*terminal.txt* For Vim version 8.2. Last change: 2020 Jan 30
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 bashOr to run build command::term make myprogramThe 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-Wcan be used to navigate between windows and otherCTRL-Wcommands, e.g.:CTRL-WCTRL-Wmove focus to the next windowCTRL-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 aCTRL-Wto the job in the terminalCTRL-WCTRL-\ send a CTRL-\ to the job in the terminalCTRL-WN go to Terminal-Normal mode, see |Terminal-mode| CTRL-\CTRL-Ngo 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-WCTRL-Cends the job, see below |t_CTRL-W_CTRL-C|CTRL-Wgt go to next tabpage, same as `gt` *t_CTRL-W_gt*CTRL-WgT go to previous tabpage, same as `gT` *t_CTRL-W_gT* See option 'termwinkey' for specifying another key instead ofCTRL-Wthat will work likeCTRL-W. However, typing 'termwinkey' twice sends 'termwinkey' to the job. For example: 'termwinkey'CTRL-Wmove 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-Nsame asCTRL-WN |t_CTRL-W_N| 'termwinkey'CTRL-Csame asCTRL-WCTRL-C|t_CTRL-W_CTRL-C| *t_CTRL-\_CTRL-N* The special key combination CTRL-\CTRL-Ncan be used to switch to Normal mode, just like this works in any other mode. *t_CTRL-W_CTRL-C*CTRL-WCTRL-Ccan be typed to forcefully end the job. On MS-Windows aCTRL-BREAKwill also kill the job. If you typeCTRL-Cthe 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 theCTRL-Cthemselves (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:tnoremapYou 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):<F1><C-W>Ntnoremap<Esc><C-W>Nset notimeout ttimeout timeoutlen=100You 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 TerminalOpen autocommand event is triggered. This makes it possible to set options specifically for the window and buffer. Example:au TerminalOpen * if &buftype == 'terminal' |Thesetlocal bufhidden=hide| endif<abuf>is set to the terminal buffer, but if there is no window (hidden terminal) then setting options will happen in the wrong buffer, therefore the check for &buftype in the example. 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*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. 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. 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.Notethat 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 |abandon|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 currently}++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 sendCTRL-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>" forCTRL-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 terWhen 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/logSo 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 makeNotethat 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. UseCTRL-WN (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-Ndoes 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 ''endfuncUnix*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:versionMS-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' "term_cols" horizontal size to use for the terminal, instead of using 'termwinsize' "vertical" split the window vertically "curwin" use the current window, do not split the window; fails if the current buffer cannot be |abandon|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 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 |method|: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 |method|: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 |method|: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 |method|: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 |method|: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 |method|: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 |method|: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 |method|: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 |method|: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 |method|: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 |method|: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 |method|: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 |method|: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 Can also be used as a |method|: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 characterCTRL-X. Can also be used as a |method|:GetBufnr()->term_sendkeys(keys)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}. 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 |method|:GetBufnr()->term_setansicolors(colors){only available with GUI enabled and/or the |+termguicolors| feature} 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 |method|: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=%dMake sure to escape the command properly. Use an empty{command}{command}to run 'shell'. Use "NONE" to not restore this window. Can also be used as a |method|: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 |method|: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' "term_cols" horizontal size to use for the terminal, instead of using 'termwinsize' "vertical" split the window vertically;notethat 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 |abandon|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 neededNotethat "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 "eof_chars" Text to send after all buffer lines were written to the terminal. When not setCTRL-Dis used on MS-Windows. For Python useCTRL-Zor "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 |method|: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 |method|: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) == 2echomsg "impression " . a:arglist[0]echomsg "count " . a:arglist[1]endifendfuncOutput 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}.Notethat 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]]'redrawset 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.cThis 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\- 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.:<CR>")touch src/testdir/dumps/Test_function_name_01.dumpThe 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.dumpCreating 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 |term_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 |assert_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 |term_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 vimThis 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 --cleanTo attach gdb to an already running executable or use a core file, pass extra arguments. E.g.::Termdebug vim core:Termdebug vim 98343If 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:% makeMake sure that debug symbols are present, usually that means that $CFLAGS includes "-g". Start Vim:% ./vimLoad the termdebug plugin and start debugging Vim::packadd termdebug:Termdebug vimYou 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 useCTRL-WCTRL-Wor the mouse to move focus between windows. Put focus on the gdb window and type:break ex_helprunVim will start running in the program window. Put focus there and type::help guiGdb 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 *eapIf 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::BreakYou 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 curbufNow 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 3You can see the stack by typing in the gdb window:whereMove through the stack frames, e.g. with:frame 3The 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-Cinterrupt 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::WinbarIf 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 `: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 onePrompt 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 = 1Communication*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 aCTRL-Ccan be used to interrupt the running program. But after using the MI command "-exec-continue" pressingCTRL-Cdoes not interrupt. Therefore you will see "continue" being used for the `:Continue` command, instead of using the communication channel.CustomizingGDB command *termdebug-customizing* To change the name of the gdb command, set the "termdebugger" variable before invoking `:Termdebug`:let termdebugger = "mygdb"*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')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:<CR>let g:termdebug_popup = 0Vim window width *termdebug_wide* To change the width of the Vim window when debugging starts, and use a vertical split:let g:termdebug_wide = 163This 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 larger than g:termdebug_wide then a vertical split will be used without changing &columns. Set it to 1 to get a vertical split without every changing &columns (useful for when the terminal can't be resized by Vim). vim:tw=78:ts=8:noet:ft=help:norl:
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