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*map.txt* For Vim version 8.2. Last change: 2020 Dec 10 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar Key mapping, abbreviations and user-defined commands. This subject is introduced in sections |05.3|, |24.7| and |40.1| of the user manual. 1. Key mapping |key-mapping| 1.1 MAP COMMANDS |:map-commands| 1.2 Special arguments |:map-arguments| 1.3 Mapping and modes |:map-modes| 1.4 Listing mappings |map-listing| 1.5 Mapping special keys |:map-special-keys| 1.6 Special characters |:map-special-chars| 1.7 What keys to map |map-which-keys| 1.8 Examples |map-examples| 1.9 Using mappings |map-typing| 1.10 Mapping alt-keys |:map-alt-keys| 1.11 Mapping in modifyOtherKeys mode |modifyOtherKeys| 1.12 Mapping an operator |:map-operator| 2. Abbreviations |abbreviations| 3. Local mappings and functions |script-local| 4. User-defined commands |user-commands| ============================================================================== 1. Key mapping *key-mapping* *mapping* *macro* Key mapping is used to change the meaning of typed keys. The most common use is to define a sequence of commands for a function key. Example: > :map <F2> a<C-R>=strftime("%c")<CR><Esc> This appends the current date and time after the cursor (in <> notation |<>|). 1.1 MAP COMMANDS *:map-commands* There are commands to enter new mappings, remove mappings and list mappings. See |map-overview| for the various forms of "map" and their relationships with modes. {lhs} means left-hand-side *{lhs}* {rhs} means right-hand-side *{rhs}* :map {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:map* :nm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-n| *:nm* *:nmap* :vm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-v| *:vm* *:vmap* :xm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-x| *:xm* *:xmap* :smap {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-s| *:smap* :om[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-o| *:om* *:omap* :map! {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-ic| *:map!* :im[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-i| *:im* *:imap* :lm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-l| *:lm* *:lma* *:lmap* :cm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-c| *:cm* *:cmap* :tma[p] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-t| *:tma* *:tmap* Map the key sequence {lhs} to {rhs} for the modes where the map command applies. The result, including {rhs}, is then further scanned for mappings. This allows for nested and recursive use of mappings. *:nore* *:norem* :no[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:no* *:noremap* *:nor* :nn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-n| *:nn* *:nnoremap* :vn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-v| *:vn* *:vnoremap* :xn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-x| *:xn* *:xnoremap* :snor[emap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-s| *:snor* *:snore* *:snoremap* :ono[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-o| *:ono* *:onoremap* :no[remap]! {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-ic| *:no!* *:noremap!* :ino[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-i| *:ino* *:inor* *:inoremap* :ln[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-l| *:ln* *:lnoremap* :cno[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-c| *:cno* *:cnor* *:cnoremap* :tno[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-t| *:tno* *:tnoremap* Map the key sequence {lhs} to {rhs} for the modes where the map command applies. Disallow mapping of {rhs}, to avoid nested and recursive mappings. Often used to redefine a command. :unm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:unm* *:unmap* :nun[map] {lhs} |mapmode-n| *:nun* *:nunmap* :vu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-v| *:vu* *:vunmap* :xu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-x| *:xu* *:xunmap* :sunm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-s| *:sunm* *:sunmap* :ou[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-o| *:ou* *:ounmap* :unm[ap]! {lhs} |mapmode-ic| *:unm!* *:unmap!* :iu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-i| *:iu* *:iunmap* :lu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-l| *:lu* *:lunmap* :cu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-c| *:cu* *:cun* *:cunmap* :tunma[p] {lhs} |mapmode-t| *:tunma* *:tunmap* Remove the mapping of {lhs} for the modes where the map command applies. The mapping may remain defined for other modes where it applies. Note: Trailing spaces are included in the {lhs}. This unmap does NOT work: > :map @@ foo :unmap @@ | print :mapc[lear] |mapmode-nvo| *:mapc* *:mapclear* :nmapc[lear] |mapmode-n| *:nmapc* *:nmapclear* :vmapc[lear] |mapmode-v| *:vmapc* *:vmapclear* :xmapc[lear] |mapmode-x| *:xmapc* *:xmapclear* :smapc[lear] |mapmode-s| *:smapc* *:smapclear* :omapc[lear] |mapmode-o| *:omapc* *:omapclear* :mapc[lear]! |mapmode-ic| *:mapc!* *:mapclear!* :imapc[lear] |mapmode-i| *:imapc* *:imapclear* :lmapc[lear] |mapmode-l| *:lmapc* *:lmapclear* :cmapc[lear] |mapmode-c| *:cmapc* *:cmapclear* :tmapc[lear] |mapmode-t| *:tmapc* *:tmapclear* Remove ALL mappings for the modes where the map command applies. Use the <buffer> argument to remove buffer-local mappings |:map-<buffer>| Warning: This also removes the default mappings. :map |mapmode-nvo| :nm[ap] |mapmode-n| :vm[ap] |mapmode-v| :xm[ap] |mapmode-x| :sm[ap] |mapmode-s| :om[ap] |mapmode-o| :map! |mapmode-ic| :im[ap] |mapmode-i| :lm[ap] |mapmode-l| :cm[ap] |mapmode-c| :tma[p] |mapmode-t| List all key mappings for the modes where the map command applies. Note that ":map" and ":map!" are used most often, because they include the other modes. :map {lhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:map_l* :nm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-n| *:nmap_l* :vm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-v| *:vmap_l* :xm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-x| *:xmap_l* :sm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-s| *:smap_l* :om[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-o| *:omap_l* :map! {lhs} |mapmode-ic| *:map_l!* :im[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-i| *:imap_l* :lm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-l| *:lmap_l* :cm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-c| *:cmap_l* :tma[p] {lhs} |mapmode-t| *:tmap_l* List the key mappings for the key sequences starting with {lhs} in the modes where the map command applies. These commands are used to map a key or key sequence to a string of characters. You can use this to put command sequences under function keys, translate one key into another, etc. See |:mkexrc| for how to save and restore the current mappings. *map-ambiguous* When two mappings start with the same sequence of characters, they are ambiguous. Example: > :imap aa foo :imap aaa bar When Vim has read "aa", it will need to get another character to be able to decide if "aa" or "aaa" should be mapped. This means that after typing "aa" that mapping won't get expanded yet, Vim is waiting for another character. If you type a space, then "foo" will get inserted, plus the space. If you type "a", then "bar" will get inserted. 1.2 SPECIAL ARGUMENTS *:map-arguments* "<buffer>", "<nowait>", "<silent>", "<special>", "<script>", "<expr>" and "<unique>" can be used in any order. They must appear right after the command, before any other arguments. *:map-local* *:map-<buffer>* *E224* *E225* If the first argument to one of these commands is "<buffer>" the mapping will be effective in the current buffer only. Example: > :map <buffer> ,w /[.,;]<CR> Then you can map ",w" to something else in another buffer: > :map <buffer> ,w /[#&!]<CR> The local buffer mappings are used before the global ones. See <nowait> below to make a short local mapping not taking effect when a longer global one exists. The "<buffer>" argument can also be used to clear mappings: > :unmap <buffer> ,w :mapclear <buffer> Local mappings are also cleared when a buffer is deleted, but not when it is unloaded. Just like local option values. Also see |map-precedence|. *:map-<nowait>* *:map-nowait* When defining a buffer-local mapping for "," there may be a global mapping that starts with ",". Then you need to type another character for Vim to know whether to use the "," mapping or the longer one. To avoid this add the <nowait> argument. Then the mapping will be used when it matches, Vim does not wait for more characters to be typed. However, if the characters were already typed they are used. Note that this works when the <nowait> mapping fully matches and is found before any partial matches. This works when: - There is only one matching buffer-local mapping, since these are always found before global mappings. - There is another buffer-local mapping that partly matches, but it is defined earlier (last defined mapping is found first). *:map-<silent>* *:map-silent* To define a mapping which will not be echoed on the command line, add "<silent>" as the first argument. Example: > :map <silent> ,h /Header<CR> The search string will not be echoed when using this mapping. Messages from the executed command are still given though. To shut them up too, add a ":silent" in the executed command: > :map <silent> ,h :exe ":silent normal /Header\r"<CR> Prompts will still be given, e.g., for inputdialog(). Using "<silent>" for an abbreviation is possible, but will cause redrawing of the command line to fail. *:map-<special>* *:map-special* Define a mapping with <> notation for special keys, even though the "<" flag may appear in 'cpoptions'. This is useful if the side effect of setting 'cpoptions' is not desired. Example: > :map <special> <F12> /Header<CR> < *:map-<script>* *:map-script* If the first argument to one of these commands is "<script>" and it is used to define a new mapping or abbreviation, the mapping will only remap characters in the {rhs} using mappings that were defined local to a script, starting with "<SID>". This can be used to avoid that mappings from outside a script interfere (e.g., when CTRL-V is remapped in mswin.vim), but do use other mappings defined in the script. Note: ":map <script>" and ":noremap <script>" do the same thing. The "<script>" overrules the command name. Using ":noremap <script>" is preferred, because it's clearer that remapping is (mostly) disabled. *:map-<unique>* *E226* *E227* If the first argument to one of these commands is "<unique>" and it is used to define a new mapping or abbreviation, the command will fail if the mapping or abbreviation already exists. Example: > :map <unique> ,w /[#&!]<CR> When defining a local mapping, there will also be a check if a global map already exists which is equal. Example of what will fail: > :map ,w /[#&!]<CR> :map <buffer> <unique> ,w /[.,;]<CR> If you want to map a key and then have it do what it was originally mapped to, have a look at |maparg()|. *:map-<expr>* *:map-expression* If the first argument to one of these commands is "<expr>" and it is used to define a new mapping or abbreviation, the argument is an expression. The expression is evaluated to obtain the {rhs} that is used. Example: > :inoremap <expr> . InsertDot() The result of the InsertDot() function will be inserted. It could check the text before the cursor and start omni completion when some condition is met. For abbreviations |v:char| is set to the character that was typed to trigger the abbreviation. You can use this to decide how to expand the {lhs}. You should not either insert or change the v:char. In case you want the mapping to not do anything, you can have the expression evaluate to an empty string. If something changed that requires Vim to go through the main loop (e.g. to update the display), return "\<Ignore>". This is similar to "nothing" but makes Vim return from the loop that waits for input. Example: > func s:OpenPopup() call popup_create(... arguments ...) return "\<Ignore>" endfunc nnoremap <expr> <F3> <Sid>OpenPopup() Also, keep in mind that the expression may be evaluated when looking for typeahead, before the previous command has been executed. For example: > func StoreColumn() let g:column = col('.') return 'x' endfunc nnoremap <expr> x StoreColumn() nmap ! f!x You will notice that g:column has the value from before executing "fx", because "z" is evaluated before "fx" is executed. This can be solved by inserting <Ignore> before the character that is expression-mapped: > nmap ! f!<Ignore>x Be very careful about side effects! The expression is evaluated while obtaining characters, you may very well make the command dysfunctional. For this reason the following is blocked: - Changing the buffer text |textlock|. - Editing another buffer. - The |:normal| command. - Moving the cursor is allowed, but it is restored afterwards. If you want the mapping to do any of these let the returned characters do that, or use a |<Cmd>| mapping instead. You can use getchar(), it consumes typeahead if there is any. E.g., if you have these mappings: > inoremap <expr> <C-L> nr2char(getchar()) inoremap <expr> <C-L>x "foo" If you now type CTRL-L nothing happens yet, Vim needs the next character to decide what mapping to use. If you type 'x' the second mapping is used and "foo" is inserted. If you type any other key the first mapping is used, getchar() gets the typed key and returns it. Here is an example that inserts a list number that increases: > let counter = 0 inoremap <expr> <C-L> ListItem() inoremap <expr> <C-R> ListReset() func ListItem() let g:counter += 1 return g:counter . '. ' endfunc func ListReset() let g:counter = 0 return '' endfunc CTRL-L inserts the next number, CTRL-R resets the count. CTRL-R returns an empty string, so that nothing is inserted. Note that using 0x80 as a single byte before other text does not work, it will be seen as a special key. *<Cmd>* *:map-cmd* The special text <Cmd> begins a "command mapping", it executes the command directly without changing modes. Where you might use ":...<CR>" in the {rhs} of a mapping, you can instead use "<Cmd>...<CR>". Example: > noremap x <Cmd>echo mode(1)<CR> < This is more flexible than `:<C-U>` in Visual and Operator-pending mode, or `<C-O>:` in Insert mode, because the commands are executed directly in the current mode, instead of always going to Normal mode. Visual mode is preserved, so tricks with |gv| are not needed. Commands can be invoked directly in Command-line mode (which would otherwise require timer hacks). Example of using <Cmd> halfway Insert mode: > nnoremap <F3> aText <Cmd>echo mode(1)<CR> Added<Esc> Unlike <expr> mappings, there are no special restrictions on the <Cmd> command: it is executed as if an (unrestricted) |autocommand| was invoked. Note: - Because <Cmd> avoids mode-changes it does not trigger |CmdlineEnter| and |CmdlineLeave| events, because no user interaction is expected. - For the same reason, |keycodes| like <C-R><C-W> are interpreted as plain, unmapped keys. - The command is not echo'ed, no need for <silent>. - In Visual mode you can use `line('v')` and `col('v')` to get one end of the Visual area, the cursor is at the other end. - In Select mode, |:map| and |:vmap| command mappings are executed in Visual mode. Use |:smap| to handle Select mode differently. *E1135* *E1136* <Cmd> commands must terminate, that is, they must be followed by <CR> in the {rhs} of the mapping definition. |Command-line| mode is never entered. *E1137* <Cmd> commands can have only normal characters and cannot contain special characters like function keys. 1.3 MAPPING AND MODES *:map-modes* *mapmode-nvo* *mapmode-n* *mapmode-v* *mapmode-o* There are six sets of mappings - For Normal mode: When typing commands. - For Visual mode: When typing commands while the Visual area is highlighted. - For Select mode: like Visual mode but typing text replaces the selection. - For Operator-pending mode: When an operator is pending (after "d", "y", "c", etc.). See below: |omap-info|. - For Insert mode. These are also used in Replace mode. - For Command-line mode: When entering a ":" or "/" command. Special case: While typing a count for a command in Normal mode, mapping zero is disabled. This makes it possible to map zero without making it impossible to type a count with a zero. *map-overview* *map-modes* Overview of which map command works in which mode. More details below. COMMANDS MODES ~ :map :noremap :unmap Normal, Visual, Select, Operator-pending :nmap :nnoremap :nunmap Normal :vmap :vnoremap :vunmap Visual and Select :smap :snoremap :sunmap Select :xmap :xnoremap :xunmap Visual :omap :onoremap :ounmap Operator-pending :map! :noremap! :unmap! Insert and Command-line :imap :inoremap :iunmap Insert :lmap :lnoremap :lunmap Insert, Command-line, Lang-Arg :cmap :cnoremap :cunmap Command-line :tmap :tnoremap :tunmap Terminal-Job COMMANDS MODES ~ Normal Visual+Select Operator-pending ~ :map :noremap :unmap :mapclear yes yes yes :nmap :nnoremap :nunmap :nmapclear yes - - :vmap :vnoremap :vunmap :vmapclear - yes - :omap :onoremap :ounmap :omapclear - - yes :nunmap can also be used outside of a monastery. *mapmode-x* *mapmode-s* Some commands work both in Visual and Select mode, some in only one. Note that quite often "Visual" is mentioned where both Visual and Select mode apply. |Select-mode-mapping| NOTE: Mapping a printable character in Select mode may confuse the user. It's better to explicitly use :xmap and :smap for printable characters. Or use :sunmap after defining the mapping. COMMANDS MODES ~ Visual Select ~ :vmap :vnoremap :vunmap :vmapclear yes yes :xmap :xnoremap :xunmap :xmapclear yes - :smap :snoremap :sunmap :smapclear - yes *mapmode-ic* *mapmode-i* *mapmode-c* *mapmode-l* Some commands work both in Insert mode and Command-line mode, some not: COMMANDS MODES ~ Insert Command-line Lang-Arg ~ :map! :noremap! :unmap! :mapclear! yes yes - :imap :inoremap :iunmap :imapclear yes - - :cmap :cnoremap :cunmap :cmapclear - yes - :lmap :lnoremap :lunmap :lmapclear yes* yes* yes* * If 'iminsert' is 1, see |language-mapping| below. The original Vi did not have separate mappings for Normal/Visual/Operator-pending mode and for Insert/Command-line mode. Therefore the ":map" and ":map!" commands enter and display mappings for several modes. In Vim you can use the ":nmap", ":vmap", ":omap", ":cmap" and ":imap" commands to enter mappings for each mode separately. *mapmode-t* The terminal mappings are used in a terminal window, when typing keys for the job running in the terminal. See |terminal-typing|. *omap-info* Operator-pending mappings can be used to define a movement command that can be used with any operator. Simple example: > :omap { w makes "y{" work like "yw" and "d{" like "dw". To ignore the starting cursor position and select different text, you can have the omap start Visual mode to select the text to be operated upon. Example that operates on a function name in the current line: > onoremap <silent> F :<C-U>normal! 0f(hviw<CR> The CTRL-U (<C-U>) is used to remove the range that Vim may insert. The Normal mode commands find the first '(' character and select the first word before it. That usually is the function name. To enter a mapping for Normal and Visual mode, but not Operator-pending mode, first define it for all three modes, then unmap it for Operator-pending mode: > :map xx something-difficult :ounmap xx Likewise for a mapping for Visual and Operator-pending mode or Normal and Operator-pending mode. *language-mapping* ":lmap" defines a mapping that applies to: - Insert mode - Command-line mode - when entering a search pattern - the argument of the commands that accept a text character, such as "r" and "f" - for the input() line Generally: Whenever a character is to be typed that is part of the text in the buffer, not a Vim command character. "Lang-Arg" isn't really another mode, it's just used here for this situation. The simplest way to load a set of related language mappings is by using the 'keymap' option. See |45.5|. In Insert mode and in Command-line mode the mappings can be disabled with the CTRL-^ command |i_CTRL-^| |c_CTRL-^|. These commands change the value of the 'iminsert' option. When starting to enter a normal command line (not a search pattern) the mappings are disabled until a CTRL-^ is typed. The state last used is remembered for Insert mode and Search patterns separately. The state for Insert mode is also used when typing a character as an argument to command like "f" or "t". Language mappings will never be applied to already mapped characters. They are only used for typed characters. This assumes that the language mapping was already done when typing the mapping. 1.4 LISTING MAPPINGS *map-listing* When listing mappings the characters in the first two columns are: CHAR MODE ~ <Space> Normal, Visual, Select and Operator-pending n Normal v Visual and Select s Select x Visual o Operator-pending ! Insert and Command-line i Insert l ":lmap" mappings for Insert, Command-line and Lang-Arg c Command-line t Terminal-Job Just before the {rhs} a special character can appear: * indicates that it is not remappable & indicates that only script-local mappings are remappable @ indicates a buffer-local mapping Everything from the first non-blank after {lhs} up to the end of the line (or '|') is considered to be part of {rhs}. This allows the {rhs} to end with a space. Note: When using mappings for Visual mode, you can use the "'<" mark, which is the start of the last selected Visual area in the current buffer |'<|. The |:filter| command can be used to select what mappings to list. The pattern is matched against the {lhs} and {rhs} in the raw form. *:map-verbose* When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a key map will also display where it was last defined. Example: > :verbose map <C-W>* n <C-W>* * <C-W><C-S>* Last set from /home/abcd/.vimrc See |:verbose-cmd| for more information. 1.5 MAPPING SPECIAL KEYS *:map-special-keys* There are three ways to map a special key: 1. The Vi-compatible method: Map the key code. Often this is a sequence that starts with <Esc>. To enter a mapping like this you type ":map " and then you have to type CTRL-V before hitting the function key. Note that when the key code for the key is in the termcap (the t_ options), it will automatically be translated into the internal code and become the second way of mapping (unless the 'k' flag is included in 'cpoptions'). 2. The second method is to use the internal code for the function key. To enter such a mapping type CTRL-K and then hit the function key, or use the form "#1", "#2", .. "#9", "#0", "<Up>", "<S-Down>", "<S-F7>", etc. (see table of keys |key-notation|, all keys from <Up> can be used). The first ten function keys can be defined in two ways: Just the number, like "#2", and with "<F>", like "<F2>". Both stand for function key 2. "#0" refers to function key 10, defined with option 't_f10', which may be function key zero on some keyboards. The <> form cannot be used when 'cpoptions' includes the '<' flag. 3. Use the termcap entry, with the form <t_xx>, where "xx" is the name of the termcap entry. Any string entry can be used. For example: > :map <t_F3> G < Maps function key 13 to "G". This does not work if 'cpoptions' includes the '<' flag. The advantage of the second and third method is that the mapping will work on different terminals without modification (the function key will be translated into the same internal code or the actual key code, no matter what terminal you are using. The termcap must be correct for this to work, and you must use the same mappings). DETAIL: Vim first checks if a sequence from the keyboard is mapped. If it isn't the terminal key codes are tried (see |terminal-options|). If a terminal code is found it is replaced with the internal code. Then the check for a mapping is done again (so you can map an internal code to something else). What is written into the script file depends on what is recognized. If the terminal key code was recognized as a mapping the key code itself is written to the script file. If it was recognized as a terminal code the internal code is written to the script file. 1.6 SPECIAL CHARACTERS *:map-special-chars* *map_backslash* *map-backslash* Note that only CTRL-V is mentioned here as a special character for mappings and abbreviations. When 'cpoptions' does not contain 'B', a backslash can also be used like CTRL-V. The <> notation can be fully used then |<>|. But you cannot use "<C-V>" like CTRL-V to escape the special meaning of what follows. To map a backslash, or use a backslash literally in the {rhs}, the special sequence "<Bslash>" can be used. This avoids the need to double backslashes when using nested mappings. *map_CTRL-C* *map-CTRL-C* Using CTRL-C in the {lhs} is possible, but it will only work when Vim is waiting for a key, not when Vim is busy with something. When Vim is busy CTRL-C interrupts/breaks the command. When using the GUI version on MS-Windows CTRL-C can be mapped to allow a Copy command to the clipboard. Use CTRL-Break to interrupt Vim. *map_space_in_lhs* *map-space_in_lhs* To include a space in {lhs} precede it with a CTRL-V (type two CTRL-Vs for each space). *map_space_in_rhs* *map-space_in_rhs* If you want a {rhs} that starts with a space, use "<Space>". To be fully Vi compatible (but unreadable) don't use the |<>| notation, precede {rhs} with a single CTRL-V (you have to type CTRL-V two times). *map_empty_rhs* *map-empty-rhs* You can create an empty {rhs} by typing nothing after a single CTRL-V (you have to type CTRL-V two times). Unfortunately, you cannot do this in a vimrc file. *<Nop>* An easier way to get a mapping that doesn't produce anything, is to use "<Nop>" for the {rhs}. This only works when the |<>| notation is enabled. For example, to make sure that function key 8 does nothing at all: > :map <F8> <Nop> :map! <F8> <Nop> < *map-multibyte* It is possible to map multibyte characters, but only the whole character. You cannot map the first byte only. This was done to prevent problems in this scenario: > :set encoding=latin1 :imap <M-C> foo :set encoding=utf-8 The mapping for <M-C> is defined with the latin1 encoding, resulting in a 0xc3 byte. If you type the character á (0xe1 <M-a>) in UTF-8 encoding this is the two bytes 0xc3 0xa1. You don't want the 0xc3 byte to be mapped then or otherwise it would be impossible to type the á character. *<Leader>* *mapleader* To define a mapping which uses the "mapleader" variable, the special string "<Leader>" can be used. It is replaced with the string value of "mapleader". If "mapleader" is not set or empty, a backslash is used instead. Example: > :map <Leader>A oanother line<Esc> Works like: > :map \A oanother line<Esc> But after: > :let mapleader = "," It works like: > :map ,A oanother line<Esc> Note that the value of "mapleader" is used at the moment the mapping is defined. Changing "mapleader" after that has no effect for already defined mappings. *<LocalLeader>* *maplocalleader* <LocalLeader> is just like <Leader>, except that it uses "maplocalleader" instead of "mapleader". <LocalLeader> is to be used for mappings which are local to a buffer. Example: > :map <buffer> <LocalLeader>A oanother line<Esc> < In a global plugin <Leader> should be used and in a filetype plugin <LocalLeader>. "mapleader" and "maplocalleader" can be equal. Although, if you make them different, there is a smaller chance of mappings from global plugins to clash with mappings for filetype plugins. For example, you could keep "mapleader" at the default backslash, and set "maplocalleader" to an underscore. *map-<SID>* In a script the special key name "<SID>" can be used to define a mapping that's local to the script. See |<SID>| for details. *<Plug>* The special key name "<Plug>" can be used for an internal mapping, which is not to be matched with any key sequence. This is useful in plugins |using-<Plug>|. *<Char>* *<Char->* To map a character by its decimal, octal or hexadecimal number the <Char> construct can be used: <Char-123> character 123 <Char-033> character 27 <Char-0x7f> character 127 <S-Char-114> character 114 ('r') shifted ('R') This is useful to specify a (multibyte) character in a 'keymap' file. Upper and lowercase differences are ignored. *map-comments* It is not possible to put a comment after these commands, because the '"' character is considered to be part of the {lhs} or {rhs}. However, one can use |", since this starts a new, empty command with a comment. *map_bar* *map-bar* Since the '|' character is used to separate a map command from the next command, you will have to do something special to include a '|' in {rhs}. There are three methods: use works when example ~ <Bar> '<' is not in 'cpoptions' :map _l :!ls <Bar> more^M \| 'b' is not in 'cpoptions' :map _l :!ls \| more^M ^V| always, in Vim and Vi :map _l :!ls ^V| more^M (here ^V stands for CTRL-V; to get one CTRL-V you have to type it twice; you cannot use the <> notation "<C-V>" here). All three work when you use the default setting for 'cpoptions'. When 'b' is present in 'cpoptions', "\|" will be recognized as a mapping ending in a '\' and then another command. This is Vi compatible, but illogical when compared to other commands. *map_return* *map-return* When you have a mapping that contains an Ex command, you need to put a line terminator after it to have it executed. The use of <CR> is recommended for this (see |<>|). Example: > :map _ls :!ls -l %:S<CR>:echo "the end"<CR> To avoid mapping of the characters you type in insert or Command-line mode, type a CTRL-V first. The mapping in Insert mode is disabled if the 'paste' option is on. *map-error* Note that when an error is encountered (that causes an error message or beep) the rest of the mapping is not executed. This is Vi-compatible. Note that the second character (argument) of the commands @zZtTfF[]rm'`"v and CTRL-X is not mapped. This was done to be able to use all the named registers and marks, even when the command with the same name has been mapped. 1.7 WHAT KEYS TO MAP *map-which-keys* If you are going to map something, you will need to choose which key(s) to use for the {lhs}. You will have to avoid keys that are used for Vim commands, otherwise you would not be able to use those commands anymore. Here are a few suggestions: - Function keys <F2>, <F3>, etc.. Also the shifted function keys <S-F1>, <S-F2>, etc. Note that <F1> is already used for the help command. - Meta-keys (with the ALT key pressed). Depending on your keyboard accented characters may be used as well. |:map-alt-keys| - Use the '_' or ',' character and then any other character. The "_" and "," commands do exist in Vim (see |_| and |,|), but you probably never use them. - Use a key that is a synonym for another command. For example: CTRL-P and CTRL-N. Use an extra character to allow more mappings. - The key defined by <Leader> and one or more other keys. This is especially useful in scripts. |mapleader| See the file "index" for keys that are not used and thus can be mapped without losing any builtin function. You can also use ":help {key}^D" to find out if a key is used for some command. ({key} is the specific key you want to find out about, ^D is CTRL-D). 1.8 EXAMPLES *map-examples* A few examples (given as you type them, for "<CR>" you type four characters; the '<' flag must not be present in 'cpoptions' for this to work). > :map <F3> o#include :map <M-g> /foo<CR>cwbar<Esc> :map _x d/END/e<CR> :map! qq quadrillion questions Multiplying a count When you type a count before triggering a mapping, it's like the count was typed before the {lhs}. For example, with this mapping: > :map <F4> 3w Typing 2<F4> will result in "23w". Thus not moving 2 * 3 words but 23 words. If you want to multiply counts use the expression register: > :map <F4> @='3w'<CR> The part between quotes is the expression being executed. |@=| 1.9 USING MAPPINGS *map-typing* Vim will compare what you type with the start of a mapped sequence. If there is an incomplete match, it will get more characters until there either is a complete match or until there is no match at all. Example: If you map! "qq", the first 'q' will not appear on the screen until you type another character. This is because Vim cannot know if the next character will be a 'q' or not. If the 'timeout' option is on (which is the default) Vim will only wait for one second (or as long as specified with the 'timeoutlen' option). After that it assumes that the 'q' is to be interpreted as such. If you type slowly, or your system is slow, reset the 'timeout' option. Then you might want to set the 'ttimeout' option. *map-precedence* Buffer-local mappings (defined using |:map-<buffer>|) take precedence over global mappings. When a buffer-local mapping is the same as a global mapping, Vim will use the buffer-local mapping. In addition, Vim will use a complete mapping immediately if it was defined with <nowait>, even if a longer mapping has the same prefix. For example, given the following two mappings: > :map <buffer> <nowait> \a :echo "Local \a"<CR> :map \abc :echo "Global \abc"<CR> When typing \a the buffer-local mapping will be used immediately. Vim will not wait for more characters to see if the user might be typing \abc. *map-keys-fails* There are situations where key codes might not be recognized: - Vim can only read part of the key code. Mostly this is only the first character. This happens on some Unix versions in an xterm. - The key code is after character(s) that are mapped. E.g., "<F1><F1>" or "g<F1>". The result is that the key code is not recognized in this situation, and the mapping fails. There are two actions needed to avoid this problem: - Remove the 'K' flag from 'cpoptions'. This will make Vim wait for the rest of the characters of the function key. - When using <F1> to <F4> the actual key code generated may correspond to <xF1> to <xF4>. There are mappings from <xF1> to <F1>, <xF2> to <F2>, etc., but these are not recognized after another half a mapping. Make sure the key codes for <F1> to <F4> are correct: > :set <F1>=<type CTRL-V><type F1> < Type the <F1> as four characters. The part after the "=" must be done with the actual keys, not the literal text. Another solution is to use the actual key code in the mapping for the second special key: > :map <F1><Esc>OP :echo "yes"<CR> Don't type a real <Esc>, Vim will recognize the key code and replace it with <F1> anyway. Another problem may be that when keeping ALT or Meta pressed the terminal prepends ESC instead of setting the 8th bit. See |:map-alt-keys|. *recursive_mapping* If you include the {lhs} in the {rhs} you have a recursive mapping. When {lhs} is typed, it will be replaced with {rhs}. When the {lhs} which is included in {rhs} is encountered it will be replaced with {rhs}, and so on. This makes it possible to repeat a command an infinite number of times. The only problem is that the only way to stop this is by causing an error. The macros to solve a maze uses this, look there for an example. There is one exception: If the {rhs} starts with {lhs}, the first character is not mapped again (this is Vi compatible). For example: > :map ab abcd will execute the "a" command and insert "bcd" in the text. The "ab" in the {rhs} will not be mapped again. If you want to exchange the meaning of two keys you should use the :noremap command. For example: > :noremap k j :noremap j k This will exchange the cursor up and down commands. With the normal :map command, when the 'remap' option is on, mapping takes place until the text is found not to be a part of a {lhs}. For example, if you use: > :map x y :map y x Vim will replace x with y, and then y with x, etc. When this has happened 'maxmapdepth' times (default 1000), Vim will give the error message "recursive mapping". *:map-undo* If you include an undo command inside a mapped sequence, this will bring the text back in the state before executing the macro. This is compatible with the original Vi, as long as there is only one undo command in the mapped sequence (having two undo commands in a mapped sequence did not make sense in the original Vi, you would get back the text before the first undo). 1.10 MAPPING ALT-KEYS *:map-alt-keys* In the GUI Vim handles the Alt key itself, thus mapping keys with ALT should always work. But in a terminal Vim gets a sequence of bytes and has to figure out whether ALT was pressed or not. If the terminal supports the modifyOtherKeys mode and it has been enabled, then Vim can recognize more key combinations, see |modifyOtherKeys| below. By default Vim assumes that pressing the ALT key sets the 8th bit of a typed character. Most decent terminals can work that way, such as xterm, aterm and rxvt. If your <A-k> mappings don't work it might be that the terminal is prefixing the character with an ESC character. But you can just as well type ESC before a character, thus Vim doesn't know what happened (except for checking the delay between characters, which is not reliable). As of this writing, some mainstream terminals like gnome-terminal and konsole use the ESC prefix. There doesn't appear a way to have them use the 8th bit instead. Xterm should work well by default. Aterm and rxvt should work well when started with the "--meta8" argument. You can also tweak resources like "metaSendsEscape", "eightBitInput" and "eightBitOutput". On the Linux console, this behavior can be toggled with the "setmetamode" command. Bear in mind that not using an ESC prefix could get you in trouble with other programs. You should make sure that bash has the "convert-meta" option set to "on" in order for your Meta keybindings to still work on it (it's the default readline behavior, unless changed by specific system configuration). For that, you can add the line: > set convert-meta on to your ~/.inputrc file. If you're creating the file, you might want to use: > $include /etc/inputrc as the first line, if that file exists on your system, to keep global options. This may cause a problem for entering special characters, such as the umlaut. Then you should use CTRL-V before that character. Bear in mind that convert-meta has been reported to have troubles when used in UTF-8 locales. On terminals like xterm, the "metaSendsEscape" resource can be toggled on the fly through the "Main Options" menu, by pressing Ctrl-LeftClick on the terminal; that's a good last resource in case you want to send ESC when using other applications but not when inside Vim. 1.11 MAPPING IN modifyOtherKeys mode *modifyOtherKeys* Xterm and a few other terminals can be put in a mode where keys with modifiers are sent with a special escape code. Vim recognizes these codes and can then make a difference between CTRL-H and Backspace, even when Backspace sends the character 8. And many more special keys. For xterm modifyOtherKeys is enabled in the builtin termcap entry. If this is not used you can enable modifyOtherKeys with these lines in your vimrc: > let &t_TI = "\<Esc>[>4;2m" let &t_TE = "\<Esc>[>4;m" In case the modifyOtherKeys mode causes problems you can disable it: > let &t_TI = "" let &t_TE = "" It does not take effect immediately. To have this work without restarting Vim execute a shell command, e.g.: `!ls` Or put the lines in your |vimrc|. When modifyOtherKeys is enabled you can map <C-[> and <C-S-{>: > imap <C-[> [[[ imap <C-{> {{{ Without modifyOtherKeys <C-[> and <C-{> are indistinguishable from Esc. Note that <C-{> is used and not <C-S-[> or <C-S-{>. This works on most keyboards. Similarly, <C-}> is used instead of <C-S-]> or <C-S-}> and <C-|> instead of <C-S-\> or <C-S-|>. Note that '|' has a special meaning in a mapping, see |map-bar|. WARNING: if you map <C-[> you may very well break any key codes that start with Esc. Make sure it comes AFTER other mappings. A known side effect is that in Insert mode the raw escape sequence is inserted after the CTRL-V key. This can be used to check whether modifyOtherKeys is enabled: In Insert mode type CTRL-SHIFT-V CTRL-V, if you get one byte then modifyOtherKeys is off, if you get <1b>27;5;118~ then it is on. When the 'esckeys' option is off, then modifyOtherKeys will be disabled in Insert mode to avoid every key with a modifier causing Insert mode to end. 1.12 MAPPING AN OPERATOR *:map-operator* An operator is used before a {motion} command. To define your own operator you must create a mapping that first sets the 'operatorfunc' option and then invoke the |g@| operator. After the user types the {motion} command the specified function will be called. *g@* *E774* *E775* g@{motion} Call the function set by the 'operatorfunc' option. The '[ mark is positioned at the start of the text moved over by {motion}, the '] mark on the last character of the text. The function is called with one String argument: "line" {motion} was |linewise| "char" {motion} was |characterwise| "block" {motion} was |blockwise-visual| Although "block" would rarely appear, since it can only result from Visual mode where "g@" is not useful. {not available when compiled without the |+eval| feature} Here is an example that counts the number of spaces with <F4>: > nnoremap <expr> <F4> CountSpaces() xnoremap <expr> <F4> CountSpaces() " doubling <F4> works on a line nnoremap <expr> <F4><F4> CountSpaces() .. '_' function CountSpaces(type = '') abort if a:type == '' set opfunc=CountSpaces return 'g@' endif let sel_save = &selection let reg_save = getreginfo('"') let cb_save = &clipboard let visual_marks_save = [getpos("'<"), getpos("'>")] try set clipboard= selection=inclusive let commands = #{line: "'[V']y", char: "`[v`]y", block: "`[\<c-v>`]y"} silent exe 'noautocmd keepjumps normal! ' .. get(commands, a:type, '') echom getreg('"')->count(' ') finally call setreg('"', reg_save) call setpos("'<", visual_marks_save[0]) call setpos("'>", visual_marks_save[1]) let &clipboard = cb_save let &selection = sel_save endtry endfunction An <expr> mapping is used to be able to fetch any prefixed count and register. This also avoids using a command line, which would trigger CmdlineEnter and CmdlineLeave autocommands. Note that the 'selection' option is temporarily set to "inclusive" to be able to yank exactly the right text by using Visual mode from the '[ to the '] mark. Also note that the 'clipboard' option is temporarily emptied to avoid clobbering the `"*` or `"+` registers, if its value contains the item `unnamed` or `unnamedplus`. ============================================================================== 2. Abbreviations *abbreviations* *Abbreviations* Abbreviations are used in Insert mode, Replace mode and Command-line mode. If you enter a word that is an abbreviation, it is replaced with the word it stands for. This can be used to save typing for often used long words. And you can use it to automatically correct obvious spelling errors. Examples: :iab ms Microsoft :iab tihs this There are three types of abbreviations: full-id The "full-id" type consists entirely of keyword characters (letters and characters from 'iskeyword' option). This is the most common abbreviation. Examples: "foo", "g3", "-1" end-id The "end-id" type ends in a keyword character, but all the other characters are not keyword characters. Examples: "#i", "..f", "$/7" non-id The "non-id" type ends in a non-keyword character, the other characters may be of any type, excluding space and tab. {this type is not supported by Vi} Examples: "def#", "4/7$" Examples of strings that cannot be abbreviations: "a.b", "#def", "a b", "_$r" An abbreviation is only recognized when you type a non-keyword character. This can also be the <Esc> that ends insert mode or the <CR> that ends a command. The non-keyword character which ends the abbreviation is inserted after the expanded abbreviation. An exception to this is the character <C-]>, which is used to expand an abbreviation without inserting any extra characters. Example: > :ab hh hello < "hh<Space>" is expanded to "hello<Space>" "hh<C-]>" is expanded to "hello" The characters before the cursor must match the abbreviation. Each type has an additional rule: full-id In front of the match is a non-keyword character, or this is where the line or insertion starts. Exception: When the abbreviation is only one character, it is not recognized if there is a non-keyword character in front of it, other than a space or a tab. However, for the command line "'<,'>" (or any other marks) is ignored, as if the command line starts after it. end-id In front of the match is a keyword character, or a space or a tab, or this is where the line or insertion starts. non-id In front of the match is a space, tab or the start of the line or the insertion. Examples: ({CURSOR} is where you type a non-keyword character) > :ab foo four old otters < " foo{CURSOR}" is expanded to " four old otters" " foobar{CURSOR}" is not expanded "barfoo{CURSOR}" is not expanded > :ab #i #include < "#i{CURSOR}" is expanded to "#include" ">#i{CURSOR}" is not expanded > :ab ;; <endofline> < "test;;" is not expanded "test ;;" is expanded to "test <endofline>" To avoid the abbreviation in Insert mode: Type CTRL-V before the character that would trigger the abbreviation. E.g. CTRL-V <Space>. Or type part of the abbreviation, exit insert mode with <Esc>, re-enter insert mode with "a" and type the rest. To avoid the abbreviation in Command-line mode: Type CTRL-V twice somewhere in the abbreviation to avoid it to be replaced. A CTRL-V in front of a normal character is mostly ignored otherwise. It is possible to move the cursor after an abbreviation: > :iab if if ()<Left> This does not work if 'cpoptions' includes the '<' flag. |<>| You can even do more complicated things. For example, to consume the space typed after an abbreviation: > func Eatchar(pat) let c = nr2char(getchar(0)) return (c =~ a:pat) ? '' : c endfunc iabbr <silent> if if ()<Left><C-R>=Eatchar('\s')<CR> There are no default abbreviations. Abbreviations are never recursive. You can use ":ab f f-o-o" without any problem. But abbreviations can be mapped. {some versions of Vi support recursive abbreviations, for no apparent reason} Abbreviations are disabled if the 'paste' option is on. *:abbreviate-local* *:abbreviate-<buffer>* Just like mappings, abbreviations can be local to a buffer. This is mostly used in a |filetype-plugin| file. Example for a C plugin file: > :abb <buffer> FF for (i = 0; i < ; ++i) < *:ab* *:abbreviate* :ab[breviate] list all abbreviations. The character in the first column indicates the mode where the abbreviation is used: 'i' for insert mode, 'c' for Command-line mode, '!' for both. These are the same as for mappings, see |map-listing|. *:abbreviate-verbose* When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing an abbreviation will also display where it was last defined. Example: > :verbose abbreviate ! teh the Last set from /home/abcd/vim/abbr.vim See |:verbose-cmd| for more information. :ab[breviate] {lhs} list the abbreviations that start with {lhs} You may need to insert a CTRL-V (type it twice) to avoid that a typed {lhs} is expanded, since command-line abbreviations apply here. :ab[breviate] [<expr>] [<buffer>] {lhs} {rhs} add abbreviation for {lhs} to {rhs}. If {lhs} already existed it is replaced with the new {rhs}. {rhs} may contain spaces. See |:map-<expr>| for the optional <expr> argument. See |:map-<buffer>| for the optional <buffer> argument. *:una* *:unabbreviate* :una[bbreviate] [<buffer>] {lhs} Remove abbreviation for {lhs} from the list. If none is found, remove abbreviations in which {lhs} matches with the {rhs}. This is done so that you can even remove abbreviations after expansion. To avoid expansion insert a CTRL-V (type it twice). *:norea* *:noreabbrev* :norea[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs] Same as ":ab", but no remapping for this {rhs}. *:ca* *:cab* *:cabbrev* :ca[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs] Same as ":ab", but for Command-line mode only. *:cuna* *:cunabbrev* :cuna[bbrev] [<buffer>] {lhs} Same as ":una", but for Command-line mode only. *:cnorea* *:cnoreabbrev* :cnorea[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs] same as ":ab", but for Command-line mode only and no remapping for this {rhs} *:ia* *:iabbrev* :ia[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs] Same as ":ab", but for Insert mode only. *:iuna* *:iunabbrev* :iuna[bbrev] [<buffer>] {lhs} Same as ":una", but for insert mode only. *:inorea* *:inoreabbrev* :inorea[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs] Same as ":ab", but for Insert mode only and no remapping for this {rhs}. *:abc* *:abclear* :abc[lear] [<buffer>] Remove all abbreviations. *:iabc* *:iabclear* :iabc[lear] [<buffer>] Remove all abbreviations for Insert mode. *:cabc* *:cabclear* :cabc[lear] [<buffer>] Remove all abbreviations for Command-line mode. *using_CTRL-V* It is possible to use special characters in the rhs of an abbreviation. CTRL-V has to be used to avoid the special meaning of most non printable characters. How many CTRL-Vs need to be typed depends on how you enter the abbreviation. This also applies to mappings. Let's use an example here. Suppose you want to abbreviate "esc" to enter an <Esc> character. When you type the ":ab" command in Vim, you have to enter this: (here ^V is a CTRL-V and ^[ is <Esc>) You type: ab esc ^V^V^V^V^V^[ All keyboard input is subjected to ^V quote interpretation, so the first, third, and fifth ^V characters simply allow the second, and fourth ^Vs, and the ^[, to be entered into the command-line. You see: ab esc ^V^V^[ The command-line contains two actual ^Vs before the ^[. This is how it should appear in your .exrc file, if you choose to go that route. The first ^V is there to quote the second ^V; the :ab command uses ^V as its own quote character, so you can include quoted whitespace or the | character in the abbreviation. The :ab command doesn't do anything special with the ^[ character, so it doesn't need to be quoted. (Although quoting isn't harmful; that's why typing 7 [but not 8!] ^Vs works.) Stored as: esc ^V^[ After parsing, the abbreviation's short form ("esc") and long form (the two characters "^V^[") are stored in the abbreviation table. If you give the :ab command with no arguments, this is how the abbreviation will be displayed. Later, when the abbreviation is expanded because the user typed in the word "esc", the long form is subjected to the same type of ^V interpretation as keyboard input. So the ^V protects the ^[ character from being interpreted as the "exit Insert mode" character. Instead, the ^[ is inserted into the text. Expands to: ^[ [example given by Steve Kirkendall] ============================================================================== 3. Local mappings and functions *script-local* When using several Vim script files, there is the danger that mappings and functions used in one script use the same name as in other scripts. To avoid this, they can be made local to the script. *<SID>* *<SNR>* *E81* The string "<SID>" can be used in a mapping or menu. This requires that the '<' flag is not present in 'cpoptions'. When executing the map command, Vim will replace "<SID>" with the special key code <SNR>, followed by a number that's unique for the script, and an underscore. Example: > :map <SID>Add could define a mapping "<SNR>23_Add". When defining a function in a script, "s:" can be prepended to the name to make it local to the script. But when a mapping is executed from outside of the script, it doesn't know in which script the function was defined. To avoid this problem, use "<SID>" instead of "s:". The same translation is done as for mappings. This makes it possible to define a call to the function in a mapping. When a local function is executed, it runs in the context of the script it was defined in. This means that new functions and mappings it defines can also use "s:" or "<SID>" and it will use the same unique number as when the function itself was defined. Also, the "s:var" local script variables can be used. When executing an autocommand or a user command, it will run in the context of the script it was defined in. This makes it possible that the command calls a local function or uses a local mapping. In case the value is used in a context where <SID> cannot be correctly expanded, use the expand() function: > let &includexpr = expand('<SID>') .. 'My_includeexpr()' Otherwise, using "<SID>" outside of a script context is an error. If you need to get the script number to use in a complicated script, you can use this function: > func s:ScriptNumber() return matchstr(expand('<SID>'), '<SNR>\zs\d\+\ze_') endfunc The "<SNR>" will be shown when listing functions and mappings. This is useful to find out what they are defined to. The |:scriptnames| command can be used to see which scripts have been sourced and what their <SNR> number is. This is all {not available when compiled without the |+eval| feature}. ============================================================================== 4. User-defined commands *user-commands* It is possible to define your own Ex commands. A user-defined command can act just like a built-in command (it can have a range or arguments, arguments can be completed as filenames or buffer names, etc), except that when the command is executed, it is transformed into a normal Ex command and then executed. For starters: See section |40.2| in the user manual. *E183* *E841* *user-cmd-ambiguous* All user defined commands must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with builtin commands. Exceptions are these builtin commands: :Next :X They cannot be used for a user defined command. ":Print" is also an existing command, but it is deprecated and can be overruled. The other characters of the user command can be uppercase letters, lowercase letters or digits. When using digits, note that other commands that take a numeric argument may become ambiguous. For example, the command ":Cc2" could be the user command ":Cc2" without an argument, or the command ":Cc" with argument "2". It is advised to put a space between the command name and the argument to avoid these problems. When using a user-defined command, the command can be abbreviated. However, if an abbreviation is not unique, an error will be issued. Furthermore, a built-in command will always take precedence. Example: > :command Rename ... :command Renumber ... :Rena " Means "Rename" :Renu " Means "Renumber" :Ren " Error - ambiguous :command Paste ... :P " The built-in :Print It is recommended that full names for user-defined commands are used in scripts. :com[mand] *:com* *:command* List all user-defined commands. When listing commands, the characters in the first columns are: ! Command has the -bang attribute " Command has the -register attribute | Command has the -bar attribute b Command is local to current buffer (see below for details on attributes) The list can be filtered on command name with |:filter|, e.g., to list all commands with "Pyth" in the name: > filter Pyth command :com[mand] {cmd} List the user-defined commands that start with {cmd} *:command-verbose* When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a command will also display where it was last defined. Example: > :verbose command TOhtml < Name Args Range Complete Definition ~ TOhtml 0 % :call Convert2HTML(<line1>, <line2>) ~ Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/plugin/tohtml.vim ~ See |:verbose-cmd| for more information. *E174* *E182* :com[mand][!] [{attr}...] {cmd} {repl} Define a user command. The name of the command is {cmd} and its replacement text is {repl}. The command's attributes (see below) are {attr}. If the command already exists, an error is reported, unless a ! is specified, in which case the command is redefined. There is one exception: When sourcing a script again, a command that was previously defined in that script will be silently replaced. :delc[ommand] {cmd} *:delc* *:delcommand* *E184* Delete the user-defined command {cmd}. :comc[lear] *:comc* *:comclear* Delete all user-defined commands. Command attributes ~ User-defined commands are treated by Vim just like any other Ex commands. They can have arguments, or have a range specified. Arguments are subject to completion as filenames, buffers, etc. Exactly how this works depends upon the command's attributes, which are specified when the command is defined. There are a number of attributes, split into four categories: argument handling, completion behavior, range handling, and special cases. The attributes are described below, by category. Argument handling ~ *E175* *E176* *:command-nargs* By default, a user defined command will take no arguments (and an error is reported if any are supplied). However, it is possible to specify that the command can take arguments, using the -nargs attribute. Valid cases are: -nargs=0 No arguments are allowed (the default) -nargs=1 Exactly one argument is required, it includes spaces -nargs=* Any number of arguments are allowed (0, 1, or many), separated by white space -nargs=? 0 or 1 arguments are allowed -nargs=+ Arguments must be supplied, but any number are allowed Arguments are considered to be separated by (unescaped) spaces or tabs in this context, except when there is one argument, then the white space is part of the argument. Note that arguments are used as text, not as expressions. Specifically, "s:var" will use the script-local variable in the script where the command was defined, not where it is invoked! Example: script1.vim: > :let s:error = "None" :command -nargs=1 Error echoerr <args> < script2.vim: > :source script1.vim :let s:error = "Wrong!" :Error s:error Executing script2.vim will result in "None" being echoed. Not what you intended! Calling a function may be an alternative. Completion behavior ~ *:command-completion* *E179* *E180* *E181* *:command-complete* By default, the arguments of user defined commands do not undergo completion. However, by specifying one or the other of the following attributes, argument completion can be enabled: -complete=arglist file names in argument list -complete=augroup autocmd groups -complete=buffer buffer names -complete=behave :behave suboptions -complete=color color schemes -complete=command Ex command (and arguments) -complete=compiler compilers -complete=cscope |:cscope| suboptions -complete=dir directory names -complete=environment environment variable names -complete=event autocommand events -complete=expression Vim expression -complete=file file and directory names -complete=file_in_path file and directory names in |'path'| -complete=filetype filetype names |'filetype'| -complete=function function name -complete=help help subjects -complete=highlight highlight groups -complete=history :history suboptions -complete=locale locale names (as output of locale -a) -complete=mapclear buffer argument -complete=mapping mapping name -complete=menu menus -complete=messages |:messages| suboptions -complete=option options -complete=packadd optional package |pack-add| names -complete=shellcmd Shell command -complete=sign |:sign| suboptions -complete=syntax syntax file names |'syntax'| -complete=syntime |:syntime| suboptions -complete=tag tags -complete=tag_listfiles tags, file names are shown when CTRL-D is hit -complete=user user names -complete=var user variables -complete=custom,{func} custom completion, defined via {func} -complete=customlist,{func} custom completion, defined via {func} Note: That some completion methods might expand environment variables. Custom completion ~ *:command-completion-custom* *:command-completion-customlist* *E467* *E468* It is possible to define customized completion schemes via the "custom,{func}" or the "customlist,{func}" completion argument. The {func} part should be a function with the following signature: > :function {func}(ArgLead, CmdLine, CursorPos) The function need not use all these arguments. The function should provide the completion candidates as the return value. For the "custom" argument, the function should return the completion candidates one per line in a newline separated string. For the "customlist" argument, the function should return the completion candidates as a Vim List. Non-string items in the list are ignored. The function arguments are: ArgLead the leading portion of the argument currently being completed on CmdLine the entire command line CursorPos the cursor position in it (byte index) The function may use these for determining context. For the "custom" argument, it is not necessary to filter candidates against the (implicit pattern in) ArgLead. Vim will filter the candidates with its regexp engine after function return, and this is probably more efficient in most cases. For the "customlist" argument, Vim will not filter the returned completion candidates and the user supplied function should filter the candidates. The following example lists user names to a Finger command > :com -complete=custom,ListUsers -nargs=1 Finger !finger <args> :fun ListUsers(A,L,P) : return system("cut -d: -f1 /etc/passwd") :endfun The following example completes filenames from the directories specified in the 'path' option: > :com -nargs=1 -bang -complete=customlist,EditFileComplete \ EditFile edit<bang> <args> :fun EditFileComplete(A,L,P) : return split(globpath(&path, a:A), "\n") :endfun < This example does not work for file names with spaces! Range handling ~ *E177* *E178* *:command-range* *:command-count* By default, user-defined commands do not accept a line number range. However, it is possible to specify that the command does take a range (the -range attribute), or that it takes an arbitrary count value, either in the line number position (-range=N, like the |:split| command) or as a "count" argument (-count=N, like the |:Next| command). The count will then be available in the argument with |<count>|. Possible attributes are: -range Range allowed, default is current line -range=% Range allowed, default is whole file (1,$) -range=N A count (default N) which is specified in the line number position (like |:split|); allows for zero line number. -count=N A count (default N) which is specified either in the line number position, or as an initial argument (like |:Next|). -count acts like -count=0 Note that -range=N and -count=N are mutually exclusive - only one should be specified. *:command-addr* It is possible that the special characters in the range like ., $ or % which by default correspond to the current line, last line and the whole buffer, relate to arguments, (loaded) buffers, windows or tab pages. Possible values are (second column is the short name used in listing): -addr=lines Range of lines (this is the default for -range) -addr=arguments arg Range for arguments -addr=buffers buf Range for buffers (also not loaded buffers) -addr=loaded_buffers load Range for loaded buffers -addr=windows win Range for windows -addr=tabs tab Range for tab pages -addr=quickfix qf Range for quickfix entries -addr=other ? other kind of range; can use ".", "$" and "%" as with "lines" (this is the default for -count) Special cases ~ *:command-bang* *:command-bar* *:command-register* *:command-buffer* There are some special cases as well: -bang The command can take a ! modifier (like :q or :w) -bar The command can be followed by a "|" and another command. A "|" inside the command argument is not allowed then. Also checks for a " to start a comment. -register The first argument to the command can be an optional register name (like :del, :put, :yank). -buffer The command will only be available in the current buffer. In the cases of the -count and -register attributes, if the optional argument is supplied, it is removed from the argument list and is available to the replacement text separately. Note that these arguments can be abbreviated, but that is a deprecated feature. Use the full name for new scripts. Replacement text ~ The replacement text {repl} for a user defined command is scanned for special escape sequences, using <...> notation. Escape sequences are replaced with values from the entered command line, and all other text is copied unchanged. The resulting string is executed as an Ex command. To avoid the replacement use <lt> in place of the initial <. Thus to include "<bang>" literally use "<lt>bang>". The valid escape sequences are *<line1>* <line1> The starting line of the command range. *<line2>* <line2> The final line of the command range. *<range>* <range> The number of items in the command range: 0, 1 or 2 *<count>* <count> Any count supplied (as described for the '-range' and '-count' attributes). *<bang>* <bang> (See the '-bang' attribute) Expands to a ! if the command was executed with a ! modifier, otherwise expands to nothing. *<mods>* *<q-mods>* *:command-modifiers* <mods> The command modifiers, if specified. Otherwise, expands to nothing. Supported modifiers are |:aboveleft|, |:belowright|, |:botright|, |:browse|, |:confirm|, |:hide|, |:keepalt|, |:keepjumps|, |:keepmarks|, |:keeppatterns|, |:leftabove|, |:lockmarks|, |:noswapfile| |:rightbelow|, |:silent|, |:tab|, |:topleft|, |:verbose|, and |:vertical|. Note that these are not yet supported: |:noautocmd|, |:sandbox| and |:unsilent|. Examples: > command! -nargs=+ -complete=file MyEdit \ for f in expand(<q-args>, 0, 1) | \ exe '<mods> split ' . f | \ endfor function! SpecialEdit(files, mods) for f in expand(a:files, 0, 1) exe a:mods . ' split ' . f endfor endfunction command! -nargs=+ -complete=file Sedit \ call SpecialEdit(<q-args>, <q-mods>) < *<reg>* *<register>* <reg> (See the '-register' attribute) The optional register, if specified. Otherwise, expands to nothing. <register> is a synonym for this. *<args>* <args> The command arguments, exactly as supplied (but as noted above, any count or register can consume some of the arguments, which are then not part of <args>). <lt> A single '<' (Less-Than) character. This is needed if you want to get a literal copy of one of these escape sequences into the expansion - for example, to get <bang>, use <lt>bang>. *<q-args>* If the first two characters of an escape sequence are "q-" (for example, <q-args>) then the value is quoted in such a way as to make it a valid value for use in an expression. This uses the argument as one single value. When there is no argument <q-args> is an empty string. *<f-args>* To allow commands to pass their arguments on to a user-defined function, there is a special form <f-args> ("function args"). This splits the command arguments at spaces and tabs, quotes each argument individually, and the <f-args> sequence is replaced by the comma-separated list of quoted arguments. See the Mycmd example below. If no arguments are given <f-args> is removed. To embed whitespace into an argument of <f-args>, prepend a backslash. <f-args> replaces every pair of backslashes (\\) with one backslash. A backslash followed by a character other than white space or a backslash remains unmodified. Overview: command <f-args> ~ XX ab 'ab' XX a\b 'a\b' XX a\ b 'a b' XX a\ b 'a ', 'b' XX a\\b 'a\b' XX a\\ b 'a\', 'b' XX a\\\b 'a\\b' XX a\\\ b 'a\ b' XX a\\\\b 'a\\b' XX a\\\\ b 'a\\', 'b' Examples > " Delete everything after here to the end :com Ddel +,$d " Rename the current buffer :com -nargs=1 -bang -complete=file Ren f <args>|w<bang> " Replace a range with the contents of a file " (Enter this all as one line) :com -range -nargs=1 -complete=file Replace <line1>-pu_|<line1>,<line2>d|r <args>|<line1>d " Count the number of lines in the range :com! -range -nargs=0 Lines echo <line2> - <line1> + 1 "lines" " Call a user function (example of <f-args>) :com -nargs=* Mycmd call Myfunc(<f-args>) When executed as: > :Mycmd arg1 arg2 This will invoke: > :call Myfunc("arg1","arg2") :" A more substantial example :function Allargs(command) : let i = 0 : while i < argc() : if filereadable(argv(i)) : execute "e " . argv(i) : execute a:command : endif : let i = i + 1 : endwhile :endfunction :command -nargs=+ -complete=command Allargs call Allargs(<q-args>) The command Allargs takes any Vim command(s) as argument and executes it on all files in the argument list. Usage example (note use of the "e" flag to ignore errors and the "update" command to write modified buffers): > :Allargs %s/foo/bar/ge|update This will invoke: > :call Allargs("%s/foo/bar/ge|update") < If the command is defined in Vim9 script (a script that starts with `:vim9script` and in a `:def` function) then {repl} will be executed as in Vim9 script. Thus this depends on where the command is defined, not where it is used. When defining a user command in a script, it will be able to call functions local to the script and use mappings local to the script. When the user invokes the user command, it will run in the context of the script it was defined in. This matters if |<SID>| is used in a command. vim:tw=78:ts=8:noet:ft=help:norl: