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authorBram Moolenaar <Bram@vim.org>2004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000
committerBram Moolenaar <Bram@vim.org>2004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000
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+*editing.txt* For Vim version 7.0aa. Last change: 2004 Apr 28
+
+
+ VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
+
+
+Editing files *edit-files*
+
+1. Introduction |edit-intro|
+2. Editing a file |edit-a-file|
+3. Dialogs |edit-dialogs|
+4. The current directory |current-directory|
+5. The argument list |argument-list|
+6. Writing |writing|
+7. Writing and quitting |write-quit|
+8. Editing binary files |edit-binary|
+9. Encryption |encryption|
+10. Timestamps |timestamps|
+
+==============================================================================
+1. Introduction *edit-intro*
+
+Editing a file with Vim means:
+
+1. reading the file into the internal buffer
+2. changing the buffer with editor commands
+3. writing the buffer into a file
+
+ *current-file*
+As long as you don't write the buffer, the original file remains unchanged.
+If you start editing a file (read a file into the buffer), the file name is
+remembered as the "current file name".
+
+ *alternate-file*
+If there already was a current file name, then that one becomes the alternate
+file name. All file names are remembered in the file list. When you enter a
+file name, for editing (e.g., with ":e filename") or writing (e.g., with (:w
+file name"), the file name is added to the list. You can use this list to
+remember which files you edited and to quickly switch from one file to
+another with the CTRL-^ command (e.g., to copy text). First type the number
+of the file and then hit CTRL-^. {Vi: only one alternate file name}
+
+CTRL-G or *CTRL-G* *:f* *:fi* *:file*
+:f[ile] Prints the current file name (as typed), the
+ cursor position (unless the 'ruler' option is set),
+ and the file status (readonly, modified, read errors,
+ new file)). See the 'shortmess' option about how tho
+ make this message shorter. {Vi does not include
+ column number}
+
+{count}CTRL-G Like CTRL-G, but prints the current file name with
+ full path. If the count is higher than 1 the current
+ buffer number is also given. {not in Vi}
+
+ *g_CTRL-G* *word-count* *byte-count*
+g CTRL-G Prints the current position of the cursor in four
+ ways: Column, Line, Word and Byte. If there are
+ characters in the line that take more than one
+ position on the screen (<Tab> or special character),
+ both the "real" column and the screen column are
+ shown, separated with a dash. See also 'ruler'
+ option. {not in Vi}
+
+ *v_g_CTRL-G*
+{Visual}g CTRL-G Similar to "g CTRL-G", but Word, Line, and Byte counts
+ for the visually selected region are displayed. In
+ Blockwise mode, Column count is also shown. (For
+ {Visual} see |Visual-mode|.)
+ {not in VI}
+
+ *:file_f*
+:f[ile] {name} Sets the current file name to {name}.
+
+:buffers
+:files
+:ls List all the currently known file names. See
+ 'windows.txt' |:files| |:buffers| |:ls|. {not in
+ Vi}
+
+Vim will remember the full path name of a file name that you enter. In most
+cases when the file name is displayed only the name you typed is shown, but
+the full path name is being used if you used the ":cd" command |:cd|.
+
+ *home-replace*
+If the environment variable $HOME is set, and the file name starts with that
+string, it is often displayed with HOME replaced with "~". This was done to
+keep file names short. When reading or writing files the full name is still
+used, the "~" is only used when displaying file names. When replacing the
+file name would result in just "~", "~/" is used instead (to avoid confusion
+with 'backupext' set to "~").
+
+When writing the buffer, the default is to use the current file name. Thus
+when you give the "ZZ" or ":wq" command, the original file will be
+overwritten. If you do not want this, the buffer can be written into another
+file by giving a file name argument to the ":write" command. For example: >
+
+ vim testfile
+ [change the buffer with editor commands]
+ :w newfile
+ :q
+
+This will create a file "newfile", that is a modified copy of "testfile".
+The file "testfile" will remain unchanged. Anyway, if the 'backup' option is
+set, Vim renames or copies the original file before it will be overwritten.
+You can use this file if you discover that you need the original file. See
+also the 'patchmode' option. The name of the backup file is normally the same
+as the original file with 'backupext' appended. The default "~" is a bit
+strange to avoid accidentally overwriting existing files. If you prefer ".bak"
+change the 'backupext' option. Extra dots are replaced with '_' on MS-DOS
+machines, when Vim has detected that an MS-DOS-like filesystem is being used
+(e.g., messydos or crossdos) or when the 'shortname' option is on. The
+backup file can be placed in another directory by setting 'backupdir'.
