*pi_netrw.txt* For Vim version 6.3. Last change: Oct 08, 2004 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Charles E. Campbell, Jr. *dav* *http* *network* *rcp* *scp* *fetch* *netrw* *Nread* *rsync* *sftp* *ftp* *netrw.vim* *Nwrite* *netrw-file* ============================================================================== 0. Contents *netrw-contents* 1. Netrw Reference.....................................|netrw-ref| 2. Network-Oriented File Transfer......................|netrw-xfer| 3. Activation..........................................|netrw-activate| 4. Transparent File Transfer...........................|netrw-transparent| 5. Ex Commands.........................................|netrw-ex| 6. Variables and Options...............................|netrw-var| 7. Directory Browser...................................|netrw-browse| 8. Problems and Fixes..................................|netrw-problems| 9. Debugging...........................................|netrw-debug| 10. History.............................................|netrw-history| 11. Credits.............................................|netrw-credits| The functionality mentioned here is done via using |standard-plugin| techniques. This plugin is only available if set nocp " 'compatible' is not set filetype plugin on " plugins are enabled You can avoid loading this plugin by setting the "loaded_netrw" variable in your <.vimrc> file: > :let loaded_netrw = 1 {Vi does not have any of this} ============================================================================== 1. Netrw Reference *netrw-ref* OPTIONS let g:netrw_ftp =0 use ftp (default) (uid password) =1 use alternate ftp method (user uid password) If you're having trouble with ftp, try changing the value of this variable in your <.vimrc> to change methods let g:netrw_ignorenetrc= 1 If you have a <.netrc> file but it doesn't work and you want it ignored, then set this variable as shown. Its mere existence is enough to cause <.netrc> to be ignored. Controlling External Applications Protocol Variable Default Value -------- ---------------- ------------- dav: g:netrw_dav_cmd = "cadaver" fetch: g:netrw_fetch_cmd = "fetch -o" ftp: g:netrw_ftp_cmd = "ftp" http: g:netrw_http_cmd = "fetch -o" if fetch is available http: g:netrw_http_cmd = "wget -q -O" If wget is available rcp: g:netrw_rcp_cmd = "rcp" rsync: g:netrw_rsync_cmd = "rsync -a" scp: g:netrw_scp_cmd = "scp -q" sftp: g:netrw_sftp_cmd = "sftp" READING *netrw-read* *netrw-nread* :Nread ? give help :Nread "machine:path" uses rcp :Nread "machine path" uses ftp with <.netrc> :Nread "machine id password path" uses ftp :Nread "dav://machine[:port]/path" uses cadaver :Nread "fetch://[user@]machine/path" uses fetch :Nread "ftp://[user@]machine[[:#]port]/path" uses ftp autodetects <.netrc> :Nread "http://[user@]machine/path" uses http uses wget :Nread "rcp://[user@]machine/path" uses rcp :Nread "rsync://[user@]machine[:port]/path" uses rsync :Nread "scp://[user@]machine[[:#]port]/path" uses scp :Nread "sftp://[user@]machine/path" uses sftp WRITING *netrw-write* *netrw-nwrite* :Nwrite ? give help :Nwrite "machine:path" uses rcp :Nwrite "machine path" uses ftp with <.netrc> :Nwrite "machine id password path" uses ftp :Nwrite "dav://machine[:port]/path" uses cadaver :Nwrite "ftp://[user@]machine[[:#]port]/path" uses ftp autodetects <.netrc> :Nwrite "rcp://[user@]machine/path" uses rcp :Nwrite "rsync://[user@]machine[:port]/path" uses rsync :Nwrite "scp://[user@]machine[[:#]port]/path" uses scp :Nwrite "sftp://[user@]machine/path" uses sftp http: not supported! DIRECTORY LISTING :Nread [protocol]://[user]@hostname/path/ USER AND PASSWORD CHANGING Attempts to use ftp will prompt you for a user-id and a password. These will be saved in g:netrw_uid and g:netrw_passwd Subsequent uses of ftp will re-use those. If you need to use a different user id and/or password, you'll want to call NetUserPass() first. :NetUserPass [uid [password]] -- prompts as needed :call NetUserPass() -- prompts for uid and password :call NetUserPass("uid") -- prompts for password :call NetUserPass("uid","password") -- sets global uid and password VARIABLES *netrw-variables* b:netrw_lastfile last file Network-read/written retained on a per-buffer basis (supports plain :Nw ) s:netrw_line during Nw/NetWrite, holds current line number s:netrw_col during Nw/NetWrite, holds current column number s:netrw_line and s:netrw_col are used to restore the cursor position on writes g:netrw_ftp if it doesn't exist, use default ftp =0 use default ftp (uid password) =1 use alternate ftp method (user uid password) g:netrw_ftpmode ="binary" (default) ="ascii" g:netrw_uid (ftp) user-id, retained on a per-session basis g:netrw_passwd (ftp) password, retained on a per-session basis g:netrw_win95ftp =1 if using Win95, will remove four trailing blank lines that o/s's ftp "provides" on transfers =0 force normal ftp behavior (no trailing line removal) g:netrw_cygwin =1 assume scp under windows is from cygwin Also permits network browsing to use ls with time and size sorting (default if windows) =0 assume Windows' scp accepts windows-style paths Network browsing uses dir instead of ls This option is ignored if you're using unix g:netrw_use_nt_rcp=0 don't use the rcp of WinNT, Win2000 and WinXP =1 use WinNT's rcp in binary mode (default) PATHS *netrw-path* Paths to files are generally user-directory relative for most protocols. It is possible that some protocol will make paths relative to some associated directory, however. example: vim scp://user@host/somefile example: vim scp://user@host/subdir1/subdir2/somefile where "somefile" is the "user"'s home directory. If you wish to get a file using root-relative paths, use the full path: example: vim scp://user@host//somefile example: vim scp://user@host//subdir1/subdir2/somefile ============================================================================== 2. Network-Oriented File Transfer *netrw-xfer* Network-oriented file transfer under Vim is implemented by a VimL-based script () using plugin techniques. It currently supports both reading and writing across networks using rcp, scp, ftp or ftp+<.netrc>, scp, fetch, dav/cadaver, rsync, or sftp. http is currently supported read-only via use of wget or fetch. is a standard plugin which acts as glue between Vim and the various file transfer programs. It uses autocommand events (BufReadCmd, FileReadCmd, BufWriteCmd) to intercept reads/writes with url-like filenames. > ex. vim ftp://hostname/path/to/file < The characters preceding the colon specify the protocol to use; in the example, its ftp. The script then formulates a command or a series of commands (typically ftp) which it issues to an external program (ftp, scp, etc) which does the actual file transfer/protocol. Files are read from/written to a temporary file (under Unix/Linux, /tmp/...) which the script will clean up. One may modify any protocol's implementing external application by setting a variable (ex. scp uses the variable g:netrw_scp_cmd, which is defaulted to "scp -q"). Ftp, an old protocol, seems to be blessed by numerous implementations. Unfortunately, some implementations are noisy (i.e., add junk to the end of the file). Thus, concerned users may decide to write a NetReadFixup() function that will clean up after reading with their ftp. Some Unix systems (i.e., FreeBSD) provide a utility called "fetch" which uses the ftp protocol but is not noisy and more convenient, actually, for to use. Consequently, if "fetch" is executable, it will be used to do reads for ftp://... (and http://...) . See |netrw-var| for more about this. For rcp, scp, sftp, and http, one may use network-oriented file transfers transparently; i.e. > vim rcp://[user@]machine/path vim scp://[user@]machine/path < If your ftp supports <.netrc>, then it too can be just as transparently used if the needed triad of machine name, user id, and password are present in that file. Your ftp must be able to use the <.netrc> file on its own, however. > vim ftp://[user@]machine[[:#]portnumber]/path < However, ftp will often need to query the user for the userid and password. The latter will be done "silently"; i.e. asterisks will show up instead of the actually-typed-in password. Netrw will retain the userid and password for subsequent read/writes from the most recent transfer so subsequent transfers (read/write) to or from that machine will take place without additional prompting. *netrw-urls* +=================================+============================+============+ | Reading | Writing | Uses | +=================================+============================+============+ | DAV: | | | | dav://host/path | | cadaver | | :Nread dav://host/path | :Nwrite dav://host/path | cadaver | +---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+ | FETCH: | | | | fetch://[user@]host/path | | | | fetch://[user@]host:http/path | Not Available | fetch | | :Nread fetch://[user@]host/path| | | +---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+ | FILE: | | | | file:///* | file:///* | | | file://localhost/* | file://localhost/* | | +---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+ | FTP: (*3) | (*3) | | | ftp://[user@]host/path | ftp://[user@]host/path | ftp (*2) | | :Nread ftp://host/path | :Nwrite ftp://host/path | ftp+.netrc | | :Nread host path | :Nwrite host path | ftp+.netrc | | :Nread host uid pass path | :Nwrite host uid pass path | ftp | +---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+ | HTTP: wget is executable: (*4) | | | | http://[user@]host/path | Not Available | wget | +---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+ | HTTP: fetch is executable (*4) | | | | http://[user@]host/path | Not Available | fetch | +---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+ | RCP: | | | | rcp://[user@]host/path | rcp://[user@]host/path | rcp | +---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+ | RSYNC: | | | | rsync://[user@]host/path | rsync://[user@]host/path | rsync | | :Nread rsync://host/path | :Nwrite rsync://host/path | rsync | | :Nread rcp://host/path | :Nwrite rcp://host/path | rcp | +---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+ | SCP: | | | | scp://[user@]host/path | scp://[user@]host/path | scp | | :Nread scp://host/path | :Nwrite scp://host/path | scp (*1) | +---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+ | SFTP: | | | | sftp://[user@]host/path | sftp://[user@]host/path | sftp | | :Nread sftp://host/path | :Nwrite sftp://host/path | sftp (*1) | +=================================+============================+============+ (*1) For an absolute path use scp://machine//path. (*2) if <.netrc> is present, it is assumed that it will work with your ftp client. Otherwise the script will prompt for user-id and pasword. (*3) for ftp, "machine" may be machine#port or machine:port if a different port is needed than the standard ftp port (*4) for http:..., if wget is available it will be used. Otherwise, if fetch is available it will be used. Both the :Nread and the :Nwrite ex-commands can accept multiple filenames. NETRC *netrw-netrc* The typical syntax for lines in a <.netrc> file is given as shown below. Ftp under Unix usually support <.netrc>; Windows' ftp usually doesn't. > machine {full machine name} login {user-id} password "{password}" default login {user-id} password "{password}" Your ftp client must handle the use of <.netrc> on its own, but if the <.netrc> file exists, an ftp transfer will not ask for the user-id or password. Note: Since this file contains passwords, make very sure nobody else can read this file! Most programs will refuse to use a .netrc that is readable for others. Don't forget that the system administrator can still read the file! PASSWORD *netrw-passwd* The script attempts to get passwords for ftp invisibly using |inputsecret()|, a built-in Vim function. See |netrw-uidpass| for how to change the password after one has set it. Unfortunately there doesn't appear to be a way for netrw to feed a password to scp. Thus every transfer via scp will require re-entry of the password. ============================================================================== 3. Activation *netrw-activate* Network-oriented file transfers are available by default whenever |'nocompatible'| mode is enabled. The file resides in your system's vim-plugin directory and is sourced automatically whenever you bring up vim. ============================================================================== 4. Transparent File Transfer *netrw-transparent* Transparent file transfers occur whenever a regular file read or write (invoked via an |:autocmd| for |BufReadCmd| or |BufWriteCmd| events) is made. Thus one may use files across networks as if they were local. > vim ftp://[user@]machine/path ... :wq ============================================================================== 5. Ex Commands *netrw-ex* The usual read/write commands are supported. There are also a couple of additional commands available. :[range]Nw Write the specified lines to the current file as specified in b:netrw_lastfile. :[range]Nw {netfile} [{netfile}]... Write the specified lines to the {netfile}. :Nread Read the specified lines into the current buffer from the file specified in b:netrw_lastfile. :Nread {netfile} {netfile}... Read the {netfile} after the current line. *netrw-uidpass* :call NetUserPass() If b:netrw_uid and b:netrw_passwd don't exist, this function query the user for them. :call NetUserPass("userid") This call will set the b:netrw_uid and, if the password doesn't exist, will query the user for it. :call NetUserPass("userid","passwd") This call will set both the b:netrw_uid and b:netrw_passwd. The user-id and password are used by ftp transfers. One may effectively remove the user-id and password by using "" strings. ============================================================================== 6. Variables and Options *netrw-options* *netrw-var* The script uses several variables which can affect 's behavior. These variables typically may be set in the user's <.vimrc> file: > ------------- Netrw Options ------------- Option Meaning -------------- ----------------------------------------------- < b:netrw_col Holds current cursor position (during NetWrite) g:netrw_cygwin =1 assume scp under windows is from cygwin (default/windows) =0 assume scp under windows accepts windows style paths (default/else) g:netrw_ftp =0 use default ftp (uid password) g:netrw_ftpmode ="binary" (default) ="ascii" (your choice) g:netrw_ignorenetrc =1 (default) if you have a <.netrc> file but you don't want it used, then set this variable. Its mere existence is enough to cause <.netrc> to be ignored. b:netrw_lastfile Holds latest method/machine/path. b:netrw_line Holds current line number (during NetWrite) g:netrw_passwd Holds current password for ftp. g:netrw_silent =0 transfers done normally =1 transfers done silently g:netrw_uid Holds current user-id for ftp. =1 use alternate ftp (user uid password) (see |netrw-options|) g:netrw_use_nt_rcp =0 don't use WinNT/2K/XP's rcp (default) =1 use WinNT/2K/XP's rcp, binary mode g:netrw_win95ftp =0 use unix-style ftp even if win95/98/ME/etc =1 use default method to do ftp > ----------------------------------------------------------------------- < The script will also make use of the following variables internally, albeit temporarily. > ------------------- Temporary Variables ------------------- Variable Meaning -------- ------------------------------------ < g:netrw_method Index indicating rcp/ftp+.netrc/ftp g:netrw_machine Holds machine name parsed from input g:netrw_fname Holds filename being accessed > ------------------------------------------------------------ < *netrw-protocol* Netrw supports a number of protocols. These protocols are invoked using the variables listed below, and may be modified by the user. > ------------------------ Protocol Control Options ------------------------ Option Type Setting Meaning --------- -------- -------------- --------------------------- < netrw_ftp variable =doesn't exist userid set by "user userid" =0 userid set by "user userid" =1 userid set by "userid" NetReadFixup function =doesn't exist no change =exists Allows user to have files read via ftp automatically transformed however they wish by NetReadFixup() g:netrw_dav_cmd variable ="cadaver" g:netrw_fetch_cmd variable ="fetch -o" g:netrw_ftp_cmd variable ="ftp" g:netrw_http_cmd variable ="fetch -o" else if fetch is executable g:netrw_http_cmd variable ="wget -O" if wget is executable g:netrw_list_cmd variable ="ssh HOSTNAME ls -Fa" g:netrw_rcp_cmd variable ="rcp" g:netrw_rsync_cmd variable ="rsync -a" g:netrw_scp_cmd variable ="scp -q" g:netrw_sftp_cmd variable ="sftp" > ------------------------------------------------------------------------- < *netrw-ftp* The first two options both help with certain ftp's that give trouble otherwise. In order to best understand how to use these options if ftp is giving you troubles, a bit of discussion follows on how netrw does ftp reads. The g:netrw_..._cmd variables specify the external program to use handle the associated protocol (rcp, ftp, etc), plus any options. The g:netrw_list_cmd's HOSTNAME entry will be changed via substitution with whatever the current request is for a hostname. For ftp, netrw typically builds up lines of one of the following formats in a temporary file: > IF g:netrw_ftp !exists or is not 1 IF g:netrw_ftp exists and is 1 ---------------------------------- ------------------------------ < open machine [port] open machine [port] user userid password userid password [g:netrw_ftpmode] password get filename tempfile [g:netrw_ftpmode] get filename tempfile > --------------------------------------------------------------------- < Netrw then executes the lines above by use of a filter: > :%! {g:netrw_ftp_cmd} -i [-n] < where g:netrw_ftp_cmd is usually "ftp", -i tells ftp not to be interactive -n means don't use netrc and is used for Method #3 (ftp w/o <.netrc>) If <.netrc> exists it will be used to avoid having to query the user for userid and password. The transferred file is put into a temporary file. The temporary file is then read into the main editing session window that requested it and the temporary file deleted. If your ftp doesn't accept the "user" command and immediately just demands a userid, then try putting "let netrw_ftp=1" in your <.vimrc>. *netrw-cadaver* To handle the SSL certificate dialog for untrusted servers, one may pull down the certificate and place it into /usr/ssl/cert.pem. This operation renders the server treatment as "trusted". *netrw-fixup* If your ftp for whatever reason generates unwanted lines (such as AUTH messages) you may write a NetReadFixup(tmpfile) function: > function! NetReadFixup(method,line1,line2) " a:line1: first new line in current file " a:line2: last new line in current file if a:method == 1 "rcp elseif a:method == 2 "ftp + <.netrc> elseif a:method == 3 "ftp + machine,uid,password,filename elseif a:method == 4 "scp elseif a:method == 5 "http/wget elseif a:method == 6 "dav/cadaver elseif a:method == 7 "rsync elseif a:method == 8 "fetch elseif a:method == 9 "sftp else " complain endif endfunction > The NetReadFixup() function will be called if it exists and thus allows you to customize your reading process. As a further example, contains just such a function to handle Windows 95 ftp. For whatever reason, Windows 95's ftp dumps four blank lines at the end of a transfer, and so it is desirable to automate their removal. Here's some code taken from itself: > if has("win95") && g:netrw_win95ftp fun! NetReadFixup(method, line1, line2) if method == 3 " ftp (no <.netrc>) let fourblanklines= line2 - 3 silent fourblanklines.",".line2."g/^\s*/d" endif endfunction endif > ============================================================================== 7. Directory Browser *netrw-browse* *netrw-dir* *netrw-list* *netrw-help* ?..........Help....................................|netrw-help| .......Browsing................................|netrw-cr| ......Deleting Files or Directories...........|netrw-delete| -..........Going Up................................|netrw--| a..........Hiding Files or Directories.............|netrw-a| b..........Bookmarking a Directory.................|netrw-b| B..........Changing to a Bookmarked Directory......|netrw-B| c..........Make Browsing Directory The Current Dir.|netrw-c| d..........Make A New Directory....................|netrw-d| D..........Deleting Files or Directories...........|netrw-D| ......Edit File/Directory Hiding List.........|netrw-h| i..........Long Listing............................|netrw-i| ......Refreshing the Listing..................|netrw-ctrl-l| o..........Browsing with a Horizontal Split........|netrw-o| p..........Preview Window..........................|netrw-p| q..........Listing Bookmarks and History...........|netrw-q| r..........Reversing Sorting Order.................|netrw-r| R..........Renaming Files or Directories...........|netrw-R| s..........Selecting Sorting Style.................|netrw-s| S..........Editing the Sorting Sequence............|netrw-S| u..........Changing to a Predecessor Directory.....|netrw-u| U..........Changing to a Successor Directory.......|netrw-U| v..........Browsing with a Vertical Split..........|netrw-v| x..........Customizing Browsing....................