]]) String trim characters in {mask} from {text} trunc({expr}) Float truncate Float {expr} type({name}) Number type of variable {name} undofile({name}) String undo file name for {name} undotree() List undo file tree uniq({list} [, {func} [, {dict}]]) List remove adjacent duplicates from a list values({dict}) List values in {dict} virtcol({expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark visualmode([expr]) String last visual mode used wildmenumode() Number whether 'wildmenu' mode is active win_execute({id}, {command} [, {silent}]) String execute {command} in window {id} win_findbuf({bufnr}) List find windows containing {bufnr} win_getid([{win} [, {tab}]]) Number get window ID for {win} in {tab} win_gettype([{nr}]) String type of window {nr} win_gotoid({expr}) Number go to window with ID {expr} win_id2tabwin({expr}) List get tab and window nr from window ID win_id2win({expr}) Number get window nr from window ID win_screenpos({nr}) List get screen position of window {nr} win_splitmove({nr}, {target} [, {options}]) Number move window {nr} to split of {target} winbufnr({nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr} wincol() Number window column of the cursor windowsversion() String MS-Windows OS version winheight({nr}) Number height of window {nr} winlayout([{tabnr}]) List layout of windows in tab {tabnr} winline() Number window line of the cursor winnr([{expr}]) Number number of current window winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes winrestview({dict}) none restore view of current window winsaveview() Dict save view of current window winwidth({nr}) Number width of window {nr} wordcount() Dict get byte/char/word statistics writefile({object}, {fname} [, {flags}]) Number write |Blob| or |List| of lines to file xor({expr}, {expr}) Number bitwise XOR abs({expr}) *abs()* Return the absolute value of {expr}. When {expr} evaluates to a |Float| abs() returns a |Float|. When {expr} can be converted to a |Number| abs() returns a |Number|. Otherwise abs() gives an error message and returns -1. Examples: > echo abs(1.456) < 1.456 > echo abs(-5.456) < 5.456 > echo abs(-4) < 4 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->abs() < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} acos({expr}) *acos()* Return the arc cosine of {expr} measured in radians, as a |Float| in the range of [0, pi]. {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range [-1, 1]. Examples: > :echo acos(0) < 1.570796 > :echo acos(-0.5) < 2.094395 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->acos() < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} add({object}, {expr}) *add()* Append the item {expr} to |List| or |Blob| {object}. Returns the resulting |List| or |Blob|. Examples: > :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item) :call add(mylist, "woodstock") < Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|. When {object} is a |Blob| then {expr} must be a number. Use |insert()| to add an item at another position. Can also be used as a |method|: > mylist->add(val1)->add(val2) and({expr}, {expr}) *and()* Bitwise AND on the two arguments. The arguments are converted to a number. A List, Dict or Float argument causes an error. Example: > :let flag = and(bits, 0x80) < Can also be used as a |method|: > :let flag = bits->and(0x80) append({lnum}, {text}) *append()* When {text} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer. Otherwise append {text} as one text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer. {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one. Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory), 0 for success. Example: > :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END") :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"]) < Can also be used as a |method| after a List, the base is passed as the second argument: > mylist->append(lnum) appendbufline({expr}, {lnum}, {text}) *appendbufline()* Like |append()| but append the text in buffer {expr}. This function works only for loaded buffers. First call |bufload()| if needed. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|. {lnum} is used like with |append()|. Note that using |line()| would use the current buffer, not the one appending to. Use "$" to append at the end of the buffer. On success 0 is returned, on failure 1 is returned. If {expr} is not a valid buffer or {lnum} is not valid, an error message is given. Example: > :let failed = appendbufline(13, 0, "# THE START") < < Can also be used as a |method| after a List, the base is passed as the second argument: > mylist->appendbufline(buf, lnum) argc([{winid}]) *argc()* The result is the number of files in the argument list. See |arglist|. If {winid} is not supplied, the argument list of the current window is used. If {winid} is -1, the global argument list is used. Otherwise {winid} specifies the window of which the argument list is used: either the window number or the window ID. Returns -1 if the {winid} argument is invalid. *argidx()* argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|. *arglistid()* arglistid([{winnr} [, {tabnr}]]) Return the argument list ID. This is a number which identifies the argument list being used. Zero is used for the global argument list. See |arglist|. Returns -1 if the arguments are invalid. Without arguments use the current window. With {winnr} only use this window in the current tab page. With {winnr} and {tabnr} use the window in the specified tab page. {winnr} can be the window number or the |window-ID|. *argv()* argv([{nr} [, {winid}]]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one. Example: > :let i = 0 :while i < argc() : let f = escape(fnameescape(argv(i)), '.') : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '' : let i = i + 1 :endwhile < Without the {nr} argument, or when {nr} is -1, a |List| with the whole |arglist| is returned. The {winid} argument specifies the window ID, see |argc()|. For the Vim command line arguments see |v:argv|. asin({expr}) *asin()* Return the arc sine of {expr} measured in radians, as a |Float| in the range of [-pi/2, pi/2]. {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range [-1, 1]. Examples: > :echo asin(0.8) < 0.927295 > :echo asin(-0.5) < -0.523599 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->asin() < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} assert_ functions are documented here: |assert-functions-details| atan({expr}) *atan()* Return the principal value of the arc tangent of {expr}, in the range [-pi/2, +pi/2] radians, as a |Float|. {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. Examples: > :echo atan(100) < 1.560797 > :echo atan(-4.01) < -1.326405 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->atan() < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} atan2({expr1}, {expr2}) *atan2()* Return the arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}, measured in radians, as a |Float| in the range [-pi, pi]. {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. Examples: > :echo atan2(-1, 1) < -0.785398 > :echo atan2(1, -1) < 2.356194 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->atan(1) < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} balloon_gettext() *balloon_gettext()* Return the current text in the balloon. Only for the string, not used for the List. balloon_show({expr}) *balloon_show()* Show {expr} inside the balloon. For the GUI {expr} is used as a string. For a terminal {expr} can be a list, which contains the lines of the balloon. If {expr} is not a list it will be split with |balloon_split()|. If {expr} is an empty string any existing balloon is removed. Example: > func GetBalloonContent() " ... initiate getting the content return '' endfunc set balloonexpr=GetBalloonContent() func BalloonCallback(result) call balloon_show(a:result) endfunc < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetText()->balloon_show() < The intended use is that fetching the content of the balloon is initiated from 'balloonexpr'. It will invoke an asynchronous method, in which a callback invokes balloon_show(). The 'balloonexpr' itself can return an empty string or a placeholder. When showing a balloon is not possible nothing happens, no error message. {only available when compiled with the |+balloon_eval| or |+balloon_eval_term| feature} balloon_split({msg}) *balloon_split()* Split {msg} into lines to be displayed in a balloon. The splits are made for the current window size and optimize to show debugger output. Returns a |List| with the split lines. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetText()->balloon_split()->balloon_show() < {only available when compiled with the |+balloon_eval_term| feature} *browse()* browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default}) Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")" returns |TRUE| (only in some GUI versions). The input fields are: {save} when |TRUE|, select file to write {title} title for the requester {initdir} directory to start browsing in {default} default file name An empty string is returned when the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or browsing is not possible. *browsedir()* browsedir({title}, {initdir}) Put up a directory requester. This only works when "has("browse")" returns |TRUE| (only in some GUI versions). On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory to be used. The input fields are: {title} title for the requester {initdir} directory to start browsing in When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned. bufadd({name}) *bufadd()* Add a buffer to the buffer list with {name}. If a buffer for file {name} already exists, return that buffer number. Otherwise return the buffer number of the newly created buffer. When {name} is an empty string then a new buffer is always created. The buffer will not have 'buflisted' set and not be loaded yet. To add some text to the buffer use this: > let bufnr = bufadd('someName') call bufload(bufnr) call setbufline(bufnr, 1, ['some', 'text']) < Can also be used as a |method|: > let bufnr = 'somename'->bufadd() bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()* The result is a Number, which is |TRUE| if a buffer called {expr} exists. If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used. Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window. If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name exactly. The name can be: - Relative to the current directory. - A full path. - The name of a buffer with 'buftype' set to "nofile". - A URL name. Unlisted buffers will be found. Note that help files are listed by their short name in the output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their long name to be able to find them. bufexists() may report a buffer exists, but to use the name with a |:buffer| command you may need to use |expand()|. Esp for MS-Windows 8.3 names in the form "c:\DOCUME~1" Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate file name. Can also be used as a |method|: > let exists = 'somename'->bufexists() < Obsolete name: buffer_exists(). *buffer_exists()* buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()* The result is a Number, which is |TRUE| if a buffer called {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set). The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|. Can also be used as a |method|: > let listed = 'somename'->buflisted() bufload({expr}) *bufload()* Ensure the buffer {expr} is loaded. When the buffer name refers to an existing file then the file is read. Otherwise the buffer will be empty. If the buffer was already loaded then there is no change. If there is an existing swap file for the file of the buffer, there will be no dialog, the buffer will be loaded anyway. The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|. Can also be used as a |method|: > eval 'somename'->bufload() bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()* The result is a Number, which is |TRUE| if a buffer called {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden). The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|. Can also be used as a |method|: > let loaded = 'somename'->bufloaded() bufname([{expr}]) *bufname()* The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the ":ls" command. If {expr} is omitted the current buffer is used. If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given. Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window. If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one match an empty string is returned. "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the alternate buffer. A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end or middle of the buffer name is accepted. If you only want a full match then put "^" at the start and "$" at the end of the pattern. Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted buffers are searched for. If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: > :echo bufname("3" + 0) < Can also be used as a |method|: > echo bufnr->bufname() < If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty string is returned. > bufname("#") alternate buffer name bufname(3) name of buffer 3 bufname("%") name of current buffer bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches. < *buffer_name()* Obsolete name: buffer_name(). *bufnr()* bufnr([{expr} [, {create}]]) The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above. If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the {create} argument is present and TRUE, a new, unlisted, buffer is created and its number is returned. Example: > let newbuf = bufnr('Scratch001', 1) < Using an empty name uses the current buffer. To create a new buffer with an empty name use |bufadd()|. bufnr("$") is the last buffer: > :let last_buffer = bufnr("$") < The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer. Can also be used as a |method|: > echo bufref->bufnr() < Obsolete name: buffer_number(). *buffer_number()* *last_buffer_nr()* Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr(). bufwinid({expr}) *bufwinid()* The result is a Number, which is the |window-ID| of the first window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: > echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinid(1)) < Only deals with the current tab page. Can also be used as a |method|: > FindBuffer()->bufwinid() bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()* Like |bufwinid()| but return the window number instead of the |window-ID|. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: > echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1)) < The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w" |:wincmd|. Can also be used as a |method|: > FindBuffer()->bufwinnr() byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()* Return the line number that contains the character at byte count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first character has byte count one. Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetOffset()->byte2line() < {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset| feature} byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()* Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it then returns zero. This function is only useful when there are multibyte characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}. Composing characters are not counted separately, their byte length is added to the preceding base character. See |byteidxcomp()| below for counting composing characters separately. Example : > echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3)) < will display the fourth character. Another way to do the same: > let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3)) echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1)) < Also see |strgetchar()| and |strcharpart()|. If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned. If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string in bytes is returned. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetName()->byteidx(idx) byteidxcomp({expr}, {nr}) *byteidxcomp()* Like byteidx(), except that a composing character is counted as a separate character. Example: > let s = 'e' . nr2char(0x301) echo byteidx(s, 1) echo byteidxcomp(s, 1) echo byteidxcomp(s, 2) < The first and third echo result in 3 ('e' plus composing character is 3 bytes), the second echo results in 1 ('e' is one byte). Only works differently from byteidx() when 'encoding' is set to a Unicode encoding. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetName()->byteidxcomp(idx) call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699* Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as arguments. {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function. a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line. Returns the return value of the called function. {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function| Can also be used as a |method|: > GetFunc()->call([arg, arg], dict) ceil({expr}) *ceil()* Return the smallest integral value greater than or equal to {expr} as a |Float| (round up). {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. Examples: > echo ceil(1.456) < 2.0 > echo ceil(-5.456) < -5.0 > echo ceil(4.0) < 4.0 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->ceil() < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} ch_ functions are documented here: |channel-functions-details| changenr() *changenr()* Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used with the |:undo| command. When a change was made it is the number of that change. After redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is one less than the number of the undone change. char2nr({expr} [, {utf8}]) *char2nr()* Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: > char2nr(" ") returns 32 char2nr("ABC") returns 65 < When {utf8} is omitted or zero, the current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": > char2nr("á") returns 225 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195 < With {utf8} set to TRUE, always treat as utf-8 characters. A combining character is a separate character. |nr2char()| does the opposite. To turn a string into a list of character numbers: > let str = "ABC" let list = map(split(str, '\zs'), {_, val -> char2nr(val)}) < Result: [65, 66, 67] Can also be used as a |method|: > GetChar()->char2nr() charclass({string}) *charclass()* Return the character class of the first character in {string}. The character class is one of: 0 blank 1 punctuation 2 word character 3 emoji other specific Unicode class The class is used in patterns and word motions. chdir({dir}) *chdir()* Change the current working directory to {dir}. The scope of the directory change depends on the directory of the current window: - If the current window has a window-local directory (|:lcd|), then changes the window local directory. - Otherwise, if the current tabpage has a local directory (|:tcd|) then changes the tabpage local directory. - Otherwise, changes the global directory. {dir} must be a String. If successful, returns the previous working directory. Pass this to another chdir() to restore the directory. On failure, returns an empty string. Example: > let save_dir = chdir(newdir) if save_dir != "" " ... do some work call chdir(save_dir) endif < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetDir()->chdir() < cindent({lnum}) *cindent()* Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C indenting rules, as with 'cindent'. The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|. When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent| feature, -1 is returned. See |C-indenting|. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetLnum()->cindent() clearmatches([{win}]) *clearmatches()* Clears all matches previously defined for the current window by |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. If {win} is specified, use the window with this number or window ID instead of the current window. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetWin()->clearmatches() < *col()* col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are: . the cursor position $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the number of bytes in the cursor line plus one) 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is returned) v In Visual mode: the start of the Visual area (the cursor is the end). When not in Visual mode returns the cursor position. Differs from |'<| in that it's updated right away. Additionally {expr} can be [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line and column number. Most useful when the column is "$", to get the last column of a specific line. When "lnum" or "col" is out of range then col() returns zero. To get the line number use |line()|. To get both use |getpos()|. For the screen column position use |virtcol()|. Note that only marks in the current file can be used. Examples: > col(".") column of cursor col("$") length of cursor line plus one col("'t") column of mark t col("'" . markname) column of mark markname < The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error. For an uppercase mark the column may actually be in another buffer. For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: > :imap :let save_ve = &ve \:set ve=all \:echo col(".") . "\n" \let &ve = save_ve < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetPos()->col() < complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785* Set the matches for Insert mode completion. Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping with CTRL-R = (see |i_CTRL-R|). It does not work after CTRL-O or with an expression mapping. {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a match. {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match. See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible. Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid inserting anything that would cause completion to stop. The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if specified, see |ins-completion-menu|. Example: > inoremap =ListMonths() func! ListMonths() call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March', \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September', \ 'October', 'November', 'December']) return '' endfunc < This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted. Can also be used as a |method|, the base is passed as the second argument: > GetMatches()->complete(col('.')) complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()* Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the function specified with the 'completefunc' option. Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory), 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in the list. See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetMoreMatches()->complete_add() complete_check() *complete_check()* Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches. This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time. Returns |TRUE| when searching for matches is to be aborted, zero otherwise. Only to be used by the function specified with the 'completefunc' option. *complete_info()* complete_info([{what}]) Returns a |Dictionary| with information about Insert mode completion. See |ins-completion|. The items are: mode Current completion mode name string. See |complete_info_mode| for the values. pum_visible |TRUE| if popup menu is visible. See |pumvisible()|. items List of completion matches. Each item is a dictionary containing the entries "word", "abbr", "menu", "kind", "info" and "user_data". See |complete-items|. selected Selected item index. First index is zero. Index is -1 if no item is selected (showing typed text only) inserted Inserted string. [NOT IMPLEMENT YET] *complete_info_mode* mode values are: "" Not in completion mode "keyword" Keyword completion |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-N| "ctrl_x" Just pressed CTRL-X |i_CTRL-X| "whole_line" Whole lines |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-L| "files" File names |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-F| "tags" Tags |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-]| "path_defines" Definition completion |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-D| "path_patterns" Include completion |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-I| "dictionary" Dictionary |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-K| "thesaurus" Thesaurus |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-T| "cmdline" Vim Command line |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-V| "function" User defined completion |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-U| "omni" Omni completion |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-O| "spell" Spelling suggestions |i_CTRL-X_s| "eval" |complete()| completion "unknown" Other internal modes If the optional {what} list argument is supplied, then only the items listed in {what} are returned. Unsupported items in {what} are silently ignored. To get the position and size of the popup menu, see |pum_getpos()|. It's also available in |v:event| during the |CompleteChanged| event. Examples: > " Get all items call complete_info() " Get only 'mode' call complete_info(['mode']) " Get only 'mode' and 'pum_visible' call complete_info(['mode', 'pum_visible']) < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetItems()->complete_info() < *confirm()* confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]]) confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first choice this is 1. Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|. {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is used (and translated). {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit. {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated by '\n', e.g. > confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel") < The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice. Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does not need to be the first letter: > confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All") < For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as the default shortcut key. The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice that is made if the user hits . Use 1 to make the first choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If {default} is omitted, 1 is used. The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This is only used for the icon of the GTK, Mac, Motif and Win32 GUI. It can be one of these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type} is omitted, "Generic" is used. If the user aborts the dialog by pressing , CTRL-C, or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0. An example: > :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2) :if choice == 0 : echo "make up your mind!" :elseif choice == 3 : echo "tasteful" :else : echo "I prefer bananas myself." :endif < In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included, the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm() tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems the horizontal layout is always used. Can also be used as a |method|in: > BuildMessage()->confirm("&Yes\n&No") < *copy()* copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't different from using {expr} directly. When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means that the original |List| can be changed without changing the copy, and vice versa. But the items are identical, thus changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. A |Dictionary| is copied in a similar way as a |List|. Also see |deepcopy()|. Can also be used as a |method|: > mylist->copy() cos({expr}) *cos()* Return the cosine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|. {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. Examples: > :echo cos(100) < 0.862319 > :echo cos(-4.01) < -0.646043 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->cos() < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} cosh({expr}) *cosh()* Return the hyperbolic cosine of {expr} as a |Float| in the range [1, inf]. {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. Examples: > :echo cosh(0.5) < 1.127626 > :echo cosh(-0.5) < -1.127626 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->cosh() < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()* Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears in |String|, |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}. If {start} is given then start with the item with this index. {start} can only be used with a |List|. When {ic} is given and it's |TRUE| then case is ignored. When {comp} is a string then the number of not overlapping occurrences of {expr} is returned. Zero is returned when {expr} is an empty string. Can also be used as a |method|: > mylist->count(val) < *cscope_connection()* cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]]) Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no parameters are specified, then the function returns: 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or if there are no cscope connections; 1, if there is at least one cscope connection. If parameters are specified, then the value of {num} determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked: {num} Description of existence check ----- ------------------------------ 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()"). 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for {dbpath}. 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for {dbpath}. 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both {dbpath} and {prepend}. 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both {dbpath} and {prepend}. Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive! Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): > # pid database name prepend path 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local < Invocation Return Val ~ ---------- ---------- > cscope_connection() 1 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1 < cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()* cursor({list}) Positions the cursor at the column (byte count) {col} in the line {lnum}. The first column is one. When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List| with two, three or four item: [{lnum}, {col}] [{lnum}, {col}, {off}] [{lnum}, {col}, {off}, {curswant}] This is like the return value of |getpos()| or |getcurpos()|, but without the first item. Does not change the jumplist. If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer, the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer. If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line. If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line, the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the line. If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column. If {curswant} is given it is used to set the preferred column for vertical movement. Otherwise {col} is used. When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a position within a or after the last character. Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetCursorPos()->cursor() debugbreak({pid}) *debugbreak()* Specifically used to interrupt a program being debugged. It will cause process {pid} to get a SIGTRAP. Behavior for other processes is undefined. See |terminal-debugger|. {only available on MS-Windows} Can also be used as a |method|: > GetPid()->debugbreak() deepcopy({expr} [, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698* Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't different from using {expr} directly. When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means that the original |List| can be changed without changing the copy, and vice versa. When an item is a |List| or |Dictionary|, a copy for it is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does not change the contents of the original |List|. A |Dictionary| is copied in a similar way as a |List|. When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail. *E724* Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with {noref} set to 1 will fail. Also see |copy()|. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetObject()->deepcopy() delete({fname} [, {flags}]) *delete()* Without {flags} or with {flags} empty: Deletes the file by the name {fname}. This also works when {fname} is a symbolic link. When {flags} is "d": Deletes the directory by the name {fname}. This fails when directory {fname} is not empty. When {flags} is "rf": Deletes the directory by the name {fname} and everything in it, recursively. BE CAREFUL! Note: on MS-Windows it is not possible to delete a directory that is being used. A symbolic link itself is deleted, not what it points to. The result is a Number, which is 0 if the delete operation was successful and -1 when the deletion failed or partly failed. Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|. To delete a line from the buffer use |:delete| or |deletebufline()|. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetName()->delete() deletebufline({expr}, {first} [, {last}]) *deletebufline()* Delete lines {first} to {last} (inclusive) from buffer {expr}. If {last} is omitted then delete line {first} only. On success 0 is returned, on failure 1 is returned. This function works only for loaded buffers. First call |bufload()| if needed. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above. {first} and {last} are used like with |getline()|. Note that when using |line()| this refers to the current buffer. Use "$" to refer to the last line in buffer {expr}. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetBuffer()->deletebufline(1) < *did_filetype()* did_filetype() Returns |TRUE| when autocommands are being executed and the FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts that detect the file type. |FileType| Returns |FALSE| when `:setf FALLBACK` was used. When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax file. diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()* Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}. These are the lines that were inserted at this point in another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the display but don't exist in the buffer. {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current line, "'m" mark m, etc. Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetLnum()->diff_filler() diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()* Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a diff change zero is returned. {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current line, "'m" mark m, etc. {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first line. The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain syntax information about the highlighting. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetLnum()->diff_hlID(col) echoraw({expr}) *echoraw()* Output {expr} as-is, including unprintable characters. This can be used to output a terminal code. For example, to disable modifyOtherKeys: > call echoraw(&t_TE) < and to enable it again: > call echoraw(&t_TI) < Use with care, you can mess up the terminal this way. empty({expr}) *empty()* Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise. - A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any items. - A |String| is empty when its length is zero. - A |Number| and |Float| are empty when their value is zero. - |v:false|, |v:none| and |v:null| are empty, |v:true| is not. - A |Job| is empty when it failed to start. - A |Channel| is empty when it is closed. - A |Blob| is empty when its length is zero. For a long |List| this is much faster than comparing the length with zero. Can also be used as a |method|: > mylist->empty() environ() *environ()* Return all of environment variables as dictionary. You can check if an environment variable exists like this: > :echo has_key(environ(), 'HOME') < Note that the variable name may be CamelCase; to ignore case use this: > :echo index(keys(environ()), 'HOME', 0, 1) != -1 escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()* Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a backslash. Example: > :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \') < results in: > c:\\program\ files\\vim < Also see |shellescape()| and |fnameescape()|. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetText()->escape(' \') < *eval()* eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to turn the result of |string()| back into the original value. This works for Numbers, Floats, Strings, Blobs and composites of them. Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing functions. Can also be used as a |method|: > argv->join()->eval() eventhandler() *eventhandler()* Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character, e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned. executable({expr}) *executable()* This function checks if an executable with the name {expr} exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any arguments. executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT* On MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".com;.exe;.bat;.cmd" is used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an extension. On MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and is not a directory, not if it's really executable. On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|. The result is a Number: 1 exists 0 does not exist -1 not implemented on this system |exepath()| can be used to get the full path of an executable. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetCommand()->executable() execute({command} [, {silent}]) *execute()* Execute an Ex command or commands and return the output as a string. {command} can be a string or a List. In case of a List the lines are executed one by one. This is equivalent to: > redir => var {command} redir END < The optional {silent} argument can have these values: "" no `:silent` used "silent" `:silent` used "silent!" `:silent!` used The default is "silent". Note that with "silent!", unlike `:redir`, error messages are dropped. When using an external command the screen may be messed up, use `system()` instead. *E930* It is not possible to use `:redir` anywhere in {command}. To get a list of lines use |split()| on the result: > split(execute('args'), "\n") < To execute a command in another window than the current one use `win_execute()`. When used recursively the output of the recursive call is not included in the output of the higher level call. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetCommand()->execute() exepath({expr}) *exepath()* If {expr} is an executable and is either an absolute path, a relative path or found in $PATH, return the full path. Note that the current directory is used when {expr} starts with "./", which may be a problem for Vim: > echo exepath(v:progpath) < If {expr} cannot be found in $PATH or is not executable then an empty string is returned. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetCommand()->exepath() < *exists()* exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is |TRUE| if {expr} is defined, zero otherwise. For checking for a supported feature use |has()|. For checking if a file exists use |filereadable()|. The {expr} argument is a string, which contains one of these: &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists, not if it really works) +option-name Vim option that works. $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be done by comparing with an empty string) *funcname built-in function (see |functions|) or user defined function (see |user-functions|) that is implemented. Also works for a variable that is a Funcref. ?funcname built-in function that could be implemented; to be used to check if "funcname" is valid varname internal variable (see |internal-variables|). Also works for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary| entries, |List| items, etc. Beware that evaluating an index may cause an error message for an invalid expression. E.g.: > :let l = [1, 2, 3] :echo exists("l[5]") < 0 > :echo exists("l[xx]") < E121: Undefined variable: xx 0 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user command or command modifier |:command|. Returns: 1 for match with start of a command 2 full match with a command 3 matches several user commands To check for a supported command always check the return value to be 2. :2match The |:2match| command. :3match The |:3match| command. #event autocommand defined for this event #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and pattern (the pattern is taken literally and compared to the autocommand patterns character by character) #group autocommand group exists #group#event autocommand defined for this group and event. #group#event#pattern autocommand defined for this group, event and pattern. ##event autocommand for this event is supported. Examples: > exists("&shortname") exists("$HOSTNAME") exists("*strftime") exists("*s:MyFunc") exists("bufcount") exists(":Make") exists("#CursorHold") exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz") exists("#filetypeindent") exists("#filetypeindent#FileType") exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*") exists("##ColorScheme") < There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the name. There must be no extra characters after the name, although in a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in the future, thus don't count on it! Working example: > exists(":make") < NOT working example: > exists(":make install") < Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the variable itself. For example: > exists(bufcount) < This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable, but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists. Can also be used as a |method|: > Varname()->exists() exp({expr}) *exp()* Return the exponential of {expr} as a |Float| in the range [0, inf]. {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. Examples: > :echo exp(2) < 7.389056 > :echo exp(-1) < 0.367879 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->exp() < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} expand({expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list}]]) *expand()* Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}. 'wildignorecase' applies. If {list} is given and it is |TRUE|, a List will be returned. Otherwise the result is a String and when there are several matches, they are separated by characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which caused problems when a file name contains a space] If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name for a non-existing file is not included, unless {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', see below. When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated modifiers. Here is a short overview: % current file name # alternate file name #n alternate file name n file name under the cursor autocmd file name autocmd buffer number (as a String!) autocmd matched name C expression under the cursor sourced script file or function name sourced script line number or function line number script file line number, also when in a function "123_" where "123" is the current script ID || call stack word under the cursor WORD under the cursor the {clientid} of the last received message |server2client()| Modifiers: :p expand to full path :h head (last path component removed) :t tail (last path component only) :r root (one extension removed) :e extension only Example: > :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags" < Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: > :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak") < Use this: > :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak" < Also note that expanding "" and others only returns the referenced file name without further expansion. If "" is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: > :echo expand(expand("")) < There cannot be white space between the variables and the following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used to modify normal file names. When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a '/' added. When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line. 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional {nosuf} argument is given and it is |TRUE|. Names for non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README" files in the current directory and below: > :echo expand("**/README") < expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be slow, because a shell may be used to do the expansion. See |expr-env-expand|. The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in "$FOOBAR". See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command. Can also be used as a |method|: > Getpattern()->expand() expandcmd({expr}) *expandcmd()* Expand special items in {expr} like what is done for an Ex command such as `:edit`. This expands special keywords, like with |expand()|, and environment variables, anywhere in {expr}. "~user" and "~/path" are only expanded at the start. Returns the expanded string. Example: > :echo expandcmd('make %<.o') < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetCommand()->expandcmd() < extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()* {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both |Dictionaries|. If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}. If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then {expr2} is appended. Examples: > :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5])) :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1) < When {expr1} is the same List as {expr2} then the number of items copied is equal to the original length of the List. E.g., when {expr3} is 1 you get N new copies of the first item (where N is the original length of the List). Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate two lists into a new list use the + operator: > :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5] < If they are |Dictionaries|: Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}. If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is used to decide what to do: {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1} {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2} {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737* When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed. {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary make a copy of {expr1} first. {expr2} remains unchanged. When {expr1} is locked and {expr2} is not empty the operation fails. Returns {expr1}. Can also be used as a |method|: > mylist->extend(otherlist) feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()* Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they come from a mapping or were typed by the user. By default the string is added to the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still being executed the characters come after them. Use the 'i' flag to insert before other characters, they will be executed next, before any characters from a mapping. The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in {string}. To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example, feedkeys("\") simulates pressing of the key. But feedkeys('\') pushes 5 characters. A special code that might be useful is , it exits the wait for a character without doing anything. ** {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags: 'm' Remap keys. This is default. If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped. 'n' Do not remap keys. 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo, opening folds, etc. 'L' Lowlevel input. Only works for Unix or when using the GUI. Keys are used as if they were coming from the terminal. Other flags are not used. *E980* When a CTRL-C interrupts and 't' is included it sets the internal "got_int" flag. 'i' Insert the string instead of appending (see above). 'x' Execute commands until typeahead is empty. This is similar to using ":normal!". You can call feedkeys() several times without 'x' and then one time with 'x' (possibly with an empty {string}) to execute all the typeahead. Note that when Vim ends in Insert mode it will behave as if is typed, to avoid getting stuck, waiting for a character to be typed before the script continues. Note that if you manage to call feedkeys() while executing commands, thus calling it recursively, then all typeahead will be consumed by the last call. '!' When used with 'x' will not end Insert mode. Can be used in a test when a timer is set to exit Insert mode a little later. Useful for testing CursorHoldI. Return value is always 0. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetInput()->feedkeys() filereadable({file}) *filereadable()* The result is a Number, which is |TRUE| when a file with the name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist, or is a directory, the result is |FALSE|. {file} is any expression, which is used as a String. If you don't care about the file being readable you can use |glob()|. {file} is used as-is, you may want to expand wildcards first: > echo filereadable('~/.vimrc') 0 echo filereadable(expand('~/.vimrc')) 1 < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetName()->filereadable() < *file_readable()* Obsolete name: file_readable(). filewritable({file}) *filewritable()* The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If {file} is a directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetName()->filewritable() filter({expr1}, {expr2}) *filter()* {expr1} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|. For each item in {expr1} evaluate {expr2} and when the result is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|. {expr2} must be a |string| or |Funcref|. If {expr2} is a |string|, inside {expr2} |v:val| has the value of the current item. For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item and for a |List| |v:key| has the index of the current item. Examples: > call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"') < Removes the items where "OLD" appears. > call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8') < Removes the items with a key below 8. > call filter(var, 0) < Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|. Note that {expr2} is the result of expression and is then used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. If {expr2} is a |Funcref| it must take two arguments: 1. the key or the index of the current item. 2. the value of the current item. The function must return |TRUE| if the item should be kept. Example that keeps the odd items of a list: > func Odd(idx, val) return a:idx % 2 == 1 endfunc call filter(mylist, function('Odd')) < It is shorter when using a |lambda|: > call filter(myList, {idx, val -> idx * val <= 42}) < If you do not use "val" you can leave it out: > call filter(myList, {idx -> idx % 2 == 1}) < The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: > :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"') < Returns {expr1}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered. When an error is encountered while evaluating {expr2} no further items in {expr1} are processed. When {expr2} is a Funcref errors inside a function are ignored, unless it was defined with the "abort" flag. Can also be used as a |method|: > mylist->filter(expr2) finddir({name} [, {path} [, {count}]]) *finddir()* Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching| for the syntax of {path}. Returns the path of the first found match. When the found directory is below the current directory a relative path is returned. Otherwise a full path is returned. If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used. If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of {name} in {path} instead of the first one. When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|. This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|. {only available when compiled with the |+file_in_path| feature} Can also be used as a |method|: > GetName()->finddir() findfile({name} [, {path} [, {count}]]) *findfile()* Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory. Uses 'suffixesadd'. Example: > :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;") < Searches from the directory of the current file upwards until it finds the file "tags.vim". Can also be used as a |method|: > GetName()->findfile() flatten({list} [, {maxdepth}]) *flatten()* Flatten {list} up to {maxdepth} levels. Without {maxdepth} the result is a |List| without nesting, as if {maxdepth} is a very large number. The {list} is changed in place, make a copy first if you do not want that. *E900* {maxdepth} means how deep in nested lists changes are made. {list} is not modified when {maxdepth} is 0. {maxdepth} must be positive number. If there is an error the number zero is returned. Example: > :echo flatten([1, [2, [3, 4]], 5]) < [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] > :echo flatten([1, [2, [3, 4]], 5], 1) < [1, 2, [3, 4], 5] float2nr({expr}) *float2nr()* Convert {expr} to a Number by omitting the part after the decimal point. {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a Number. When the value of {expr} is out of range for a |Number| the result is truncated to 0x7fffffff or -0x7fffffff (or when 64-bit Number support is enabled, 0x7fffffffffffffff or -0x7fffffffffffffff). NaN results in -0x80000000 (or when 64-bit Number support is enabled, -0x8000000000000000). Examples: > echo float2nr(3.95) < 3 > echo float2nr(-23.45) < -23 > echo float2nr(1.0e100) < 2147483647 (or 9223372036854775807) > echo float2nr(-1.0e150) < -2147483647 (or -9223372036854775807) > echo float2nr(1.0e-100) < 0 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->float2nr() < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} floor({expr}) *floor()* Return the largest integral value less than or equal to {expr} as a |Float| (round down). {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. Examples: > echo floor(1.856) < 1.0 > echo floor(-5.456) < -6.0 > echo floor(4.0) < 4.0 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->floor() < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} fmod({expr1}, {expr2}) *fmod()* Return the remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}, even if the division is not representable. Returns {expr1} - i * {expr2} for some integer i such that if {expr2} is non-zero, the result has the same sign as {expr1} and magnitude less than the magnitude of {expr2}. If {expr2} is zero, the value returned is zero. The value returned is a |Float|. {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. Examples: > :echo fmod(12.33, 1.22) < 0.13 > :echo fmod(-12.33, 1.22) < -0.13 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->fmod(1.22) < {only available when compiled with |+float| feature} fnameescape({string}) *fnameescape()* Escape {string} for use as file name command argument. All characters that have a special meaning, such as '%' and '|' are escaped with a backslash. For most systems the characters escaped are " \t\n*?[{`$\\%#'\"|!<". For systems where a backslash appears in a filename, it depends on the value of 'isfname'. A leading '+' and '>' is also escaped (special after |:edit| and |:write|). And a "-" by itself (special after |:cd|). Example: > :let fname = '+some str%nge|name' :exe "edit " . fnameescape(fname) < results in executing: > edit \+some\ str\%nge\|name < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetName()->fnameescape() fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()* Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a string of characters like it is used for file names on the command line. See |filename-modifiers|. Example: > :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h") < results in: > /home/mool/vim/vim/src < Note: Environment variables don't work in {fname}, use |expand()| first then. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetName()->fnamemodify(':p:h') foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()* The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold. If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetLnum()->foldclosed() foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()* The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold. If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetLnum()->foldclosedend() foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()* The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum} in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed. When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the previous line is usually available. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetLnum()->foldlevel() < *foldtext()* foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables. The returned string looks like this: > +-- 45 lines: abcdef < The number of leading dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//" or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring' options is removed. When used to draw the actual foldtext, the rest of the line will be filled with the fold char from the 'fillchars' setting. {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature} foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()* Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context. When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is returned. {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current line, "'m" mark m, etc. Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML. {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature} Can also be used as a |method|: > GetLnum()->foldtextresult() < *foreground()* foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()| On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use |remote_foreground()| instead. {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the Win32 console version} *funcref()* funcref({name} [, {arglist}] [, {dict}]) Just like |function()|, but the returned Funcref will lookup the function by reference, not by name. This matters when the function {name} is redefined later. Unlike |function()|, {name} must be an existing user function. Also for autoloaded functions. {name} cannot be a builtin function. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetFuncname()->funcref([arg]) < *function()* *E700* *E922* *E923* function({name} [, {arglist}] [, {dict}]) Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}. {name} can be the name of a user defined function or an internal function. {name} can also be a Funcref or a partial. When it is a partial the dict stored in it will be used and the {dict} argument is not allowed. E.g.: > let FuncWithArg = function(dict.Func, [arg]) let Broken = function(dict.Func, [arg], dict) < When using the Funcref the function will be found by {name}, also when it was redefined later. Use |funcref()| to keep the same function. When {arglist} or {dict} is present this creates a partial. That means the argument list and/or the dictionary is stored in the Funcref and will be used when the Funcref is called. The arguments are passed to the function in front of other arguments, but after any argument from |method|. Example: > func Callback(arg1, arg2, name) ... let Partial = function('Callback', ['one', 'two']) ... call Partial('name') < Invokes the function as with: > call Callback('one', 'two', 'name') < With a |method|: > func Callback(one, two, three) ... let Partial = function('Callback', ['two']) ... eval 'one'->Partial('three') < Invokes the function as with: > call Callback('one', 'two', 'three') < The function() call can be nested to add more arguments to the Funcref. The extra arguments are appended to the list of arguments. Example: > func Callback(arg1, arg2, name) ... let Func = function('Callback', ['one']) let Func2 = function(Func, ['two']) ... call Func2('name') < Invokes the function as with: > call Callback('one', 'two', 'name') < The Dictionary is only useful when calling a "dict" function. In that case the {dict} is passed in as "self". Example: > function Callback() dict echo "called for " . self.name endfunction ... let context = {"name": "example"} let Func = function('Callback', context) ... call Func() " will echo: called for example < The use of function() is not needed when there are no extra arguments, these two are equivalent: > let Func = function('Callback', context) let Func = context.Callback < The argument list and the Dictionary can be combined: > function Callback(arg1, count) dict ... let context = {"name": "example"} let Func = function('Callback', ['one'], context) ... call Func(500) < Invokes the function as with: > call context.Callback('one', 500) < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetFuncname()->function([arg]) garbagecollect([{atexit}]) *garbagecollect()* Cleanup unused |Lists|, |Dictionaries|, |Channels| and |Jobs| that have circular references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always freed when they become unused. This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs for a long time. When the optional {atexit} argument is one, garbage collection will also be done when exiting Vim, if it wasn't done before. This is useful when checking for memory leaks. The garbage collection is not done immediately but only when it's safe to perform. This is when waiting for the user to type a character. To force garbage collection immediately use |test_garbagecollect_now()|. get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()* Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is omitted. Preferably used as a |method|: > mylist->get(idx) get({blob}, {idx} [, {default}]) Get byte {idx} from |Blob| {blob}. When this byte is not available return {default}. Return -1 when {default} is omitted. Preferably used as a |method|: > myblob->get(idx) get({dict}, {key} [, {default}]) Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this item is not available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is omitted. Useful example: > let val = get(g:, 'var_name', 'default') < This gets the value of g:var_name if it exists, and uses 'default' when it does not exist. Preferably used as a |method|: > mydict->get(key) get({func}, {what}) Get an item with from Funcref {func}. Possible values for {what} are: "name" The function name "func" The function "dict" The dictionary "args" The list with arguments Preferably used as a |method|: > myfunc->get(what) < *getbufinfo()* getbufinfo([{expr}]) getbufinfo([{dict}]) Get information about buffers as a List of Dictionaries. Without an argument information about all the buffers is returned. When the argument is a |Dictionary| only the buffers matching the specified criteria are returned. The following keys can be specified in {dict}: buflisted include only listed buffers. bufloaded include only loaded buffers. bufmodified include only modified buffers. Otherwise, {expr} specifies a particular buffer to return information for. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above. If the buffer is found the returned List has one item. Otherwise the result is an empty list. Each returned List item is a dictionary with the following entries: bufnr Buffer number. changed TRUE if the buffer is modified. changedtick Number of changes made to the buffer. hidden TRUE if the buffer is hidden. lastused Timestamp in seconds, like |localtime()|, when the buffer was last used. {only with the |+viminfo| feature} listed TRUE if the buffer is listed. lnum Line number used for the buffer when opened in the current window. linecount Number of lines in the buffer (only valid when loaded) loaded TRUE if the buffer is loaded. name Full path to the file in the buffer. signs List of signs placed in the buffer. Each list item is a dictionary with the following fields: id sign identifier lnum line number name sign name variables A reference to the dictionary with buffer-local variables. windows List of |window-ID|s that display this buffer popups List of popup |window-ID|s that display this buffer Examples: > for buf in getbufinfo() echo buf.name endfor for buf in getbufinfo({'buflisted':1}) if buf.changed .... endif endfor < To get buffer-local options use: > getbufvar({bufnr}, '&option_name') < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetBufnr()->getbufinfo() < *getbufline()* getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}]) Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end} (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above. For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the buffer. Otherwise a number must be used. When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned. When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer, it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned. This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned. Example: > :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$") < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetBufnr()->getbufline(lnum) getbufvar({expr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *getbufvar()* The result is the value of option or local buffer variable {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:" must be used. When {varname} is empty returns a dictionary with all the buffer-local variables. When {varname} is equal to "&" returns a dictionary with all the buffer-local options. Otherwise, when {varname} starts with "&" returns the value of a buffer-local option. This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or window-local option. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above. When the buffer or variable doesn't exist {def} or an empty string is returned, there is no error message. Examples: > :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod") :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar") < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetBufnr()->getbufvar(varname) < getchangelist([{expr}]) *getchangelist()* Returns the |changelist| for the buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist, an empty list is returned. The returned list contains two entries: a list with the change locations and the current position in the list. Each entry in the change list is a dictionary with the following entries: col column number coladd column offset for 'virtualedit' lnum line number If buffer {expr} is the current buffer, then the current position refers to the position in the list. For other buffers, it is set to the length of the list. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetBufnr()->getchangelist() getchar([expr]) *getchar()* Get a single character from the user or input stream. If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available. If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available. Return zero otherwise. If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is not consumed. Return zero if no character available. Without [expr] and when [expr] is 0 a whole character or special key is returned. If it is a single character, the result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String. Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a String with a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the String "\", e.g., "\". The returned value is also a String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is not included in the character. When [expr] is 0 and Esc is typed, there will be a short delay while Vim waits to see if this is the start of an escape sequence. When [expr] is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a one-byte character it is the character itself as a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String. Use getcharmod() to obtain any additional modifiers. When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|, |v:mouse_lnum|, |v:mouse_winid| and |v:mouse_win|. |getmousepos()| can also be used. Mouse move events will be ignored. This example positions the mouse as it would normally happen: > let c = getchar() if c == "\" && v:mouse_win > 0 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w" exe v:mouse_lnum exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|" endif < When using bracketed paste only the first character is returned, the rest of the pasted text is dropped. |xterm-bracketed-paste|. There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the user that a character has to be typed. There is no mapping for the character. Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the key you get the code for the key, not the raw character sequence. Examples: > getchar() == "\" getchar() == "\" < This example redefines "f" to ignore case: > :nmap f :call FindChar() :function FindChar() : let c = nr2char(getchar()) : while col('.') < col('$') - 1 : normal l : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c : break : endif : endwhile :endfunction < You may also receive synthetic characters, such as ||. Often you will want to ignore this and get another character: > :function GetKey() : let c = getchar() : while c == "\" : let c = getchar() : endwhile : return c :endfunction getcharmod() *getcharmod()* The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way. These values are added together: 2 shift 4 control 8 alt (meta) 16 meta (when it's different from ALT) 32 mouse double click 64 mouse triple click 96 mouse quadruple click (== 32 + 64) 128 command (Macintosh only) Only the modifiers that have not been included in the character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A" without a modifier. getcharsearch() *getcharsearch()* Return the current character search information as a {dict} with the following entries: char character previously used for a character search (|t|, |f|, |T|, or |F|); empty string if no character search has been performed forward direction of character search; 1 for forward, 0 for backward until type of character search; 1 for a |t| or |T| character search, 0 for an |f| or |F| character search This can be useful to always have |;| and |,| search forward/backward regardless of the direction of the previous character search: > :nnoremap ; getcharsearch().forward ? ';' : ',' :nnoremap , getcharsearch().forward ? ',' : ';' < Also see |setcharsearch()|. getcmdline() *getcmdline()* Return the current command-line. Only works when the command line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Example: > :cmap eescape(getcmdline(), ' \') < Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|. Returns an empty string when entering a password or using |inputsecret()|. getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()* Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a byte count. The first column is 1. Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=| or an expression mapping. Returns 0 otherwise. Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|. getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()* Return the current command-line type. Possible return values are: : normal Ex command > debug mode command |debug-mode| / forward search command ? backward search command @ |input()| command - |:insert| or |:append| command = |i_CTRL-R_=| Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=| or an expression mapping. Returns an empty string otherwise. Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|. getcmdwintype() *getcmdwintype()* Return the current |command-line-window| type. Possible return values are the same as |getcmdtype()|. Returns an empty string when not in the command-line window. getcompletion({pat}, {type} [, {filtered}]) *getcompletion()* Return a list of command-line completion matches. {type} specifies what for. The following completion types are supported: arglist file names in argument list augroup autocmd groups buffer buffer names behave :behave suboptions color color schemes command Ex command (and arguments) cmdline |cmdline-completion| result compiler compilers cscope |:cscope| suboptions diff_buffer |:diffget| and |:diffput| completion dir directory names environment environment variable names event autocommand events expression Vim expression file file and directory names file_in_path file and directory names in |'path'| filetype filetype names |'filetype'| function function name help help subjects highlight highlight groups history :history suboptions locale locale names (as output of locale -a) mapclear buffer argument mapping mapping name menu menus messages |:messages| suboptions option options packadd optional package |pack-add| names shellcmd Shell command sign |:sign| suboptions syntax syntax file names |'syntax'| syntime |:syntime| suboptions tag tags tag_listfiles tags, file names user user names var user variables If {pat} is an empty string, then all the matches are returned. Otherwise only items matching {pat} are returned. See |wildcards| for the use of special characters in {pat}. If the optional {filtered} flag is set to 1, then 'wildignore' is applied to filter the results. Otherwise all the matches are returned. The 'wildignorecase' option always applies. If {type} is "cmdline", then the |cmdline-completion| result is returned. For example, to complete the possible values after a ":call" command: > echo getcompletion('call ', 'cmdline') < If there are no matches, an empty list is returned. An invalid value for {type} produces an error. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetPattern()->getcompletion('color') < *getcurpos()* getcurpos([{winid}]) Get the position of the cursor. This is like getpos('.'), but includes an extra "curswant" item in the list: [0, lnum, col, off, curswant] ~ The "curswant" number is the preferred column when moving the cursor vertically. Also see |getpos()|. The first "bufnum" item is always zero. The optional {winid} argument can specify the window. It can be the window number or the |window-ID|. The last known cursor position is returned, this may be invalid for the current value of the buffer if it is not the current window. If {winid} is invalid a list with zeroes is returned. This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: > let save_cursor = getcurpos() MoveTheCursorAround call setpos('.', save_cursor) < Note that this only works within the window. See |winrestview()| for restoring more state. *getcwd()* getcwd([{winnr} [, {tabnr}]]) The result is a String, which is the name of the current working directory. With {winnr} return the local current directory of this window in the current tab page. {winnr} can be the window number or the |window-ID|. If {winnr} is -1 return the name of the global working directory. See also |haslocaldir()|. With {winnr} and {tabnr} return the local current directory of the window in the specified tab page. If {winnr} is -1 return the working directory of the tabpage. If {winnr} is zero use the current window, if {tabnr} is zero use the current tabpage. Without any arguments, return the working directory of the current window. Return an empty string if the arguments are invalid. Examples: > " Get the working directory of the current window :echo getcwd() :echo getcwd(0) :echo getcwd(0, 0) " Get the working directory of window 3 in tabpage 2 :echo getcwd(3, 2) " Get the global working directory :echo getcwd(-1) " Get the working directory of tabpage 3 :echo getcwd(-1, 3) " Get the working directory of current tabpage :echo getcwd(-1, 0) < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetWinnr()->getcwd() < getenv({name}) *getenv()* Return the value of environment variable {name}. When the variable does not exist |v:null| is returned. That is different from a variable set to an empty string, although some systems interpret the empty value as the variable being deleted. See also |expr-env|. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetVarname()->getenv() getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()* Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group |hl-Normal|. With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid font name. If not then an empty string is returned. Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the GUI does not support obtaining the real name. Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this function just after the GUI has started. Note that the GTK GUI accepts any font name, thus checking for a valid name does not work. getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()* The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute permissions of the given file {fname}. If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an empty string is returned. The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users. If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this is replaced with the string "-". Examples: > :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd") :echo getfperm(expand("~/.vimrc")) < This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------". Can also be used as a |method|: > GetFilename()->getfperm() < For setting permissions use |setfperm()|. getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()* The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the given file {fname}. If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned. If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned. If the size of {fname} is too big to fit in a Number then -2 is returned. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetFilename()->getfsize() getftime({fname}) *getftime()* The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also |localtime()| and |strftime()|. If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetFilename()->getftime() getftype({fname}) *getftype()* The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of file of the given file {fname}. If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned. Here is a table over different kinds of files and their results: Normal file "file" Directory "dir" Symbolic link "link" Block device "bdev" Character device "cdev" Socket "socket" FIFO "fifo" All other "other" Example: > getftype("/home") < Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and "file" are returned. On MS-Windows a symbolic link to a directory returns "dir" instead of "link". Can also be used as a |method|: > GetFilename()->getftype() getimstatus() *getimstatus()* The result is a Number, which is |TRUE| when the IME status is active. See 'imstatusfunc'. getjumplist([{winnr} [, {tabnr}]]) *getjumplist()* Returns the |jumplist| for the specified window. Without arguments use the current window. With {winnr} only use this window in the current tab page. {winnr} can also be a |window-ID|. With {winnr} and {tabnr} use the window in the specified tab page. The returned list contains two entries: a list with the jump locations and the last used jump position number in the list. Each entry in the jump location list is a dictionary with the following entries: bufnr buffer number col column number coladd column offset for 'virtualedit' filename filename if available lnum line number Can also be used as a |method|: > GetWinnr()->getjumplist() < *getline()* getline({lnum} [, {end}]) Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum} from the current buffer. Example: > getline(1) < When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a digit, |line()| is called to translate the String into a Number. To get the line under the cursor: > getline(".") < When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned. When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end}, including line {end}. {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}. Non-existing lines are silently omitted. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned. Example: > :let start = line('.') :let end = search("^$") - 1 :let lines = getline(start, end) < Can also be used as a |method|: > ComputeLnum()->getline() < To get lines from another buffer see |getbufline()| getloclist({nr} [, {what}]) *getloclist()* Returns a |List| with all the entries in the location list for window {nr}. {nr} can be the window number or the |window-ID|. When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location list window, the displayed location list is returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is returned. Otherwise, same as |getqflist()|. If the optional {what} dictionary argument is supplied, then returns the items listed in {what} as a dictionary. Refer to |getqflist()| for the supported items in {what}. In addition to the items supported by |getqflist()| in {what}, the following item is supported by |getloclist()|: filewinid id of the window used to display files from the location list. This field is applicable only when called from a location list window. See |location-list-file-window| for more details. Returns a Dictionary with default values if there is no location list for the window {nr}. Returns an empty Dictionary if window {nr} does not exist. Examples (See also |getqflist-examples|): > :echo getloclist(3, {'all': 0}) :echo getloclist(5, {'filewinid': 0}) getmarklist([{expr}]) *getmarklist()* Without the {expr} argument returns a |List| with information about all the global marks. |mark| If the optional {expr} argument is specified, returns the local marks defined in buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|. Each item in the returned List is a |Dict| with the following: name - name of the mark prefixed by "'" pos - a |List| with the position of the mark: [bufnum, lnum, col, off] Refer to |getpos()| for more information. file - file name Refer to |getpos()| for getting information about a specific mark. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetBufnr()->getmarklist() getmatches([{win}]) *getmatches()* Returns a |List| with all matches previously defined for the current window by |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. |getmatches()| is useful in combination with |setmatches()|, as |setmatches()| can restore a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. Example: > :echo getmatches() < [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO', 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2', 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] > :let m = getmatches() :call clearmatches() :echo getmatches() < [] > :call setmatches(m) :echo getmatches() < [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO', 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2', 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] > :unlet m < getmousepos() *getmousepos()* Returns a |Dictionary| with the last known position of the mouse. This can be used in a mapping for a mouse click or in a filter of a popup window. The items are: screenrow screen row screencol screen column winid Window ID of the click winrow row inside "winid" wincol column inside "winid" line text line inside "winid" column text column inside "winid" All numbers are 1-based. If not over a window, e.g. when in the command line, then only "screenrow" and "screencol" are valid, the others are zero. When on the status line below a window or the vertical separator right of a window, the "line" and "column" values are zero. When the position is after the text then "column" is the length of the text in bytes. If the mouse is over a popup window then that window is used. When using |getchar()| the Vim variables |v:mouse_lnum|, |v:mouse_col| and |v:mouse_winid| also provide these values. *getpid()* getpid() Return a Number which is the process ID of the Vim process. On Unix and MS-Windows this is a unique number, until Vim exits. *getpos()* getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr} see |line()|. For getting the cursor position see |getcurpos()|. The result is a |List| with four numbers: [bufnum, lnum, col, off] "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it is the buffer number of the mark. "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first column is 1. The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a position within a or after the last character. Note that for '< and '> Visual mode matters: when it is "V" (visual line mode) the column of '< is zero and the column of '> is a large number. This can be used to save and restore the position of a mark: > let save_a_mark = getpos("'a") ... call setpos("'a", save_a_mark) < Also see |getcurpos()| and |setpos()|. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetMark()->getpos() getqflist([{what}]) *getqflist()* Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each list item is a dictionary with these entries: bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use bufname() to get the name module module name lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1) col column number (first column is 1) vcol |TRUE|: "col" is visual column |FALSE|: "col" is byte index nr error number pattern search pattern used to locate the error text description of the error type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc. valid |TRUE|: recognized error message When there is no error list or it's empty, an empty list is returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero. Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and do something with them: > :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c :for d in getqflist() : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text :endfor < If the optional {what} dictionary argument is supplied, then returns only the items listed in {what} as a dictionary. The following string items are supported in {what}: changedtick get the total number of changes made to the list |quickfix-changedtick| context get the |quickfix-context| efm errorformat to use when parsing "lines". If not present, then the 'errorformat' option value is used. id get information for the quickfix list with |quickfix-ID|; zero means the id for the current list or the list specified by "nr" idx get information for the quickfix entry at this index in the list specified by 'id' or 'nr'. If set to zero, then uses the current entry. See |quickfix-index| items quickfix list entries lines parse a list of lines using 'efm' and return the resulting entries. Only a |List| type is accepted. The current quickfix list is not modified. See |quickfix-parse|. nr get information for this quickfix list; zero means the current quickfix list and "$" means the last quickfix list qfbufnr number of the buffer displayed in the quickfix window. Returns 0 if the quickfix buffer is not present. See |quickfix-buffer|. size number of entries in the quickfix list title get the list title |quickfix-title| winid get the quickfix |window-ID| all all of the above quickfix properties Non-string items in {what} are ignored. To get the value of a particular item, set it to zero. If "nr" is not present then the current quickfix list is used. If both "nr" and a non-zero "id" are specified, then the list specified by "id" is used. To get the number of lists in the quickfix stack, set "nr" to "$" in {what}. The "nr" value in the returned dictionary contains the quickfix stack size. When "lines" is specified, all the other items except "efm" are ignored. The returned dictionary contains the entry "items" with the list of entries. The returned dictionary contains the following entries: changedtick total number of changes made to the list |quickfix-changedtick| context quickfix list context. See |quickfix-context| If not present, set to "". id quickfix list ID |quickfix-ID|. If not present, set to 0. idx index of the quickfix entry in the list. If not present, set to 0. items quickfix list entries. If not present, set to an empty list. nr quickfix list number. If not present, set to 0 qfbufnr number of the buffer displayed in the quickfix window. If not present, set to 0. size number of entries in the quickfix list. If not present, set to 0. title quickfix list title text. If not present, set to "". winid quickfix |window-ID|. If not present, set to 0 Examples (See also |getqflist-examples|): > :echo getqflist({'all': 1}) :echo getqflist({'nr': 2, 'title': 1}) :echo getqflist({'lines' : ["F1:10:L10"]}) < getreg([{regname} [, 1 [, {list}]]]) *getreg()* The result is a String, which is the contents of register {regname}. Example: > :let cliptext = getreg('*') < When {regname} was not set the result is an empty string. getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression register. (For use in maps.) getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra argument is ignored, thus you can always give it. If {list} is present and |TRUE|, the result type is changed to |List|. Each list item is one text line. Use it if you care about zero bytes possibly present inside register: without third argument both NLs and zero bytes are represented as NLs (see |NL-used-for-Nul|). When the register was not set an empty list is returned. If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetRegname()->getreg() getreginfo([{regname}]) *getreginfo()* Returns detailed information about register {regname} as a Dictionary with the following entries: regcontents List of lines contained in register {regname}, like |getreg|({regname}, 1, 1). regtype the type of register {regname}, as in |getregtype()|. isunnamed Boolean flag, v:true if this register is currently pointed to by the unnamed register. points_to for the unnamed register, gives the single letter name of the register currently pointed to (see |quotequote|). For example, after deleting a line with `dd`, this field will be "1", which is the register that got the deleted text. If {regname} is invalid or not set, an empty Dictionary will be returned. If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used. The returned Dictionary can be passed to |setreg()|. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetRegname()->getreginfo() getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()* The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}. The value will be one of: "v" for |characterwise| text "V" for |linewise| text "{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text "" for an empty or unknown register is one character with value 0x16. If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetRegname()->getregtype() gettabinfo([{arg}]) *gettabinfo()* If {arg} is not specified, then information about all the tab pages is returned as a |List|. Each List item is a |Dictionary|. Otherwise, {arg} specifies the tab page number and information about that one is returned. If the tab page does not exist an empty List is returned. Each List item is a |Dictionary| with the following entries: tabnr tab page number. variables a reference to the dictionary with tabpage-local variables windows List of |window-ID|s in the tab page. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetTabnr()->gettabinfo() gettabvar({tabnr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *gettabvar()* Get the value of a tab-local variable {varname} in tab page {tabnr}. |t:var| Tabs are numbered starting with one. When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all tab-local variables is returned. Note that the name without "t:" must be used. When the tab or variable doesn't exist {def} or an empty string is returned, there is no error message. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetTabnr()->gettabvar(varname) gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *gettabwinvar()* Get the value of window-local variable {varname} in window {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}. When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all window-local variables is returned. When {varname} is equal to "&" get the values of all window-local options in a |Dictionary|. Otherwise, when {varname} starts with "&" get the value of a window-local option. Note that {varname} must be the name without "w:". Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage use |getwinvar()|. {winnr} can be the window number or the |window-ID|. When {winnr} is zero the current window is used. This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable or buffer-local variable. When the tab, window or variable doesn't exist {def} or an empty string is returned, there is no error message. Examples: > :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list') :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar') < To obtain all window-local variables use: > gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, '&') < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetTabnr()->gettabwinvar(winnr, varname) gettagstack([{nr}]) *gettagstack()* The result is a Dict, which is the tag stack of window {nr}. {nr} can be the window number or the |window-ID|. When {nr} is not specified, the current window is used. When window {nr} doesn't exist, an empty Dict is returned. The returned dictionary contains the following entries: curidx Current index in the stack. When at top of the stack, set to (length + 1). Index of bottom of the stack is 1. items List of items in the stack. Each item is a dictionary containing the entries described below. length Number of entries in the stack. Each item in the stack is a dictionary with the following entries: bufnr buffer number of the current jump from cursor position before the tag jump. See |getpos()| for the format of the returned list. matchnr current matching tag number. Used when multiple matching tags are found for a name. tagname name of the tag See |tagstack| for more information about the tag stack. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetWinnr()->gettagstack() gettext({text}) *gettext()* Translate {text} if possible. This is mainly for use in the distributed Vim scripts. When generating message translations the {text} is extracted by xgettext, the translator can add the translated message in the .po file and Vim will lookup the translation when gettext() is called. For {text} double quoted strings are preferred, because xgettext does not understand escaping in single quoted strings. getwininfo([{winid}]) *getwininfo()* Returns information about windows as a |List| with Dictionaries. If {winid} is given Information about the window with that ID is returned, as a |List| with one item. If the window does not exist the result is an empty list. Without {winid} information about all the windows in all the tab pages is returned. Each List item is a |Dictionary| with the following entries: botline last displayed buffer line bufnr number of buffer in the window height window height (excluding winbar) loclist 1 if showing a location list {only with the +quickfix feature} quickfix 1 if quickfix or location list window {only with the +quickfix feature} terminal 1 if a terminal window {only with the +terminal feature} tabnr tab page number topline first displayed buffer line variables a reference to the dictionary with window-local variables width window width winbar 1 if the window has a toolbar, 0 otherwise wincol leftmost screen column of the window, col from |win_screenpos()| winid |window-ID| winnr window number winrow topmost screen column of the window, row from |win_screenpos()| Can also be used as a |method|: > GetWinnr()->getwininfo() getwinpos([{timeout}]) *getwinpos()* The result is a |List| with two numbers, the result of |getwinposx()| and |getwinposy()| combined: [x-pos, y-pos] {timeout} can be used to specify how long to wait in msec for a response from the terminal. When omitted 100 msec is used. Use a longer time for a remote terminal. When using a value less than 10 and no response is received within that time, a previously reported position is returned, if available. This can be used to poll for the position and do some work in the meantime: > while 1 let res = getwinpos(1) if res[0] >= 0 break endif " Do some work here endwhile < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetTimeout()->getwinpos() < *getwinposx()* getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. Also works for an xterm (uses a timeout of 100 msec). The result will be -1 if the information is not available. The value can be used with `:winpos`. *getwinposy()* getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of the top of the GUI Vim window. Also works for an xterm (uses a timeout of 100 msec). The result will be -1 if the information is not available. The value can be used with `:winpos`. getwinvar({winnr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *getwinvar()* Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage. Examples: > :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list') :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar') < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetWinnr()->getwinvar(varname) < glob({expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list} [, {alllinks}]]]) *glob()* Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. See |wildcards| for the use of special characters. Unless the optional {nosuf} argument is given and is |TRUE|, the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches. 'wildignorecase' always applies. When {list} is present and it is |TRUE| the result is a |List| with all matching files. The advantage of using a List is, you also get filenames containing newlines correctly. Otherwise the result is a String and when there are several matches, they are separated by characters. If the expansion fails, the result is an empty String or List. You can also use |readdir()| if you need to do complicated things, such as limiting the number of matches. A name for a non-existing file is not included. A symbolic link is only included if it points to an existing file. However, when the {alllinks} argument is present and it is |TRUE| then all symbolic links are included. For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from any external command. Example: > :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`") :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g") < The result of the program inside the backticks should be one item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed. See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetExpr()->glob() glob2regpat({expr}) *glob2regpat()* Convert a file pattern, as used by glob(), into a search pattern. The result can be used to match with a string that is a file name. E.g. > if filename =~ glob2regpat('Make*.mak') < This is equivalent to: > if filename =~ '^Make.*\.mak$' < When {expr} is an empty string the result is "^$", match an empty string. Note that the result depends on the system. On MS-Windows a backslash usually means a path separator. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetExpr()->glob2regpat() < *globpath()* globpath({path}, {expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list} [, {alllinks}]]]) Perform glob() for {expr} on all directories in {path} and concatenate the results. Example: > :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim") < {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with |glob()|. A path separator is inserted when needed. To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it. If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no error message. Unless the optional {nosuf} argument is given and is |TRUE|, the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches. When {list} is present and it is |TRUE| the result is a |List| with all matching files. The advantage of using a List is, you also get filenames containing newlines correctly. Otherwise the result is a String and when there are several matches, they are separated by characters. Example: > :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim", 0, 1) < {alllinks} is used as with |glob()|. The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories in 'runtimepath' and below: > :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt") < Upwards search and limiting the depth of "**" is not supported, thus using 'path' will not always work properly. Can also be used as a |method|, the base is passed as the second argument: > GetExpr()->globpath(&rtp) < *has()* has({feature} [, {check}]) When {check} is omitted or is zero: The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a string, case is ignored. See |feature-list| below. When {check} is present and not zero: The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} could ever be supported, zero otherwise. This is useful to check for a typo in {feature} and to detect dead code. Keep in mind that an older Vim version will not know about a feature added later and features that have been abandoned will not be known by the current Vim version. Also see |exists()|. Note that to skip code that has a syntax error when the feature is not available, Vim may skip the rest of the line and miss a following `endif`. Therefore put the `endif` on a separate line: > if has('feature') let x = this->breaks->without->the->feature endif < If the `endif` would be moved to the second line as "| endif" it would not be found. has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()* The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise. Can also be used as a |method|: > mydict->has_key(key) haslocaldir([{winnr} [, {tabnr}]]) *haslocaldir()* The result is a Number: 1 when the window has set a local directory via |:lcd| 2 when the tab-page has set a local directory via |:tcd| 0 otherwise. Without arguments use the current window. With {winnr} use this window in the current tab page. With {winnr} and {tabnr} use the window in the specified tab page. {winnr} can be the window number or the |window-ID|. If {winnr} is -1 it is ignored and only the tabpage is used. Return 0 if the arguments are invalid. Examples: > if haslocaldir() == 1 " window local directory case elseif haslocaldir() == 2 " tab-local directory case else " global directory case endif " current window :echo haslocaldir() :echo haslocaldir(0) :echo haslocaldir(0, 0) " window n in current tab page :echo haslocaldir(n) :echo haslocaldir(n, 0) " window n in tab page m :echo haslocaldir(n, m) " tab page m :echo haslocaldir(-1, m) < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetWinnr()->haslocaldir() hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()* The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to) and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by {mode}. When {abbr} is there and it is |TRUE| use abbreviations instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or Command-line mode. Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current buffer are checked for a match. If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned. The following characters are recognized in {mode}: n Normal mode v Visual and Select mode x Visual mode s Select mode o Operator-pending mode i Insert mode l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.) c Command-line mode When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used. This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists to a function in a Vim script. Example: > :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit') : map d \ABCdoit :endif < This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't already a mapping to "\ABCdoit". Can also be used as a |method|: > GetRHS()->hasmapto() histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()* Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be one of: *hist-names* "cmd" or ":" command line history "search" or "/" search pattern history "expr" or "=" typed expression history "input" or "@" input line history "debug" or ">" debug command history empty the current or last used history The {history} string does not need to be the whole name, one character is sufficient. If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be shifted to become the newest entry. The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful, otherwise 0 is returned. Example: > :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d")) :let date=input("Enter date: ") < This function is not available in the |sandbox|. Can also be used as a |method|, the base is passed as the second argument: > GetHistory()->histadd('search') histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()* Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}. If the parameter {item} evaluates to a String, it is used as a regular expression. All entries matching that expression will be removed from the history (if there are any). Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|. If {item} evaluates to a Number, it will be interpreted as an index, see |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed if it exists. The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation, otherwise 0 is returned. Examples: Clear expression register history: > :call histdel("expr") < Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: > :call histdel("/", '^\*') < The following three are equivalent: > :call histdel("search", histnr("search")) :call histdel("search", -1) :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$') < To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for the "n" command and 'hlsearch': > :call histdel("search", -1) :let @/ = histget("search", -1) < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetHistory()->histdel() histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()* The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is omitted, the most recent item from the history is used. Examples: Redo the second last search from history. > :execute '/' . histget("search", -2) < Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. > :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+) < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetHistory()->histget() histnr({history}) *histnr()* The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}. If an error occurred, -1 is returned. Example: > :let inp_index = histnr("expr") < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetHistory()->histnr() < hlexists({name}) *hlexists()* The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group called {name} exists. This is when the group has been defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax item. *highlight_exists()* Obsolete name: highlight_exists(). Can also be used as a |method|: > GetName()->hlexists() < *hlID()* hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist, zero is returned. This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight group. For example, to get the background color of the "Comment" group: > :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg") < *highlightID()* Obsolete name: highlightID(). Can also be used as a |method|: > GetName()->hlID() hostname() *hostname()* The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than 256 characters long are truncated. iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()* The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted from encoding {from} to encoding {to}. When the conversion completely fails an empty string is returned. When some characters could not be converted they are replaced with "?". The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv". Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv| feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back can be done. This can be used to display messages with special characters, no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in UTF-8 and use: > echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc) < Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetText()->iconv('latin1', 'utf-8') < *indent()* indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|. When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetLnum()->indent() index({object}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()* If {object} is a |List| return the lowest index where the item has a value equal to {expr}. There is no automatic conversion, so the String "4" is different from the Number 4. And the number 4 is different from the Float 4.0. The value of 'ignorecase' is not used here, case always matters. If {object} is |Blob| return the lowest index where the byte value is equal to {expr}. If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end). When {ic} is given and it is |TRUE|, ignore case. Otherwise case must match. -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {object}. Example: > :let idx = index(words, "the") :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0 < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetObject()->index(what) input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()* The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on the command-line. The {prompt} argument is either a prompt string, or a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the prompt to start a new line. The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt. The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history for lines typed for input(). Example: > :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer" : echo "Cheers!" :endif < If the optional {text} argument is present and not empty, this is used for the default reply, as if the user typed this. Example: > :let color = input("Color? ", "white") < The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of completion supported for the input. Without it completion is not performed. The supported completion types are the same as that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for more information. Example: > let fname = input("File: ", "", "file") < NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI). Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a mapping is handled like the characters were typed. Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()| after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using |:execute| or |:normal|. Example with a mapping: > :nmap \x :call GetFoo():exe "/" . Foo :function GetFoo() : call inputsave() : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ") : call inputrestore() :endfunction < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetPrompt()->input() inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()* Like |input()|, but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text. Example: > :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", shiftwidth()) :if n != "" : let &sw = n :endif < When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When omitted an empty string is returned. Hitting works like pressing the OK button. Hitting works like pressing the Cancel button. NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetPrompt()->inputdialog() inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()* {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to enter a number, which is returned. The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the mouse, if the mouse is enabled in the command line ('mouse' is "a" or includes "c"). For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking above the first item a negative number is returned. When clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist} is returned. Make sure {textlist} has less than 'lines' entries, otherwise it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at the start of the string. And put a prompt in the first item. Example: > let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red', \ '2. green', '3. blue']) < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetChoices()->inputlist() inputrestore() *inputrestore()* Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous |inputsave()|. Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is called. Calling it more often is harmless though. Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise. inputsave() *inputsave()* Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can be used several times, in which case there must be just as many inputrestore() calls. Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise. inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()* This function acts much like the |input()| function with but two exceptions: a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input |history| stack. The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt. NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetPrompt()->inputsecret() insert({object}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()* When {object} is a |List| or a |Blob| insert {item} at the start of it. If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item. Returns the resulting |List| or |Blob|. Examples: > :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1) :call insert(mylist, 4, -1) :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist)) < The last example can be done simpler with |add()|. Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|. Can also be used as a |method|: > mylist->insert(item) interrupt() *interrupt()* Interrupt script execution. It works more or less like the user typing CTRL-C, most commands won't execute and control returns to the user. This is useful to abort execution from lower down, e.g. in an autocommand. Example: > :function s:check_typoname(file) : if fnamemodify(a:file, ':t') == '[' : echomsg 'Maybe typo' : call interrupt() : endif :endfunction :au BufWritePre * call s:check_typoname(expand('')) invert({expr}) *invert()* Bitwise invert. The argument is converted to a number. A List, Dict or Float argument causes an error. Example: > :let bits = invert(bits) < Can also be used as a |method|: > :let bits = bits->invert() isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()* The result is a Number, which is |TRUE| when a directory with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't exist, or isn't a directory, the result is |FALSE|. {directory} is any expression, which is used as a String. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetName()->isdirectory() isinf({expr}) *isinf()* Return 1 if {expr} is a positive infinity, or -1 a negative infinity, otherwise 0. > :echo isinf(1.0 / 0.0) < 1 > :echo isinf(-1.0 / 0.0) < -1 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->isinf() < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786* The result is a Number, which is |TRUE| when {expr} is the name of a locked variable. {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: > :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3] :lockvar 1 alist :echo islocked('alist') " 1 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0 < When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error message. Use |exists()| to check for existence. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetName()->islocked() isnan({expr}) *isnan()* Return |TRUE| if {expr} is a float with value NaN. > echo isnan(0.0 / 0.0) < 1 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->isnan() < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} items({dict}) *items()* Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict} entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary order. Also see |keys()| and |values()|. Example: > for [key, value] in items(mydict) echo key . ': ' . value endfor < Can also be used as a |method|: > mydict->items() job_ functions are documented here: |job-functions-details| join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()* Join the items in {list} together into one String. When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If {sep} is omitted a single space is used. Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to add it there too: > let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n" < String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are converted into a string like with |string()|. The opposite function is |split()|. Can also be used as a |method|: > mylist->join() js_decode({string}) *js_decode()* This is similar to |json_decode()| with these differences: - Object key names do not have to be in quotes. - Strings can be in single quotes. - Empty items in an array (between two commas) are allowed and result in v:none items. Can also be used as a |method|: > ReadObject()->js_decode() js_encode({expr}) *js_encode()* This is similar to |json_encode()| with these differences: - Object key names are not in quotes. - v:none items in an array result in an empty item between commas. For example, the Vim object: [1,v:none,{"one":1},v:none] ~ Will be encoded as: [1,,{one:1},,] ~ While json_encode() would produce: [1,null,{"one":1},null] ~ This encoding is valid for JavaScript. It is more efficient than JSON, especially when using an array with optional items. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetObject()->js_encode() json_decode({string}) *json_decode()* This parses a JSON formatted string and returns the equivalent in Vim values. See |json_encode()| for the relation between JSON and Vim values. The decoding is permissive: - A trailing comma in an array and object is ignored, e.g. "[1, 2, ]" is the same as "[1, 2]". - Integer keys are accepted in objects, e.g. {1:2} is the same as {"1":2}. - More floating point numbers are recognized, e.g. "1." for "1.0", or "001.2" for "1.2". Special floating point values "Infinity", "-Infinity" and "NaN" (capitalization ignored) are accepted. - Leading zeroes in integer numbers are ignored, e.g. "012" for "12" or "-012" for "-12". - Capitalization is ignored in literal names null, true or false, e.g. "NULL" for "null", "True" for "true". - Control characters U+0000 through U+001F which are not escaped in strings are accepted, e.g. " " (tab character in string) for "\t". - An empty JSON expression or made of only spaces is accepted and results in v:none. - Backslash in an invalid 2-character sequence escape is ignored, e.g. "\a" is decoded as "a". - A correct surrogate pair in JSON strings should normally be a 12 character sequence such as "\uD834\uDD1E", but json_decode() silently accepts truncated surrogate pairs such as "\uD834" or "\uD834\u" *E938* A duplicate key in an object, valid in rfc7159, is not accepted by json_decode() as the result must be a valid Vim type, e.g. this fails: {"a":"b", "a":"c"} Can also be used as a |method|: > ReadObject()->json_decode() json_encode({expr}) *json_encode()* Encode {expr} as JSON and return this as a string. The encoding is specified in: https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc7159.html Vim values are converted as follows: |Number| decimal number |Float| floating point number Float nan "NaN" Float inf "Infinity" Float -inf "-Infinity" |String| in double quotes (possibly null) |Funcref| not possible, error |List| as an array (possibly null); when used recursively: [] |Dict| as an object (possibly null); when used recursively: {} |Blob| as an array of the individual bytes v:false "false" v:true "true" v:none "null" v:null "null" Note that NaN and Infinity are passed on as values. This is missing in the JSON standard, but several implementations do allow it. If not then you will get an error. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetObject()->json_encode() keys({dict}) *keys()* Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in arbitrary order. Also see |items()| and |values()|. Can also be used as a |method|: > mydict->keys() < *len()* *E701* len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument. When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is used, as with |strlen()|. When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is returned. When {expr} is a |Blob| the number of bytes is returned. When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the |Dictionary| is returned. Otherwise an error is given. Can also be used as a |method|: > mylist->len() < *libcall()* *E364* *E368* libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument}) Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname} with single argument {argument}. This is useful to call functions in a library that you especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument is possible, calling standard library functions is rather limited. The result is the String returned by the function. If the function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string "" to Vim. If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()! If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a null-terminated string. This function will fail in |restricted-mode|. libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will very probably crash. For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer, and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work, it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded. WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may crash! This also happens if the function returns a number, because Vim thinks it's a pointer. For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if the DLL is not in the usual places. For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC'). {only in Win32 and some Unix versions, when the |+libcall| feature is present} Examples: > :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME") < Can also be used as a |method|, the base is passed as the third argument: > GetValue()->libcall("libc.so", "getenv") < *libcallnr()* libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument}) Just like |libcall()|, but used for a function that returns an int instead of a string. {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall| feature is present} Examples: > :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "") :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n") :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10) < Can also be used as a |method|, the base is passed as the third argument: > GetValue()->libcallnr("libc.so", "printf") < line({expr} [, {winid}]) *line()* The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are: . the cursor position $ the last line in the current buffer 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is returned) w0 first line visible in current window (one if the display isn't updated, e.g. in silent Ex mode) w$ last line visible in current window (this is one less than "w0" if no lines are visible) v In Visual mode: the start of the Visual area (the cursor is the end). When not in Visual mode returns the cursor position. Differs from |'<| in that it's updated right away. Note that a mark in another file can be used. The line number then applies to another buffer. To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use |getpos()|. With the optional {winid} argument the values are obtained for that window instead of the current window. Examples: > line(".") line number of the cursor line(".", winid) idem, in window "winid" line("'t") line number of mark t line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker < To jump to the last known position when opening a file see |last-position-jump|. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetValue()->line() line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()* Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first line returns 1. 'encoding' matters, 'fileencoding' is ignored. This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just below the last line: > line2byte(line("$") + 1) < This is the buffer size plus one. If 'fileencoding' is empty it is the file size plus one. When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been disabled at compile time, -1 is returned. Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetLnum()->line2byte() lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()* Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp indenting rules, as with 'lisp'. The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|. When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetLnum()->lispindent() list2str({list} [, {utf8}]) *list2str()* Convert each number in {list} to a character string can concatenate them all. Examples: > list2str([32]) returns " " list2str([65, 66, 67]) returns "ABC" < The same can be done (slowly) with: > join(map(list, {nr, val -> nr2char(val)}), '') < |str2list()| does the opposite. When {utf8} is omitted or zero, the current 'encoding' is used. With {utf8} is 1, always return utf-8 characters. With utf-8 composing characters work as expected: > list2str([97, 769]) returns "á" < Can also be used as a |method|: > GetList()->list2str() listener_add({callback} [, {buf}]) *listener_add()* Add a callback function that will be invoked when changes have been made to buffer {buf}. {buf} refers to a buffer name or number. For the accepted values, see |bufname()|. When {buf} is omitted the current buffer is used. Returns a unique ID that can be passed to |listener_remove()|. The {callback} is invoked with five arguments: a:bufnr the buffer that was changed a:start first changed line number a:end first line number below the change a:added number of lines added, negative if lines were deleted a:changes a List of items with details about the changes Example: > func Listener(bufnr, start, end, added, changes) echo 'lines ' .. a:start .. ' until ' .. a:end .. ' changed' endfunc call listener_add('Listener', bufnr) < The List cannot be changed. Each item in a:changes is a dictionary with these entries: lnum the first line number of the change end the first line below the change added number of lines added; negative if lines were deleted col first column in "lnum" that was affected by the change; one if unknown or the whole line was affected; this is a byte index, first character has a value of one. When lines are inserted the values are: lnum line above which the new line is added end equal to "lnum" added number of lines inserted col 1 When lines are deleted the values are: lnum the first deleted line end the line below the first deleted line, before the deletion was done added negative, number of lines deleted col 1 When lines are changed: lnum the first changed line end the line below the last changed line added 0 col first column with a change or 1 The entries are in the order the changes were made, thus the most recent change is at the end. The line numbers are valid when the callback is invoked, but later changes may make them invalid, thus keeping a copy for later might not work. The {callback} is invoked just before the screen is updated, when |listener_flush()| is called or when a change is being made that changes the line count in a way it causes a line number in the list of changes to become invalid. The {callback} is invoked with the text locked, see |textlock|. If you do need to make changes to the buffer, use a timer to do this later |timer_start()|. The {callback} is not invoked when the buffer is first loaded. Use the |BufReadPost| autocmd event to handle the initial text of a buffer. The {callback} is also not invoked when the buffer is unloaded, use the |BufUnload| autocmd event for that. Can also be used as a |method|, the base is passed as the second argument: > GetBuffer()->listener_add(callback) listener_flush([{buf}]) *listener_flush()* Invoke listener callbacks for buffer {buf}. If there are no pending changes then no callbacks are invoked. {buf} refers to a buffer name or number. For the accepted values, see |bufname()|. When {buf} is omitted the current buffer is used. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetBuffer()->listener_flush() listener_remove({id}) *listener_remove()* Remove a listener previously added with listener_add(). Returns zero when {id} could not be found, one when {id} was removed. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetListenerId()->listener_remove() localtime() *localtime()* Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan 1970. See also |strftime()|, |strptime()| and |getftime()|. log({expr}) *log()* Return the natural logarithm (base e) of {expr} as a |Float|. {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range (0, inf]. Examples: > :echo log(10) < 2.302585 > :echo log(exp(5)) < 5.0 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->log() < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} log10({expr}) *log10()* Return the logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 as a |Float|. {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. Examples: > :echo log10(1000) < 3.0 > :echo log10(0.01) < -2.0 Can also be used as a |method|: > Compute()->log10() < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} luaeval({expr} [, {expr}]) *luaeval()* Evaluate Lua expression {expr} and return its result converted to Vim data structures. Second {expr} may hold additional argument accessible as _A inside first {expr}. Strings are returned as they are. Boolean objects are converted to numbers. Numbers are converted to |Float| values if vim was compiled with |+float| and to numbers otherwise. Dictionaries and lists obtained by vim.eval() are returned as-is. Other objects are returned as zero without any errors. See |lua-luaeval| for more details. Can also be used as a |method|: > GetExpr()->luaeval() < {only available when compiled with the |+lua| feature} map({expr1}, {expr2}) *map()* {expr1} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|. Replace each item in {expr1} with the result of evaluating {expr2}. {expr2} must be a |string| or |Funcref|. If {expr2} is a |string|, inside {expr2} |v:val| has the value of the current item. For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item and for a |List| |v:key| has the index of the current item. Example: > :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"') < This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist". Note that {expr2} is the result of an expression and is then used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You still have to double ' quotes If {expr2} is a |Funcref| it is called with two arguments: 1. The key or the index of the current item. 2. the value of the current item. The function must return the new value of the item. Example that changes each value by "key-value": > func KeyValue(key, val) return a:key . '-' . a:val endfunc call map(myDict, function('KeyValue')) < It is shorter when using a |lambda|: > call map(myDict, {key, val -> key . '-' . val}) < If you do not use "val" you can leave it out: > call map(myDict, {key -> 'item: ' . key}) < If you do not use "key" you can use a short name: > call map(myDict, {_, val -> 'item: ' . val}) < The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: > :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' v:val . "\t"') < Returns {expr1}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered. When an error is encountered while evaluating {expr2} no further items in {expr1} are processed. When {expr2} is a Funcref errors inside a function are ignored, unless it was defined with the "abort" flag. Can also be used as a |method|: > mylist->map(expr2) maparg({name} [, {mode} [, {abbr} [, {dict}]]]) *maparg()* When {dict} is omitted or zero: Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. The returned String has special characters translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing. When there is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned. When the mapping for {name} is empty, then "" is returned. The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map" command. {mode} can be one of these strings: "n" Normal "v" Visual (including Select) "o" Operator-pending "i" Insert "c" Cmd-line "s" Select "x" Visual "l" langmap |language-mapping| "t" Terminal-Job "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used. When {abbr} is there and it is |TRUE| use abbreviations instead of mappings. When {dict} is there and it is |TRUE| return a dictionary containing all the information of the mapping with the following items: "lhs" The {lhs} of the mapping as it would be typed "lhsraw" The {lhs} of the mapping as raw bytes "lhsrawalt" The {lhs} of the mapping as raw bytes, alternate form, only present when it differs from "lhsraw" "rhs" The {rhs} of the mapping as typed. "silent" 1 for a |:map-silent| mapping, else 0. "noremap" 1 if the {rhs} of the mapping is not remappable. "script" 1 if mapping was defined with