+
+ *auto-shortname*
+Technical: On the Amiga you can use 30 characters for a file name. But on an
+ MS-DOS-compatible filesystem only 8 plus 3 characters are
+ available. Vim tries to detect the type of filesystem when it is
+ creating the .swp file. If an MS-DOS-like filesystem is suspected,
+ a flag is set that has the same effect as setting the 'shortname'
+ option. This flag will be reset as soon as you start editing a
+ new file. The flag will be used when making the file name for the
+ ".swp" and ".~" files for the current file. But when you are
+ editing a file in a normal filesystem and write to an MS-DOS-like
+ filesystem the flag will not have been set. In that case the
+ creation of the ".~" file may fail and you will get an error
+ message. Use the 'shortname' option in this case.
+
+When you started editing without giving a file name, "No File" is displayed in
+messages. If the ":write" command is used with a file name argument, the file
+name for the current file is set to that file name. This only happens when
+the 'F' flag is included in 'cpoptions' (by default it is included). This is
+useful when entering text in an empty buffer and then writing it to a file.
+If 'cpoptions' contains the 'f' flag (by default it is NOT included) the file
+name is set for the ":read file" command. This is useful when starting Vim
+without an argument and then doing ":read file" to start editing a file.
+ *not-edited*
+Because the file name was set without really starting to edit that file, you
+are protected from overwriting that file. This is done by setting the
+"notedited" flag. You can see if this flag is set with the CTRL-G or ":file"
+command. It will include "[Not edited]" when the "notedited" flag is set.
+When writing the buffer to the current file name (with ":w!"), the "notedited"
+flag is reset.
+
+ *abandon*
+Vim remembers whether you have changed the buffer. You are protected from
+losing the changes you made. If you try to quit without writing, or want to
+start editing another file, Vim will refuse this. In order to overrule this
+protection, add a '!' to the command. The changes will then be lost. For
+example: ":q" will not work if the buffer was changed, but ":q!" will. To see
+whether the buffer was changed use the "CTRL-G" command. The message includes
+the string "[Modified]" if the buffer has been changed.
+
+If you want to automatically save the changes without asking, switch on the
+'autowriteall' option. 'autowrite' is the associated Vi-compatible option
+that does not work for all commands.
+
+If you want to keep the changed buffer without saving it, switch on the
+'hidden' option. See |hidden-buffer|.
+
+==============================================================================
+2. Editing a file *edit-a-file*
+
+ *:e* *:edit*
+:e[dit] [++opt] [+cmd] Edit the current file. This is useful to re-edit the
+ current file, when it has been changed outside of Vim.
+ This fails when changes have been made to the current
+ buffer and 'autowriteall' isn't set or the file can't
+ be written.
+ Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
+ {Vi: no ++opt}
+
+ *:edit!*
+:e[dit]! [++opt] [+cmd]
+ Edit the current file always. Discard any changes to
+ the current buffer. This is useful if you want to
+ start all over again.
+ Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
+ {Vi: no ++opt}
+
+ *:edit_f*
+:e[dit] [++opt] [+cmd] {file}
+ Edit {file}.
+ This fails when changes have been made to the current
+ buffer, unless 'hidden' is set or 'autowriteall' is
+ set and the file can be written.
+ Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
+ {Vi: no ++opt}
+
+ *:edit!_f*
+:e[dit]! [++opt] [+cmd] {file}
+ Edit {file} always. Discard any changes to the
+ current buffer.
+ Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
+ {Vi: no ++opt}
+
+:e[dit] [++opt] [+cmd] #[count]
+ Edit the [count]th alternate file name (as shown by
+ :files). This command does the same as
+ [count] CTRL-^. But ":e #" doesn't work if the
+ alternate buffer doesn't have a file name, while
+ CTRL-^ still works then.
+ Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
+ {Vi: no ++opt}
+
+ *:ene* *:enew*
+:ene[w] Edit a new, unnamed buffer. This fails when changes
+ have been made to the current buffer, unless 'hidden'
+ is set or 'autowriteall' is set and the file can be
+ written.
+ If 'fileformats' is not empty, the first format given
+ will be used for the new buffer. If 'fileformats' is
+ empty, the 'fileformat' of the current buffer is used.
+ {not in Vi}
+
+ *:ene!* *:enew!*
+:ene[w]! Edit a new, unnamed buffer. Discard any changes to
+ the current buffer.
+ Set 'fileformat' like |:enew|.
+ {not in Vi}
+
+ *:fin* *:find*
+:fin[d][!] [++opt] [+cmd] {file}
+ Find {file} in 'path' and then |:edit| it.