|netrw-x| QUICK REFERENCE COMMANDS TABLE *netrw-browse-cmds* > ------- ----------- Command Explanation ------- ----------- < ? Causes Netrw to issue help Netrw will enter the directory or read the file Netrw will attempt to remove the file/directory d Make a directory D Netrw will attempt to remove the file(s)/directory(ies) R Netrw will attempt to rename the file(s)/directory(ies) - Makes Netrw go up one directory a Toggles between normal display, hiding (suppress display of files matching g:netrw_list_hide) showing (display only files which match g:netrw_list_hide) c Make current browsing directory the current directory Edit file hiding list i Toggles between long and short listing Causes Netrw to refresh the directory listing o Enter the file/directory under the cursor in a new browser window. A horizontal split is used. r Reverse sorting order s Select sorting style: by name, time, or file size v Enter the file/directory under the cursor in a new browser window. A vertical split is used. x Apply a function to a file. NETRW BROWSER VARIABLES *netrw-browse-var* > --- ----------- Var Explanation --- ----------- < g:netrw_alto change from above splitting to below splitting by setting this variable (see |netrw-o|) g:netrw_altv change from left splitting to right splitting by setting this variable (see |netrw-v|) g:netrw_ftp_browse_reject ftp can produce a number of errors and warnings that can show up as "directories" and "files" in the listing. This pattern is used to remove such embedded messages. g:netrw_keepdir =1 (default) keep current directory immune from the browsing directory. =0 keep the current directory the same as the browsing directory. The browsing directory is contained in b:netrw_curdir g:netrw_list_cmd command for listing remote directories g:netrw_longlist if =1, then long listing will be default g:netrw_ftp_list_cmd options for passing along to ftp for directory listing. Defaults: unix or g:netrw_cygwin set: : "ls -lF" otherwise "dir" g:netrw_list_hide comma separated list of patterns for hiding files g:netrw_local_mkdir command for making a local directory g:netrw_local_rmdir remove directory command (rmdir) g:netrw_local_rename rename file/directory command unix-default: rm win32-default: ren g:netrw_maxfilenamelen =32 by default, selected so as to make long listings fit on 80 column displays. If your screen is wider, and you have file/directory names longer than 32 bytes, you may set this option to keep listings columnar. g:netrw_mkdir_cmd command for making a remote directory g:netrw_rm_cmd command for removing files g:netrw_rmdir_cmd command for removing directories g:netrw_rmf_cmd command for removing softlinks g:netrw_hide if true, the hiding list is used g:netrw_sort_by sort by "name", "time", or "size" g:netrw_sort_direction sorting direction: "normal" or "reverse" g:netrw_sort_sequence when sorting by name, first sort by the comma-separated pattern sequence g:netrw_timefmt specify format string to strftime() (%c) g:netrw_winsize specify initial size of new o/v windows INTRODUCTION TO DIRECTORY BROWSING *file-explorer* Netrw supports the browsing of directories on the local system and on remote hosts, including generating listing directories, entering directories, editing files therein, deleting files/directories, making new directories, and moving (renaming) files and directories. The Netrw browser generally implements the previous explorer maps and commands for remote directories, although details (such as pertinent global variable names) necessarily differ. The Netrw remote file and directory browser handles two protocols: ssh and ftp. The protocol in the url, if it is ftp, will cause netrw to use ftp in its remote browsing. Any other protocol will be used for file transfers, but otherwise the ssh protocol will be used to do remote directory browsing. To enter the netrw directory browser, simply attempt to read a "file" with a trailing slash and it will be interpreted as a request to list a directory: vim [protocol]://[user@]hostname/path/ If you'd like to avoid entering the password in for directory listings, scp, ssh interaction, etc, see |netrw-list-hack|. REFRESHING THE LISTING *netrw-ctrl-l* To refresh either a local or remote directory listing, press ctrl-l () or hit the when atop the ./ directory entry in the listing. One may also refresh a local directory by using ":e .". GOING UP *netrw--* To go up a directory, press - or his the when atop the ../ directory entry in the listing. Netrw will modify the command in *g:netrw_list_cmd* to perform the directory listing operation. By default the command is: ssh HOSTNAME ls -FLa where the HOSTNAME becomes the [user@]hostname as requested by the attempt to read. Naturally, the user may override this command with whatever is preferred. The NetList function which implements remote directory browsing expects that directories will be flagged by a trailing slash. BROWSING *netrw-cr* Browsing is simple: move the cursor onto a file or directory of interest. Hitting the (the return key) will select the file or directory. Directories will themselves be listed, and files will be opened using the protocol given in the original read request. LONG VS SHORT LISTING *netrw-i* The short listing format gives just the files' and directories' names. The long listing is either based on the "ls" command via ssh for remote directories or displays the filename, file size (in bytes), and the time and date of last modification for local directories. MAKING A NEW DIRECTORY *netrw-d* With the "d" map one may make a new directory either remotely (which depends on the global variable g:netrw_mkdir_cmd) or locally (which depends on the global variable g:netrw_local_mkdir). Netrw will issue a request for the new directory's name. A bare at that point will abort the making of the directory. Attempts to make a local directory that already exists (as either a file or a directory) will be detected, reported on, and ignored. DELETING FILES OR DIRECTORIES *netrw-delete* *netrw-D* Deleting/removing files and directories involves moving the cursor to the file/directory to be deleted and pressing "D". Directories must be empty first before they can be successfully removed. If the directory is a softlink to a directory, then netrw will make two requests to remove the directory before succeeding. Netrw will ask for confirmation before doing the removal(s). You may select a range of lines with the "V" command (visual selection), and then pressing "D". *g:netrw_rm_cmd* The g:netrw_rm_cmd, g:netrw_rmf_cmd, and g:netrw_rmdir_cmd variables are used to control the attempts to remove files and directories. The g:netrw_rm_cmd is used with files, and its default value is: g:netrw_rm_cmd: ssh HOSTNAME rm *g:netrw_rmdir_cmd* The g:netrw_rmdir_cmd variable is used to support the removal of directories. Its default value is: g:netrw_rmdir_cmd: ssh HOSTNAME rmdir *g:netrw_rmf_cmd* If removing a directory fails with g:netrw_rmdir_cmd, netrw then will attempt to remove it again using the g:netrw_rmf_cmd variable. Its default value is: g:netrw_rmf_cmd: ssh HOSTNAME rm -f RENAMING FILES OR DIRECTORIES *netrw-move* *netrw-rename* *netrw-R* Renaming/moving files and directories involves moving the cursor to the file/directory to be moved (renamed) and pressing "R". You will then be queried for where you want the file/directory to be moved. You may select a range of lines with the "V" command (visual selection), and then pressing "R". The g:netrw_rename_cmd variable is used to implement renaming. By default its value is: ssh HOSTNAME mv One may rename a block of files and directories by selecting them with the V (|linewise-visual|). HIDING FILES OR DIRECTORIES *netrw-a* *g:netrw_list_hide* Netrw's browsing facility allows one to use the hiding list in one of three ways: ignore it, hide files which match, and show only those files which match. The g:netrw_list_hide variable holds a comma delimited list of patterns (ex. \.obj) which specify the hiding list. (also see |netrw-h|) EDIT FILE OR DIRECTORY HIDING LIST *netrw-h* The "" map brings up a requestor allowing the user to change the file/directory hiding list. The hiding list consists of one or more patterns delimited by commas. Files and/or directories satisfying these patterns will either be hidden (ie. not shown) or be the only ones displayed (see |netrw-a|). BROWSING WITH A HORIZONTALLY SPLIT WINDOW *netrw-o* Normally one enters a file or directory using the . However, the "o" map allows one to open a new window to hold the new directory listing or file. A horizontal split is used. (for vertical splitting, see |netrw-v|) Normally, the o key splits the window horizontally with the new window and cursor at the top. To change to splitting the window horizontally with the new window and cursor at the bottom, have let g:netrw_alto = 1 in your <.vimrc>. PREVIEW WINDOW One may use a preview window (currently only for local browsing) by using the "p" key when the cursor is atop the desired filename to be previewed. SELECTING SORTING STYLE *netrw-s* One may select the sorting style by name, time, or (file) size. The "s" map allows one to circulate among the three choices; the directory listing will automatically be refreshed to reflect the selected style. EDITING THE SORTING SEQUENCE *netrw-S* When "Sorted by" is name, one may specify priority via the sorting sequence (g:netrw_sort_sequence). The sorting sequence typically prioritizes the name-listing by suffix, although any pattern will do. Patterns are delimited by commas. The default sorting sequence is: > /$,*,\.bak$,\.o$,\.h$,\.info$,\.swp$,\.obj$ < The lone * is where all filenames not covered by one of the other patterns will end up. One may change the sorting sequence by modifying the g:netrw_sort_sequence variable (either manually or in your <.vimrc>) or by using the "S" map. REVERSING SORTING ORDER *netrw-r* One may toggle between normal and reverse sorting order by pressing the "r" key. CHANGING TO A PREDECESSOR DIRECTORY *netrw-u* Every time you change to a new directory (new for the current session), netrw will save the directory in a recently-visited directory history list (unless g:netrw_dirhistmax is zero; by default, its ten). With the "u" map, one can change to an earlier directory (predecessor). To do the opposite, see |netrw-U|. CHANGING TO A SUCCESSOR DIRECTORY *netrw-U* With the "U" map, one can change to a later directory (successor). This map is the opposite of the "u" map. (see |netrw-u|) Use the q map to list both the bookmarks and history. (see |netrw-q|) BROWSING WITH A VERTICALLY SPLIT WINDOW *netrw-v* Normally one