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 Usage *api-rpc* *RPC* *rpc*
*msgpack-rpc*
RPC is the typical way to control Nvim programmatically. Nvim implements the
MessagePack-RPC protocol:
https://github.com/msgpack-rpc/msgpack-rpc/blob/master/spec.md
https://github.com/msgpack/msgpack/blob/0b8f5ac/spec.md
Many clients use the API: user interfaces (GUIs), remote plugins, scripts like
"nvr" (https://github.com/mhinz/neovim-remote). Even Nvim itself can control
other Nvim instances. API clients can:
- Call any API function
- Listen for events
- Receive remote calls from Nvim
The RPC API is like a more powerful version of Vim's "clientserver" feature.
CONNECTING *rpc-connecting*
See |channel-intro| for various ways to open a channel. Channel-opening
functions take an `rpc` key in the options dictionary. RPC channels can also
be opened by other processes connecting to TCP/IP sockets or named pipes
listened to by Nvim.
Nvim creates a default RPC socket at |startup|, given by |v:servername|. To
start with a TCP/IP socket instead, use |--listen| with a TCP-style address:
nvim --listen 127.0.0.1:6666
More endpoints can be started with |serverstart()|.
Note that localhost TCP sockets are generally less secure than named pipes,
and can lead to vunerabilities like remote code execution.
Connecting to the socket is the easiest way a programmer can test the API,
which can be done through any msgpack-rpc client library or full-featured
|api-client|. Here's a Ruby script that prints "hello world!" in the current
Nvim instance:
#!/usr/bin/env ruby
# Requires msgpack-rpc: gem install msgpack-rpc
#
# To run this script, execute it from a running Nvim instance (notice the
# trailing '&' which is required since Nvim won't process events while
# running a blocking command):
#
# :!./hello.rb &
#
# Or from another shell by setting NVIM_LISTEN_ADDRESS:
# $ NVIM_LISTEN_ADDRESS=[address] ./hello.rb
require 'msgpack/rpc'
require 'msgpack/rpc/transport/unix'
nvim = MessagePack::RPC::Client.new(MessagePack::RPC::UNIXTransport.new, ENV['NVIM_LISTEN_ADDRESS'])
result = nvim.call(:nvim_command, 'echo "hello world!"')
A better way is to use the Python REPL with the `neovim` package, where API
functions can be called interactively:
>>> from pynvim import attach
>>> nvim = attach('socket', path='[address]')
>>> nvim.command('echo "hello world!"')
You can also embed Nvim via |jobstart()|, and communicate using |rpcrequest()|
and YXXYrpcnotify()|:
let nvim = jobstart(['nvim', '--embed'], {'rpc': v:true})
echo rpcrequest(nvim, 'nvim_eval', '"Hello " . "world!"')
call jobstop(nvim)
==============================================================================
API Definitions *api-definitions*
*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.
Basic types
API Type C type
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nil
Boolean bool
Integer (signed 64-bit integer) int64_t
Float (IEEE 754 double precision) double
String {char* data, size_t size} struct
Array
Dictionary (msgpack: map)
Object
Note: empty Array is accepted as a valid argument for Dictionary parameter.
Special types (msgpack EXT)
These are integer typedefs discriminated as separate Object subtypes. They
can be treated as opaque integers, but are mutually incompatible: Buffer may
be passed as an integer but not as Window or Tabpage.
The EXT object data is the (integer) object handle. The EXT type codes given
in the |api-metadata| `types` key are stable: they will not change and are
thus forward-compatible.
EXT Type C type Data
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buffer enum value kObjectTypeBuffer |bufnr()|
Window enum value kObjectTypeWindow |window-ID|
Tabpage enum value kObjectTypeTabpage internal handle
*api-indexing*
Most of the API uses 0-based indices, and ranges are end-exclusive. For the
end of a range, -1 denotes the last line/column.
Exception: the following API functions use "mark-like" indexing (1-based
lines, 0-based columns):
|nvim_buf_get_mark()|
|nvim_win_get_cursor()|
|nvim_win_set_cursor()|
*api-fast*
Most API functions are "deferred": they are queued on the main loop and
processed sequentially with normal input. So if the editor is waiting for
user input in a "modal" fashion (e.g. the |hit-enter-prompt|), the request
will block. Non-deferred ({fast}) functions such as |nvim_get_mode()| and
|nvim_input()| are served immediately (i.e. without waiting in the input
queue). Lua code can use |vim.in_fast_event()| to detect a {fast} context.
==============================================================================
API metadata *api-metadata*
The Nvim C API is automatically exposed to RPC by the build system, which
parses headers in src/nvim/api/* and generates dispatch-functions mapping RPC
API method names to public C API functions, converting/validating arguments
and return values.
Nvim exposes its API metadata as a Dictionary with these items:
version Nvim version, API level/compatibility
version.api_level API version integer *api-level*
version.api_compatible API is backwards-compatible with this level
version.api_prerelease Declares the API as unstable/unreleased
(version.api_prerelease && fn.since == version.api_level)
functions API function signatures, containing |api-types| info
describing the return value and parameters.
ui_events |UI| event signatures
ui_options Supported |ui-option|s
{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
About the `functions` map:
- Container types may be decorated with type/size constraints, e.g.
ArrayOf(Buffer) or ArrayOf(Integer, 2).
- Functions considered to be methods that operate on instances of Nvim
special types (msgpack EXT) have the "method=true" flag. The receiver type
is that of the first argument. Method names are prefixed with `nvim_` plus
a type name, e.g. `nvim_buf_get_lines` is the `get_lines` method of
a Buffer instance. |dev-api|
- Global functions have the "method=false" flag and are prefixed with just
`nvim_`, e.g. `nvim_get_buffers`.
*api-mapping*
External programs (clients) can use the metadata to discover the API, using
any of these approaches:
1. Connect to a running Nvim instance and call |nvim_get_api_info()| via
msgpack-RPC. This is best for clients written in dynamic languages which
can define functions at runtime.