+ {not in Vi} {not available when the |+file_in_path|
+ feature was disabled at compile time}
+
+:{count}fin[d][!] [++opt] [+cmd] {file}
+ Just like ":find", but use the {count} match in
+ 'path'. Thus ":2find file" will find the second
+ "file" found in 'path'. When there are fewer matches
+ for the file in 'path' than asked for, you get an
+ error message.
+
+ *:ex*
+:ex [++opt] [+cmd] [file]
+ Same as |:edit|.
+
+ *:vi* *:visual*
+:vi[sual][!] [++opt] [+cmd] [file]
+ When entered in Ex mode: Leave |Ex-mode|, go back to
+ Normal mode. Otherwise same as |:edit|.
+
+ *:vie* *:view*
+:vie[w] [++opt] [+cmd] file
+ When entered in Ex mode: Leave Ex mode, go back to
+ Normal mode. Otherwise same as |:edit|, but set
+ 'readonly' option for this buffer. {not in Vi}
+
+ *CTRL-^* *CTRL-6*
+[count]CTRL-^ Edit [count]th alternate file (equivalent to ":e
+ #[count]"). Without count this gets you to the
+ previously edited file. This is a quick way to toggle
+ between two (or more) files.
+ If the 'autowrite' or 'autowriteall' option is on and
+ the buffer was changed, write it.
+ Mostly the ^ character is positioned on the 6 key,
+ pressing CTRL and 6 then gets you what we call CTRL-^.
+ But on some non-US keyboards CTRL-^ is produced in
+ another way.
+
+[count]]f *]f* *[f*
+[count][f Same as "gf". Deprecated.
+
+ *gf* *E446* *E447*
+[count]gf Edit the file whose name is under or after the cursor.
+ Mnemonic: "goto file".
+ Uses the 'isfname' option to find out which characters
+ are supposed to be in a file name. Trailing
+ punctuation characters ".,:;!" are ignored.
+ Uses the 'path' option as a list of directory names
+ to look for the file. Also looks for the file
+ relative to the current file.
+ Uses the 'suffixesadd' option to check for file names
+ with a suffix added.
+ If the file can't be found, 'includeexpr' is used to
+ modify the name and another attempt is done.
+ If a [count] is given, the count'th file that is found
+ in the 'path' is edited.
+ This command fails if Vim refuses to |abandon| the
+ current file.
+ If you do want to edit a new file, use: >
+ :e <cfile>
+< To make gf always work like that: >
+ :map gf :e <cfile><CR>
+< If the name is a hypertext link, that looks like
+ "type://machine/path", you need the |netrw| plugin.
+ For Unix the '~' character is expanded, like in
+ "~user/file". Environment variables are expanded too
+ |expand-env|.
+ {not in Vi}
+ {not available when the |+file_in_path| feature was
+ disabled at compile time}
+
+ *v_gf*
+{Visual}[count]gf Same as "gf", but the highlighted text is used as the
+ name of the file to edit. 'isfname' is ignored.
+ Leading blanks are skipped, otherwise all blanks and
+ special characters are included in the file name.
+ (For {Visual} see |Visual-mode|.)
+ {not in VI}
+
+These commands are used to start editing a single file. This means that the
+file is read into the buffer and the current file name is set. The file that
+is opened depends on the current directory, see |:cd|.
+
+See |read-messages| for an explanation of the message that is given after the
+file has been read.
+
+You can use the ":e!" command if you messed up the buffer and want to start
+all over again. The ":e" command is only useful if you have changed the
+current file name.
+
+ *:filename* *{file}*
+Note for systems other than Unix and MS-DOS: When using a command that
+accepts a single file name (like ":edit file") spaces in the file name are
+allowed, but trailing spaces are ignored. This is useful on systems that
+allow file names with embedded spaces (like the Amiga). Example: The command
+":e Long File Name " will edit the file "Long File Name". When using a
+command that accepts more than one file name (like ":next file1 file2")
+embedded spaces must be escaped with a backslash.
+
+Wildcards in {file} are expanded. Which wildcards are supported depends on
+the system. These are the common ones:
+ * matches anything, including nothing
+ ? matches one character
+ [abc] match 'a', 'b' or 'c'
+To avoid the special meaning of the wildcards prepend a backslash. However,
+on MS-Windows the backslash is a path separator and "path\[abc]" is still seen
+as a wildcard when "[" is in the 'isfname' option. A simple way to avoid this
+is to use "path\[[]abc]". Then the file "path[abc]" literally.
+
+ *backtick-expansion* *`-expansion*
+On Unix you can also use backticks in the file name, for example: >
+ :e `find . -name ver\\*.c -print`
+The backslashes before the star are required to prevent "ver*.c" to be
+expanded by the shell before executing the find program.
+This also works for most other systems, with the restriction that the
+backticks must be around the whole item. It is not possible to have text
+directly before the first or just after the last backtick.
+
+You can have the backticks expanded as a Vim expression, instead of
+an external command, by using the syntax `={expr}` e.g. >
+ :let foo='bar'
+ :e `=foo . ".c" `
+edits "bar.c". Note that the expression cannot contain a backtick.
+
+ *++opt* *[++opt]*
+The [++opt] argument can be used to force the value of 'fileformat' or
+'fileencoding' to a value for one command. The form is: >
+ ++{optname}={value}
+
+Where {optname} is one of: *++ff* *++enc* *++bin* *++nobin*
+ ff or fileformat overrides 'fileformat'
+ enc or encoding overrides 'fileencoding'
+ bin or binary sets 'binary'
+ nobin or nobinary resets 'binary'
+
+{value} cannot contain white space. It can be any valid value for these
+options. Examples: >
+ :e ++ff=unix
+This edits the same file again with 'fileformat' set to "unix". >
+
+ :w ++enc=latin1 newfile
+This writes the current buffer to "newfile" in latin1 format.
+
+Note that when reading, the 'fileformat' and 'fileencoding' options will be
+set to the used format. When writing this doesn't happen, thus a next write
+will use the old value of the option. Same for the 'binary' option.
+
+There may be several ++opt arguments, separated by white space. They must all
+appear before any |+cmd| argument.
+
+ *+cmd* *[+cmd]*
+The [+cmd] argument can be used to position the cursor in the newly opened
+file, or execute any other command:
+ + Start at the last line.
+ +{num} Start at line {num}.
+ +/{pat} Start at first line containing {pat}.
+ +{command} Execute {command} after opening the new file.
+ {command} is any Ex command.
+To include a white space in the {pat} or {command}, precede it with a
+backslash. Double the number of backslashes. >
+ :edit +/The\ book file
+ :edit +/dir\ dirname\\ file
+ :edit +set\ dir=c:\\\\temp file
+Note that in the last example the number of backslashes is halved twice: Once
+for the "+cmd" argument and once for the ":set" command.
+
+ *file-formats*
+The 'fileformat' option sets the <EOL> style for a file:
+'fileformat' characters name ~
+ "dos" <CR><NL> or <NL> DOS format *DOS-format*
+ "unix" <NL> Unix format *Unix-format*
+ "mac" <CR> Mac format *Mac-format*
+Previously 'textmode' was used. It is obsolete now.
+
+When reading a file, the mentioned characters are interpreted as the <EOL>.
+In DOS format (default for MS-DOS, OS/2 and Win32), <CR><NL> and <NL> are both
+interpreted as the <EOL>. Note that when writing the file in DOS format,
+<CR> characters will be added for each single <NL>. Also see |file-read|.
+
+When writing a file, the mentioned characters are used for <EOL>. For DOS
+format <CR><NL> is used. Also see |DOS-format-write|.
+
+You can read a file in DOS format and write it in Unix format. This will
+replace all <CR><NL> pairs by <NL> (assuming 'fileformats' includes "dos"): >
+ :e file
+ :set fileformat=unix
+ :w
+If you read a file in Unix format and write with DOS format, all <NL>
+characters will be replaced with <CR><NL> (assuming 'fileformats' includes
+"unix"): >
+ :e file
+ :set fileformat=dos
+ :w
+
+If you start editing a new file and the 'fileformats' option is not empty
+(which is the default), Vim will try to detect whether the lines in the file
+are separated by the specified formats. When set to "unix,dos", Vim will
+check for lines with a single <NL> (as used on Unix and Amiga) or by a <CR>
+<NL> pair (MS-DOS). Only when ALL lines end in <CR><NL>, 'fileformat' is set
+to "dos", otherwise it is set to "unix". When 'fileformats' includes "mac",
+and no <NL> characters are found in the file, 'fileformat' is set to "mac".
+
+If the 'fileformat' option is set to "dos" on non-MS-DOS systems the message
+"[dos format]" is shown to remind you that something unusual is happening. On
+MS-DOS systems you get the message "[unix format]" if 'fileformat' is set to
+"unix". On all systems but the Macintosh you get the message "[mac format]"
+if 'fileformat' is set to "mac".
+
+If the 'fileformats' option is empty and DOS format is used, but while reading
+a file some lines did not end in <CR><NL>, "[CR missing]" will be included in
+the file message.
+If the 'fileformats' option is empty and Mac format is used, but while reading
+a file a <NL> was found, "[NL missing]" will be included in the file message.
+
+If the new file does not exist, the 'fileformat' of the current buffer is used
+when 'fileformats' is empty. Otherwise the first format from 'fileformats' is
+used for the new file.
+
+Before editing binary, executable or Vim script files you should set the
+'binary' option. A simple way to do this is by starting Vim with the "-b"
+option. This will avoid the use of 'fileformat'. Without this you risk that
+single <NL> characters are unexpectedly replaced with <CR><NL>.
+
+You can encrypt files that are written by setting the 'key' option. This
+provides some security against others reading your files. |encryption|
+
+
+File Searching *file-searching*
+
+{not available when compiled without the |+path_extra| feature}
+
+The file searching is currently used for the 'path', 'cdpath' and 'tags'
+options. There are three different types of searching:
+
+1) Downward search:
+ Downward search uses the wildcards '*', '**' and possibly others
+ supported by your operating system. '*' and '**' are handled inside Vim, so
+ they work on all operating systems.
+
+ The usage of '*' is quite simple: It matches 0 or more characters.
+
+ '**' is more sophisticated:
+ - It ONLY matches directories.
+ - It matches up to 30 directories deep, so you can use it to search an
+ entire directory tree
+ - The maximum number of levels matched can be given by appending a number
+ to '**'.
+ Thus '/usr/**2' can match: >
+ /usr
+ /usr/include
+ /usr/include/sys
+ /usr/include/g++
+ /usr/lib
+ /usr/lib/X11
+ ....
+< It does NOT match '/usr/include/g++/std' as this would be three
+ levels.
+ The allowed number range is 0 ('**0' is removed) to 255.
+ If the given number is smaller than 0 it defaults to 30, if it's
+ bigger than 255 it defaults to 255.
+ - '**' can only be at the end of the path or be followed by a path
+ separator or by a number and a path separator.
+
+ You can combine '*' and '**' in any order: >
+ /usr/**/sys/*
+ /usr/*/sys/**
+ /usr/**2/sys/*
+
+2) Upward search:
+ Here you can give a directory and then search the directory tree upward for
+ a file. You could give stop-directories to limit the upward search. The
+ stop-directories are appended to the path (for the 'path' option) or to
+ the filename (for the 'tags' option) with a ';'. If you want several
+ stop-directories separate them with ';'. If you want no stop-directory
+ ("search upward till the root directory) just use ';'. >
+ /usr/include/sys;/usr
+< will search in: >
+ /usr/include/sys
+ /usr/include
+ /usr
+<
+ If you use a relative path the upward search is started in Vim's current
+ directory or in the directory of the current file (if the relative path
+ starts with './' and 'd' is not included in 'cpoptions').
+
+ If Vim's current path is /u/user_x/work/release and you do >
+ :set path=include;/u/user_x
+< and then search for a file with |gf| the file is searched in: >
+ /u/user_x/work/release/include
+ /u/user_x/work/include
+ /u/user_x/include
+
+3) Combined up/downward search
+ If Vim's current path is /u/user_x/work/release and you do >
+ set path=**;/u/user_x
+< and then search for a file with |gf| the file is searched in: >
+ /u/user_x/work/release/**
+ /u/user_x/work/**
+ /u/user_x/**
+<
+ BE CAREFUL! This might consume a lot of time, as the search of
+ '/u/user_x/**' includes '/u/user_x/work/**' and
+ '/u/user_x/work/release/**'. So '/u/user_x/work/release/**' is searched
+ three and '/u/user_x/work/**' is searched two times.
+
+ In the above example you might want to set path to: >
+ :set path=**,/u/user_x/**
+< This searches: >
+ /u/user_x/work/release/**
+ /u/user_x/**
+< This searches the same directories, but in a different order.
+
+==============================================================================
+3. Dialogs *edit-dialogs*
+
+ *:confirm* *:conf*
+:conf[irm] {command} Execute {command}, and use a dialog when an
+ operation has to be confirmed. Can be used on the
+ ":q", ":qa" and ":w" commands (the latter to over-ride
+ a read-only setting).
+
+Examples: >
+ :confirm w foo
+< Will ask for confirmation when "foo" already exists. >
+ :confirm q
+< Will ask for confirmation when there are changes. >
+ :confirm qa
+< If any modified, unsaved buffers exist, you will be prompted to save
+ or abandon each one. There are also choices to "save all" or "abandon
+ all".
+
+If you want to always use ":confirm", set the 'confirm' option.
+
+ *:browse* *:bro* *E338* *E614* *E615* *E616* *E578*
+:bro[wse] {command} Open a file selection dialog for an argument to
+ {command}. At present this works for |:e|, |:w|,
+ |:r|, |:saveas|, |:sp|, |:mkexrc|, |:mkvimrc| and
+ |:mksession|.
+ {only in Win32, Athena, Motif, GTK and Mac GUI}
+ When ":browse" is not possible you get an error
+ message. If the |+browse| feature is missing or the
+ {command} doesn't support browsing, the {command} is
+ executed without a dialog.
+ ":browse set" works like |:options|.
+
+The syntax is best shown via some examples: >
+ :browse e $vim/foo
+< Open the browser in the $vim/foo directory, and edit the
+ file chosen. >
+ :browse e
+< Open the browser in the directory specified with 'browsedir',
+ and edit the file chosen. >
+ :browse w
+< Open the browser in the directory of the current buffer,
+ with the current buffer filename as default, and save the
+ buffer under the filename chosen. >
+ :browse w C:/bar
+< Open the browser in the C:/bar directory, with the current
+ buffer filename as default, and save the buffer under the
+ filename chosen.
+Also see the |'browsedir'| option.
+For versions of Vim where browsing is not supported, the command is executed
+unmodified.
+
+ *browsefilter*
+For MS Windows, you can modify the filters that are used in the browse dialog.
+By setting the g:browsefilter or b:browsefilter variables, you can change the
+filters globally or locally to the buffer. The variable is set to a string in
+the format "{filter label}\t{pattern};{pattern}\n" where {filter label} is the
+text that appears in the "Files of Type" comboBox, and {pattern} is the
+pattern which filters the filenames. Several patterns can be given, separated
+by ';'.
+
+For Motif the same format is used, but only the very first pattern is actually
+used (Motif only offers one pattern, but you can edit it).
+
+For example, to have only Vim files in the dialog, you could use the following
+command: >
+
+ let g:browsefilter="Vim Scripts\t*.vim\nVim Startup Files\t*vimrc\n"
+
+You can override the filter setting on a per-buffer basis by setting the
+b:browsefilter variable. You would most likely set b:browsefilter in a
+filetype plugin, so that the browse dialog would contain entries related to
+the type of file you are currently editing. Disadvantage: This makes it
+difficult to start editing a file of a different type. To overcome this, you
+may want to add "All Files\t*.*\n" as the final filter, so that the user can
+still access any desired file.
+
+==============================================================================
+4. The current directory *current-directory*
+
+You may use the |:cd| and |:lcd| commands to change to another directory, so
+you will not have to type that directory name in front of the file names. It
+also makes a difference for executing external commands, e.g. ":!ls".
+
+ *:cd* *E472*
+:cd On non-Unix systems: Print the current directory
+ name. On Unix systems: Change the current directory
+ to the home directory. Use |:pwd| to print the
+ current directory on all systems.
+
+:cd {path} Change the current directory to {path}.
+ If {path} is relative, it is searched for in the
+ directories listed in |'cdpath'|.
+ Does not change the meaning of an already opened file,
+ because its full path name is remembered. Files from
+ the |arglist| may change though!
+ On MS-DOS this also changes the active drive.
+ To change to the directory of the current file: >
+ :cd %:h
+<
+ *:cd-* *E186*
+:cd - Change to the previous current directory (before the
+ previous ":cd {path}" command). {not in Vi}
+
+ *:chd* *:chdir*
+:chd[ir] [path] Same as |:cd|.
+
+ *:lc* *:lcd*
+:lc[d] {path} Like |:cd|, but only set the current directory for the
+ current window. The current directory for other
+ windows is not changed. {not in Vi}
+
+ *:lch* *:lchdir*
+:lch[dir] Same as |:lcd|. {not in Vi}
+
+ *:pw* *:pwd* *E187*
+:pw[d] Print the current directory name. {Vi: no pwd}
+ Also see |getcwd()|.
+
+So long as no |:lcd| command has been used, all windows share the same current
+directory. Using a command to jump to another window doesn't change anything
+for the current directory.
+When a |:lcd| command has been used for a window, the specified directory
+becomes the current directory for that window. Windows where the |:lcd|
+command has not been used stick to the global current directory. When jumping
+to another window the current directory will become the last specified local
+current directory. If none was specified, the global current directory is
+used.
+When a |:cd| command is used, the current window will lose his local current
+directory and will use the global current directory from now on.