enters a file or directory using the . However, the "v" map allows one to open a new window to hold the new directory listing or file. A vertical split is used. (for horizontal splitting, see |netrw-o|) Normally, the v key splits the window vertically with the new window and cursor at the left. To change to splitting the window vertically with the new window and cursor at the right, have let g:netrw_altv = 1 in your <.vimrc>. CUSTOMIZING BROWSING WITH A USER FUNCTION *netrw-x* One may "enter" a file with a special handler, thereby firing up a browser or other application, for example, on a file by hitting the "x" key. Presumably one could write handlers that would start OpenOffice programs (oowriter), etc, based on the file's extension coupled with the user's hitting the "x" key atop the file. The Netrw executor applies a user-defined function to a file, based on its extension. Of course, the handler function must exist for it to be called! > Ex. mypgm.html x -> NetrwFileHandler_html("scp://user@host/some/path/mypgm.html") < See the for an example of how to handle an html file with mozilla. MAKING THE BROWSING DIRECTORY THE CURRENT DIRECTORY *netrw-c* *netrw-curdir* By default, g:netrw_keepdir is 1. This setting means that the current directory will not track the browsing directory. However, setting g:netrw_keepdir to 0 (say, in your <.vimrc>) will tell netrw to have the currently browsed directory be the current directory. With the default setting for g:netrw_keepdir, in order to make the two directories the same, use the "c" map (just type c). That map will set the current directory to the current browsing directory. BOOKMARKING A DIRECTORY *netrw-b* *netrw-bookmark* *netrw-bookmarks* One may easily "bookmark" a directory by using {cnt}b Any count may be used. One may use viminfo's "!" option to retain bookmarks between vim sessions. See |netrw-B| for how to return to a bookmark and |netrw-q| for how to list them. CHANGING TO A BOOKMARKED DIRECTORY *netrw-B* To change directory back to a bookmarked directory, use {cnt}B Any count may be used to reference any of the bookmarks. See |netrw-b| for how to bookmark a directory and |netrw-q| for how to list them. LISTING BOOKMARKS AND HISTORY *netrw-q* Pressing "q" will list the bookmarked directories and directory traversal history (query). (see |netrw-b|, |netrw-B|, |netrw-u|, and |netrw-U|) IMPROVING DIRECTORY BROWSING *netrw-list-hack* Especially with the remote directory browser, constantly entering the password is tedious. For Linux/Unix systems, I suggest looking into http://hacks.oreilly.com/pub/h/66 It gives a tip for setting up password-less use of ssh and scp, and discusses the associated security issues. ============================================================================== 8. Problems and Fixes *netrw-problems* (This section is likely to grow as I get feedback) (also see |netrw-debug|) P1. I use windows 95, and my ftp dumps four blank lines at the end of every read. See |netrw-fixup|, and put the following into your <.vimrc> file: let g:netrw_win95ftp= 1 P2. I use windows, and my network browsing with ftp doesn't sort by time or size Windows' ftp has a minimal support for ls (ie. it doesn't accept sorting options). It doesn't support the -F which gives an explanatory character (ABC/ for "ABC is a directory"). Netrw uses dir to get its short and long listings. If you think your ftp does support a full-up ls, put the following into your <.vimrc>: let g:netrw_ftp_list_cmd= "ls -lF" Alternatively, if you have cygwin on your Windows box, put into your <.vimrc>: let g:netrw_cygwin= 1 P3. I tried rcp://user@host/ (or protocol other than ftp) and netrw used ssh! That wasn't what I asked for... Netrw has two methods for browsing remote directories: ssh and ftp. Unless you specify ftp specifically, ssh is used. When it comes time to do download a file (not just a directory listing), netrw will use the given protocol to do so. P4. I would like long listings to be the default. let g:netrw_longlist=1 Check out |netrw-browse-var| for more customizations that you can set. P5. My times come up oddly in local browsing Does your system's strftime() accept the "%c" to yield dates such as "Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997"? If not, do a "man strftime" and find out what option should be used. Then put it into your <.vimrc>: let g:netrw_timefmt= "%X" (where X is the option) P6. I want my current directory to track my browsing. How do I do that? let g:netrw_keepdir= 0 ============================================================================== 9. Debugging *netrw-debug* The script is typically available as: /usr/local/share/vim/vim6x/plugin/netrw.vim which is loaded automatically at startup (assuming :set nocp). 1. Get the script, available as: http://mysite.verizon.net/astronaut/vim/index.html#vimlinks_scripts as "Decho, a vimL debugging aid" or http://vim.sourceforge.net/scripts/script.php?script_id=120 and put it into your local plugin directory. 2. itself needs the script, so you'll need to put it into your .vim/plugin, too. You may obtain it from: http://mysite.verizon.net/astronaut/vim/index.html#VimFuncs as "DrC's Utilities" 3. Edit the file by typing: vim netrw.vim :DechoOn :wq To restore to normal non-debugging behavior, edit by typing vim netrw.vim :DechoOff :wq This command, provided by , will comment out all Decho-debugging statements (Dfunc(), Dret(), Decho(), Dredir()). 4. Then bring up vim and attempt a transfer. A set of messages should appear concerning the steps that took in attempting to read/write your file over the network. Please send that information to 's maintainer, NdrOchip at ScampbellPfamily.AbizM - NOSPAM ============================================================================== 10. History *netrw-history* v52: * nonumber'ing now set for browsing buffers * when the hiding list hid all files, error messages ensued. Fixed * when browsing, swf is set, but directory is not set, when netrw was attempting to restore options, vim wanted to save a swapfile to a local directory using an url-style path. Fixed v51: * cygwin detection now automated (using windows and &shell is bash) * customizable browser "file" rejection patterns * directory history * :[range]w url now supported (ie. netrw has a FileWriteCmd event) * error messages have a "Press to continue" to allow them to be seen * directory browser displays no longer bother the swapfile * u/U commands to go up and down the history stack * history stack may be saved with viminfo with its "!" option * bugfixes associated with unwanted [No Files] entries v50: * directories now displayed using buftype=nofile; should keep the directory names as-is * attempts to remove empty "[No File]" buffers leftover from :file ..name.. commands * bugfix: a "caps-lock" editing difficulty left in v49 was fixed * syntax highlighting for "Showing:" the hiding list included * bookmarks can now be retained if "!" is in the viminfo option v49: * will use ftp for http://.../ browsing v48: * One may use ftp to do remote host file browsing * (windows and !cygwin) remote browsing with ftp can now use the "dir" command internally to provide listings * g:netrw_keepdir now allows one to keep the initial current directory as the current directory (normally the local file browser makes the currently viewed directory the current directory) * g:netrw_alto and g:netrw_altv now support alternate placement of windows started with o or v * Nread ? and Nwrite ? now uses echomsg (instead of echo) so :messages can repeat showing the help * bugfix: avoids problems with partial matches of directory names to prior buffers with longer names * one can suppress error messages with g:netrw_quiet ctrl-h used * instead of h for editing hiding list one may edit the * sorting sequence with the S map now allows confirmation of * deletion with [y(es) n(o) a(ll) q(uit)] the "x" map now handles * special file viewing with: (windows) rundll32 url.dll (gnome) gnome-open (kde) kfmclient If none of these are on the executable path, then NetrwFileHandlers.vim is used. * directory bookmarking during both local and remote browsing implemented * one may view all, use the hiding list to suppress, or use the hiding list to show-only remote and local file/directory listings * improved unusual file and directory name handling preview * window support v47: * now handles local directory browsing. v46: * now handles remote directory browsing * g:netrw_silent (if 1) will cause all transfers to be silent v45: * made the [user@]hostname:path form a bit more restrictive to better handle errors in using protocols (e.g. scp:usr@host:file was being recognized as an rcp request) v44: * changed from "rsync -a" to just "rsync" * somehow an editing error messed up the test to recognize use of the fetch method for NetRead. * more debugging statements included v43: * moved "Explanation" comments to help file as "Network Reference" (|netrw-ref|) * now uses Dfunc() Decho() and Dret() for debugging * removed superfluous NetRestorePosn() calls v42: * now does BufReadPre and BufReadPost events on file:///* and file://localhost/* v41: * installed file:///* and file://localhost/* handling v40: * prevents redraw when a protocol error occurs so that the user may see it v39: * sftp support v38: * Now uses NetRestorePosn() calls with Nread/Nwrite commands * Temporary files now removed via bwipe! instead of bwipe (thanks to Dave Roberts) v37: * Claar's modifications which test if ftp is successful, otherwise give an error message * After a read, the alternate file was pointing to the temp file. The temp file buffer is now wiped out. * removed silent from transfer methods so user can see what's happening ============================================================================== 11. Credits *netrw-credits* Vim editor by Bram Moolenaar (Thanks, Bram!) dav support by C Campbell fetch support by Bram Moolenaar and C Campbell ftp support by C Campbell - NOSPAM http support by Bram Moolenaar rcp rsync support by C Campbell (suggested by Erik Warendorph) scp support by raf sftp support by C Campbell inputsecret(), BufReadCmd, BufWriteCmd contributed by C Campbell Jérôme Augé -- also using new buffer method with ftp+.netrc Bram Moolenaar -- obviously vim itself, :e and v:cmdarg use, fetch,... Yasuhiro Matsumoto -- pointing out undo+0r problem and a solution Erik Warendorph -- for several suggestions (g:netrw_..._cmd variables, rsync etc) Doug Claar -- modifications to test for success with ftp operation ============================================================================== vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: