Nvim documentation: api
main help file
*api.txt* Nvim
NVIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Thiago de Arruda
Nvim API *API* *api*
Nvim exposes a powerful API that can be used by plugins and external processes
via |RPC|, |Lua| and VimL (|eval-api|).
Applications can also embed libnvim to work with the C API directly.
Type |gO| to see the table of contents.
==============================================================================
API Types *api-types*
The Nvim C API defines custom types for all function parameters. Some are just
typedefs around C99 standard types, others are Nvim-defined data structures.
Boolean -> bool
Integer (signed 64-bit integer) -> int64_t
Float (IEEE 754 double precision) -> double
String -> {char* data, size_t size} struct
Array
Dictionary
Object
The following handle types are defined as integer typedefs, but are
discriminated as separate types in an Object:
Buffer -> enum value kObjectTypeBuffer
Window -> enum value kObjectTypeWindow
Tabpage -> enum value kObjectTypeTabpage
==============================================================================
API metadata *api-metadata*
Nvim exposes API metadata as a Dictionary. Some items are described below:
version Nvim version, API level/compatibility
version.api_level Current API level
version.api_compatible API is backwards-compatible with this level
version.api_prerelease Declares the current API level as unstable
(version.api_prerelease && fn.since == version.api_level)
functions API function signatures
ui_events UI event signatures |ui|
ui_options Supported |ui-options|
{fn}.since API level where function {fn} was introduced
{fn}.deprecated_since API level where function {fn} was deprecated
types Custom handle types defined by Nvim
error_types Possible error types returned by API functions
External programs ("clients") can use the metadata to discover the |rpc-api|.
==============================================================================
API contract *api-contract*
The Nvim API is composed of functions and events.
- Clients call functions like those described at |api-global|.
- Clients can subscribe to |ui-events|, |api-buffer-updates|, etc.
- API function names are prefixed with "nvim_".
- API event names are prefixed with "nvim_" and suffixed with "_event".
As Nvim evolves the API may change in compliance with this CONTRACT:
- New functions and events may be added.
- Any such extensions are OPTIONAL: old clients may ignore them.
- Function signatures will NOT CHANGE (after release).
- Functions introduced in the development (unreleased) version MAY CHANGE.
(Clients can dynamically check `api_prerelease`, etc. |api-metadata|)
- Event parameters will not be removed or reordered (after release).
- Events may be EXTENDED: new parameters may be added.
- New items may be ADDED to map/list parameters/results of functions and
events.
- Any such new items are OPTIONAL: old clients may ignore them.
- Existing items will not be removed (after release).
- Deprecated functions will not be removed until Nvim version 2.0
==============================================================================
Buffer update events *api-buffer-updates*
API clients can "attach" to Nvim buffers to subscribe to buffer update events.
This is similar to |TextChanged| but more powerful and granular.
Call |nvim_buf_attach()| to receive these events on the channel:
*nvim_buf_lines_event*
nvim_buf_lines_event[{buf}, {changedtick}, {firstline}, {lastline}, {linedata}, {more}]
When the buffer text between {firstline} and {lastline} (end-exclusive,
zero-indexed) were changed to the new text in the {linedata} list. The
granularity is a line, i.e. if a single character is changed in the editor,
the entire line is sent.
When {changedtick} is |v:null| this means the screen lines (display) changed
but not the buffer contents. {linedata} contains the changed screen lines.
This happens when |inccommand| shows a buffer preview.
Properties:
{buf} API buffer handle (buffer number)
{changedtick} value of |b:changedtick| for the buffer. If you send an API
command back to nvim you can check the value of |b:changedtick| as part of
your request to ensure that no other changes have been made.
{firstline} integer line number of the first line that was replaced.
Zero-indexed: if line 1 was replaced then {firstline} will be 0, not 1.
{firstline} is always less than or equal to the number of lines that were
in the buffer before the lines were replaced.
{lastline} integer line number of the first line that was not replaced
(i.e. the range {firstline}, {lastline} is end-exclusive).
Zero-indexed: if line numbers 2 to 5 were replaced, this will be 5 instead
of 6. {lastline} is always be less than or equal to the number of lines
that were in the buffer before the lines were replaced. {lastline} will be
-1 if the event is part of the initial update after attaching.
{linedata} list of strings containing the contents of the new buffer
lines. Newline characters are omitted; empty lines are sent as empty
strings.
{more} boolean, true for a "multipart" change notification: the current
change was chunked into multiple |nvim_buf_lines_event| notifications
(e.g. because it was too big).
nvim_buf_changedtick_event[{buf}, {changedtick}] *nvim_buf_changedtick_event*
When |b:changedtick| was incremented but no text was changed. Relevant for
undo/redo.
Properties:
{buf} API buffer handle (buffer number)
{changedtick} new value of |b:changedtick| for the buffer
nvim_buf_detach_event[{buf}] *nvim_buf_detach_event*
When buffer is detached (i.e. updates are disabled). Triggered explicitly by
|nvim_buf_detach| or implicitly in these cases:
- Buffer was |abandon|ed and 'hidden' is not set.
- Buffer was reloaded, e.g. with |:edit| or an external change triggered
|:checktime| or 'autoread'.
- Generally: whenever the buffer contents are unloaded from memory.
Properties:
{buf} API buffer handle (buffer number)
EXAMPLE
Calling |nvim_buf_attach()| with send_buffer=true on an empty buffer, emits:
nvim_buf_lines_event[{buf}, {changedtick}, 0, 0, [""], v:false]
User adds two lines to the buffer, emits:
nvim_buf_lines_event[{buf}, {changedtick}, 0, 0, ["line1", "line2"], v:false]
User moves to a line containing the text "Hello world" and inserts "!", emits:
nvim_buf_lines_event[{buf}, {changedtick}, {linenr}, {linenr} + 1,
["Hello world!"], v:false]
User moves to line 3 and deletes 20 lines using "20dd", emits:
nvim_buf_lines_event[{buf}, {changedtick}, 2, 22, [], v:false]
User selects lines 3-5 using |linewise-visual| mode and then types "p" to
paste a block of 6 lines, emits:
nvim_buf_lines_event[{buf}, {changedtick}, 2, 5,
['pasted line 1', 'pasted line 2', 'pasted line 3', 'pasted line 4',
'pasted line 5', 'pasted line 6'],
v:false
]
User reloads the buffer with ":edit", emits:
nvim_buf_detach_event[{buf}]
==============================================================================
Buffer highlighting *api-highlights*
Nvim allows plugins to add position-based highlights to buffers. This is
similar to |matchaddpos()| but with some key differences. The added highlights
are associated with a buffer and adapts to line insertions and deletions,
similar to signs. It is also possible to manage a set of highlights as a group
and delete or replace all at once.
The intended use case are linter or semantic highlighter plugins that monitor
a buffer for changes, and in the background compute highlights to the buffer.
Another use case are plugins that show output in an append-only buffer, and
want to add highlights to the outputs. Highlight data cannot be preserved
on writing and loading a buffer to file, nor in undo/redo cycles.
Highlights are registered using the |nvim_buf_add_highlight()| function. If an
external highlighter plugin wants to add many highlights in a batch,
performance can be improved by calling |nvim_buf_add_highlight()| as an
asynchronous notification, after first (synchronously) reqesting a source id.
Example using the Nvim python-client:
src = vim.new_highlight_source()
buf = vim.current.buffer
for i in range(5):
buf.add_highlight("String",i,0,-1,src_id=src)
# some time later
buf.clear_highlight(src)
If the highlights don't need to be deleted or updated, just pass -1 as
src_id (this is the default in python). Use |nvim_buf_clear_highlight()| to
clear highlights from a specific source, in a specific line range or the
entire buffer by passing in the line range 0, -1 (the latter is the default in
python as used above).
An example of calling the api from vimscript:
call nvim_buf_set_lines(0, 0, 0, v:true, ["test text"])
let src = nvim_buf_add_highlight(0, 0, "String", 1, 0, 4)
call nvim_buf_add_highlight(0, src, "Identifier", 0, 5, -1)
" later
call nvim_buf_clear_highlight(0, src, 0, -1)
==============================================================================
Global Functions *api-global*
nvim_command({command}) *nvim_command()*
Executes an ex-command.
On execution error: fails with VimL error, does not update
v:errmsg.
Parameters:
{command} Ex-command string
nvim_get_hl_by_name({name}, {rgb}) *nvim_get_hl_by_name()*
Gets a highlight definition by name.
Parameters:
{name} Highlight group name
{rgb} Export RGB colors
Return:
Highlight definition map
nvim_get_hl_by_id({hl_id}, {rgb}) *nvim_get_hl_by_id()*
Gets a highlight definition by id. |hlID()|
Parameters:
{hl_id} Highlight id as returned by |hlID()|
{rgb} Export RGB colors
Return:
Highlight definition map
nvim_feedkeys({keys}, {mode}, {escape_csi}) *nvim_feedkeys()*
Sends input-keys to Nvim, subject to various quirks controlled
by `mode` flags. This is a blocking call, unlike
|nvim_input()|.
On execution error: does not fail, but updates v:errmsg.
Parameters:
{keys} to be typed
{mode} behavior flags, see |feedkeys()|
{escape_csi} If true, escape K_SPECIAL/CSI bytes in
`keys`
nvim_input({keys}) *nvim_input()*
Queues raw user-input. Unlike |nvim_feedkeys()|, this uses a
low-level input buffer and the call is non-blocking (input is
processed asynchronously by the eventloop).
On execution error: does not fail, but updates v:errmsg.
Note:
|keycodes| like <CR> are translated, so "<" is special. To
input a literal "<", send <LT>.
Attributes:
{async}
Parameters:
{keys} to be typed
Return:
Number of bytes actually written (can be fewer than
requested if the buffer becomes full).
*nvim_replace_termcodes()*
nvim_replace_termcodes({str}, {from_part}, {do_lt}, {special})
Replaces terminal codes and |keycodes| (<CR>, <Esc>, ...) in a
string with the internal representation.
Parameters:
{str} String to be converted.
{from_part} Legacy Vim parameter. Usually true.
{do_lt} Also translate <lt>. Ignored if `special` is
false.
{special} Replace |keycodes|, e.g. <CR> becomes a "\n"
char.
nvim_command_output({command}) *nvim_command_output()*
Executes an ex-command and returns its (non-error) output.
Shell |:!| output is not captured.
On execution error: fails with VimL error, does not update
v:errmsg.
Parameters:
{command} Ex-command string
nvim_eval({expr}) *nvim_eval()*
Evaluates a VimL expression (:help expression). Dictionaries
and Lists are recursively expanded.
On execution error: fails with VimL error, does not update
v:errmsg.
Parameters:
{expr} VimL expression string
Return:
Evaluation result or expanded object
nvim_execute_lua({code}, {args}) *nvim_execute_lua()*
Execute lua code. Parameters (if any) are available as `...`
inside the chunk. The chunk can return a value.
Only statements are executed. To evaluate an expression,
prefix it with `return`: return my_function(...)
Parameters:
{code} lua code to execute
{args} Arguments to the code
Return:
Return value of lua code if present or NIL.
nvim_call_function({fn}, {args}) *nvim_call_function()*
Calls a VimL function with the given arguments.
On execution error: fails with VimL error, does not update
v:errmsg.
Parameters:
{fn} Function to call
{args} Function arguments packed in an Array
Return:
Result of the function call
nvim_call_dict_function({dict}, {fn}, {args}) *nvim_call_dict_function()*
Calls a VimL |Dictionary-function| with the given arguments.
On execution error: fails with VimL error, does not update
v:errmsg.
Parameters:
{dict} Dictionary, or String evaluating to a VimL |self|
dict
{fn} Name of the function defined on the VimL dict
{args} Function arguments packed in an Array
Return:
Result of the function call
nvim_strwidth({text}) *nvim_strwidth()*
Calculates the number of display cells occupied by `text`.
<Tab> counts as one cell.
Parameters:
{text} Some text
Return:
Number of cells
nvim_list_runtime_paths() *nvim_list_runtime_paths()*
Gets the paths contained in 'runtimepath'.
Return:
List of paths
nvim_set_current_dir({dir}) *nvim_set_current_dir()*
Changes the global working directory.
Parameters:
{dir} Directory path
nvim_get_current_line() *nvim_get_current_line()*
Gets the current line
Parameters:
Return:
Current line string
nvim_set_current_line({line}) *nvim_set_current_line()*
Sets the current line
Parameters:
{line} Line contents
nvim_del_current_line() *nvim_del_current_line()*
Deletes the current line
Parameters:
nvim_get_var({name}) *nvim_get_var()*
Gets a global (g:) variable
Parameters:
{name} Variable name
Return:
Variable value
nvim_set_var({name}, {value}) *nvim_set_var()*
Sets a global (g:) variable
Parameters:
{name} Variable name
{value} Variable value
nvim_del_var({name}) *nvim_del_var()*
Removes a global (g:) variable
Parameters:
{name} Variable name
nvim_get_vvar({name}) *nvim_get_vvar()*
Gets a v: variable
Parameters:
{name} Variable name
Return:
Variable value
nvim_get_option({name}) *nvim_get_option()*
Gets an option value string
Parameters:
{name} Option name
Return:
Option value (global)
nvim_set_option({name}, {value}) *nvim_set_option()*
Sets an option value
Parameters:
{name} Option name
{value} New option value
nvim_out_write({str}) *nvim_out_write()*
Writes a message to the Vim output buffer. Does not append
"\n", the message is buffered (won't display) until a linefeed
is written.
Parameters:
{str} Message
nvim_err_write({str}) *nvim_err_write()*
Writes a message to the Vim error buffer. Does not append
"\n", the message is buffered (won't display) until a linefeed
is written.