+
+After using |:cd| the full path name will be used for reading and writing
+files. On some networked file systems this may cause problems. The result of
+using the full path name is that the file names currently in use will remain
+referring to the same file. Example: If you have a file a:test and a
+directory a:vim the commands ":e test" ":cd vim" ":w" will overwrite the file
+a:test and not write a:vim/test. But if you do ":w test" the file a:vim/test
+will be written, because you gave a new file name and did not refer to a
+filename before the ":cd".
+
+==============================================================================
+5. The argument list *argument-list* *arglist*
+
+If you give more than one file name when starting Vim, this list is remembered
+as the argument list. You can jump to each file in this list.
+
+Do not confuse this with the buffer list, which you can see with the
+|:buffers| command. The argument list was already present in Vi, the buffer
+list is new in Vim. A file name in the argument list will also be present in
+the buffer list (unless it was deleted with ":bdel").
+
+This subject is introduced in section |07.2| of the user manual.
+
+There is one global argument list, which is used for all windows by default.
+It is possible to create a new argument list local to a window, see
+|:arglocal|.
+
+You can use the argument list with the following commands, and with the
+expression functions |argc()| and |argv()|. These all work on the argument
+list of the current window.
+
+ *:ar* *:args*
+:ar[gs] Print the argument list, with the current file in
+ square brackets.
+
+:ar[gs] [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist} *:args_f*
+ Define {arglist} as the new argument list and edit
+ the first one. This fails when changes have been made
+ and Vim does not want to |abandon| the current buffer.
+ Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
+ {Vi: no ++opt}
+
+:ar[gs]! [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist} *:args_f!*
+ Define {arglist} as the new argument list and edit
+ the first one. Discard any changes to the current
+ buffer.
+ Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
+ {Vi: no ++opt}
+
+:[count]arge[dit][!] [++opt] [+cmd] {name} *:arge* *:argedit*
+ Add {name} to the argument list and edit it.
+ When {name} already exists in the argument list, this
+ entry is edited.
+ This is like using |:argadd| and then |:edit|.
+ Note that only one file name is allowed, and spaces
+ inside the file name are allowed, like with |:edit|.
+ [count] is used like with |:argadd|.
+ [!] is required if the current file cannot be
+ |abandon|ed.
+ Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
+ {not in Vi}
+
+:[count]arga[dd] {name} .. *:arga* *:argadd* *E479*
+ Add the {name}s to the argument list.
+ If [count] is omitted, the {name}s are added just
+ after the current entry in the argument list.
+ Otherwise they are added after the [count]'th file.
+ If the argument list is "a b c", and "b" is the
+ current argument, then these commands result in:
+ command new argument list ~
+ :argadd x a b x c
+ :0argadd x x a b c
+ :1argadd x a x b c
+ :99argadd x a b c x
+ There is no check for duplicates, it is possible to
+ add a file to the argument list twice.
+ The currently edited file is not changed.
+ {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the
+ |+listcmds| feature}
+ Note: you can also use this method: >
+ :args ## x
+< This will add the "x" item and sort the new list.
+
+:argd[elete] {pattern} .. *:argd* *:argdelete* *E480*
+ Delete files from the argument list that match the
+ {pattern}s. {pattern} is used like a file pattern,
+ see |file-pattern|. "%" can be used to delete the
+ current entry.
+ This command keeps the currently edited file, also
+ when it's deleted from the argument list.
+ {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the
+ |+listcmds| feature}
+
+:{range}argd[elete] Delete the {range} files from the argument list.
+ When the last number in the range is too high, up to
+ the last argument is deleted. Example: >
+ :10,1000argdel
+< Deletes arguments 10 and further, keeping 1-9.
+ {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the
+ |+listcmds| feature}
+
+ *:argu* *:argument*
+:[count]argu[ment] [count] [++opt] [+cmd]
+ Edit file [count] in the argument list. When [count]
+ is omitted the current entry is used. This fails
+ when changes have been made and Vim does not want to
+ |abandon| the current buffer.
+ Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
+ {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the
+ |+listcmds| feature}
+
+:[count]argu[ment]! [count] [++opt] [+cmd]
+ Edit file [count] in the argument list, discard any
+ changes to the current buffer. When [count] is
+ omitted the current entry is used.
+ Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
+ {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the
+ |+listcmds| feature}
+
+:[count]n[ext] [++opt] [+cmd] *:n* *:ne* *:next* *E165* *E163*
+ Edit [count] next file. This fails when changes have
+ been made and Vim does not want to |abandon| the
+ current buffer. Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {Vi: no
+ count or ++opt}.
+
+:[count]n[ext]! [++opt] [+cmd]
+ Edit [count] next file, discard any changes to the
+ buffer. Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {Vi: no count
+ or ++opt}.
+
+:n[ext] [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist} *:next_f*
+ Same as |:args_f|.
+
+:n[ext]! [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist}
+ Same as |:args_f!|.
+
+:[count]N[ext] [count] [++opt] [+cmd] *:Next* *:N* *E164*
+ Edit [count] previous file in argument list. This
+ fails when changes have been made and Vim does not
+ want to |abandon| the current buffer.
+ Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {Vi: no count or ++opt}.
+
+:[count]N[ext]! [count] [++opt] [+cmd]
+ Edit [count] previous file in argument list. Discard
+ any changes to the buffer. Also see |++opt| and
+ |+cmd|. {Vi: no count or ++opt}.
+
+:[count]prev[ious] [count] [++opt] [+cmd] *:prev* *:previous*
+ Same as :Next. Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {Vi:
+ only in some versions}
+
+ *:rew* *:rewind*
+:rew[ind] [++opt] [+cmd]
+ Start editing the first file in the argument list.
+ This fails when changes have been made and Vim does
+ not want to |abandon| the current buffer.
+ Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {Vi: no ++opt}
+
+:rew[ind]! [++opt] [+cmd]
+ Start editing the first file in the argument list.
+ Discard any changes to the buffer. Also see |++opt|
+ and |+cmd|. {Vi: no ++opt}
+
+ *:fir* *:first*
+:fir[st][!] [++opt] [+cmd]
+ Other name for ":rewind". {not in Vi}
+
+ *:la* *:last*
+:la[st] [++opt] [+cmd]
+ Start editing the last file in the argument list.
+ This fails when changes have been made and Vim does
+ not want to |abandon| the current buffer.
+ Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {not in Vi}
+
+:la[st]! [++opt] [+cmd]
+ Start editing the last file in the argument list.
+ Discard any changes to the buffer. Also see |++opt|
+ and |+cmd|. {not in Vi}
+
+ *:wn* *:wnext*
+:[count]wn[ext] [++opt] [+cmd]
+ Write current file and start editing the [count]
+ next file. Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {not in Vi}
+
+:[count]wn[ext] [++opt] [+cmd] {file}
+ Write current file to {file} and start editing the
+ [count] next file, unless {file} already exists and
+ the 'writeany' option is off. Also see |++opt| and
+ |+cmd|. {not in Vi}
+
+:[count]wn[ext]! [++opt] [+cmd] {file}
+ Write current file to {file} and start editing the
+ [count] next file. Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {not
+ in Vi}
+
+:[count]wN[ext][!] [++opt] [+cmd] [file] *:wN* *:wNext*
+:[count]wp[revous][!] [++opt] [+cmd] [file] *:wp* *:wprevious*
+ Same as :wnext, but go to previous file instead of
+ next. {not in Vi}
+
+The [count] in the commands above defaults to one. For some commands it is
+possible to use two counts. The last one (rightmost one) is used.
+
+If no [+cmd] argument is present, the cursor is positioned at the last known
+cursor position for the file. If 'startofline' is set, the cursor will be
+positioned at the first non-blank in the line, otherwise the last know column
+is used. If there is no last known cursor position the cursor will be in the
+first line (the last line in Ex mode).
+
+The wildcards in the argument list are expanded and the file names are sorted.
+Thus you can use the command "vim *.c" to edit all the C files. From within
+Vim the command ":n *.c" does the same. On Unix you can also use backticks,
+for example: >
+ :n `find . -name \\*.c -print`
+The backslashes before the star are required to prevent "*.c" to be expanded
+by the shell before executing the find program.
+
+ *arglist-position*
+When there is an argument list you can see which file you are editing in the
+title of the window (if there is one and 'title' is on) and with the file
+message you get with the "CTRL-G" command. You will see something like
+ (file 4 of 11)
+If 'shortmess' contains 'f' it will be
+ (4 of 11)
+If you are not really editing the file at the current position in the argument
+list it will be
+ (file (4) of 11)
+This means that you are position 4 in the argument list, but not editing the
+fourth file in the argument list. This happens when you do ":e file".
+
+
+LOCAL ARGUMENT LIST
+
+{not in Vi}
+{not available when compiled without the |+windows| or |+listcmds| feature}
+
+ *:arglocal*
+:argl[ocal] Make a local copy of the global argument list.
+ Doesn't start editing another file.
+
+:argl[ocal][!] [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist}
+ Define a new argument list, which is local to the
+ current window. Works like |:args_f| otherwise.
+
+ *:argglobal*
+:argg[lobal] Use the global argument list for the current win