2. Start Nvim with |--api-info|. Useful for statically-compiled clients.
Example (requires Python "pyyaml" and "msgpack-python" modules):
nvim --api-info | python -c 'import msgpack, sys, yaml; print yaml.dump(msgpack.unpackb(sys.stdin.read()))'
3. Use the |api_info()| Vimscript function.
:lua print(vim.inspect(vim.fn.api_info()))
Example using |filter()| to exclude non-deprecated API functions:
:new|put =map(filter(api_info().functions, '!has_key(v:val,''deprecated_since'')'), 'v:val.name')
==============================================================================
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
==============================================================================
Global events *api-global-events*
When a client invokes an API request as an async notification, it is not
possible for Nvim to send an error response. Instead, in case of error, the
following notification will be sent to the client:
*nvim_error_event*
nvim_error_event[{type}, {message}]
{type} is a numeric id as defined by `api_info().error_types`, and {message} is
a string with the error message.
==============================================================================
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, -1, [""], 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}]
LUA
*api-buffer-updates-lua*
In-process Lua plugins can receive buffer updates in the form of Lua
callbacks. These callbacks are called frequently in various contexts;
|textlock| prevents changing buffer contents and window layout (use
|vim.schedule| to defer such operations to the main loop instead).
|nvim_buf_attach| will take keyword args for the callbacks. "on_lines" will
receive parameters ("lines", {buf}, {changedtick}, {firstline}, {lastline},
{new_lastline}, {old_byte_size}[, {old_utf32_size}, {old_utf16_size}]).
Unlike remote channel events the text contents are not passed. The new text can
be accessed inside the callback as
`vim.api.nvim_buf_get_lines(buf, firstline, new_lastline, true)`
{old_byte_size} is the total size of the replaced region {firstline} to
{lastline} in bytes, including the final newline after {lastline}. if
`utf_sizes` is set to true in |nvim_buf_attach()| keyword args, then the
UTF-32 and UTF-16 sizes of the deleted region is also passed as additional
arguments {old_utf32_size} and {old_utf16_size}.
"on_changedtick" is invoked when |b:changedtick| was incremented but no text
was changed. The parameters recieved are ("changedtick", {buf}, {changedtick}).
*api-lua-detach*
In-process Lua callbacks can detach by returning `true`. This will detach all
callbacks attached with the same |nvim_buf_attach| call.
==============================================================================
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 Python API client (|pynvim|):
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_namespace(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_namespace()| 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).
Example using 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)
" some time later ...
call nvim_buf_clear_namespace(0, src, 0, -1)
==============================================================================
Floating windows *api-floatwin*
Floating windows ("floats") are displayed on top of normal windows. This is
useful to implement simple widgets, such as tooltips displayed next to the
cursor. Floats are fully functional windows supporting user editing, common
|api-window| calls, and most window options (except 'statusline').
Two ways to create a floating window:
- |nvim_open_win()| creates a new window (needs a buffer, see |nvim_create_buf()|)
- |nvim_win_set_config()| reconfigures a normal window into a float
To close it use |nvim_win_close()| or a command such as |:close|.
Buffer text can be highlighted by typical mechanisms (syntax highlighting,
|api-highlights|). The |hl-NormalFloat| group highlights normal text;
'winhighlight' can be used as usual to override groups locally. Floats inherit
options from the current window; specify `style=minimal` in |nvim_open_win()|
to disable various visual features such as the 'number' column.
Currently, floating windows don't support widgets like border or scrollbar.
Example: create a float with scratch buffer:
let buf = nvim_create_buf(v:false, v:true)
call nvim_buf_set_lines(buf, 0, -1, v:true, ["test", "text"])
let opts = {'relative': 'cursor', 'width': 10, 'height': 2, 'col': 0,
\ 'row': 1, 'anchor': 'NW', 'style': 'minimal'}
let win = nvim_open_win(buf, 0, opts)
" optional: change highlight, otherwise Pmenu is used
call nvim_win_set_option(win, 'winhl', 'Normal:MyHighlight')
==============================================================================
Extended marks *api-extended-marks*
Extended marks (extmarks) represent buffer annotations that track text changes
in the buffer. They could be used to represent cursors, folds, misspelled
words, and anything else that needs to track a logical location in the buffer
over time.
Example:
We will set an extmark at the first row and third column. |api-indexing| is
zero-indexed, so we use row=0 and column=2. Passing id=0 creates a new mark
and returns the id:
let g:mark_ns = nvim_create_namespace('myplugin')
let g:mark_id = nvim_buf_set_extmark(0, g:mark_ns, 0, 0, 2, {})
We can get a mark by its id:
echo nvim_buf_get_extmark_by_id(0, g:mark_ns, g:mark_id)
=> [0, 2]
We can get all marks in a buffer for our namespace (or by a range):
echo nvim_buf_get_extmarks(0, g:mark_ns, 0, -1, {})
=> [[1, 0, 2]]
Deleting all text surrounding an extmark does not remove the extmark. To
remove an extmark use |nvim_buf_del_extmark()|.
Namespaces allow your plugin to manage only its own extmarks, ignoring those
created by another plugin.
Extmark positions changed by an edit will be restored on undo/redo. Creating
and deleting extmarks is not a buffer change, thus new undo states are not
created for extmark changes.
==============================================================================
Global Functions *api-global*
nvim__get_lib_dir() *nvim__get_lib_dir()*
TODO: Documentation
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__inspect_cell({grid}, {row}, {col}) *nvim__inspect_cell()*
TODO: Documentation
*nvim__put_attr()*
nvim__put_attr({id}, {start_row}, {start_col}, {end_row}, {end_col})
Set attrs in nvim__buf_set_lua_hl callbacks
TODO(bfredl): This is rather pedestrian. The final interface
should probably be derived from a reformed bufhl/virttext
interface with full support for multi-line ranges etc
nvim__stats() *nvim__stats()*
Gets internal stats.
Return:
Map of various internal stats.
nvim_call_atomic({calls}) *nvim_call_atomic()*
Calls many API methods atomically.
This has two main usages:
1. 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).
2. 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:
Array of 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_call_dict_function()*
nvim_call_dict_function({dict}, {fn}, {args})
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_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_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
See also:
|nvim_exec()|
nvim_create_buf({listed}, {scratch}) *nvim_create_buf()*
Creates a new, empty, unnamed buffer.
Parameters:
{listed} Sets 'buflisted'
{scratch} Creates a "throwaway" |scratch-buffer| for
temporary work (always 'nomodified'). Also sets
'nomodeline' on the buffer.
Return:
Buffer handle, or 0 on error
See also:
buf_open_scratch
nvim_create_namespace({name}) *nvim_create_namespace()*
Creates a new namespace, or gets an existing one.
Namespaces are used for buffer highlights and virtual text,
see |nvim_buf_add_highlight()| and
|nvim_buf_set_virtual_text()|.
Namespaces can be named or anonymous. If `name` matches an
existing namespace, the associated id is returned. If `name`
is an empty string a new, anonymous namespace is created.
Parameters:
{name} Namespace name or empty string
Return:
Namespace id
nvim_del_current_line() *nvim_del_current_line()*
Deletes the current line.
nvim_del_keymap({mode}, {lhs}) *nvim_del_keymap()*
Unmaps a global |mapping| for the given mode.
To unmap a buffer-local mapping, use |nvim_buf_del_keymap()|.
See also:
|nvim_set_keymap()|
nvim_del_var({name}) *nvim_del_var()*
Removes a global (g:) variable.
Parameters:
{name} Variable name
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
See also:
nvim_err_write()
nvim_eval({expr}) *nvim_eval()*
Evaluates a VimL |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_exec({src}, {output}) *nvim_exec()*
Executes Vimscript (multiline block of Ex-commands), like
anonymous |:source|.
Unlike |nvim_command()| this function supports heredocs,
script-scope (s:), etc.
On execution error: fails with VimL error, does not update
v:errmsg.
Parameters:
{src} Vimscript code
{output} Capture and return all (non-error, non-shell
|:!|) output
Return:
Output (non-error, non-shell |:!|) if `output` is true,
else empty string.
See also:
|execute()|
|nvim_command()|
nvim_exec_lua({code}, {args}) *nvim_exec_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_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.
If you need to input sequences like <C-o> use nvim_replace_termcodes
to replace the termcodes and then pass the resulting string to
nvim_feedkeys. You'll also want to enable escape_csi.
Example:
:let key = nvim_replace_termcodes("<C-o>", v:true, v:false, v:true)
:call nvim_feedkeys(key, 'n', v:true)
Parameters:
{keys} to be typed
{mode} behavior flags, see |feedkeys()|
{escape_csi} If true, escape K_SPECIAL/CSI bytes in
`keys`
See also:
feedkeys()
vim_strsave_escape_csi
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:
{fast}
nvim_get_chan_info({chan}) *nvim_get_chan_info()*
Get information about a channel.
Return:
Dictionary describing a channel, with these 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 receive 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_get_color_by_name({name}) *nvim_get_color_by_name()*
Returns the 24-bit RGB value of a |nvim_get_color_map()| color
name or "#rrggbb" hexadecimal string.
Example:
:echo nvim_get_color_by_name("Pink")
:echo nvim_get_color_by_name("#cbcbcb")
Parameters:
{name} Color name or "#rrggbb" string
Return:
24-bit RGB value, or -1 for invalid argument.
nvim_get_color_map() *nvim_get_color_map()*
Returns a map of color names and RGB values.
Keys are color names (e.g. "Aqua") and values are 24-bit RGB
color values (e.g. 65535).
Return:
Map of color names and RGB values.
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_context({opts}) *nvim_get_context()*
Gets a map of the current editor state.
Parameters:
{opts} Optional parameters.
• types: List of |context-types| ("regs", "jumps",
"bufs", "gvars", …) to gather, or empty for
"all".
Return:
map of global |context|.
nvim_get_current_buf() *nvim_get_current_buf()*
Gets the current buffer.
Return:
Buffer handle
nvim_get_current_line() *nvim_get_current_line()*
Gets the current line.
Return:
Current line string
nvim_get_current_tabpage() *nvim_get_current_tabpage()*
Gets the current tabpage.
Return:
Tabpage handle
nvim_get_current_win() *nvim_get_current_win()*
Gets the current window.
Return:
Window handle
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
See also:
nvim_get_hl_by_name
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
See also:
nvim_get_hl_by_id
nvim_get_hl_id_by_name({name}) *nvim_get_hl_id_by_name()*
Gets a highlight group by name
similar to |hlID()|, but allocates a new ID if not present.
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_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:
{fast}
nvim_get_namespaces() *nvim_get_namespaces()*
Gets existing, non-anonymous namespaces.
Return:
dict that maps from names to namespace ids.
nvim_get_option({name}) *nvim_get_option()*
Gets an option value string.
Parameters:
{name} Option name
Return:
Option value (global)
nvim_get_proc({pid}) *nvim_get_proc()*
Gets info describing process `pid` .
Return:
Map of process properties, or NIL if process not found.
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_runtime_file({name}, {all}) *nvim_get_runtime_file()*
Find files in runtime directories
'name' can contain wildcards. For example
nvim_get_runtime_file("colors/*.vim", true) will return all
color scheme files.
It is not an error to not find any files. An empty array is
returned then.
Parameters:
{name} pattern of files to search for
{all} whether to return all matches or only the first
Return:
list of absolute paths to the found files
nvim_get_var({name}) *nvim_get_var()*
Gets a global (g:) variable.
Parameters:
{name} Variable name
Return:
Variable value
nvim_get_vvar({name}) *nvim_get_vvar()*
Gets a v: variable.
Parameters:
{name} Variable name
Return:
Variable value
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>.
Note:
For mouse events use |nvim_input_mouse()|. The pseudokey
form "<LeftMouse><col,row>" is deprecated since
|api-level| 6.
Attributes:
{fast}
Parameters:
{keys} to be typed
Return:
Number of bytes actually written (can be fewer than
requested if the buffer becomes full).
*nvim_input_mouse()*
nvim_input_mouse({button}, {action}, {modifier}, {grid}, {row}, {col})
Send mouse event from GUI.
Non-blocking: does not wait on any result, but queues the
event to be processed soon by the event loop.
Note:
Currently this doesn't support "scripting" multiple mouse
events by calling it multiple times in a loop: the
intermediate mouse positions will be ignored. It should be
used to implement real-time mouse input in a GUI. The
deprecated pseudokey form ("<LeftMouse><col,row>") of
|nvim_input()| has the same limitiation.
Attributes:
{fast}
Parameters:
{button} Mouse button: one of "left", "right",
"middle", "wheel".
{action} For ordinary buttons, one of "press", "drag",
"release". For the wheel, one of "up", "down",
"left", "right".
{modifier} String of modifiers each represented by a
single char. The same specifiers are used as
for a key press, except that the "-" separator
is optional, so "C-A-", "c-a" and "CA" can all
be used to specify Ctrl+Alt+click.
{grid} Grid number if the client uses |ui-multigrid|,
else 0.
{row} Mouse row-position (zero-based, like redraw
events)
{col} Mouse column-position (zero-based, like redraw
events)
nvim_list_bufs() *nvim_list_bufs()*
Gets the current list of buffer handles
Includes unlisted (unloaded/deleted) buffers, like `:ls!` .
Use |nvim_buf_is_loaded()| to check if a buffer is loaded.
Return:
List of buffer handles
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_list_runtime_paths() *nvim_list_runtime_paths()*
Gets the paths contained in 'runtimepath'.
Return:
List of paths
nvim_list_tabpages() *nvim_list_tabpages()*
Gets the current list of tabpage handles.
Return:
List of tabpage handles
nvim_list_uis() *nvim_list_uis()*
Gets a list of dictionaries representing attached UIs.
Return:
Array of UI dictionaries, each with these keys:
• "height" Requested height of the UI
• "width" Requested width of the UI
• "rgb" true if the UI uses RGB colors (false implies
|cterm-colors|)
• "ext_..." Requested UI extensions, see |ui-option|
• "chan" Channel id of remote UI (not present for TUI)
nvim_list_wins() *nvim_list_wins()*
Gets the current list of window handles.
Return:
List of window handles
nvim_load_context({dict}) *nvim_load_context()*
Sets the current editor state from the given |context| map.
Parameters:
{dict} |Context| map.
nvim_open_win({buffer}, {enter}, {config}) *nvim_open_win()*
Open a new window.
Currently this is used to open floating and external windows.
Floats are windows that are drawn above the split layout, at
some anchor position in some other window. Floats can be drawn
internally or by external GUI with the |ui-multigrid|
extension. External windows are only supported with multigrid
GUIs, and are displayed as separate top-level windows.
For a general overview of floats, see |api-floatwin|.
Exactly one of `external` and `relative` must be specified.
The `width` and `height` of the new window must be specified.
With relative=editor (row=0,col=0) refers to the top-left
corner of the screen-grid and (row=Lines-1,col=Columns-1)
refers to the bottom-right corner. Fractional values are
allowed, but the builtin implementation (used by non-multigrid
UIs) will always round down to nearest integer.
Out-of-bounds values, and configurations that make the float
not fit inside the main editor, are allowed. The builtin
implementation truncates values so floats are fully within the
main screen grid. External GUIs could let floats hover outside
of the main window like a tooltip, but this should not be used
to specify arbitrary WM screen positions.
Example (Lua): window-relative float
vim.api.nvim_open_win(0, false,
{relative='win', row=3, col=3, width=12, height=3})
Example (Lua): buffer-relative float (travels as buffer is
scrolled)
vim.api.nvim_open_win(0, false,
{relative='win', width=12, height=3, bufpos={100,10}})
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer to display, or 0 for current buffer
{enter} Enter the window (make it the current window)
{config} Map defining the window configuration. Keys:
• `relative`: Sets the window layout to "floating", placed
at (row,col) coordinates relative to:
• "editor" The global editor grid
• "win" Window given by the `win` field, or
current window.
• "cursor" Cursor position in current window.
• `win` : |window-ID| for relative="win".
• `anchor`: Decides which corner of the float to place
at (row,col):
• "NW" northwest (default)
• "NE" northeast
• "SW" southwest
• "SE" southeast
• `width` : Window width (in character cells).
Minimum of 1.
• `height` : Window height (in character cells).
Minimum of 1.
• `bufpos` : Places float relative to buffer
text (only when relative="win"). Takes a tuple
of zero-indexed [line, column]. `row` and
`col` if given are applied relative to this
position, else they default to `row=1` and
`col=0` (thus like a tooltip near the buffer
text).
• `row` : Row position in units of "screen cell
height", may be fractional.
• `col` : Column position in units of "screen
cell width", may be fractional.
• `focusable` : Enable focus by user actions
(wincmds, mouse events). Defaults to true.
Non-focusable windows can be entered by
|nvim_set_current_win()|.
• `external` : GUI should display the window as
an external top-level window. Currently
accepts no other positioning configuration
together with this.
• `style`: Configure the appearance of the window.
Currently only takes one non-empty value:
• "minimal" Nvim will display the window with
many UI options disabled. This is useful
when displaying a temporary float where the
text should not be edited. Disables
'number', 'relativenumber', 'cursorline',
'cursorcolumn', 'foldcolumn', 'spell' and
'list' options. 'signcolumn' is changed to
`auto` and 'colorcolumn' is cleared. The
end-of-buffer region is hidden by setting
`eob` flag of 'fillchars' to a space char,
and clearing the |EndOfBuffer| region in
'winhighlight'.
Return:
Window handle, or 0 on error
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_parse_expression()*
nvim_parse_expression({expr}, {flags}, {highlight})
Parse a VimL expression.
Attributes:
{fast}
Parameters:
{expr} Expression to parse. 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. (“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_paste({data}, {crlf}, {phase}) *nvim_paste()*
Pastes at cursor, in any mode.
Invokes the `vim.paste` handler, which handles each mode
appropriately. Sets redo/undo. Faster than |nvim_input()|.
Lines break at LF ("\n").
Errors ('nomodifiable', `vim.paste()` failure, …) are
reflected in `err` but do not affect the return value (which
is strictly decided by `vim.paste()` ). On error, subsequent
calls are ignored ("drained") until the next paste is
initiated (phase 1 or -1).
Parameters:
{data} Multiline input. May be binary (containing NUL
bytes).
{crlf} Also break lines at CR and CRLF.
{phase} -1: paste in a single call (i.e. without
streaming). To "stream" a paste, call `nvim_paste` sequentially with these `phase` values:
• 1: starts the paste (exactly once)
• 2: continues the paste (zero or more times)
• 3: ends the paste (exactly once)
Return:
• true: Client may continue pasting.
• false: Client must cancel the paste.
nvim_put({lines}, {type}, {after}, {follow}) *nvim_put()*
Puts text at cursor, in any mode.
Compare |:put| and |p| which are always linewise.
Parameters:
{lines} |readfile()|-style list of lines.
|channel-lines|
{type} Edit behavior: any |getregtype()| result, or:
• "b" |blockwise-visual| mode (may include
width, e.g. "b3")
• "c" |charwise| mode
• "l" |linewise| mode
• "" guess by contents, see |setreg()|
{after} Insert after cursor (like |p|), or before (like
|P|).
{follow} Place cursor at end of inserted text.
*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.
See also:
replace_termcodes
cpoptions
*nvim_select_popupmenu_item()*
nvim_select_popupmenu_item({item}, {insert}, {finish}, {opts})
Selects an item in the completion popupmenu.
If |ins-completion| is not active this API call is silently
ignored. Useful for an external UI using |ui-popupmenu| to
control the popupmenu with the mouse. Can also be used in a
mapping; use <cmd> |:map-cmd| to ensure the mapping doesn't
end completion mode.
Parameters:
{item} Index (zero-based) of the item to select. Value
of -1 selects nothing and restores the original
text.
{insert} Whether the selection should be inserted in the
buffer.
{finish} Finish the completion and dismiss the popupmenu.
Implies `insert` .
{opts} Optional parameters. Reserved for future use.
*nvim_set_client_info()*
nvim_set_client_info({name}, {version}, {type}, {methods},
{attributes})
Self-identifies the client.
The client/plugin/application should call this after
connecting, to provide hints about its identity and purpose,
for debugging and orchestration.
Can be called more than once; the caller should merge old info
if appropriate. Example: library first identifies the channel,
then a plugin using that library later identifies itself.
Note:
"Something is better than nothing". You don't need to
include all the fields.
Parameters:
{name} Short name for the connected client
{version} Dictionary describing the version, with
these (optional) keys:
• "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. Client
libraries should default to "remote" unless
overridden by the user.
• "remote" remote client connected to Nvim.
• "ui" gui frontend
• "embedder" application using Nvim as a
component (for example, 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
these (optional) keys (more keys may be
added in future versions of Nvim, thus
unknown keys are ignored. Clients must only
use keys defined in this or later versions
of Nvim):
• "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 of two
integers, minimum and maximum inclusive.
{attributes} Arbitrary string:string map of informal
client properties. Suggested keys:
• "website": Client homepage URL (e.g.
GitHub repository)
• "license": License description ("Apache
2", "GPLv3", "MIT", …)
• "logo": URI or path to image, preferably
small logo or icon. .png or .svg format is
preferred.
nvim_set_current_buf({buffer}) *nvim_set_current_buf()*
Sets the current buffer.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle
nvim_set_current_dir({dir}) *nvim_set_current_dir()*
Changes the global working directory.
Parameters:
{dir} Directory path
nvim_set_current_line({line}) *nvim_set_current_line()*
Sets the current line.
Parameters:
{line} Line contents
nvim_set_current_tabpage({tabpage}) *nvim_set_current_tabpage()*
Sets the current tabpage.
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage handle
nvim_set_current_win({window}) *nvim_set_current_win()*
Sets the current window.
Parameters:
{window} Window handle
nvim_set_keymap({mode}, {lhs}, {rhs}, {opts}) *nvim_set_keymap()*
Sets a global |mapping| for the given mode.
To set a buffer-local mapping, use |nvim_buf_set_keymap()|.
Unlike |:map|, leading/trailing whitespace is accepted as part
of the {lhs} or {rhs}. Empty {rhs} is |<Nop>|. |keycodes| are
replaced as usual.
Example:
call nvim_set_keymap('n', ' <NL>', '', {'nowait': v:true})
is equivalent to:
nmap <nowait> <Space><NL> <Nop>
Parameters:
{mode} Mode short-name (map command prefix: "n", "i",
"v", "x", …) or "!" for |:map!|, or empty string
for |:map|.
{lhs} Left-hand-side |{lhs}| of the mapping.
{rhs} Right-hand-side |{rhs}| of the mapping.
{opts} Optional parameters map. Accepts all
|:map-arguments| as keys excluding |<buffer>| but
including |noremap|. Values are Booleans. Unknown
key is an error.
nvim_set_option({name}, {value}) *nvim_set_option()*
Sets an option value.
Parameters:
{name} Option name
{value} New option value
nvim_set_var({name}, {value}) *nvim_set_var()*
Sets a global (g:) variable.
Parameters:
{name} Variable name
{value} Variable value
nvim_set_vvar({name}, {value}) *nvim_set_vvar()*
Sets a v: variable, if it is not readonly.
Parameters:
{name} Variable name
{value} Variable value
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_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
==============================================================================
Buffer Functions *api-buffer*
For more information on buffers, see |buffers|.
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_add_decoration()*
nvim__buf_add_decoration({buffer}, {ns_id}, {hl_group}, {start_row},
{start_col}, {end_row}, {end_col},
{virt_text})
TODO: Documentation
*nvim__buf_redraw_range()*
nvim__buf_redraw_range({buffer}, {first}, {last})
TODO: Documentation
nvim__buf_set_luahl({buffer}, {opts}) *nvim__buf_set_luahl()*
Unstabilized interface for defining syntax hl in lua.
This is not yet safe for general use, lua callbacks will need
to be restricted, like textlock and probably other stuff.
The API on_line/nvim__put_attr is quite raw and not intended
to be the final shape. Ideally this should operate on chunks
larger than a single line to reduce interpreter overhead, and
generate annotation objects (bufhl/virttext) on the fly but
using the same representation.
nvim__buf_stats({buffer}) *nvim__buf_stats()*
TODO: Documentation
*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.
Namespaces are used for batch deletion/updating of a set of
highlights. To create a namespace, use |nvim_create_namespace|
which returns a namespace id. Pass it in to this function as
`ns_id` to add highlights to the namespace. All highlights in
the same namespace can then be cleared with single call to
|nvim_buf_clear_namespace|. If the highlight never will be
deleted by an API call, pass `ns_id = -1` .
As a shorthand, `ns_id = 0` can be used to create a new
namespace for the highlight, the allocated id is then
returned. If `hl_group` is the empty string no highlight is
added, but a new `ns_id` is still returned. This is supported
for backwards compatibility, new code should use
|nvim_create_namespace| to create a new empty namespace.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{ns_id} namespace to use 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 ns_id that was used
nvim_buf_attach({buffer}, {send_buffer}, {opts}) *nvim_buf_attach()*
Activates buffer-update events on a channel, or as Lua
callbacks.
Example (Lua): capture buffer updates in a global `events` variable (use "print(vim.inspect(events))" to see its
contents):
events = {}
vim.api.nvim_buf_attach(0, false, {
on_lines=function(...) table.insert(events, {...}) end})
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{send_buffer} True if the initial notification should
contain the whole buffer: first
notification will be `nvim_buf_lines_event`
. Else the first notification will be
`nvim_buf_changedtick_event` . Not for Lua
callbacks.
{opts} Optional parameters.
• on_lines: Lua callback invoked on change.
Return`true`to detach. Args:
• the string "lines"
• buffer handle
• b:changedtick
• first line that changed (zero-indexed)
• last line that was changed
• last line in the updated range
• byte count of previous contents
• deleted_codepoints (if `utf_sizes` is
true)
• deleted_codeunits (if `utf_sizes` is
true)
• on_changedtick: Lua callback invoked on
changedtick increment without text
change. Args:
• the string "changedtick"
• buffer handle
• b:changedtick
• on_detach: Lua callback invoked on
detach. Args:
• the string "detach"
• buffer handle
• utf_sizes: include UTF-32 and UTF-16 size
of the replaced region, as args to
`on_lines` .
Return:
False if attach failed (invalid parameter, or buffer isn't
loaded); otherwise True. TODO: LUA_API_NO_EVAL
See also:
|nvim_buf_detach()|
|api-buffer-updates-lua|
*nvim_buf_clear_namespace()*
nvim_buf_clear_namespace({buffer}, {ns_id}, {line_start}, {line_end})
Clears namespaced objects (highlights, extmarks, virtual text)
from a region.
Lines are 0-indexed. |api-indexing| To clear the namespace in
the entire buffer, specify line_start=0 and line_end=-1.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{ns_id} Namespace to clear, or -1 to clear all
namespaces.
{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 buffer.
nvim_buf_del_extmark({buffer}, {ns_id}, {id}) *nvim_buf_del_extmark()*
Removes an extmark.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{ns_id} Namespace id from |nvim_create_namespace()|
{id} Extmark id
Return:
true if the extmark was found, else false
nvim_buf_del_keymap({buffer}, {mode}, {lhs}) *nvim_buf_del_keymap()*
Unmaps a buffer-local |mapping| for the given mode.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
See also:
|nvim_del_keymap()|
nvim_buf_del_var({buffer}, {name}) *nvim_buf_del_var()*
Removes a buffer-scoped (b:) variable
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{name} Variable name
nvim_buf_detach({buffer}) *nvim_buf_detach()*
Deactivates buffer-update events on the channel.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
Return:
False if detach failed (because the buffer isn't loaded);
otherwise True.
See also:
|nvim_buf_attach()|
|api-lua-detach| for detaching Lua callbacks
nvim_buf_get_changedtick({buffer}) *nvim_buf_get_changedtick()*
Gets a changed tick of a buffer
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
Return:
`b:changedtick` value.
nvim_buf_get_commands({buffer}, {opts}) *nvim_buf_get_commands()*
Gets a map of buffer-local |user-commands|.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{opts} Optional parameters. Currently not used.
Return:
Map of maps describing commands.
*nvim_buf_get_extmark_by_id()*
nvim_buf_get_extmark_by_id({buffer}, {ns_id}, {id})
Returns position for a given extmark id
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{ns_id} Namespace id from |nvim_create_namespace()|
{id} Extmark id
Return:
(row, col) tuple or empty list () if extmark id was absent
*nvim_buf_get_extmarks()*
nvim_buf_get_extmarks({buffer}, {ns_id}, {start}, {end}, {opts})
Gets extmarks in "traversal order" from a |charwise| region
defined by buffer positions (inclusive, 0-indexed
|api-indexing|).
Region can be given as (row,col) tuples, or valid extmark ids
(whose positions define the bounds). 0 and -1 are understood
as (0,0) and (-1,-1) respectively, thus the following are
equivalent:
nvim_buf_get_extmarks(0, my_ns, 0, -1, {})
nvim_buf_get_extmarks(0, my_ns, [0,0], [-1,-1], {})
If `end` is less than `start` , traversal works backwards.
(Useful with `limit` , to get the first marks prior to a given
position.)
Example:
local a = vim.api
local pos = a.nvim_win_get_cursor(0)
local ns = a.nvim_create_namespace('my-plugin')
-- Create new extmark at line 1, column 1.
local m1 = a.nvim_buf_set_extmark(0, ns, 0, 0, 0, {})
-- Create new extmark at line 3, column 1.
local m2 = a.nvim_buf_set_extmark(0, ns, 0, 2, 0, {})
-- Get extmarks only from line 3.
local ms = a.nvim_buf_get_extmarks(0, ns, {2,0}, {2,0}, {})
-- Get all marks in this buffer + namespace.
local all = a.nvim_buf_get_extmarks(0, ns, 0, -1, {})
print(vim.inspect(ms))
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{ns_id} Namespace id from |nvim_create_namespace()|
{start} Start of range, given as (row, col) or valid
extmark id (whose position defines the bound)
{end} End of range, given as (row, col) or valid
extmark id (whose position defines the bound)
{opts} Optional parameters. Keys:
• limit: Maximum number of marks to return
Return:
List of [extmark_id, row, col] tuples in "traversal
order".
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, or 0 for current buffer
Return:
Array of maparg()-like dictionaries describing mappings.
The "buffer" key holds the associated buffer handle.
*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, or 0 for current buffer
{start} First line index
{end} Last line index (exclusive)
{strict_indexing} Whether out-of-bounds should be an
error.
Return:
Array of lines, or empty array for unloaded buffer.
nvim_buf_get_mark({buffer}, {name}) *nvim_buf_get_mark()*
Return a tuple (row,col) representing the position of the
named mark.
Marks are (1,0)-indexed. |api-indexing|
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{name} Mark name
Return:
(row, col) tuple
nvim_buf_get_name({buffer}) *nvim_buf_get_name()*
Gets the full file name for the buffer
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
Return:
Buffer name
nvim_buf_get_offset({buffer}, {index}) *nvim_buf_get_offset()*
Returns the byte offset of a line (0-indexed). |api-indexing|
Line 1 (index=0) has offset 0. UTF-8 bytes are counted. EOL is
one byte. 'fileformat' and 'fileencoding' are ignored. The
line index just after the last line gives the total byte-count
of the buffer. A final EOL byte is counted if it would be
written, see 'eol'.
Unlike |line2byte()|, throws error for out-of-bounds indexing.
Returns -1 for unloaded buffer.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{index} Line index
Return:
Integer byte offset, or -1 for unloaded buffer.
nvim_buf_get_option({buffer}, {name}) *nvim_buf_get_option()*
Gets a buffer option value
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{name} Option name
Return:
Option value
nvim_buf_get_var({buffer}, {name}) *nvim_buf_get_var()*
Gets a buffer-scoped (b:) variable.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{name} Variable name
Return:
Variable value
*nvim_buf_get_virtual_text()*
nvim_buf_get_virtual_text({buffer}, {line})
Get the virtual text (annotation) for a buffer line.
The virtual text is returned as list of lists, whereas the
inner lists have either one or two elements. The first element
is the actual text, the optional second element is the
highlight group.
The format is exactly the same as given to
nvim_buf_set_virtual_text().
If there is no virtual text associated with the given line, an
empty list is returned.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{line} Line to get the virtual text from (zero-indexed)
Return:
List of virtual text chunks
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, or 0 for current buffer
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, or 0 for current buffer
Return:
true if the buffer is valid, false otherwise.
nvim_buf_line_count({buffer}) *nvim_buf_line_count()*
Gets the buffer line count
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
Return:
Line count, or 0 for unloaded buffer. |api-buffer|
*nvim_buf_set_extmark()*
nvim_buf_set_extmark({buffer}, {ns_id}, {id}, {line}, {col}, {opts})
Creates or updates an extmark.
To create a new extmark, pass id=0. The extmark id will be
returned. It is also allowed to create a new mark by passing
in a previously unused id, but the caller must then keep track
of existing and unused ids itself. (Useful over RPC, to avoid
waiting for the return value.)
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{ns_id} Namespace id from |nvim_create_namespace()|
{id} Extmark id, or 0 to create new
{line} Line number where to place the mark
{col} Column where to place the mark
{opts} Optional parameters. Currently not used.
Return:
Id of the created/updated extmark
*nvim_buf_set_keymap()*
nvim_buf_set_keymap({buffer}, {mode}, {lhs}, {rhs}, {opts})
Sets a buffer-local |mapping| for the given mode.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
See also:
|nvim_set_keymap()|
*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, or 0 for current buffer
{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_set_name({buffer}, {name}) *nvim_buf_set_name()*
Sets the full file name for a buffer
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{name} Buffer name
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, or 0 for current buffer
{name} Option name
{value} Option value
nvim_buf_set_var({buffer}, {name}, {value}) *nvim_buf_set_var()*
Sets a buffer-scoped (b:) variable
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{name} Variable name
{value} Variable value
*nvim_buf_set_virtual_text()*
nvim_buf_set_virtual_text({buffer}, {src_id}, {line}, {chunks},
{opts})
Set the virtual text (annotation) for a buffer line.
By default (and currently the only option) the text will be
placed after the buffer text. Virtual text will never cause
reflow, rather virtual text will be truncated at the end of
the screen line. The virtual text will begin one cell
(|lcs-eol| or space) after the ordinary text.
Namespaces are used to support batch deletion/updating of
virtual text. To create a namespace, use
|nvim_create_namespace|. Virtual text is cleared using
|nvim_buf_clear_namespace|. The same `ns_id` can be used for
both virtual text and highlights added by
|nvim_buf_add_highlight|, both can then be cleared with a
single call to |nvim_buf_clear_namespace|. If the virtual text
never will be cleared by an API call, pass `ns_id = -1` .
As a shorthand, `ns_id = 0` can be used to create a new
namespace for the virtual text, the allocated id is then
returned.
Parameters:
{buffer} Buffer handle, or 0 for current buffer
{ns_id} Namespace to use or 0 to create a namespace, or
-1 for a ungrouped annotation
{line} Line to annotate with virtual text
(zero-indexed)
{chunks} A list of [text, hl_group] arrays, each
representing a text chunk with specified
highlight. `hl_group` element can be omitted for
no highlight.
{opts} Optional parameters. Currently not used.
Return:
The ns_id that was used
==============================================================================
Window Functions *api-window*
nvim_win_close({window}, {force}) *nvim_win_close()*
Closes the window (like |:close| with a |window-ID|).
Parameters:
{window} Window handle, or 0 for current window
{force} Behave like `:close!` The last window of a
buffer with unwritten changes can be closed. The
buffer will become hidden, even if 'hidden' is
not set.
nvim_win_del_var({window}, {name}) *nvim_win_del_var()*
Removes a window-scoped (w:) variable
Parameters:
{window} Window handle, or 0 for current window
{name} Variable name
nvim_win_get_buf({window}) *nvim_win_get_buf()*
Gets the current buffer in a window
Parameters:
{window} Window handle, or 0 for current window
Return:
Buffer handle
nvim_win_get_config({window}) *nvim_win_get_config()*
Gets window configuration.
The returned value may be given to |nvim_open_win()|.
`relative` is empty for normal windows.
Parameters:
{window} Window handle, or 0 for current window
Return:
Map defining the window configuration, see
|nvim_open_win()|
nvim_win_get_cursor({window}) *nvim_win_get_cursor()*
Gets the (1,0)-indexed cursor position in the window.
|api-indexing|
Parameters:
{window} Window handle, or 0 for current window
Return:
(row, col) tuple
nvim_win_get_height({window}) *nvim_win_get_height()*
Gets the window height
Parameters:
{window} Window handle, or 0 for current window
Return:
Height as a count of rows
nvim_win_get_number({window}) *nvim_win_get_number()*
Gets the window number
Parameters:
{window} Window handle, or 0 for current window
Return:
Window number
nvim_win_get_option({window}, {name}) *nvim_win_get_option()*
Gets a window option value
Parameters:
{window} Window handle, or 0 for current window
{name} Option name
Return:
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, or 0 for current window
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, or 0 for current window
Return:
Tabpage that contains the window
nvim_win_get_var({window}, {name}) *nvim_win_get_var()*
Gets a window-scoped (w:) variable
Parameters:
{window} Window handle, or 0 for current window
{name} Variable name
Return:
Variable value
nvim_win_get_width({window}) *nvim_win_get_width()*
Gets the window width
Parameters:
{window} Window handle, or 0 for current window
Return:
Width as a count of columns
nvim_win_is_valid({window}) *nvim_win_is_valid()*
Checks if a window is valid
Parameters:
{window} Window handle, or 0 for current window
Return:
true if the window is valid, false otherwise
nvim_win_set_buf({window}, {buffer}) *nvim_win_set_buf()*
Sets the current buffer in a window, without side-effects
Parameters:
{window} Window handle, or 0 for current window
{buffer} Buffer handle
nvim_win_set_config({window}, {config}) *nvim_win_set_config()*
Configures window layout. Currently only for floating and
external windows (including changing a split window to those
layouts).
When reconfiguring a floating window, absent option keys will
not be changed. `row` / `col` and `relative` must be
reconfigured together.
Parameters:
{window} Window handle, or 0 for current window
{config} Map defining the window configuration, see
|nvim_open_win()|
See also:
|nvim_open_win()|
nvim_win_set_cursor({window}, {pos}) *nvim_win_set_cursor()*
Sets the (1,0)-indexed cursor position in the window.
|api-indexing|
Parameters:
{window} Window handle, or 0 for current window
{pos} (row, col) tuple representing the new position
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, or 0 for current window
{height} Height as a count of rows
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, or 0 for current window
{name} Option name
{value} Option value
nvim_win_set_var({window}, {name}, {value}) *nvim_win_set_var()*
Sets a window-scoped (w:) variable
Parameters:
{window} Window handle, or 0 for current window
{name} Variable name
{value} Variable value
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, or 0 for current window
{width} Width as a count of columns
==============================================================================
Tabpage Functions *api-tabpage*
nvim_tabpage_del_var({tabpage}, {name}) *nvim_tabpage_del_var()*
Removes a tab-scoped (t:) variable
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage handle, or 0 for current tabpage
{name} Variable name
nvim_tabpage_get_number({tabpage}) *nvim_tabpage_get_number()*
Gets the tabpage number
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage handle, or 0 for current tabpage
Return:
Tabpage number
nvim_tabpage_get_var({tabpage}, {name}) *nvim_tabpage_get_var()*
Gets a tab-scoped (t:) variable
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage handle, or 0 for current tabpage
{name} Variable name
Return:
Variable value
nvim_tabpage_get_win({tabpage}) *nvim_tabpage_get_win()*
Gets the current window in a tabpage
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage handle, or 0 for current tabpage
Return:
Window handle
nvim_tabpage_is_valid({tabpage}) *nvim_tabpage_is_valid()*
Checks if a tabpage is valid
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage handle, or 0 for current tabpage
Return:
true if the tabpage is valid, false otherwise
nvim_tabpage_list_wins({tabpage}) *nvim_tabpage_list_wins()*
Gets the windows in a tabpage
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage handle, or 0 for current tabpage
Return:
List of windows in `tabpage`
*nvim_tabpage_set_var()*
nvim_tabpage_set_var({tabpage}, {name}, {value})
Sets a tab-scoped (t:) variable
Parameters:
{tabpage} Tabpage handle, or 0 for current tabpage
{name} Variable name
{value} Variable value
==============================================================================
UI Functions *api-ui*
nvim_ui_attach({width}, {height}, {options}) *nvim_ui_attach()*
Activates UI events on the channel.
Entry point of all UI clients. Allows |--embed| to continue
startup. Implies that the client is ready to show the UI. Adds
the client to the list of UIs. |nvim_list_uis()|
Note:
If multiple UI clients are attached, the global screen
dimensions degrade to the smallest client. E.g. if client
A requests 80x40 but client B requests 200x100, the global
screen has size 80x40.
Parameters:
{width} Requested screen columns
{height} Requested screen rows
{options} |ui-option| map
nvim_ui_detach() *nvim_ui_detach()*
Deactivates UI events on the channel.
Removes the client from the list of UIs. |nvim_list_uis()|
*nvim_ui_pum_set_bounds()*
nvim_ui_pum_set_bounds({width}, {height}, {row}, {col})
Tells Nvim the geometry of the popumenu, to align floating
windows with an external popup menu.
Note that this method is not to be confused with
|nvim_ui_pum_set_height()|, which sets the number of visible
items in the popup menu, while this function sets the bounding
box of the popup menu, including visual decorations such as
boarders and sliders. Floats need not use the same font size,
nor be anchored to exact grid corners, so one can set
floating-point numbers to the popup menu geometry.
Parameters:
{width} Popupmenu width.
{height} Popupmenu height.
{row} Popupmenu row.
{col} Popupmenu height.
nvim_ui_pum_set_height({height}) *nvim_ui_pum_set_height()*
Tells Nvim the number of elements displaying in the popumenu,
to decide <PageUp> and <PageDown> movement.
Parameters:
{height} Popupmenu height, must be greater than zero.
nvim_ui_set_option({name}, {value}) *nvim_ui_set_option()*
TODO: Documentation
nvim_ui_try_resize({width}, {height}) *nvim_ui_try_resize()*
TODO: Documentation
*nvim_ui_try_resize_grid()*
nvim_ui_try_resize_grid({grid}, {width}, {height})
Tell Nvim to resize a grid. Triggers a grid_resize event with
the requested grid size or the maximum size if it exceeds size
limits.
On invalid grid handle, fails with error.
Parameters:
{grid} The handle of the grid to be changed.
{width} The new requested width.
{height} The new requested height.
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