Parameters:
{str} Message
nvim_err_writeln({str}) *nvim_err_writeln()*
Writes a message to the Vim error buffer. Appends "\n", so the
buffer is flushed (and displayed).
Parameters:
{str} Message
nvim_list_bufs() *nvim_list_bufs()*
Gets the current list of buffer handles
Return:
List of buffer handles
nvim_get_current_buf() *nvim_get_current_buf()*
Gets the current buffer
Return:
Buffer handle
nvim_set_current_buf({buffer}) *nvim_set_current_buf()*
Sets the current buffer
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
nvim_list_wins() *nvim_list_wins()*
Gets the current list of window handles
Return:
List of window handles
nvim_get_current_win() *nvim_get_current_win()*
Gets the current window
Return:
Window handle
nvim_set_current_win({window}) *nvim_set_current_win()*
Sets the current window
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
nvim_list_tabpages() *nvim_list_tabpages()*
Gets the current list of tabpage handles
Return:
List of tabpage handles
nvim_get_current_tabpage() *nvim_get_current_tabpage()*
Gets the current tabpage
Return:
Tabpage handle
nvim_set_current_tabpage({tabpage}) *nvim_set_current_tabpage()*
Sets the current tabpage
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage handle
nvim_subscribe({event}) *nvim_subscribe()*
Subscribes to event broadcasts
Parameters:
{event} Event type string
nvim_unsubscribe({event}) *nvim_unsubscribe()*
Unsubscribes to event broadcasts
Parameters:
{event} Event type string
nvim_get_color_by_name({name}) *nvim_get_color_by_name()*
TODO: Documentation
nvim_get_color_map() *nvim_get_color_map()*
TODO: Documentation
nvim_get_mode() *nvim_get_mode()*
Gets the current mode. |mode()| "blocking" is true if Nvim is
waiting for input.
Return:
Dictionary { "mode": String, "blocking": Boolean }
Attributes:
{async}
nvim_get_keymap({mode}) *nvim_get_keymap()*
Gets a list of global (non-buffer-local) |mapping|
definitions.
Parameters:
{mode} Mode short-name ("n", "i", "v", ...)
Return:
Array of maparg()-like dictionaries describing mappings.
The "buffer" key is always zero.
nvim_get_commands({opts}) *nvim_get_commands()*
Gets a map of global (non-buffer-local) Ex commands.
Currently only |user-commands| are supported, not builtin Ex
commands.
Parameters:
{opts} Optional parameters. Currently only supports
{"builtin":false}
Return:
Map of maps describing commands.
nvim_get_api_info() *nvim_get_api_info()*
Returns a 2-tuple (Array), where item 0 is the current channel
id and item 1 is the |api-metadata| map (Dictionary).
Return:
2-tuple [{channel-id}, {api-metadata}]
Attributes:
{async}
*nvim_set_client_info()*
nvim_set_client_info({name}, {version}, {type}, {methods},
{attributes})
Identify the client for nvim. Can be called more than once,
but subsequent calls will remove earlier info, which should be
resent if it is still valid. (This could happen if a library
first identifies the channel, and a plugin using that library
later overrides that info)
Parameters:
{name} short name for the connected client
{version} Dictionary describing the version, with the
following possible keys (all optional)
"major" major version (defaults to 0 if not
set, for no release yet) "minor" minor
version "patch" patch number "prerelease"
string describing a prerelease, like "dev"
or "beta1" "commit" hash or similar
identifier of commit
{type} Must be one of the following values. A
client library should use "remote" if the
library user hasn't specified other value.
"remote" remote client that connected to
nvim. "ui" gui frontend "embedder"
application using nvim as a component, for
instance IDE/editor implementing a vim mode.
"host" plugin host, typically started by
nvim "plugin" single plugin, started by
nvim
{methods} Builtin methods in the client. For a host,
this does not include plugin methods which
will be discovered later. The key should be
the method name, the values are dicts with
the following (optional) keys: "async" if
true, send as a notification. If false or
unspecified, use a blocking request "nargs"
Number of arguments. Could be a single
integer or an array two integers, minimum
and maximum inclusive. Further keys might be
added in later versions of nvim and unknown
keys are thus ignored. Clients must only use
keys defined in this or later versions of
nvim!
{attributes} Informal attributes describing the client.
Clients might define their own keys, but the
following are suggested: "website" Website
of client (for instance github repository)
"license" Informal descripton of the
license, such as "Apache 2", "GPLv3" or
"MIT" "logo" URI or path to image,
preferably small logo or icon. .png or .svg
format is preferred.
nvim_get_chan_info({chan}) *nvim_get_chan_info()*
Get information about a channel.
Return:
a Dictionary, describing a channel with the following
keys: "stream" the stream underlying the channel
"stdio" stdin and stdout of this Nvim instance "stderr"
stderr of this Nvim instance "socket" TCP/IP socket or
named pipe "job" job with communication over its stdio
"mode" how data received on the channel is interpreted "bytes" send and recieve raw bytes "terminal" a |terminal| instance interprets ASCII sequences "rpc" |RPC| communication on the channel is active "pty" Name of pseudoterminal, if one is used (optional). On a POSIX system, this will be a device path like /dev/pts/1. Even if the name is unknown, the key will still be present to indicate a pty is used. This is currently the case when using winpty on windows. "buffer" buffer with connected |terminal| instance (optional) "client" information about the client on the other end of the RPC channel, if it has added it using |nvim_set_client_info()|. (optional)
nvim_list_chans() *nvim_list_chans()*
Get information about all open channels.
Return:
Array of Dictionaries, each describing a channel with the
format specified at |nvim_get_chan_info()|.
nvim_call_atomic({calls}) *nvim_call_atomic()*
Calls many API methods atomically.
This has two main usages:
To perform several requests from an async context atomically, i.e. without interleaving redraws, RPC requests from other clients, or user interactions (however API methods may trigger autocommands or event processing which have such side-effects, e.g. |:sleep| may wake timers). To minimize RPC overhead (roundtrips) of a sequence of many requests.
Parameters:
{calls} an array of calls, where each call is described
by an array with two elements: the request name,
and an array of arguments.
Return:
an array with two elements. The first is an array of
return values. The second is NIL if all calls succeeded.
If a call resulted in an error, it is a three-element
array with the zero-based index of the call which resulted
in an error, the error type and the error message. If an
error occurred, the values from all preceding calls will
still be returned.
*nvim_parse_expression()*
nvim_parse_expression({expr}, {flags}, {highlight})
Parse a VimL expression
Attributes:
{async}
Parameters:
{expr} Expression to parse. Is always treated as a
single line.
{flags} Flags: - "m" if multiple expressions in a
row are allowed (only the first one will be
parsed), - "E" if EOC tokens are not allowed
(determines whether they will stop parsing
process or be recognized as an
operator/space, though also yielding an
error). - "l" when needing to start parsing
with lvalues for ":let" or ":for". Common
flag sets: - "m" to parse like for ":echo". -
"E" to parse like for "<C-r>=". - empty
string for ":call". - "lm" to parse for
":let".
{highlight} If true, return value will also include
"highlight" key containing array of 4-tuples
(arrays) (Integer, Integer, Integer, String),
where first three numbers define the
highlighted region and represent line,
starting column and ending column (latter
exclusive: one should highlight region
[start_col, end_col)).
Return:
AST: top-level dictionary with these keys: "error":
Dictionary with error, present only if parser saw some
error. Contains the following keys: "message": String,
error message in printf format, translated. Must contain
exactly one "%.*s". "arg": String, error message argument.
"len": Amount of bytes successfully parsed. With flags
equal to "" that should be equal to the length of expr
string. @note: “Sucessfully parsed” here means
“participated in AST creation”, not “till the first
error”. "ast": AST, either nil or a dictionary with these
keys: "type": node type, one of the value names from
ExprASTNodeType stringified without "kExprNode" prefix.
"start": a pair [line, column] describing where node is
“started” where "line" is always 0 (will not be 0 if you
will be using nvim_parse_viml() on e.g. ":let", but that
is not present yet). Both elements are Integers. "len":
“length” of the node. This and "start" are there for
debugging purposes primary (debugging parser and providing
debug information). "children": a list of nodes described
in top/"ast". There always is zero, one or two children,
key will not be present if node has no children. Maximum
number of children may be found in node_maxchildren array.
Local values (present only for certain nodes): "scope": a
single Integer, specifies scope for "Option" and
"PlainIdentifier" nodes. For "Option" it is one of
ExprOptScope values, for "PlainIdentifier" it is one of
ExprVarScope values. "ident": identifier (without scope,
if any), present for "Option", "PlainIdentifier",
"PlainKey" and "Environment" nodes. "name": Integer,
register name (one character) or -1. Only present for
"Register" nodes. "cmp_type": String, comparison type, one
of the value names from ExprComparisonType, stringified
without "kExprCmp" prefix. Only present for "Comparison"
nodes. "ccs_strategy": String, case comparison strategy,
one of the value names from ExprCaseCompareStrategy,
stringified without "kCCStrategy" prefix. Only present for
"Comparison" nodes. "augmentation": String, augmentation
type for "Assignment" nodes. Is either an empty string,
"Add", "Subtract" or "Concat" for "=", "+=", "-=" or ".="
respectively. "invert": Boolean, true if result of
comparison needs to be inverted. Only present for
"Comparison" nodes. "ivalue": Integer, integer value for
"Integer" nodes. "fvalue": Float, floating-point value for
"Float" nodes. "svalue": String, value for
"SingleQuotedString" and "DoubleQuotedString" nodes.
nvim__id({obj}) *nvim__id()*
Returns object given as argument
This API function is used for testing. One should not rely on
its presence in plugins.
Parameters:
{obj} Object to return.
Return:
its argument.
nvim__id_array({arr}) *nvim__id_array()*
Returns array given as argument
This API function is used for testing. One should not rely on
its presence in plugins.
Parameters:
{arr} Array to return.
Return:
its argument.
nvim__id_dictionary({dct}) *nvim__id_dictionary()*
Returns dictionary given as argument
This API function is used for testing. One should not rely on
its presence in plugins.
Parameters:
{dct} Dictionary to return.
Return:
its argument.
nvim__id_float({flt}) *nvim__id_float()*
Returns floating-point value given as argument
This API function is used for testing. One should not rely on
its presence in plugins.
Parameters:
{flt} Value to return.
Return:
its argument.
nvim__stats() *nvim__stats()*
Gets internal stats.
Return:
Map of various internal stats.
nvim_list_uis() *nvim_list_uis()*
Gets a list of dictionaries representing attached UIs.
Return:
Array of UI dictionaries
Each dictionary has the following keys:
"height" requested height of the UI "width" requested width of the UI "rgb" whether the UI uses rgb colors (false implies cterm colors) "ext_..." Requested UI extensions, see |ui-options| "chan" Channel id of remote UI (not present for TUI)
nvim_get_proc_children({pid}) *nvim_get_proc_children()*
Gets the immediate children of process `pid`.
Return:
Array of child process ids, empty if process not found.
nvim_get_proc({pid}) *nvim_get_proc()*
Gets info describing process `pid`.
Return:
Map of process properties, or NIL if process not found.
nvim__inspect_cell({row}, {col}) *nvim__inspect_cell()*
TODO: Documentation
==============================================================================
Buffer Functions *api-buffer*
Unloaded Buffers:
Buffers may be unloaded by the |:bunload| command or the
buffer's |'bufhidden'| option. When a buffer is unloaded its
file contents are freed from memory and vim cannot operate on
the buffer lines until it is reloaded (usually by opening the
buffer again in a new window). API methods such as
|nvim_buf_get_lines()| and |nvim_buf_line_count()| will be
affected.
You can use |nvim_buf_is_loaded()| or |nvim_buf_line_count()|
to check whether a buffer is loaded.
nvim_buf_line_count({buffer}) *nvim_buf_line_count()*
Gets the buffer line count
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
Return:
Line count, or `0` if the buffer has been unloaded (see
|api-buffer|).
nvim_buf_attach({buffer}, {send_buffer}, {opts}) *nvim_buf_attach()*
Activate updates from this buffer to the current channel.
Parameters:
{buffer} The buffer handle
{send_buffer} Set to true if the initial notification
should contain the whole buffer. If so, the
first notification will be a
`nvim_buf_lines_event`. Otherwise, the
first notification will be a
`nvim_buf_changedtick_event`
{opts} Optional parameters. Currently not used.
Return:
False when updates couldn't be enabled because the buffer
isn't loaded or optscontained an invalid key; otherwise
True.
nvim_buf_detach({buffer}) *nvim_buf_detach()*
Deactivate updates from this buffer to the current channel.
Parameters:
{buffer} The buffer handle
Return:
False when updates couldn't be disabled because the buffer
isn't loaded; otherwise True.
*nvim_buf_get_lines()*
nvim_buf_get_lines({buffer}, {start}, {end}, {strict_indexing})
Gets a line-range from the buffer.
Indexing is zero-based, end-exclusive. Negative indices are
interpreted as length+1+index: -1 refers to the index past the
end. So to get the last element use start=-2 and end=-1.
Out-of-bounds indices are clamped to the nearest valid value,
unless `strict_indexing` is set.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
{start} First line index
{end} Last line index (exclusive)
{strict_indexing} Whether out-of-bounds should be an
error.
Return:
Array of lines. If the buffer has been unloaded then an
empty array will be returned instead. (See |api-buffer|.)
*nvim_buf_set_lines()*
nvim_buf_set_lines({buffer}, {start}, {end}, {strict_indexing},
{replacement})
Sets (replaces) a line-range in the buffer.
Indexing is zero-based, end-exclusive. Negative indices are
interpreted as length+1+index: -1 refers to the index past the
end. So to change or delete the last element use start=-2 and
end=-1.
To insert lines at a given index, set `start` and `end` to the
same index. To delete a range of lines, set `replacement` to
an empty array.
Out-of-bounds indices are clamped to the nearest valid value,
unless `strict_indexing` is set.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
{start} First line index
{end} Last line index (exclusive)
{strict_indexing} Whether out-of-bounds should be an
error.
{replacement} Array of lines to use as replacement
nvim_buf_get_var({buffer}, {name}) *nvim_buf_get_var()*
Gets a buffer-scoped (b:) variable.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
{name} Variable name
Return:
Variable value
nvim_buf_get_changedtick({buffer}) *nvim_buf_get_changedtick()*
Gets a changed tick of a buffer
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle.
Return:
b:changedtickvalue.
nvim_buf_get_keymap({buffer}, {mode}) *nvim_buf_get_keymap()*
Gets a list of buffer-local |mapping| definitions.
Parameters:
{mode} Mode short-name ("n", "i", "v", ...)
{buffer} Buffer handle
Return:
Array of maparg()-like dictionaries describing mappings.
The "buffer" key holds the associated buffer handle.
nvim_buf_get_commands({buffer}, {opts}) *nvim_buf_get_commands()*
Gets a map of buffer-local |user-commands|.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle.
{opts} Optional parameters. Currently not used.
Return:
Map of maps describing commands.
nvim_buf_set_var({buffer}, {name}, {value}) *nvim_buf_set_var()*
Sets a buffer-scoped (b:) variable
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
{name} Variable name
{value} Variable value
nvim_buf_del_var({buffer}, {name}) *nvim_buf_del_var()*
Removes a buffer-scoped (b:) variable
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
{name} Variable name
nvim_buf_get_option({buffer}, {name}) *nvim_buf_get_option()*
Gets a buffer option value
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
{name} Option name
Return:
Option value
nvim_buf_set_option({buffer}, {name}, {value}) *nvim_buf_set_option()*
Sets a buffer option value. Passing 'nil' as value deletes the
option (only works if there's a global fallback)
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
{name} Option name
{value} Option value
nvim_buf_get_name({buffer}) *nvim_buf_get_name()*
Gets the full file name for the buffer
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
Return:
Buffer name
nvim_buf_set_name({buffer}, {name}) *nvim_buf_set_name()*
Sets the full file name for a buffer
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
{name} Buffer name
nvim_buf_is_loaded({buffer}) *nvim_buf_is_loaded()*
Checks if a buffer is valid and loaded. See |api-buffer| for
more info about unloaded buffers.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
Return:
true if the buffer is valid and loaded, false otherwise.
nvim_buf_is_valid({buffer}) *nvim_buf_is_valid()*
Checks if a buffer is valid.
Note:
Even if a buffer is valid it may have been unloaded. See
|api-buffer| for more info about unloaded buffers.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
Return:
true if the buffer is valid, false otherwise.
nvim_buf_get_mark({buffer}, {name}) *nvim_buf_get_mark()*
Return a tuple (row,col) representing the position of the
named mark
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
{name} Mark name
Return:
(row, col) tuple
*nvim_buf_add_highlight()*
nvim_buf_add_highlight({buffer}, {src_id}, {hl_group}, {line},
{col_start}, {col_end})
Adds a highlight to buffer.
Useful for plugins that dynamically generate highlights to a
buffer (like a semantic highlighter or linter). The function
adds a single highlight to a buffer. Unlike matchaddpos()
highlights follow changes to line numbering (as lines are
inserted/removed above the highlighted line), like signs and
marks do.
`src_id` is useful for batch deletion/updating of a set of
highlights. When called with `src_id = 0`, an unique source id
is generated and returned. Successive calls can pass that
`src_id` to associate new highlights with the same source
group. All highlights in the same group can be cleared with
`nvim_buf_clear_highlight`. If the highlight never will be
manually deleted, pass `src_id = -1`.
If `hl_group` is the empty string no highlight is added, but a
new `src_id` is still returned. This is useful for an external
plugin to synchrounously request an unique `src_id` at
initialization, and later asynchronously add and clear
highlights in response to buffer changes.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
{src_id} Source group to use or 0 to use a new group,
or -1 for ungrouped highlight
{hl_group} Name of the highlight group to use
{line} Line to highlight (zero-indexed)
{col_start} Start of (byte-indexed) column range to
highlight
{col_end} End of (byte-indexed) column range to
highlight, or -1 to highlight to end of line
Return:
The src_id that was used
*nvim_buf_clear_highlight()*
nvim_buf_clear_highlight({buffer}, {src_id}, {line_start}, {line_end})
Clears highlights from a given source group and a range of
lines
To clear a source group in the entire buffer, pass in 0 and -1
to line_start and line_end respectively.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
{src_id} Highlight source group to clear, or -1 to
clear all.
{line_start} Start of range of lines to clear
{line_end} End of range of lines to clear (exclusive)
or -1 to clear to end of file.
==============================================================================
Window Functions *api-window*
nvim_win_get_buf({window}) *nvim_win_get_buf()*
Gets the current buffer in a window
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
Return:
Buffer handle
nvim_win_get_cursor({window}) *nvim_win_get_cursor()*
Gets the cursor position in the window
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
Return:
(row, col) tuple
nvim_win_set_cursor({window}, {pos}) *nvim_win_set_cursor()*
Sets the cursor position in the window
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
{pos} (row, col) tuple representing the new position
nvim_win_get_height({window}) *nvim_win_get_height()*
Gets the window height
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
Return:
Height as a count of rows
nvim_win_set_height({window}, {height}) *nvim_win_set_height()*
Sets the window height. This will only succeed if the screen
is split horizontally.
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
{height} Height as a count of rows
nvim_win_get_width({window}) *nvim_win_get_width()*
Gets the window width
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
Return:
Width as a count of columns
nvim_win_set_width({window}, {width}) *nvim_win_set_width()*
Sets the window width. This will only succeed if the screen is
split vertically.
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
{width} Width as a count of columns
nvim_win_get_var({window}, {name}) *nvim_win_get_var()*
Gets a window-scoped (w:) variable
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
{name} Variable name
Return:
Variable value
nvim_win_set_var({window}, {name}, {value}) *nvim_win_set_var()*
Sets a window-scoped (w:) variable
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
{name} Variable name
{value} Variable value
nvim_win_del_var({window}, {name}) *nvim_win_del_var()*
Removes a window-scoped (w:) variable
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
{name} Variable name
nvim_win_get_option({window}, {name}) *nvim_win_get_option()*
Gets a window option value
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
{name} Option name
Return:
Option value
nvim_win_set_option({window}, {name}, {value}) *nvim_win_set_option()*
Sets a window option value. Passing 'nil' as value deletes the
option(only works if there's a global fallback)
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
{name} Option name
{value} Option value
nvim_win_get_position({window}) *nvim_win_get_position()*
Gets the window position in display cells. First position is
zero.
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
Return:
(row, col) tuple with the window position
nvim_win_get_tabpage({window}) *nvim_win_get_tabpage()*
Gets the window tabpage
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
Return:
Tabpage that contains the window
nvim_win_get_number({window}) *nvim_win_get_number()*
Gets the window number
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
Return:
Window number
nvim_win_is_valid({window}) *nvim_win_is_valid()*
Checks if a window is valid
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
Return:
true if the window is valid, false otherwise
==============================================================================
Tabpage Functions *api-tabpage*
nvim_tabpage_list_wins({tabpage}) *nvim_tabpage_list_wins()*
Gets the windows in a tabpage
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage
Return:
List of windows in tabpage
nvim_tabpage_get_var({tabpage}, {name}) *nvim_tabpage_get_var()*
Gets a tab-scoped (t:) variable
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage handle
{name} Variable name
Return:
Variable value
nvim_tabpage_set_var({tabpage}, {name}, {value}) *nvim_tabpage_set_var()*
Sets a tab-scoped (t:) variable
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage handle
{name} Variable name
{value} Variable value
nvim_tabpage_del_var({tabpage}, {name}) *nvim_tabpage_del_var()*
Removes a tab-scoped (t:) variable
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage handle
{name} Variable name
nvim_tabpage_get_win({tabpage}) *nvim_tabpage_get_win()*
Gets the current window in a tabpage
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage handle
Return:
Window handle
nvim_tabpage_get_number({tabpage}) *nvim_tabpage_get_number()*
Gets the tabpage number
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage handle
Return:
Tabpage number
nvim_tabpage_is_valid({tabpage}) *nvim_tabpage_is_valid()*
Checks if a tabpage is valid
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage handle
Return:
true if the tabpage is valid, false otherwise
==============================================================================
UI Functions *api-ui*
nvim_ui_attach({width}, {height}, {options}) *nvim_ui_attach()*
TODO: Documentation
nvim_ui_detach() *nvim_ui_detach()*
TODO: Documentation
nvim_ui_try_resize({width}, {height}) *nvim_ui_try_resize()*
TODO: Documentation
nvim_ui_set_option({name}, {value}) *nvim_ui_set_option()*
TODO: Documentation
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