Vim documentation: terminal
main help file
*terminal.txt* For Vim version 8.2. Last change: 2021 Dec 21
VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
Terminal window support *terminal* *terminal-window*
The terminal feature is optional, use this to check if your Vim has it:
echo has('terminal')
If the result is "1" you have it.
1. Basic use |terminal-use|
Typing |terminal-typing|
Size and color |terminal-size-color|
Command syntax |:terminal|
Resizing |terminal-resizing|
Terminal Modes |Terminal-mode|
Cursor style |terminal-cursor-style|
Session |terminal-session|
Special keys |terminal-special-keys|
Unix |terminal-unix|
MS-Windows |terminal-ms-windows|
2. Terminal functions |terminal-function-details|
3. Terminal communication |terminal-communication|
Vim to job: term_sendkeys() |terminal-to-job|
Job to Vim: JSON API |terminal-api|
Using the client-server feature |terminal-client-server|
4. Remote testing |terminal-testing|
5. Diffing screen dumps |terminal-diff|
Writing a screen dump test for Vim |terminal-dumptest|
Creating a screen dump |terminal-screendump|
Comparing screen dumps |terminal-diffscreendump|
6. Debugging |terminal-debug|
Starting |termdebug-starting|
Example session |termdebug-example|
Stepping through code |termdebug-stepping|
Inspecting variables |termdebug-variables|
Other commands |termdebug-commands|
Prompt mode |termdebug-prompt|
Communication |termdebug-communication|
Customizing |termdebug-customizing|
{only available when compiled with the |+terminal| feature}
The terminal feature requires the |+job| and |+channel| features.
==============================================================================
1. Basic use *terminal-use*
This feature is for running a terminal emulator in a Vim window. A job can be
started connected to the terminal emulator. For example, to run a shell:
:term bash
Or to run build command:
:term make myprogram
The job runs asynchronously from Vim, the window will be updated to show
output from the job, also while editing in another window.
Typing
*terminal-typing*
When the keyboard focus is in the terminal window, typed keys will be sent to
the job. This uses a pty when possible. You can click outside of the
terminal window to move keyboard focus elsewhere.
*t_CTRL-W_CTRL-W* *t_CTRL-W_:*
CTRL-W can be used to navigate between windows and other CTRL-W commands, e.g.:
CTRL-W CTRL-W move focus to the next window
CTRL-W : enter an Ex command
See |CTRL-W| for more commands.
Special in the terminal window: *t_CTRL-W_.* *t_CTRL-W_N*
CTRL-W . send a CTRL-W to the job in the terminal
CTRL-W CTRL-\ send a CTRL-\ to the job in the terminal
CTRL-W N go to Terminal-Normal mode, see |Terminal-mode|
CTRL-\ CTRL-N go to Terminal-Normal mode, see |Terminal-mode|
CTRL-W " {reg} paste register {reg} *t_CTRL-W_quote*
Also works with the = register to insert the result of
evaluating an expression.
CTRL-W CTRL-C ends the job, see below |t_CTRL-W_CTRL-C|
CTRL-W gt go to next tabpage, same as `gt` *t_CTRL-W_gt*
CTRL-W gT go to previous tabpage, same as `gT` *t_CTRL-W_gT*
See option 'termwinkey' for specifying another key instead of CTRL-W that
will work like CTRL-W. However, typing 'termwinkey' twice sends 'termwinkey'
to the job. For example:
'termwinkey' CTRL-W move focus to the next window
'termwinkey' : enter an Ex command
'termwinkey' 'termwinkey' send 'termwinkey' to the job in the terminal
'termwinkey' . send 'termwinkey' to the job in the terminal
'termwinkey' CTRL-\ send a CTRL-\ to the job in the terminal
'termwinkey' N go to terminal Normal mode, see below
'termwinkey' CTRL-N same as CTRL-W N |t_CTRL-W_N|
'termwinkey' CTRL-C same as CTRL-W CTRL-C |t_CTRL-W_CTRL-C|
*t_CTRL-\_CTRL-N*
The special key combination CTRL-\ CTRL-N can be used to switch to Normal
mode, just like this works in any other mode.
*t_CTRL-W_CTRL-C*
CTRL-W CTRL-C can be typed to forcefully end the job. On MS-Windows a
CTRL-BREAK will also kill the job.
If you type CTRL-C the effect depends on what the pty has been configured to
do. For simple commands this causes a SIGINT to be sent to the job, which
would end it. Other commands may ignore the SIGINT or handle the CTRL-C
themselves (like Vim does).
To change the keys you type use terminal mode mappings, see |:tmap|.
These are defined like any mapping, but apply only when typing keys that are
sent to the job running in the terminal. For example, to make F1 switch
to Terminal-Normal mode:
tnoremap <F1> <C-W>N
You can use Esc, but you need to make sure it won't cause other keys to
break (cursor keys start with an Esc, so they may break), this probably only
works in the GUI:
tnoremap <Esc> <C-W>N
set notimeout ttimeout timeoutlen=100
You can also create menus similar to terminal mode mappings, but you have to
use |:tlmenu| instead of |:tmenu|.
*options-in-terminal*
After opening the terminal window and setting 'buftype' to "terminal" the
|TerminalWinOpen| autocommand event is triggered. This makes it possible to set
options specifically for the terminal window and buffer. Example:
au TerminalWinOpen * setlocal bufhidden=hide
This only works properly if the terminal is not hidden.
For both hidden and non-hidden terminals this works, both for buffer-local and
window-local options:
au TerminalWinOpen,BufWinEnter * if &buftype == 'terminal'
\ | setlocal bufhidden=hide colorcolumn=123
\ | endif
Note that for a hidden terminal the options are not set until the terminal is
no longer hidden.
There is also the |TerminalOpen| event. Keep in mind this may be triggered
for a hidden terminal, then the current window and buffer are not that of the
new terminal.
You need to use <abuf>, which is set to the terminal buffer. Example:
au TerminalOpen * call setbufvar(expand('<abuf>')->str2nr(),
\ '&termwinscroll', 1000)
For a window-local option, you need to delay setting the option until the
terminal window has been created (this only works for a hidden terminal):
au TerminalOpen * exe printf(
\ 'au BufWinEnter <buffer=%d> ++once setlocal colorcolumn=%d',
\ expand('<abuf>')->str2nr(), 123)
For a non-hidden terminal use |TerminalWinOpen|.
Mouse events (click and drag) are passed to the terminal. Mouse move events
are only passed when Vim itself is receiving them. For a terminal that is
when 'balloonevalterm' is enabled.
Size and color
*terminal-size-color*
See option 'termwinsize' for controlling the size of the terminal window.
(TODO: scrolling when the terminal is larger than the window)
The job running in the terminal can change the colors. The default foreground
and background colors are taken from Vim, the Normal highlight group.
For a color terminal the 'background' option is used to decide whether the
terminal window will start with a white or black background.
To use a different color the Terminal highlight group can be used, for
example:
hi Terminal ctermbg=lightgrey ctermfg=blue guibg=lightgrey guifg=blue
Instead of Terminal another group can be specified with the "term_highlight"
option for `term_start()`.
*g:terminal_ansi_colors*
In GUI mode or with 'termguicolors', the 16 ANSI colors used by default in new
terminal windows may be configured using the variable
`g:terminal_ansi_colors`, which should be a list of 16 color names or
hexadecimal color codes, similar to those accepted by |highlight-guifg|. When
not using GUI colors, the terminal window always uses the 16 ANSI colors of
the underlying terminal.
When using `term_start()` the colors can be set with the "ansi_colors" option.
The |term_setansicolors()| function can be used to change the colors, and
|term_getansicolors()| to get the currently used colors.
Command syntax
:[range]ter[minal] [options] [command] *:ter* *:terminal*
Open a new terminal window.
If [command] is provided run it as a job and connect
the input and output to the terminal.
If [command] is not given the 'shell' option is used.
if [command] is NONE no job is started, the pty of the
terminal can be used by a command like gdb.
If [command] is missing the default behavior is to
close the terminal when the shell exits. This can be
changed with the ++noclose argument.
If [command] is present the default behavior is to
keep the terminal open in Terminal-Normal mode. This
can be changed with the ++close argument.
No Vim command can follow, any | is included in
[command]. Use `:execute` if you must have a Vim
command following in the same line.
A new buffer will be created, using [command] or
'shell' as the name, prefixed with a "!". If a buffer
by this name already exists a number is added in
parentheses. E.g. if "gdb" exists the second terminal
buffer will use "!gdb (1)".
If [range] is given the specified lines are used as
input for the job. It will not be possible to type
keys in the terminal window. For MS-Windows see the
++eof argument below.
*term++close* *term++open*
Supported [options] are:
++close The terminal window will close
automatically when the job terminates.
|terminal-close|
++noclose The terminal window will NOT close
automatically when the job terminates.
++open When the job terminates and no window
shows it, a window will be opened.
Note that this can be interruptive.
The last of ++close, ++noclose and ++open
matters and rules out earlier arguments.
++curwin Open the terminal in the current
window, do not split the current
window. Fails if the current buffer
cannot be YXXYabandon|ed.
++hidden Open the terminal in a hidden buffer,
no window will be used.
++norestore Do not include this terminal window
in a session file.
++shell Instead of executing {command}
directly, use a shell, like with
`:!command` *E279*
{only works on Unix and MS-Windows}
++kill={how} When trying to close the terminal
window kill the job with {how}. See
|term_setkill()| for the values.
++rows={height} Use {height} for the terminal window
height. If the terminal uses the full
Vim height (no window above or below
the terminal window) the command line
height will be reduced as needed.
++cols={width} Use {width} for the terminal window
width. If the terminal uses the full
Vim width (no window left or right of
the terminal window) this value is
ignored.
++eof={text} When using [range]: text to send after
the last line was written. Cannot
contain white space. A CR is
appended. For MS-Windows the default
is to send CTRL-D.
E.g. for a shell use "++eof=exit" and
for Python "++eof=exit()". Special
codes can be used like with `:map`,
e.g. "<C-Z>" for CTRL-Z.
++type={pty} (MS-Windows only): Use {pty} as the
virtual console. See 'termwintype'
for the values.
++api={expr} Permit the function name starting with
{expr} to be called as |terminal-api|
function. If {expr} is empty then no
function can be called.
If you want to use more options use the |term_start()|
function.
If you want to split the window vertically, use:
:vertical terminal
Or short:
:vert ter
When the buffer associated with the terminal is forcibly unloaded or wiped out
the job is killed, similar to calling `job_stop(job, "kill")` .
Closing the window normally results in |E947|. When a kill method was set
with "++kill={how}" or |term_setkill()| then closing the window will use that
way to kill or interrupt the job. For example:
:term ++kill=term tail -f /tmp/log
So long as the job is running the window behaves like it contains a modified
buffer. Trying to close the window with `CTRL-W :quit` fails. When using
`CTRL-W :quit!` the job is ended. The text in the window is lost. The buffer
still exists, but getting it in a window with `:buffer` will show an empty
buffer.
Trying to close the window with `CTRL-W :close` also fails. Using
`CTRL-W :close!` will close the window and make the buffer hidden.
You can use `CTRL-W :hide` to close the terminal window and make the buffer
hidden, the job keeps running. The `:buffer` command can be used to turn the
current window into a terminal window. If there are unsaved changes this
fails, use ! to force, as usual.
*terminal-close*
When the terminal window is closed, e.g. when the shell exits and "++close"
argument was used, and this is the last normal Vim window, then Vim will exit.
This is like using |:quit| in a normal window. Help and preview windows are
not counted.
To have a background job run without a window, and open the window when it's
done, use options like this:
:term ++hidden ++open make
Note that the window will open at an unexpected moment, this will interrupt
what you are doing.
*E947* *E948*
So long as the job is running, the buffer is considered modified and Vim
cannot be quit easily, see |abandon|.
When the job has finished and no changes were made to the buffer: closing the
window will wipe out the buffer.
Before changes can be made to a terminal buffer, the 'modifiable' option must
be set. This is only possible when the job has finished. At the first change
the buffer will become a normal buffer and the highlighting is removed.
You may want to change the buffer name with |:file| to be able to write, since
the buffer name will still be set to the command.
Resizing
*terminal-resizing*
The size of the terminal can be in one of three modes:
1. The 'termwinsize' option is empty: The terminal size follows the window
size. The minimal size is 2 screen lines with 10 cells.
2. The 'termwinsize' option is "rows*cols", where "rows" is the minimal number
of screen rows and "cols" is the minimal number of cells.
3. The 'termwinsize' option is "rowsXcols" (where the x is upper or lower
case). The terminal size is fixed to the specified number of screen lines
and cells. If the window is bigger there will be unused empty space.
If the window is smaller than the terminal size, only part of the terminal can
be seen (the lower-left part).
The |term_getsize()| function can be used to get the current size of the
terminal. |term_setsize()| can be used only when in the first or second mode,
not when 'termwinsize' is "rowsXcols".
Terminal-Job and Terminal-Normal mode
*Terminal-mode* *Terminal-Job*
When the job is running the contents of the terminal is under control of the
job. That includes the cursor position. Typed keys are sent to the job.
The terminal contents can change at any time. This is called Terminal-Job
mode.
Use CTRL-W N (or 'termwinkey' N) to switch to Terminal-Normal mode. Now the
contents of the terminal window is under control of Vim, the job output is
suspended. CTRL-\ CTRL-N does the same.
Terminal-Job mode is where |:tmap| mappings are applied. Keys sent by
|term_sendkeys()| are not subject to tmap, but keys from |feedkeys()| are.
It is not possible to enter Insert mode from Terminal-Job mode.
*Terminal-Normal* *E946*
In Terminal-Normal mode you can move the cursor around with the usual Vim
commands, Visually mark text, yank text, etc. But you cannot change the
contents of the buffer. The commands that would start insert mode, such as
'i' and 'a', return to Terminal-Job mode. The window will be updated to show
the contents of the terminal. |:startinsert| is ineffective.
In Terminal-Normal mode the statusline and window title show "(Terminal)". If
the job ends while in Terminal-Normal mode this changes to
"(Terminal-finished)".
When the job outputs lines in the terminal, such that the contents scrolls off
the top, those lines are remembered and can be seen in Terminal-Normal mode.
The number of lines is limited by the 'termwinscroll' option. When going over
this limit, the first 10% of the scrolled lines are deleted and are lost.
Cursor style
*terminal-cursor-style*
By default the cursor in the terminal window uses a not blinking block. The
normal xterm escape sequences can be used to change the blinking state and the
shape. Once focus leaves the terminal window Vim will restore the original
cursor.
An exception is when xterm is started with the "-bc" argument, or another way
that causes the cursor to blink. This actually means that the blinking flag
is inverted. Since Vim cannot detect this, the terminal window cursor
blinking will also be inverted.
Session
*terminal-session*
A terminal window will be restored when using a session file, if possible and
wanted.
If "terminal" was removed from 'sessionoptions' then no terminal windows will
be restored.
If the job in the terminal was finished the window will not be restored.
If the terminal can be restored, the command that was used to open it will be
used again. To change this use the |term_setrestore()| function. This can
also be used to not restore a specific terminal by setting the command to
"NONE".
Special keys
*terminal-special-keys*
Since the terminal emulator simulates an xterm, only escape sequences that
both Vim and xterm recognize will be available in the terminal window. If you
want to pass on other escape sequences to the job running in the terminal you
need to set up forwarding. Example:
tmap <expr> <Esc>]b SendToTerm("\<Esc>]b")
func SendToTerm(what)
call term_sendkeys('', a:what)
return ''
endfunc
Unix
*terminal-unix*
On Unix a pty is used to make it possible to run all kinds of commands. You
can even run Vim in the terminal! That's used for debugging, see below.
Environment variables are used to pass information to the running job:
TERM the name of the terminal, from the 'term' option or
$TERM in the GUI; falls back to "xterm" if it does not
start with "xterm"
ROWS number of rows in the terminal initially
LINES same as ROWS
COLUMNS number of columns in the terminal initially
COLORS number of colors, 't_Co' (256*256*256 in the GUI)
VIM_SERVERNAME v:servername
VIM_TERMINAL v:version
MS-Windows
*terminal-ms-windows*
On MS-Windows winpty is used to make it possible to run all kind of commands.
Obviously, they must be commands that run in a terminal, not open their own
window.
You need the following two files from winpty:
winpty.dll
winpty-agent.exe
You can download them from the following page:
https://github.com/rprichard/winpty
Just put the files somewhere in your PATH. You can set the 'winptydll' option
to point to the right file, if needed. If you have both the 32-bit and 64-bit
version, rename to winpty32.dll and winpty64.dll to match the way Vim was
build.
*ConPTY* *E982*
On more recent versions of MS-Windows 10 (beginning with the "October 2018
Update"), winpty is no longer required. On those versions, |:terminal| will use
Windows' built-in support for hosting terminal applications, "ConPTY". When
ConPTY is in use, there may be rendering artifacts regarding ambiguous-width
characters. If you encounter any such issues, install "winpty". Until the
ConPTY problems have been fixed "winpty" will be preferred.
Environment variables are used to pass information to the running job:
VIM_SERVERNAME v:servername
==============================================================================
2. Terminal functions *terminal-function-details*
*term_dumpdiff()*
term_dumpdiff({filename}, {filename} [, {options}])
Open a new window displaying the difference between the two
files. The files must have been created with
|term_dumpwrite()|.
Returns the buffer number or zero when the diff fails.
Also see |terminal-diff|.
NOTE: this does not work with double-width characters yet.
The top part of the buffer contains the contents of the first
file, the bottom part of the buffer contains the contents of
the second file. The middle part shows the differences.
The parts are separated by a line of equals.
If the {options} argument is present, it must be a Dict with
these possible members:
"term_name" name to use for the buffer name, instead
of the first file name.
"term_rows" vertical size to use for the terminal,
instead of using 'termwinsize', but
respecting the minimal size
"term_cols" horizontal size to use for the terminal,
instead of using 'termwinsize', but
respecting the minimal size
"vertical" split the window vertically
"curwin" use the current window, do not split the
window; fails if the current buffer
cannot be YXXYabandon|ed
"bufnr" do not create a new buffer, use the
existing buffer "bufnr". This buffer
must have been previously created with
term_dumpdiff() or term_dumpload() and
visible in a window.
"norestore" do not add the terminal window to a
session file
Each character in the middle part indicates a difference. If
there are multiple differences only the first in this list is
used:
X different character
w different width
f different foreground color
b different background color
a different attribute
+ missing position in first file
- missing position in second file
> cursor position in first file, not in second
< cursor position in second file, not in first
Using the "s" key the top and bottom parts are swapped. This
makes it easy to spot a difference.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetFilename()->term_dumpdiff(otherfile)
*term_dumpload()*
term_dumpload({filename} [, {options}])
Open a new window displaying the contents of {filename}
The file must have been created with |term_dumpwrite()|.
Returns the buffer number or zero when it fails.
Also see |terminal-diff|.
For {options} see |term_dumpdiff()|.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetFilename()->term_dumpload()
*term_dumpwrite()*
term_dumpwrite({buf}, {filename} [, {options}])
Dump the contents of the terminal screen of {buf} in the file
{filename}. This uses a format that can be used with
|term_dumpload()| and |term_dumpdiff()|.
If the job in the terminal already finished an error is given:
*E958*
If {filename} already exists an error is given: *E953*
Also see |terminal-diff|.
{options} is a dictionary with these optional entries:
"rows" maximum number of rows to dump
"columns" maximum number of columns to dump
Can also be used as a |method|, the base is used for the file
name:
GetFilename()->term_dumpwrite(bufnr)
term_getaltscreen({buf}) *term_getaltscreen()*
Returns 1 if the terminal of {buf} is using the alternate
screen.
{buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_getaltscreen()
term_getansicolors({buf}) *term_getansicolors()*
Get the ANSI color palette in use by terminal {buf}.
Returns a List of length 16 where each element is a String
representing a color in hexadecimal "#rrggbb" format.
Also see |term_setansicolors()| and |g:terminal_ansi_colors|.
If neither was used returns the default colors.
{buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|. If the buffer does not
exist or is not a terminal window, an empty list is returned.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_getansicolors()
{only available when compiled with GUI enabled and/or the
|+termguicolors| feature}
term_getattr({attr}, {what}) *term_getattr()*
Given {attr}, a value returned by term_scrape() in the "attr"
item, return whether {what} is on. {what} can be one of:
bold
italic
underline
strike
reverse
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetAttr()->term_getattr()
term_getcursor({buf}) *term_getcursor()*
Get the cursor position of terminal {buf}. Returns a list with
two numbers and a dictionary: [row, col, dict].
"row" and "col" are one based, the first screen cell is row
1, column 1. This is the cursor position of the terminal
itself, not of the Vim window.
"dict" can have these members:
"visible" one when the cursor is visible, zero when it
is hidden.
"blink" one when the cursor is blinking, zero when it
is not blinking.
"shape" 1 for a block cursor, 2 for underline and 3
for a vertical bar.
"color" color of the cursor, e.g. "green"
{buf} must be the buffer number of a terminal window. If the
buffer does not exist or is not a terminal window, an empty
list is returned.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_getcursor()
term_getjob({buf}) *term_getjob()*
Get the Job associated with terminal window {buf}.
{buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|.
Returns |v:null| when there is no job.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_getjob()
term_getline({buf}, {row}) *term_getline()*
Get a line of text from the terminal window of {buf}.
{buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|.
The first line has {row} one. When {row} is "." the cursor
line is used. When {row} is invalid an empty string is
returned.
To get attributes of each character use |term_scrape()|.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_getline(row)
term_getscrolled({buf}) *term_getscrolled()*
Return the number of lines that scrolled to above the top of
terminal {buf}. This is the offset between the row number
used for |term_getline()| and |getline()|, so that:
term_getline(buf, N)
is equal to:
getline(N + term_getscrolled(buf))
(if that line exists).
{buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_getscrolled()
term_getsize({buf}) *term_getsize()*
Get the size of terminal {buf}. Returns a list with two
numbers: [rows, cols]. This is the size of the terminal, not
the window containing the terminal.
{buf} must be the buffer number of a terminal window. Use an
empty string for the current buffer. If the buffer does not
exist or is not a terminal window, an empty list is returned.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_getsize()
term_getstatus({buf}) *term_getstatus()*
Get the status of terminal {buf}. This returns a String with
a comma separated list of these items:
running job is running
finished job has finished
normal in Terminal-Normal mode
One of "running" or "finished" is always present.
{buf} must be the buffer number of a terminal window. If the
buffer does not exist or is not a terminal window, an empty
string is returned.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_getstatus()
term_gettitle({buf}) *term_gettitle()*
Get the title of terminal {buf}. This is the title that the
job in the terminal has set.
{buf} must be the buffer number of a terminal window. If the
buffer does not exist or is not a terminal window, an empty
string is returned.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_gettitle()
term_gettty({buf} [, {input}]) *term_gettty()*
Get the name of the controlling terminal associated with
terminal window {buf}. {buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|.
When {input} is omitted or 0, return the name for writing
(stdout). When {input} is 1 return the name for reading
(stdin). On UNIX, both return same name.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_gettty()
term_list() *term_list()*
Return a list with the buffer numbers of all buffers for
terminal windows.
term_scrape({buf}, {row}) *term_scrape()*
Get the contents of {row} of terminal screen of {buf}.
For {buf} see |term_getsize()|.
The first line has {row} one. When {row} is "." the cursor
line is used. When {row} is invalid an empty string is
returned.
Return a List containing a Dict for each screen cell:
"chars" character(s) at the cell
"fg" foreground color as #rrggbb
"bg" background color as #rrggbb
"attr" attributes of the cell, use |term_getattr()|
to get the individual flags
"width" cell width: 1 or 2
For a double-width cell there is one item, thus the list can
be shorter than the width of the terminal.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_scrape(row)
term_sendkeys({buf}, {keys}) *term_sendkeys()*
Send keystrokes {keys} to terminal {buf}.
{buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|.
{keys} are translated as key sequences. For example, "\<c-x>"
means the character CTRL-X.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_sendkeys(keys)
term_setansicolors({buf}, {colors}) *term_setansicolors()*
Set the ANSI color palette used by terminal {buf}.
{colors} must be a List of 16 valid color names or hexadecimal
color codes, like those accepted by |highlight-guifg|.
Also see |term_getansicolors()| and |g:terminal_ansi_colors|.
The colors normally are:
0 black
1 dark red
2 dark green
3 brown
4 dark blue
5 dark magenta
6 dark cyan
7 light grey
8 dark grey
9 red
10 green
11 yellow
12 blue
13 magenta
14 cyan
15 white
These colors are used in the GUI and in the terminal when
'termguicolors' is set. When not using GUI colors (GUI mode
or 'termguicolors'), the terminal window always uses the 16
ANSI colors of the underlying terminal.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_setansicolors(colors)
{only available with GUI enabled and/or the |+termguicolors|
feature}
term_setapi({buf}, {expr}) *term_setapi()*
Set the function name prefix to be used for the |terminal-api|
function in terminal {buf}. For example:
:call term_setapi(buf, "Myapi_")
:call term_setapi(buf, "")
The default is "Tapi_". When {expr} is an empty string then
no |terminal-api| function can be used for {buf}.
When used as a method the base is used for {buf}:
GetBufnr()->term_setapi({expr})
term_setkill({buf}, {how}) *term_setkill()*
When exiting Vim or trying to close the terminal window in
another way, {how} defines whether the job in the terminal can
be stopped.
When {how} is empty (the default), the job will not be
stopped, trying to exit will result in |E947|.
Otherwise, {how} specifies what signal to send to the job.
See |job_stop()| for the values.
After sending the signal Vim will wait for up to a second to
check that the job actually stopped.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_setkill(how)
term_setrestore({buf}, {command}) *term_setrestore()*
Set the command to write in a session file to restore the job
in this terminal. The line written in the session file is:
terminal ++curwin ++cols=%d ++rows=%d {command}
Make sure to escape the command properly.
Use an empty {command} to run 'shell'.
Use "NONE" to not restore this window.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_setrestore(command)
term_setsize({buf}, {rows}, {cols}) *term_setsize()* *E955*
Set the size of terminal {buf}. The size of the window
containing the terminal will also be adjusted, if possible.
If {rows} or {cols} is zero or negative, that dimension is not
changed.
{buf} must be the buffer number of a terminal window. Use an
empty string for the current buffer. If the buffer does not
exist or is not a terminal window, an error is given.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_setsize(rows, cols)
term_start({cmd} [, {options}]) *term_start()*
Open a terminal window and run {cmd} in it.
{cmd} can be a string or a List, like with |job_start()|. The
string "NONE" can be used to open a terminal window without
starting a job, the pty of the terminal can be used by a
command like gdb.
Returns the buffer number of the terminal window. If {cmd}
cannot be executed the window does open and shows an error
message.
If opening the window fails zero is returned.
{options} are similar to what is used for |job_start()|, see
|job-options|. However, not all options can be used. These
are supported:
all timeout options
"stoponexit", "cwd", "env"
"callback", "out_cb", "err_cb", "exit_cb", "close_cb"
"in_io", "in_top", "in_bot", "in_name", "in_buf"
"out_io", "out_name", "out_buf", "out_modifiable", "out_msg"
"err_io", "err_name", "err_buf", "err_modifiable", "err_msg"
However, at least one of stdin, stdout or stderr must be
connected to the terminal. When I/O is connected to the
terminal then the callback function for that part is not used.
There are extra options:
"term_name" name to use for the buffer name, instead
of the command name.
"term_rows" vertical size to use for the terminal,
instead of using 'termwinsize'; valid
range is from zero to 1000
"term_cols" horizontal size to use for the terminal,
instead of using 'termwinsize'
"vertical" split the window vertically; note that
other window position can be defined with
command modifiers, such as |:belowright|.
"curwin" use the current window, do not split the
window; fails if the current buffer
cannot be YXXYabandon|ed
"hidden" do not open a window
"norestore" do not add the terminal window to a
session file
"term_kill" what to do when trying to close the
terminal window, see |term_setkill()|
"term_finish" What to do when the job is finished:
"close": close any windows
"open": open window if needed
Note that "open" can be interruptive.
See |term++close| and |term++open|.
"term_opencmd" command to use for opening the window when
"open" is used for "term_finish"; must
have "%d" where the buffer number goes,
e.g. "10split|buffer %d"; when not
specified "botright sbuf %d" is used
"term_highlight" highlight group to use instead of
"Terminal"
"eof_chars" Text to send after all buffer lines were
written to the terminal. When not set
CTRL-D is used on MS-Windows. For Python
use CTRL-Z or "exit()". For a shell use
"exit". A CR is always added.
"ansi_colors" A list of 16 color names or hex codes
defining the ANSI palette used in GUI
color modes. See |g:terminal_ansi_colors|.
"tty_type" (MS-Windows only): Specify which pty to
use. See 'termwintype' for the values.
"term_api" function name prefix for the
|terminal-api| function. See
|term_setapi()|.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetCommand()->term_start()
term_wait({buf} [, {time}]) *term_wait()*
Wait for pending updates of {buf} to be handled.
{buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|.
{time} is how long to wait for updates to arrive in msec. If
not set then 10 msec will be used.
Can also be used as a YXXYmethod|:
GetBufnr()->term_wait()
==============================================================================
3. Terminal communication *terminal-communication*
There are several ways to communicate with the job running in a terminal:
- Use |term_sendkeys()| to send text and escape sequences from Vim to the job.
- Use the JSON API to send encoded commands from the job to Vim.
- Use the |client-server| mechanism. This works on machines with an X server
and on MS-Windows.
Vim to job: term_sendkeys()
*terminal-to-job*
This allows for remote controlling the job running in the terminal. It is a
one-way mechanism. The job can update the display to signal back to Vim.
For example, if a shell is running in a terminal, you can do:
call term_sendkeys(buf, "ls *.java\<CR>")
This requires for the job to be in the right state where it will do the right
thing when receiving the keys. For the above example, the shell must be
waiting for a command to be typed.
For a job that was written for the purpose, you can use the JSON API escape
sequence in the other direction. E.g.:
call term_sendkeys(buf, "\<Esc>]51;["response"]\x07")
Job to Vim: JSON API
*terminal-api*
The job can send JSON to Vim, using a special escape sequence. The JSON
encodes a command that Vim understands. Example of such a message:
<Esc>]51;["drop", "README.md"]<07>
The body is always a list, making it easy to find the end: ]<07>.
The <Esc>]51;msg<07> sequence is reserved by xterm for "Emacs shell", which is
similar to what we are doing here.
Currently supported commands:
call {funcname} {argument}
Call a user defined function with {argument}.
The function is called with two arguments: the buffer number
of the terminal and {argument}, the decoded JSON argument.
By default, the function name must start with "Tapi_" to avoid
accidentally calling a function not meant to be used for the
terminal API. This can be changed with |term_setapi()|.
The user function should sanity check the argument.
The function can use |term_sendkeys()| to send back a reply.
Example in JSON:
["call", "Tapi_Impression", ["play", 14]]
Calls a function defined like this:
function Tapi_Impression(bufnum, arglist)
if len(a:arglist) == 2
echomsg "impression " . a:arglist[0]
echomsg "count " . a:arglist[1]
endif
endfunc
Output from `:echo` may be erased by a redraw, use `:echomsg`
to be able to see it with `:messages`.
drop {filename} [options]
Let Vim open a file, like the `:drop` command. If {filename}
is already open in a window, switch to that window. Otherwise
open a new window to edit {filename}.
Note that both the job and Vim may change the current
directory, thus it's best to use the full path.
[options] is only used when opening a new window. If present,
it must be a Dict. Similarly to |++opt|, these entries are
recognized:
"ff" file format: "dos", "mac" or "unix"
"fileformat" idem
"enc" overrides 'fileencoding'
"encoding" idem
"bin" sets 'binary'
"binary" idem
"nobin" resets 'binary'
"nobinary" idem
"bad" specifies behavior for bad characters, see
|++bad|
Example in JSON:
["drop", "path/file.txt", {"ff": "dos"}]
A trick to have Vim send this escape sequence:
exe "set t_ts=\<Esc>]51; t_fs=\x07"
let &titlestring = '["call","Tapi_TryThis",["hello",123]]'
redraw
set t_ts& t_fs&
Rationale: Why not allow for any command or expression? Because that might
create a security problem.
Using the client-server feature
*terminal-client-server*
This only works when v:servername is not empty. If needed you can set it,
before opening the terminal, with:
call remote_startserver('vim-server')
$VIM_SERVERNAME is set in the terminal to pass on the server name.
In the job you can then do something like:
vim --servername $VIM_SERVERNAME --remote +123 some_file.c
This will open the file "some_file.c" and put the cursor on line 123.
==============================================================================
4. Remote testing *terminal-testing*
Most Vim tests execute a script inside Vim. For some tests this does not
work, running the test interferes with the code being tested. To avoid this
Vim is executed in a terminal window. The test sends keystrokes to it and
inspects the resulting screen state.
Functions
|term_sendkeys()| send keystrokes to a terminal (not subject to tmap)
|term_wait()| wait for screen to be updated
|term_scrape()| inspect terminal screen
==============================================================================
5. Diffing screen dumps *terminal-diff*
In some cases it can be bothersome to test that Vim displays the right
characters on the screen. E.g. with syntax highlighting. To make this
simpler it is possible to take a screen dump of a terminal and compare it to
an expected screen dump.
Vim uses the window size, text, color and other attributes as displayed. The
Vim screen size, font and other properties do not matter. Therefore this
mechanism is portable across systems. A conventional screenshot would reflect
all differences, including font size and family.
Writing a screen dump test for Vim
*terminal-dumptest*
For an example see the Test_syntax_c() function in
src/testdir/test_syntax.vim. The main parts are:
- Write a file you want to test with. This is useful for testing syntax
highlighting. You can also start Vim with an empty buffer.
- Run Vim in a terminal with a specific size. The default is 20 lines of 75
characters. This makes sure the dump is always this size. The function
RunVimInTerminal() takes care of this. Pass it the arguments for the Vim
command.
- Send any commands to Vim using |term_sendkeys()|. For example:
call term_sendkeys(buf, ":echo &lines &columns\<CR>")
- Check that the screen is now in the expected state, using
VerifyScreenDump(). This expects the reference screen dump to be in the
src/testdir/dumps/ directory. Pass the name without ".dump". It is
recommended to use the name of the test function and a sequence number, so
that we know what test is using the file.
- Repeat sending commands and checking the state.
- Finally stop Vim by calling StopVimInTerminal().
The first time you do this you won't have a screen dump yet. Create an empty
file for now, e.g.:
touch src/testdir/dumps/Test_function_name_01.dump
The test will then fail, giving you the command to compare the reference dump
and the failed dump, e.g.:
call term_dumpdiff("failed/Test_func.dump", "dumps/Test_func.dump")
Use this command in Vim, with the current directory set to src/testdir.
Once you are satisfied with the test, move the failed dump in place of the
reference:
:!mv failed/Test_func.dump dumps/Test_func.dump
Creating a screen dump
*terminal-screendump*
To create the screen dump, run Vim (or any other program) in a terminal and
make it show the desired state. Then use the |term_dumpwrite()| function to
create a screen dump file. For example:
:call term_dumpwrite(77, "mysyntax.dump")
Here "77" is the buffer number of the terminal. Use `:ls!` to see it.
You can view the screen dump with YXXYterm_dumpload()|:
:call term_dumpload("mysyntax.dump")
To verify that Vim still shows exactly the same screen, run Vim again with
exactly the same way to show the desired state. Then create a screen dump
again, using a different file name:
:call term_dumpwrite(88, "test.dump")
To assert that the files are exactly the same use YXXYassert_equalfile()|:
call assert_equalfile("mysyntax.dump", "test.dump")
If there are differences then v:errors will contain the error message.
Comparing screen dumps
*terminal-diffscreendump*
|assert_equalfile()| does not make it easy to see what is different.
To spot the problem use YXXYterm_dumpdiff()|:
call term_dumpdiff("mysyntax.dump", "test.dump")
This will open a window consisting of three parts:
1. The contents of the first dump
2. The difference between the first and second dump
3. The contents of the second dump
You can usually see what differs in the second part. Use the 'ruler' to
relate it to the position in the first or second dump. Letters indicate the
kind of difference:
X different character
> cursor in first but not in second
< cursor in second but not in first
w character width differs (single vs double width)
f foreground color differs
b background color differs
a attribute differs (bold, underline, reverse, etc.)
? character missing in both
+ character missing in first
- character missing in second
Alternatively, press "s" to swap the first and second dump. Do this several
times so that you can spot the difference in the context of the text.
==============================================================================
6. Debugging *terminal-debug* *terminal-debugger*
The Terminal debugging plugin can be used to debug a program with gdb and view
the source code in a Vim window. Since this is completely contained inside
Vim this also works remotely over an ssh connection.
When the |+terminal| feature is missing, the plugin will use the "prompt"
buffer type, if possible. The running program will then use a newly opened
terminal window. See |termdebug-prompt| below for details.
Starting
*termdebug-starting*
Load the plugin with this command:
packadd termdebug
*:Termdebug*
To start debugging use `:Termdebug` or `:TermdebugCommand` followed by the
command name, for example:
:Termdebug vim
This opens two windows:
gdb window A terminal window in which "gdb vim" is executed. Here you
can directly interact with gdb. The buffer name is "!gdb".
program window A terminal window for the executed program. When "run" is
used in gdb the program I/O will happen in this window, so
that it does not interfere with controlling gdb. The buffer
name is "gdb program".
The current window is used to show the source code. When gdb pauses the
source file location will be displayed, if possible. A sign is used to
highlight the current position, using highlight group debugPC.
If the buffer in the current window is modified, another window will be opened
to display the current gdb position. You can use `:Winbar` to add a window
toolbar there.
Focus the terminal of the executed program to interact with it. This works
the same as any command running in a terminal window.
When the debugger ends, typically by typing "quit" in the gdb window, the two
opened windows are closed.
Only one debugger can be active at a time.
*:TermdebugCommand*
If you want to give specific commands to the command being debugged, you can
use the `:TermdebugCommand` command followed by the command name and
additional parameters.
:TermdebugCommand vim --clean -c ':set nu'
Both the `:Termdebug` and `:TermdebugCommand` support an optional "!" bang
argument to start the command right away, without pausing at the gdb window
(and cursor will be in the debugged window). For example:
:TermdebugCommand! vim --clean
To attach gdb to an already running executable or use a core file, pass extra
arguments. E.g.:
:Termdebug vim core
:Termdebug vim 98343
If no argument is given, you'll end up in a gdb window, in which you need to
specify which command to run using e.g. the gdb `file` command.
Example session
*termdebug-example*
Start in the Vim "src" directory and build Vim:
% make
Make sure that debug symbols are present, usually that means that $CFLAGS
includes "-g".
Start Vim:
% ./vim
Load the termdebug plugin and start debugging Vim:
:packadd termdebug
:Termdebug vim
You should now have three windows:
source - where you started, has a window toolbar with buttons
gdb - you can type gdb commands here
program - the executed program will use this window
You can use CTRL-W CTRL-W or the mouse to move focus between windows.
Put focus on the gdb window and type:
break ex_help
run
Vim will start running in the program window. Put focus there and type:
:help gui
Gdb will run into the ex_help breakpoint. The source window now shows the
ex_cmds.c file. A red "1 " marker will appear in the signcolumn where the
breakpoint was set. The line where the debugger stopped is highlighted. You
can now step through the program. Let's use the mouse: click on the "Next"
button in the window toolbar. You will see the highlighting move as the
debugger executes a line of source code.
Click "Next" a few times until the for loop is highlighted. Put the cursor on
the end of "eap->arg", then click "Eval" in the toolbar. You will see this
displayed:
"eap->arg": 0x555555e68855 "gui"
This way you can inspect the value of local variables. You can also focus the
gdb window and use a "print" command, e.g.:
print *eap
If mouse pointer movements are working, Vim will also show a balloon when the
mouse rests on text that can be evaluated by gdb.
Now go back to the source window and put the cursor on the first line after
the for loop, then type:
:Break
You will see a ">>" marker appear, this indicates the new breakpoint. Now
click "Cont" in the toolbar and the code until the breakpoint will be
executed.
You can type more advanced commands in the gdb window. For example, type:
watch curbuf
Now click "Cont" in the toolbar (or type "cont" in the gdb window). Execution
will now continue until the value of "curbuf" changes, which is in do_ecmd().
To remove this watchpoint again type in the gdb window:
delete 3
You can see the stack by typing in the gdb window:
where
Move through the stack frames, e.g. with:
frame 3
The source window will show the code, at the point where the call was made to
a deeper level.
Stepping through code
*termdebug-stepping*
Put focus on the gdb window to type commands there. Some common ones are:
- CTRL-C interrupt the program
- next execute the current line and stop at the next line
- step execute the current line and stop at the next statement,
entering functions
- finish execute until leaving the current function
- where show the stack
- frame N go to the Nth stack frame
- continue continue execution
*:Run* *:Arguments*
In the window showing the source code these commands can be used to control
gdb:
`:Run` [args] run the program with [args] or the previous arguments
`:Arguments` {args} set arguments for the next `:Run`
*:Break* set a breakpoint at the cursor position
:Break {position}
set a breakpoint at the specified position
*:Clear* delete the breakpoint at the cursor position
*:Step* execute the gdb "step" command
*:Over* execute the gdb "next" command (`:Next` is a Vim command)
*:Finish* execute the gdb "finish" command
*:Continue* execute the gdb "continue" command
*:Stop* interrupt the program
If 'mouse' is set the plugin adds a window toolbar with these entries:
Step `:Step`
Next `:Over`
Finish `:Finish`
Cont `:Continue`
Stop `:Stop`
Eval `:Evaluate`
This way you can use the mouse to perform the most common commands. You need
to have the 'mouse' option set to enable mouse clicks.
*:Winbar*
You can add the window toolbar in other windows you open with:
:Winbar
If gdb stops at a source line and there is no window currently showing the
source code, a new window will be created for the source code. This also
happens if the buffer in the source code window has been modified and can't be
abandoned.
Gdb gives each breakpoint a number. In Vim the number shows up in the sign
column, with a red background. You can use these gdb commands:
- info break list breakpoints
- delete N delete breakpoint N
You can also use the `:Clear` command if the cursor is in the line with the
breakpoint, or use the "Clear breakpoint" right-click menu entry.
Inspecting variables
*termdebug-variables* *:Evaluate*
`:Evaluate` evaluate the expression under the cursor
`K` same (see |termdebug_map_K| to disable)
`:Evaluate` {expr} evaluate {expr}
`:'<,'>Evaluate` evaluate the Visually selected text
This is similar to using "print" in the gdb window.
You can usually shorten `:Evaluate` to `:Ev`.
Other commands
*termdebug-commands*
*:Gdb* jump to the gdb window
*:Program* jump to the window with the running program
*:Source* jump to the window with the source code, create it if there
isn't one
*:Asm* jump to the window with the disassembly, create it if there
isn't one
Events
*termdebug-events*
Four autocommands can be used:
au User TermdebugStartPre echomsg 'debugging starting'
au User TermdebugStartPost echomsg 'debugging started'
au User TermdebugStopPre echomsg 'debugging stopping'
au User TermdebugStopPost echomsg 'debugging stopped'
*TermdebugStartPre*
TermdebugStartPre Before starting debugging.
Not triggered if the debugger is already
running or |g:termdebugger| cannot be
executed.
*TermdebugStartPost*
TermdebugStartPost After debugging has initialized.
If a "!" bang is passed to `:Termdebug` or
`:TermdebugCommand` the event is triggered
before running the provided command in gdb.
*TermdebugStopPre*
TermdebugStopPre Before debugging ends, when gdb is terminated,
most likely after issuing a "quit" command in
the gdb window.
*TermdebugStopPost*
TermdebugStopPost After debugging has ended, gdb-related windows
are closed, debug buffers wiped out and
the state before the debugging was restored.
Prompt mode
*termdebug-prompt*
When the |+terminal| feature is not supported and on MS-Windows, gdb will run
in a buffer with 'buftype' set to "prompt". This works slightly differently:
- The gdb window will be in Insert mode while typing commands. Go to Normal
mode with <Esc>, then you can move around in the buffer, copy/paste, etc.
Go back to editing the gdb command with any command that starts Insert mode,
such as `a` or `i`.
- The program being debugged will run in a separate window. On MS-Windows
this is a new console window. On Unix, if the |+terminal| feature is
available a Terminal window will be opened to run the debugged program in.
*termdebug_use_prompt*
Prompt mode can be used even when the |+terminal| feature is present with:
let g:termdebug_use_prompt = 1
*termdebug_map_K*
The K key is normally mapped to :Evaluate. If you do not want this use:
let g:termdebug_map_K = 0
*termdebug_disasm_window*
If you want the Asm window shown by default, set this to 1. Setting to
any value greater than 1 will set the Asm window height to that value:
let g:termdebug_disasm_window = 15
Communication
*termdebug-communication*
There is another, hidden, buffer, which is used for Vim to communicate with
gdb. The buffer name is "gdb communication". Do not delete this buffer, it
will break the debugger.
Gdb has some weird behavior, the plugin does its best to work around that.
For example, after typing "continue" in the gdb window a CTRL-C can be used to
interrupt the running program. But after using the MI command
"-exec-continue" pressing CTRL-C does not interrupt. Therefore you will see
"continue" being used for the `:Continue` command, instead of using the
communication channel.
Customizing
GDB command *termdebug-customizing*
*g:termdebugger*
To change the name of the gdb command, set the "g:termdebugger" variable before
invoking `:Termdebug`:
let g:termdebugger = "mygdb"
If the command needs an argument use a List:
let g:termdebugger = ['rr', 'replay', '--']
*gdb-version*
Only debuggers fully compatible with gdb will work. Vim uses the GDB/MI
interface. The "new-ui" command requires gdb version 7.12 or later. if you
get this error:
Undefined command: "new-ui". Try "help".
Then your gdb is too old.
Colors *hl-debugPC* *hl-debugBreakpoint*
The color of the signs can be adjusted with these highlight groups:
- debugPC the current position
- debugBreakpoint a breakpoint
The defaults are, when 'background' is "light":
hi debugPC term=reverse ctermbg=lightblue guibg=lightblue
hi debugBreakpoint term=reverse ctermbg=red guibg=red
When 'background' is "dark":
hi debugPC term=reverse ctermbg=darkblue guibg=darkblue
hi debugBreakpoint term=reverse ctermbg=red guibg=red
Shortcuts *termdebug_shortcuts*
You can define your own shortcuts (mappings) to control gdb, that can work in
any window, using the TermDebugSendCommand() function. Example:
map ,w :call TermDebugSendCommand('where')<CR>
The argument is the gdb command.
Popup menu *termdebug_popup*
By default the Termdebug plugin sets 'mousemodel' to "popup_setpos" and adds
these entries to the popup menu:
Set breakpoint `:Break`
Clear breakpoint `:Clear`
Evaluate `:Evaluate`
If you don't want this then disable it with:
let g:termdebug_popup = 0
Vim window width *termdebug_wide*
To change the width of the Vim window when debugging starts and use a vertical
split:
let g:termdebug_wide = 163
This will set 'columns' to 163 when `:Termdebug` is used. The value is
restored when quitting the debugger.
If g:termdebug_wide is set and 'columns' is already a greater value, then a
vertical split will be used without modifying 'columns'.
Set g:termdebug_wide to 1 to use a vertical split without ever changing
'columns'. This is useful when the terminal can't be resized by Vim.
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