# Vim documentation: map

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    *map.txt*       For Vim version 6.0ap.  Last change: 2001 Jul 24

    		  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|
    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 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 |<>|)

    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}					*:map*

    :nm[ap]	{lhs} {rhs}					*:nm* *:nmap*

    :vm[ap]	{lhs} {rhs}					*:vm* *:vmap*

    :om[ap]	{lhs} {rhs}					*:om* *:omap*

    :map!	{lhs} {rhs}					*:map!*

    :im[ap]	{lhs} {rhs}					*:im* *:imap*

    :lm[ap]	{lhs} {rhs}					*:lm* *:lmap*

    :cm[ap]	{lhs} {rhs}					*:cm* *:cmap*
    			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.

    :no[remap]  {lhs} {rhs}					*:no*  *:noremap*

    :nn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs}					*:nn*  *:nnoremap*

    :vn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs}					*:vn*  *:vnoremap*

    :ono[remap] {lhs} {rhs}					*:ono* *:onoremap*

    :no[remap]! {lhs} {rhs}					*:no!* *:noremap!*

    :ino[remap] {lhs} {rhs}					*:ino* *:inoremap*

    :lno[remap] {lhs} {rhs}					*:ln*  *:lnoremap*

    :cno[remap] {lhs} {rhs}					*:cno* *:cnoremap*
    			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.  {not in Vi}

    :unm[ap]  {lhs}						*:unm*  *:unmap*

    :nun[map] {lhs}						*:nun*  *:nunmap*

    :vu[nmap] {lhs}						*:vu*   *:vunmap*

    :ou[nmap] {lhs}						*:ou*   *:ounmap*

    :unm[ap]! {lhs}						*:unm!* *:unmap!*

    :iu[nmap] {lhs}						*:iu*   *:iunmap*

    :lu[nmap] {lhs}						*:lu*   *:lunmap*

    :cu[nmap] {lhs}						*:cu*   *:cunmap*
    			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]						*:mapc*   *:mapclear*

    :nmapc[lear]						*:nmapc*  *:nmapclear*

    :vmapc[lear]						*:vmapc*  *:vmapclear*

    :omapc[lear]						*:omapc*  *:omapclear*

    :mapc[lear]!						*:mapc!*  *:mapclear!*

    :imapc[lear]						*:imapc*  *:imapclear*

    :lmapc[lear]						*:lmapc*  *:lmapclear*

    :cmapc[lear]						*:cmapc*  *:cmapclear*
    			Remove ALL mappings for the modes where the map
    			command applies.  {not in Vi}
    			Warning: This also removes the default mappings.

    :map
    :nm[ap]
    :vm[ap]
    :om[ap]
    :map!
    :im[ap]
    :lm[ap]
    :cm[ap]
    			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}						*:map_l*

    :nm[ap] {lhs}						*:nmap_l*

    :vm[ap] {lhs}						*:vmap_l*

    :om[ap] {lhs}						*:omap_l*

    :map!   {lhs}						*:map_l!*

    :im[ap] {lhs}						*:imap_l*

    :lm[ap] {lhs}						*:lmap_l*

    :cm[ap] {lhs}						*:cmap_l*
    			List the key mappings for the key sequences starting
    			with {lhs} in the modes where the map command applies.
    			{not in Vi}

    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-local* *:map-<buffer>* *E224* *E225*
    If the first argument to one of these commands is "<buffer>" it will apply to
    mappings locally to 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.

    						*: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>

    						*: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 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>

    "<buffer>", "<silent>", "<script>" and "<unique>" can be used in any order.
    They must appear right after the command, before any other arguments.

    MAPPING AND MODES

    There are five sets of mappings
    - For Normal mode: When typing commands.
    - For Visual mode: When typing commands while the Visual area is highlighted.
    - For Operator-pending mode: When an operator is pending (after "d", "y", "c",
      etc.).  Example: ":omap { w" makes "y{" work like "yw" ad "d{" like "dw".
    - For Insert mode. These are also used in Replace mode.
    - For Command-line mode: When entering a ":" or "/" command.

    There are no separate mappings for Select mode.  The same as for Visual mode
    are used |Select-mode-mapping|.

    						*map-overview* *map-modes*
    Overview of which map command works in which mode:

        commands:				      modes:
    					  Normal     Visual  Operator-pending
    :map   :noremap   :unmap   :mapclear	    yes	       yes	  yes
    :nmap  :nnoremap  :nunmap  :nmapclear	    yes		-	   -
    :vmap  :vnoremap  :vunmap  :vmapclear	     -	       yes	   -
    :omap  :onoremap  :ounmap  :omapclear	     -		-	  yes

    					  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*

    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.

    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 and Command-line mode, the
    argument of the commands that accept a text character, when entering a search
    pattern and for the input() line.  Generally: Whenever a character is to be
    typed that is inserted in the text, 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-^|.  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".
       When adding a ":lmap" mapping the use of these mappings in Insert mode and
    for Search patterns will be switched on.
       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.

    							*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 (0xea <M-a>) in UTF-8 encoding this is the
    two bytes 0xc3 0xa1.  You don't want the 0xc3 byte to be mapped then,
    otherwise it would be impossible to type the á character.

    							*map-listing*
    When listing mappings the characters in the first two columns are:

          CHAR	MODE
         <Space>	Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
    	n	Normal
    	v	Visual
    	o	Operator-pending
    	!	Insert and Command-line
    	i	Insert
    	l	":lmap" mappings for Insert, Command-line and Lang-Arg
    	c	Command-line

    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 |'<|.

    							*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-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.
    {Vi does not allow ambiguous mappings}

    							*map_CTRL_C*
    It's not possible to use a CTRL-C in the {lhs}.  You just can't map CTRL-C.
    The reason is that CTRL-C must always be available to break a running command.
    Exception: 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*
    To include a space in {lhs} precede it with a CTRL-V (type two CTRL-Vs for
    each space).

    							*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*
    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>*
    A 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>

    					*<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*
    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 <LocalLeader>q  \DoItNow

    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
    |write-plugin|.

    							*<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
    This is useful to specify a (multi-byte) 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}.

    							*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*
    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 %<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.

    Note that when an error is encountered (that causes an error message) 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.

    							*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).
    - 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.

    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).

    							*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

    							*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
    type slowly, or your system is slow, reset the 'timeout' option.  Then you
    might want to set the 'ttimeout' option.

    							*map-keys-fails*
    There is one situation 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.

    						*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).

    							*: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.

    ==============================================================================

    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>.

    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 part of the abbreviation, exit
    insert mode with <Esc>, re-enter insert mode with "a" and type the rest.  Or
    type CTRL-V before the character after the abbreviation.
    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. |<>|

    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.

    :ab[breviate] {lhs}	list the abbreviations that start with {lhs}

    :ab[breviate] {lhs} {rhs}
    			add abbreviation for {lhs} to {rhs}.  If {lhs} already
    			existed it is replaced with the new {rhs}.  {rhs} may
    			contain spaces.

    						*:una* *:unabbreviate*
    :una[bbreviate] {lhs}	remove abbreviation for {lhs} from the list

    						*:norea* *:noreabbrev*
    :norea[bbrev] [lhs] [rhs]
    			same as ":ab", but no remapping for this {rhs} {not
    			in Vi}

    						*:ca* *:cabbrev*
    :ca[bbrev] [lhs] [rhs]	same as ":ab", but for Command-line mode only.  {not
    			in Vi}

    						*:cuna* *:cunabbrev*
    :cuna[bbrev] {lhs}	same as ":una", but for Command-line mode only.  {not
    			in Vi}

    						*:cnorea* *:cnoreabbrev*
    :cnorea[bbrev] [lhs] [rhs]
    			same as ":ab", but for Command-line mode only and no
    			remapping for this {rhs} {not in Vi}

    						*:ia* *:iabbrev*
    :ia[bbrev] [lhs] [rhs]	same as ":ab", but for Insert mode only.  {not in Vi}

    						*:iuna* *:iunabbrev*
    :iuna[bbrev] {lhs}	same as ":una", but for insert mode only.  {not in
    			Vi}

    						*:inorea* *:inoreabbrev*
    :inorea[bbrev] [lhs] [rhs]
    			same as ":ab", but for Insert mode only and no
    			remapping for this {rhs} {not in Vi}

    							*:abc* *:abclear*
    :abc[lear]		Remove all abbreviations.  {not in Vi}

    							*:iabc* *:iabclear*
    :iabc[lear]		Remove all abbreviations for Insert mode.  {not in Vi}

    							*:cabc* *:cabclear*
    :cabc[lear]		Remove all abbreviations for Command-line mode.  {not
    			in Vi}

    							*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 input-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
    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.

    Otherwise, using "<SID>" outside of a script context is an error.

    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 in Vi} and {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*
    All user defined commands must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid
    confusion with builtin commands. (There are a few builtin commands, notably
    :Next, :Print and :X, which do start with an uppercase letter.  The builtin
    will always take precedence in these cases).  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 two columns are
    			    !	Command has the -bang attribute
    			    "	Command has the -register attribute
    			    b	Command is local to current buffer
    			(see below for details on attributes)

    :com[mand] {cmd}	List the user-defined commands that start with {cmd}

    							*E174* *E182*
    :com[mand][!] [{attr}...] {cmd} {rep}
    			Define a user command.  The name of the command is
    			{cmd} and its replacement text is {rep}. 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.

    :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*

    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
    	-nargs=*    Any number of arguments are allowed (0, 1, or many)
    	-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.

    Completion behavior				*:command-completion*

    							*E179* *E180* *E181*
    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=augroup	autocmd groups
    	-complete=buffer	buffer names
    	-complete=command	Ex command (and arguments)
    	-complete=dir		directory names
    	-complete=environment	environment variable names
    	-complete=event		autocommand events
    	-complete=expression	Vim expression
    	-complete=file		file and directory names
    	-complete=function	function name
    	-complete=help		help subjects
    	-complete=highlight	highlight groups
    	-complete=mapping	mapping name
    	-complete=menu		menus
    	-complete=option	options
    	-complete=tag		tags
    	-complete=tag_listfiles	tags, file names are shown when CTRL-D is hit
    	-complete=var		user variables

    Range handling						*E177* *E178*

    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). 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|)
    	-count=N    A count (default N) which is specified either in the line
    		    number position, or as an initial argument (like |:Next|)
    		    Specifying -count (without a default) acts like -count=0

    Note that -range=N and -count=N are mutually exclusive - only one should be
    specified.

    Special cases

    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.

    Replacement text

    The replacement text 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. If the initial < of an escape
    sequence is preceded by a backslash, the sequence is copied unchanged.

    The valid escape sequences are

    						*<line1>*
    	<line1>	The starting line of the command range.

    						*<line2>*
    	<line2>	The final line of the command range.

    						*<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.

    						*<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>.

    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.

    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.  When there is no argument, <f-args> also has no
    argument.

    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")

    When defining an user command in a script, it will be able to call functions
    local to the script and use mappings local the 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.

    top - main help file