Vim documentation: pi_netrw
main help file
*pi_netrw.txt* For Vim version 7.4. Last change: 2013 May 18
------------------------------------------------
NETRW REFERENCE MANUAL by Charles E. Campbell
------------------------------------------------
Author: Charles E. Campbell <NdrOchip@ScampbellPfamily.AbizM>
(remove NOSPAM from Campbell's email first)
Copyright: Copyright (C) 1999-2013 Charles E Campbell *netrw-copyright*
The VIM LICENSE applies to the files in this package, including
netrw.vim, pi_netrw.txt, netrwFileHandlers.vim, netrwSettings.vim, and
syntax/netrw.vim. Like anything else that's free, netrw.vim and its
associated files are provided *as is* and comes with no warranty of
any kind, either expressed or implied. No guarantees of
merchantability. No guarantees of suitability for any purpose. By
using this plugin, you agree that in no event will the copyright
holder be liable for any damages resulting from the use of this
software. Use at your own risk!
*dav* *ftp* *netrw-file* *rcp* *scp*
*davs* *http* *netrw.vim* *rsync* *sftp*
*fetch* *netrw* *network*
==============================================================================
1. Contents *netrw-contents* {{{1
1. Contents..............................................|netrw-contentsYXXY
2. Starting With Netrw...................................|netrw-startYXXY
3. Netrw Reference.......................................|netrw-refYXXY
EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS AND PROTOCOLS.................|netrw-externappYXXY
READING.............................................|netrw-readYXXY
WRITING.............................................|netrw-writeYXXY
SOURCING............................................|netrw-sourceYXXY
DIRECTORY LISTING...................................|netrw-dirlistYXXY
CHANGING THE USERID AND PASSWORD....................|netrw-chgupYXXY
VARIABLES AND SETTINGS..............................|netrw-variablesYXXY
PATHS...............................................|netrw-pathYXXY
4. Network-Oriented File Transfer........................|netrw-xferYXXY
NETRC...............................................|netrw-netrcYXXY
PASSWORD............................................|netrw-passwdYXXY
5. Activation............................................|netrw-activateYXXY
6. Transparent Remote File Editing.......................|netrw-transparentYXXY
7. Ex Commands...........................................|netrw-exYXXY
8. Variables and Options.................................|netrw-variablesYXXY
9. Browsing..............................................|netrw-browseYXXY
Introduction To Browsing............................|netrw-intro-browseYXXY
Quick Reference: Maps...............................|netrw-browse-mapsYXXY
Quick Reference: Commands...........................|netrw-browse-cmdsYXXY
Bookmarking A Directory.............................|netrw-mbYXXY
Browsing............................................|netrw-crYXXY
Browsing With A Horizontally Split Window...........|netrw-oYXXY
Browsing With A New Tab.............................|netrw-tYXXY
Browsing With A Vertically Split Window.............|netrw-vYXXY
Change Listing Style.(thin wide long tree)..........|netrw-iYXXY
Changing To A Bookmarked Directory..................|netrw-gbYXXY
Changing To A Predecessor Directory.................|netrw-uYXXY
Changing To A Successor Directory...................|netrw-UYXXY
Customizing Browsing With A User Function...........|netrw-xYXXY
Deleting Bookmarks..................................|netrw-mBYXXY
Deleting Files Or Directories.......................|netrw-DYXXY
Directory Exploring Commands........................|netrw-exploreYXXY
Exploring With Stars and Patterns...................|netrw-starYXXY
Displaying Information About File...................|netrw-qfYXXY
Edit File Or Directory Hiding List..................|netrw-ctrl-hYXXY
Editing The Sorting Sequence........................|netrw-SYXXY
Forcing treatment as a file or directory............|netrw-gd| |netrw-gf|
Going Up............................................|netrw--YXXY
Hiding Files Or Directories.........................|netrw-aYXXY
Improving Browsing..................................|netrw-ssh-hackYXXY
Listing Bookmarks And History.......................|netrw-qbYXXY
Making A New Directory..............................|netrw-dYXXY
Making The Browsing Directory The Current Directory.|netrw-cYXXY
Marking Files.......................................|netrw-mfYXXY
Unmarking Files.....................................|netrw-mFYXXY
Marking Files By QuickFix List......................|netrw-qFYXXY
Marking Files By Regular Expression.................|netrw-mrYXXY
Marked Files: Arbitrary Command.....................|netrw-mxYXXY
Marked Files: Compression And Decompression.........|netrw-mzYXXY
Marked Files: Copying...............................|netrw-mcYXXY
Marked Files: Diff..................................|netrw-mdYXXY
Marked Files: Editing...............................|netrw-meYXXY
Marked Files: Grep..................................|netrw-mgYXXY
Marked Files: Hiding and Unhiding by Suffix.........|netrw-mhYXXY
Marked Files: Moving................................|netrw-mmYXXY
Marked Files: Printing..............................|netrw-mpYXXY
Marked Files: Sourcing..............................|netrw-msYXXY
Marked Files: Setting the Target Directory..........|netrw-mtYXXY
Marked Files: Tagging...............................|netrw-mTYXXY
Marked Files: Target Directory Using Bookmarks......|netrw-TbYXXY
Marked Files: Target Directory Using History........|netrw-ThYXXY
Marked Files: Unmarking.............................|netrw-muYXXY
Netrw Browser Variables.............................|netrw-browser-varYXXY
Netrw Browsing And Option Incompatibilities.........|netrw-incompatibleYXXY
Netrw Settings Window...............................|netrw-settings-windowYXXY
Obtaining A File....................................|netrw-OYXXY
Preview Window......................................|netrw-pYXXY
Previous Window.....................................|netrw-PYXXY
Refreshing The Listing..............................|netrw-ctrl-lYXXY
Reversing Sorting Order.............................|netrw-rYXXY
Renaming Files Or Directories.......................|netrw-RYXXY
Selecting Sorting Style.............................|netrw-sYXXY
Setting Editing Window..............................|netrw-CYXXY
10. Problems and Fixes....................................|netrw-problemsYXXY
11. Debugging Netrw Itself................................|netrw-debugYXXY
12. History...............................................|netrw-historyYXXY
13. Todo..................................................|netrw-todoYXXY
14. Credits...............................................|netrw-creditsYXXY
{Vi does not have any of this}
==============================================================================
2. Starting With Netrw *netrw-start* {{{1
Netrw makes reading files, writing files, browsing over a network, and
local browsing easy! First, make sure that you have plugins enabled, so
you'll need to have at least the following in your <.vimrc>:
(or see |netrw-activate|)
set nocp " 'compatible' is not set
filetype plugin on " plugins are enabled
(see |'cp'| and |:filetype-plugin-on|)
Netrw supports "transparent" editing of files on other machines using urls
(see |netrw-transparent|). As an example of this, let's assume you have an
account on some other machine; if you can use scp, try:
vim scp://hostname/path/to/file
Want to make ssh/scp easier to use? Check out YXXYnetrw-ssh-hack|!
So, what if you have ftp, not ssh/scp? That's easy, too; try
vim ftp://hostname/path/to/file
Want to make ftp simpler to use? See if your ftp supports a file called
<.netrc> -- typically it goes in your home directory, has read/write
permissions for only the user to read (ie. not group, world, other, etc),
and has lines resembling
machine HOSTNAME login USERID password "PASSWORD"
machine HOSTNAME login USERID password "PASSWORD"
...
default login USERID password "PASSWORD"
Windows' ftp doesn't support .netrc; however, one may have in one's .vimrc:
let g:netrw_ftp_cmd= 'c:\Windows\System32\ftp -s:C:\Users\MyUserName\MACHINE'
Netrw will substitute the host's machine name for "MACHINE" from the url it is
attempting to open, and so one may specify
userid
password
for each site in a separate file: c:\Users\MyUserName\MachineName.
Now about browsing -- when you just want to look around before editing a
file. For browsing on your current host, just "edit" a directory:
vim .
vim /home/userid/path
For browsing on a remote host, "edit" a directory (but make sure that
the directory name is followed by a "/"):
vim scp://hostname/
vim ftp://hostname/path/to/dir/
See |netrw-browse| for more!
There are more protocols supported by netrw than just scp and ftp, too: see the
next section, |netrw-externapp|, on how to use these external applications with
netrw and vim.
PREVENTING LOADING *netrw-noload*
If you want to use plugins, but for some reason don't wish to use netrw, then
you need to avoid loading both the plugin and the autoload portions of netrw.
You may do so by placing the following two lines in your <.vimrc>:
:let g:loaded_netrw = 1
:let g:loaded_netrwPlugin = 1
==============================================================================
3. Netrw Reference *netrw-ref* {{{1
Netrw supports several protocols in addition to scp and ftp as mentioned
in |netrw-start|. These include dav, fetch, http,... well, just look
at the list in |netrw-externapp|. Each protocol is associated with a
variable which holds the default command supporting that protocol.
EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS AND PROTOCOLS *netrw-externapp* {{{2
Protocol Variable Default Value
-------- ---------------- -------------
dav: *g:netrw_dav_cmd* = "cadaver" if cadaver is executable
dav: g:netrw_dav_cmd = "curl -o" elseif curl is available
fetch: *g:netrw_fetch_cmd* = "fetch -o" if fetch is available
ftp: *g:netrw_ftp_cmd* = "ftp"
http: *g:netrw_http_cmd* = "elinks" if elinks is available
http: g:netrw_http_cmd = "links" elseif links is available
http: g:netrw_http_cmd = "curl" elseif curl is available
http: g:netrw_http_cmd = "wget" elseif wget is available
http: g:netrw_http_cmd = "fetch" elseif fetch is available
rcp: *g:netrw_rcp_cmd* = "rcp"
rsync: *g:netrw_rsync_cmd* = "rsync -a"
scp: *g:netrw_scp_cmd* = "scp -q"
sftp: *g:netrw_sftp_cmd* = "sftp"
*g:netrw_http_xcmd* : the option string for http://... protocols are
specified via this variable and may be independently overridden. By
default, the option arguments for the http-handling commands are:
elinks : "-source >"
links : "-dump >"
curl : "-o"
wget : "-q -O"
fetch : "-o"
For example, if your system has elinks, and you'd rather see the
page using an attempt at rendering the text, you may wish to have
let g:netrw_http_xcmd= "-dump >"
in your .vimrc.
READING *netrw-read* *netrw-nread* {{{2
Generally, one may just use the url notation with a normal editing
command, such as
:e ftp://[user@]machine/path
Netrw also provides the Nread command:
:Nread ? give help
:Nread "machine:path" uses rcp
:Nread "machine path" uses ftp w/ <.netrc>
:Nread "machine id password path" uses ftp
:Nread "dav://machine[:port]/path" uses cadaver
:Nread "fetch://[user@]machine/path" uses fetch
:Nread "ftp://[user@]machine[[:#]port]/path" uses ftp w/ .netrc
:Nread "http://[user@]machine/path" uses http uses wget
:Nread "rcp://[user@]machine/path" uses rcp
:Nread "rsync://[user@]machine[:port]/path" uses rsync
:Nread "scp://[user@]machine[[:#]port]/path" uses scp
:Nread "sftp://[user@]machine/path" uses sftp
WRITING *netrw-write* *netrw-nwrite* {{{2
One may just use the url notation with a normal file writing
command, such as
:w ftp://[user@]machine/path
Netrw also provides the Nwrite command:
:Nwrite ? give help
:Nwrite "machine:path" uses rcp
:Nwrite "machine path" uses ftp w/ <.netrc>
:Nwrite "machine id password path" uses ftp
:Nwrite "dav://machine[:port]/path" uses cadaver
:Nwrite "ftp://[user@]machine[[:#]port]/path" uses ftp w/ .netrc
:Nwrite "rcp://[user@]machine/path" uses rcp
:Nwrite "rsync://[user@]machine[:port]/path" uses rsync
:Nwrite "scp://[user@]machine[[:#]port]/path" uses scp
:Nwrite "sftp://[user@]machine/path" uses sftp
http: not supported!
SOURCING *netrw-source* {{{2
One may just use the url notation with the normal file sourcing
command, such as
:so ftp://[user@]machine/path
Netrw also provides the Nsource command:
:Nsource ? give help
:Nsource "dav://machine[:port]/path" uses cadaver
:Nsource "fetch://[user@]machine/path" uses fetch
:Nsource "ftp://[user@]machine[[:#]port]/path" uses ftp w/ .netrc
:Nsource "http://[user@]machine/path" uses http uses wget
:Nsource "rcp://[user@]machine/path" uses rcp
:Nsource "rsync://[user@]machine[:port]/path" uses rsync
:Nsource "scp://[user@]machine[[:#]port]/path" uses scp
:Nsource "sftp://[user@]machine/path" uses sftp
DIRECTORY LISTING *netrw-trailingslash* *netrw-dirlist* {{{2
One may browse a directory to get a listing by simply attempting to
edit the directory:
:e scp://[user]@hostname/path/
:e ftp://[user]@hostname/path/
For remote directory listings (ie. those using scp or ftp), that
trailing "/" is necessary (the slash tells netrw to treat the argument
as a directory to browse instead of as a file to download).
The Nread command may also be used to accomplish this (again, that
trailing slash is necessary):
:Nread [protocol]://[user]@hostname/path/
*netrw-login* *netrw-password*
CHANGING USERID AND PASSWORD *netrw-chgup* *netrw-userpass* {{{2
Attempts to use ftp will prompt you for a user-id and a password.
These will be saved in global variables |g:netrw_uid| and
|s:netrw_passwd|; subsequent use of ftp will re-use those two strings,
thereby simplifying use of ftp. However, if you need to use a
different user id and/or password, you'll want to call |NetUserPass()|
first. To work around the need to enter passwords, check if your ftp
supports a <.netrc> file in your home directory. Also see
|netrw-passwd| (and if you're using ssh/scp hoping to figure out how
to not need to use passwords for scp, look at |netrw-ssh-hack|).
:NetUserPass [uid [password]] -- prompts as needed
:call NetUserPass() -- prompts for uid and password
:call NetUserPass("uid") -- prompts for password
:call NetUserPass("uid","password") -- sets global uid and password
(Related topics: |ftp| |netrw-userpass| |netrw-start|)
NETRW VARIABLES AND SETTINGS *netrw-variables* {{{2
(Also see:
|netrw-browser-var| : netrw browser option variables
|netrw-protocol| : file transfer protocol option variables
|netrw-settings| : additional file transfer options
|netrw-browser-options| : these options affect browsing directories
)
Netrw provides a lot of variables which allow you to customize netrw to your
preferences. One way to look at them is via the command :NetrwSettings (see
|netrw-settings|) which will display your current netrw settings. Most such
settings are described below, in |netrw-browser-options|, and in
YXXYnetrw-externapp|:
*b:netrw_lastfile* last file Network-read/written retained on a
per-buffer basis (supports plain :Nw )
*g:netrw_bufsettings* the settings that netrw buffers have
(default) noma nomod nonu nowrap ro nobl
*g:netrw_chgwin* specifies a window number where file edits will take
place. (also see |netrw-C|)
(default) not defined
*g:Netrw_funcref* specifies a function (or functions) to be called when
netrw edits a file. The file is first edited, and
then the function reference (|Funcref|) is called.
This variable may also hold a |List| of Funcrefs.
(default) not defined. (the capital in g:Netrw...
is required by its holding a function reference)
Example: place in .vimrc; affects all file opening
fun! MyFuncRef()
endfun
let g:Netrw_funcref= function("MyFuncRef")
*g:netrw_ftp* if it doesn't exist, use default ftp
=0 use default ftp (uid password)
=1 use alternate ftp method (user uid password)
If you're having trouble with ftp, try changing the
value of this variable to see if the alternate ftp
method works for your setup.
*g:netrw_ftp_options* Chosen by default, these options are supposed to turn
interactive prompting off and to restrain ftp from
attempting auto-login upon initial connection.
However, it appears that not all ftp implementations
support this (ex. ncftp).
="-i -n"
*g:netrw_ftpextracmd* default: doesn't exist
If this variable exists, then any string it contains
will be placed into the commands set to your ftp
client. As an example:
="passive"
*g:netrw_ftpmode* ="binary" (default)
="ascii"
*g:netrw_ignorenetrc* =0 (default for linux, cygwin)
=1 If you have a <.netrc> file but it doesn't work and
you want it ignored, then set this variable as
shown. (default for Windows + cmd.exe)
*g:netrw_menu* =0 disable netrw's menu
=1 (default) netrw's menu enabled
*g:netrw_nogx* if this variable exists, then the "gx" map will not
be available (see |netrw-gx|)
*g:netrw_uid* (ftp) user-id, retained on a per-vim-session basis
*s:netrw_passwd* (ftp) password, retained on a per-vim-session basis
*g:netrw_preview* =0 (default) preview window shown in a horizontally
split window
=1 preview window shown in a vertically split window.
Also affects the "previous window" (see |netrw-P|) in
the same way.
*g:netrw_scpport* = "-P" : option to use to set port for scp
*g:netrw_sshport* = "-p" : option to use to set port for ssh
*g:netrw_sepchr* =\0xff
=\0x01 for enc == euc-jp (and perhaps it should be for
others, too, please let me know)
Separates priority codes from filenames internally.
See |netrw-p12|.
*g:netrw_silent* =0 : transfers done normally
=1 : transfers done silently
*g:netrw_use_errorwindow* =1 : messages from netrw will use a separate one
line window. This window provides reliable
delivery of messages. (default)
=0 : messages from netrw will use echoerr ;
messages don't always seem to show up this
way, but one doesn't have to quit the window.
*g:netrw_win95ftp* =1 if using Win95, will remove four trailing blank
lines that o/s's ftp "provides" on transfers
=0 force normal ftp behavior (no trailing line removal)
*g:netrw_cygwin* =1 assume scp under windows is from cygwin. Also
permits network browsing to use ls with time and
size sorting (default if windows)
=0 assume Windows' scp accepts windows-style paths
Network browsing uses dir instead of ls
This option is ignored if you're using unix
*g:netrw_use_nt_rcp* =0 don't use the rcp of WinNT, Win2000 and WinXP
=1 use WinNT's rcp in binary mode (default)
PATHS *netrw-path* {{{2
Paths to files are generally user-directory relative for most protocols.
It is possible that some protocol will make paths relative to some
associated directory, however.
example: vim scp://user@host/somefile
example: vim scp://user@host/subdir1/subdir2/somefile
where "somefile" is in the "user"'s home directory. If you wish to get a
file using root-relative paths, use the full path:
example: vim scp://user@host//somefile
example: vim scp://user@host//subdir1/subdir2/somefile
==============================================================================
4. Network-Oriented File Transfer *netrw-xfer* {{{1
Network-oriented file transfer under Vim is implemented by a VimL-based script
(<netrw.vim>) using plugin techniques. It currently supports both reading and
writing across networks using rcp, scp, ftp or ftp+<.netrc>, scp, fetch,
dav/cadaver, rsync, or sftp.
http is currently supported read-only via use of wget or fetch.
<netrw.vim> is a standard plugin which acts as glue between Vim and the
various file transfer programs. It uses autocommand events (BufReadCmd,
FileReadCmd, BufWriteCmd) to intercept reads/writes with url-like filenames.
ex. vim ftp://hostname/path/to/file
The characters preceding the colon specify the protocol to use; in the
example, it's ftp. The <netrw.vim> script then formulates a command or a
series of commands (typically ftp) which it issues to an external program
(ftp, scp, etc) which does the actual file transfer/protocol. Files are read
from/written to a temporary file (under Unix/Linux, /tmp/...) which the
<netrw.vim> script will clean up.
Now, a word about Jan Minář's "FTP User Name and Password Disclosure"; first,
ftp is not a secure protocol. User names and passwords are transmitted "in
the clear" over the internet; any snooper tool can pick these up; this is not
a netrw thing, this is a ftp thing. If you're concerned about this, please
try to use scp or sftp instead.
Netrw re-uses the user id and password during the same vim session and so long
as the remote hostname remains the same.
Jan seems to be a bit confused about how netrw handles ftp; normally multiple
commands are performed in a "ftp session", and he seems to feel that the
uid/password should only be retained over one ftp session. However, netrw
does every ftp operation in a separate "ftp session"; so remembering the
uid/password for just one "ftp session" would be the same as not remembering
the uid/password at all. IMHO this would rapidly grow tiresome as one
browsed remote directories, for example.
On the other hand, thanks go to Jan M. for pointing out the many
vulnerabilities that netrw (and vim itself) had had in handling "crafted"
filenames. The |shellescape()| and |fnameescape()| functions were written in
response by Bram Moolenaar to handle these sort of problems, and netrw has
been modified to use them. Still, my advice is, if the "filename" looks like
a vim command that you aren't comfortable with having executed, don't open it.
*netrw-putty* *netrw-pscp* *netrw-psftp*
One may modify any protocol's implementing external application by setting a
variable (ex. scp uses the variable g:netrw_scp_cmd, which is defaulted to
"scp -q"). As an example, consider using PuTTY:
let g:netrw_scp_cmd = '"c:\Program Files\PuTTY\pscp.exe" -q -batch'
let g:netrw_sftp_cmd= '"c:\Program Files\PuTTY\psftp.exe"'
(note: it has been reported that windows 7 with putty v0.6's "-batch" option
doesn't work, so its best to leave it off for that system)
See |netrw-p8| for more about putty, pscp, psftp, etc.
Ftp, an old protocol, seems to be blessed by numerous implementations.
Unfortunately, some implementations are noisy (ie., add junk to the end of the
file). Thus, concerned users may decide to write a NetReadFixup() function
that will clean up after reading with their ftp. Some Unix systems (ie.,
FreeBSD) provide a utility called "fetch" which uses the ftp protocol but is
not noisy and more convenient, actually, for <netrw.vim> to use.
Consequently, if "fetch" is available (ie. executable), it may be preferable
to use it for ftp://... based transfers.
For rcp, scp, sftp, and http, one may use network-oriented file transfers
transparently; ie.
vim rcp://[user@]machine/path
vim scp://[user@]machine/path
If your ftp supports <.netrc>, then it too can be transparently used
if the needed triad of machine name, user id, and password are present in
that file. Your ftp must be able to use the <.netrc> file on its own, however.
vim ftp://[user@]machine[[:#]portnumber]/path
Windows provides an ftp (typically c:\Windows\System32\ftp.exe) which uses
an option, -s:filename (filename can and probably should be a full path)
which contains ftp commands which will be automatically run whenever ftp
starts. You may use this feature to enter a user and password for one site:
userid
password
*netrw-windows-netrc* *netrw-windows-s*
If |g:netrw_ftp_cmd| contains -s:[path/]MACHINE, then (on Windows machines only)
netrw will substitute the current machine name requested for ftp connections
for MACHINE. Hence one can have multiple machine.ftp files containing login
and password for ftp. Example:
let g:netrw_ftp_cmd= 'c:\Windows\System32\ftp -s:C:\Users\Myself\MACHINE'
vim ftp://myhost.somewhere.net/
will use a file
C:\Users\Myself\myhost.ftp
Often, ftp will need to query the user for the userid and password.
The latter will be done "silently"; ie. asterisks will show up instead of
the actually-typed-in password. Netrw will retain the userid and password
for subsequent read/writes from the most recent transfer so subsequent
transfers (read/write) to or from that machine will take place without
additional prompting.
*netrw-urls*
+=================================+============================+============+
| Reading | Writing | Uses |
+=================================+============================+============+
| DAV: | | |
| dav://host/path | | cadaver |
| :Nread dav://host/path | :Nwrite dav://host/path | cadaver |
+---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+
| DAV + SSL: | | |
| davs://host/path | | cadaver |
| :Nread davs://host/path | :Nwrite davs://host/path | cadaver |
+---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+
| FETCH: | | |
| fetch://[user@]host/path | | |
| fetch://[user@]host:http/path | Not Available | fetch |
| :Nread fetch://[user@]host/path| | |
+---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+
| FILE: | | |
| file:///* | file:///* | |
| file://localhost/* | file://localhost/* | |
+---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+
| FTP: (*3) | (*3) | |
| ftp://[user@]host/path | ftp://[user@]host/path | ftp *2 |
| :Nread ftp://host/path | :Nwrite ftp://host/path | ftp+.netrc |
| :Nread host path | :Nwrite host path | ftp+.netrc |
| :Nread host uid pass path | :Nwrite host uid pass path | ftp |
+---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+
| HTTP: wget is executable: (*4) | | |
| http://[user@]host/path | Not Available | wget |
+---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+
| HTTP: fetch is executable (*4) | | |
| http://[user@]host/path | Not Available | fetch |
+---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+
| RCP: | | |
| rcp://[user@]host/path | rcp://[user@]host/path | rcp |
+---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+
| RSYNC: | | |
| rsync://[user@]host/path | rsync://[user@]host/path | rsync |
| :Nread rsync://host/path | :Nwrite rsync://host/path | rsync |
| :Nread rcp://host/path | :Nwrite rcp://host/path | rcp |
+---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+
| SCP: | | |
| scp://[user@]host/path | scp://[user@]host/path | scp |
| :Nread scp://host/path | :Nwrite scp://host/path | scp (*1) |
+---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+
| SFTP: | | |
| sftp://[user@]host/path | sftp://[user@]host/path | sftp |
| :Nread sftp://host/path | :Nwrite sftp://host/path | sftp *1 |
+=================================+============================+============+
(*1) For an absolute path use scp://machine//path.
(*2) if <.netrc> is present, it is assumed that it will
work with your ftp client. Otherwise the script will
prompt for user-id and password.
(*3) for ftp, "machine" may be machine#port or machine:port
if a different port is needed than the standard ftp port
(*4) for http:..., if wget is available it will be used. Otherwise,
if fetch is available it will be used.
Both the :Nread and the :Nwrite ex-commands can accept multiple filenames.
NETRC *netrw-netrc*
The <.netrc> file, typically located in your home directory, contains lines
therein which map a hostname (machine name) to the user id and password you
prefer to use with it.
The typical syntax for lines in a <.netrc> file is given as shown below.
Ftp under Unix usually supports <.netrc>; ftp under Windows usually doesn't.
machine {full machine name} login {user-id} password "{password}"
default login {user-id} password "{password}"
Your ftp client must handle the use of <.netrc> on its own, but if the
<.netrc> file exists, an ftp transfer will not ask for the user-id or
password.
Note:
Since this file contains passwords, make very sure nobody else can
read this file! Most programs will refuse to use a .netrc that is
readable for others. Don't forget that the system administrator can
still read the file! Ie. for Linux/Unix: chmod 600 .netrc
Even though Windows' ftp clients typically do not support .netrc, netrw has
a work-around: see |netrw-windows-s|.
PASSWORD *netrw-passwd*
The script attempts to get passwords for ftp invisibly using |inputsecret()|,
a built-in Vim function. See |netrw-userpass| for how to change the password
after one has set it.
Unfortunately there doesn't appear to be a way for netrw to feed a password to
scp. Thus every transfer via scp will require re-entry of the password.
However, |netrw-ssh-hack| can help with this problem.
==============================================================================
5. Activation *netrw-activate* {{{1
Network-oriented file transfers are available by default whenever Vim's
|'nocompatible'| mode is enabled. Netrw's script files reside in your
system's plugin, autoload, and syntax directories; just the
plugin/netrwPlugin.vim script is sourced automatically whenever you bring up
vim. The main script in autoload/netrw.vim is only loaded when you actually
use netrw. I suggest that, at a minimum, you have at least the following in
your <.vimrc> customization file:
set nocp
if version >= 600
filetype plugin indent on
endif
==============================================================================
6. Transparent Remote File Editing *netrw-transparent* {{{1
Transparent file transfers occur whenever a regular file read or write
(invoked via an |:autocmd| for |BufReadCmd|, |BufWriteCmd|, or |SourceCmd|
events) is made. Thus one may read, write, or source files across networks
just as easily as if they were local files!
vim ftp://[user@]machine/path
...
:wq
See |netrw-activate| for more on how to encourage your vim to use plugins
such as netrw.
==============================================================================
7. Ex Commands *netrw-ex* {{{1
The usual read/write commands are supported. There are also a few
additional commands available. Often you won't need to use Nwrite or
Nread as shown in |netrw-transparent| (ie. simply use
:e url
:r url
:w url
instead, as appropriate) -- see |netrw-urls|. In the explanations
below, a {netfile} is an url to a remote file.
*:Nwrite* *:Nw*
:[range]Nw[rite] Write the specified lines to the current
file as specified in b:netrw_lastfile.
(related: |netrw-nwrite|)
:[range]Nw[rite] {netfile} [{netfile}]...
Write the specified lines to the {netfile}.
*:Nread* *:Nr*
:Nr[ead] Read the lines from the file specified in b:netrw_lastfile
into the current buffer. (related: |netrw-nread|)
:Nr[ead] {netfile} {netfile}...
Read the {netfile} after the current line.
*:Nsource* *:Ns*
:Ns[ource] {netfile}
Source the {netfile}.
To start up vim using a remote .vimrc, one may use
the following (all on one line) (tnx to Antoine Mechelynck)
vim -u NORC -N
--cmd "runtime plugin/netrwPlugin.vim"
--cmd "source scp://HOSTNAME/.vimrc"
(related: |netrw-source|)
:call NetUserPass() *NetUserPass()*
If g:netrw_uid and s:netrw_passwd don't exist,
this function will query the user for them.
(related: |netrw-userpass|)
:call NetUserPass("userid")
This call will set the g:netrw_uid and, if
the password doesn't exist, will query the user for it.
(related: |netrw-userpass|)
:call NetUserPass("userid","passwd")
This call will set both the g:netrw_uid and s:netrw_passwd.
The user-id and password are used by ftp transfers. One may
effectively remove the user-id and password by using empty
strings (ie. "").
(related: |netrw-userpass|)
:NetrwSettings This command is described in |netrw-settings| -- used to
display netrw settings and change netrw behavior.
==============================================================================
8. Variables and Options *netrw-var* *netrw-settings* {{{1
(also see: |netrw-options| |netrw-variables| |netrw-protocol|
|netrw-browser-settings| |netrw-browser-options| )
The <netrw.vim> script provides several variables which act as options to
affect <netrw.vim>'s file transfer behavior. These variables typically may be
set in the user's <.vimrc> file: (see also |netrw-settings| |netrw-protocol|)
*netrw-options*
-------------
Netrw Options
-------------
Option Meaning
-------------- -----------------------------------------------
b:netrw_col Holds current cursor position (during NetWrite)
g:netrw_cygwin =1 assume scp under windows is from cygwin
(default/windows)
=0 assume scp under windows accepts windows
style paths (default/else)
g:netrw_ftp =0 use default ftp (uid password)
g:netrw_ftpmode ="binary" (default)
="ascii" (your choice)
g:netrw_ignorenetrc =1 (default)
if you have a <.netrc> file but you don't
want it used, then set this variable. Its
mere existence is enough to cause <.netrc>
to be ignored.
b:netrw_lastfile Holds latest method/machine/path.
b:netrw_line Holds current line number (during NetWrite)
g:netrw_silent =0 transfers done normally
=1 transfers done silently
g:netrw_uid Holds current user-id for ftp.
g:netrw_use_nt_rcp =0 don't use WinNT/2K/XP's rcp (default)
=1 use WinNT/2K/XP's rcp, binary mode
g:netrw_win95ftp =0 use unix-style ftp even if win95/98/ME/etc
=1 use default method to do ftp
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
*netrw-internal-variables*
The script will also make use of the following variables internally, albeit
temporarily.
-------------------
Temporary Variables
-------------------
Variable Meaning
-------- ------------------------------------
b:netrw_method Index indicating rcp/ftp+.netrc/ftp
w:netrw_method (same as b:netrw_method)
g:netrw_machine Holds machine name parsed from input
b:netrw_fname Holds filename being accessed
------------------------------------------------------------
*netrw-protocol*
Netrw supports a number of protocols. These protocols are invoked using the
variables listed below, and may be modified by the user.
------------------------
Protocol Control Options
------------------------
Option Type Setting Meaning
--------- -------- -------------- ---------------------------
netrw_ftp variable =doesn't exist userid set by "user userid"
=0 userid set by "user userid"
=1 userid set by "userid"
NetReadFixup function =doesn't exist no change
=exists Allows user to have files
read via ftp automatically
transformed however they wish
by NetReadFixup()
g:netrw_dav_cmd variable ="cadaver" if cadaver is executable
g:netrw_dav_cmd variable ="curl -o" elseif curl is executable
g:netrw_fetch_cmd variable ="fetch -o" if fetch is available
g:netrw_ftp_cmd variable ="ftp"
g:netrw_http_cmd variable ="fetch -o" if fetch is available
g:netrw_http_cmd variable ="wget -O" else if wget is available
g:netrw_list_cmd variable ="ssh USEPORT HOSTNAME ls -Fa"
g:netrw_rcp_cmd variable ="rcp"
g:netrw_rsync_cmd variable ="rsync -a"
g:netrw_scp_cmd variable ="scp -q"
g:netrw_sftp_cmd variable ="sftp"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*netrw-ftp*
The g:netrw_..._cmd options (|g:netrw_ftp_cmd| and |g:netrw_sftp_cmd|)
specify the external program to use handle the ftp protocol. They may
include command line options (such as -p for passive mode). Example:
let g:netrw_ftp_cmd= "ftp -p"
Browsing is supported by using the |g:netrw_list_cmd|; the substring
"HOSTNAME" will be changed via substitution with whatever the current request
is for a hostname.
Two options (|g:netrw_ftp| and |netrw-fixup|) both help with certain ftp's
that give trouble . In order to best understand how to use these options if
ftp is giving you troubles, a bit of discussion is provided on how netrw does
ftp reads.
For ftp, netrw typically builds up lines of one of the following formats in a
temporary file:
IF g:netrw_ftp !exists or is not 1 IF g:netrw_ftp exists and is 1
---------------------------------- ------------------------------
open machine [port] open machine [port]
user userid password userid password
[g:netrw_ftpmode] password
[g:netrw_ftpextracmd] [g:netrw_ftpmode]
get filename tempfile [g:netrw_extracmd]
get filename tempfile
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The |g:netrw_ftpmode| and |g:netrw_ftpextracmd| are optional.
Netrw then executes the lines above by use of a filter:
:%! {g:netrw_ftp_cmd} -i [-n]
where
g:netrw_ftp_cmd is usually "ftp",
-i tells ftp not to be interactive
-n means don't use netrc and is used for Method #3 (ftp w/o <.netrc>)
If <.netrc> exists it will be used to avoid having to query the user for
userid and password. The transferred file is put into a temporary file.
The temporary file is then read into the main editing session window that
requested it and the temporary file deleted.
If your ftp doesn't accept the "user" command and immediately just demands a
userid, then try putting "let netrw_ftp=1" in your <.vimrc>.
*netrw-cadaver*
To handle the SSL certificate dialog for untrusted servers, one may pull
down the certificate and place it into /usr/ssl/cert.pem. This operation
renders the server treatment as "trusted".
*netrw-fixup* *netreadfixup*
If your ftp for whatever reason generates unwanted lines (such as AUTH
messages) you may write a NetReadFixup() function:
function! NetReadFixup(method,line1,line2)
" a:line1: first new line in current file
" a:line2: last new line in current file
if a:method == 1 "rcp
elseif a:method == 2 "ftp + <.netrc>
elseif a:method == 3 "ftp + machine,uid,password,filename
elseif a:method == 4 "scp
elseif a:method == 5 "http/wget
elseif a:method == 6 "dav/cadaver
elseif a:method == 7 "rsync
elseif a:method == 8 "fetch
elseif a:method == 9 "sftp
else " complain
endif
endfunction
The NetReadFixup() function will be called if it exists and thus allows you to
customize your reading process. As a further example, <netrw.vim> contains
just such a function to handle Windows 95 ftp. For whatever reason, Windows
95's ftp dumps four blank lines at the end of a transfer, and so it is
desirable to automate their removal. Here's some code taken from <netrw.vim>
itself:
if has("win95") && g:netrw_win95ftp
fun! NetReadFixup(method, line1, line2)
if method == 3 " ftp (no <.netrc>)
let fourblanklines= line2 - 3
silent fourblanklines.",".line2."g/^\s*/d"
endif
endfunction
endif
(Related topics: |ftp| |netrw-userpass| |netrw-start|)
==============================================================================
9. Browsing *netrw-browsing* *netrw-browse* *netrw-help* {{{1
*netrw-browser* *netrw-dir* *netrw-list*
INTRODUCTION TO BROWSING *netrw-intro-browse* {{{2
(Quick References: |netrw-quickmaps| |netrw-quickcoms|)
Netrw supports the browsing of directories on your local system and on remote
hosts; browsing includes listing files and directories, entering directories,
editing files therein, deleting files/directories, making new directories,
moving (renaming) files and directories, copying files and directories, etc.
One may mark files and execute any system command on them! The Netrw browser
generally implements the previous explorer's maps and commands for remote
directories, although details (such as pertinent global variable names)
necessarily differ. To browse a directory, simply "edit" it!
vim /your/directory/
vim .
vim c:\your\directory\
(Related topics: |netrw-cr| |netrw-o| |netrw-p| |netrw-P| |netrw-t|
|netrw-mf| |netrw-mx| |netrw-D| |netrw-R| |netrw-v| )
The Netrw remote file and directory browser handles two protocols: ssh and
ftp. The protocol in the url, if it is ftp, will cause netrw also to use ftp
in its remote browsing. Specifying any other protocol will cause it to be
used for file transfers; but the ssh protocol will be used to do remote
browsing.
To use Netrw's remote directory browser, simply attempt to read a "file" with
a trailing slash and it will be interpreted as a request to list a directory:
vim [protocol]://[user@]hostname/path/
where [protocol] is typically scp or ftp. As an example, try:
vim ftp://ftp.home.vim.org/pub/vim/
For local directories, the trailing slash is not required. Again, because it's
easy to miss: to browse remote directories, the url must terminate with a
slash!
If you'd like to avoid entering the password repeatedly for remote directory
listings with ssh or scp, see |netrw-ssh-hack|. To avoid password entry with
ftp, see |netrw-netrc| (if your ftp supports it).
There are several things you can do to affect the browser's display of files:
* To change the listing style, press the "i" key (|netrw-i|).
Currently there are four styles: thin, long, wide, and tree.
To make that change "permanent", see |g:netrw_liststyle|.
* To hide files (don't want to see those xyz~ files anymore?) see
|netrw-ctrl-h|.
* Press s to sort files by name, time, or size.
See |netrw-browse-cmds| for all the things you can do with netrw!
*netrw-getftype* *netrw-filigree* *netrw-ftype*
The |getftype()| function is used to append a bit of filigree to indicate
filetype to locally listed files:
directory : /
executable : *
fifo : |
links : @
sockets : =
The filigree also affects the |g:netrw_sort_sequence|.
QUICK HELP *netrw-quickhelp* {{{2
(Use ctrl-] to select a topic)
Intro to Browsing...............................|netrw-intro-browseYXXY
Quick Reference: Maps.........................|netrw-quickmapYXXY
Quick Reference: Commands.....................|netrw-browse-cmdsYXXY
Hiding
Edit hiding list..............................|netrw-ctrl-hYXXY
Hiding Files or Directories...................|netrw-aYXXY
Hiding/Unhiding by suffix.....................|netrw-mhYXXY
Hiding dot-files.............................|netrw-ghYXXY
Listing Style
Select listing style (thin/long/wide/tree)....|netrw-iYXXY
Associated setting variable...................|g:netrw_liststyleYXXY
Shell command used to perform listing.........|g:netrw_list_cmdYXXY
Quick file info...............................|netrw-qfYXXY
Sorted by
Select sorting style (name/time/size).........|netrw-sYXXY
Editing the sorting sequence..................|netrw-SYXXY
Sorting options...............................|g:netrw_sort_optionsYXXY
Associated setting variable...................|g:netrw_sort_sequenceYXXY
Reverse sorting order.........................|netrw-rYXXY
*netrw-quickmap* *netrw-quickmaps*
QUICK REFERENCE: MAPS *netrw-browse-maps* {{{2
--- ----------------- ----
Map Quick Explanation Link
--- ----------------- ----
<F1> Causes Netrw to issue help
<cr> Netrw will enter the directory or read the file |netrw-cr|
<del> Netrw will attempt to remove the file/directory |netrw-del|
- Makes Netrw go up one directory |netrw--|
a Toggles between normal display, |netrw-a|
hiding (suppress display of files matching g:netrw_list_hide)
showing (display only files which match g:netrw_list_hide)
c Make browsing directory the current directory |netrw-c|
C Setting the editing window |netrw-C|
d Make a directory |netrw-d|
D Attempt to remove the file(s)/directory(ies) |netrw-D|
gb Go to previous bookmarked directory |netrw-gb|
gh Quick hide/unhide of dot-files |netrw-gh|
<c-h> Edit file hiding list |netrw-ctrl-h|
i Cycle between thin, long, wide, and tree listings |netrw-i|
<c-l> Causes Netrw to refresh the directory listing |netrw-ctrl-l|
mb Bookmark current directory |netrw-mb|
mc Copy marked files to marked-file target directory |netrw-mc|
md Apply diff to marked files (up to 3) |netrw-md|
me Place marked files on arg list and edit them |netrw-me|
mf Mark a file |netrw-mf|
mh Toggle marked file suffices' presence on hiding list |netrw-mh|
mm Move marked files to marked-file target directory |netrw-mm|
mp Print marked files |netrw-mp|
mr Mark files satisfying a shell-style |regexp| |netrw-mr|
mt Current browsing directory becomes markfile target |netrw-mt|
mT Apply ctags to marked files |netrw-mT|
mu Unmark all marked files |netrw-mu|
mx Apply arbitrary shell command to marked files |netrw-mx|
mz Compress/decompress marked files |netrw-mz|
o Enter the file/directory under the cursor in a new |netrw-o|
browser window. A horizontal split is used.
O Obtain a file specified by cursor |netrw-O|
p Preview the file |netrw-p|
P Browse in the previously used window |netrw-P|
qb List bookmarked directories and history |netrw-qb|
qf Display information on file |netrw-qf|
r Reverse sorting order |netrw-r|
R Rename the designed file(s)/directory(ies) |netrw-R|
s Select sorting style: by name, time, or file size |netrw-s|
S Specify suffix priority for name-sorting |netrw-S|
t Enter the file/directory under the cursor in a new tab|netrw-tYXXY
u Change to recently-visited directory |netrw-u|
U Change to subsequently-visited directory |netrw-U|
v Enter the file/directory under the cursor in a new |netrw-v|
browser window. A vertical split is used.
x View file with an associated program |netrw-x|
X Execute filename under cursor via |system()| |netrw-X|
% Open a new file in netrw's current directory |netrw-%|
*netrw-mouse* *netrw-leftmouse* *netrw-middlemouse* *netrw-rightmouse*
<leftmouse> (gvim only) selects word under mouse as if a <cr>
had been pressed (ie. edit file, change directory)
<middlemouse> (gvim only) same as P selecting word under mouse;
see |netrw-P|
<rightmouse> (gvim only) delete file/directory using word under
mouse
<2-leftmouse> (gvim only) when:
* in a netrw-selected file, AND
* |g:netrw_retmap| == 1 AND
* the user doesn't already have a <2-leftmouse>
mapping defined before netrw is autoloaded,
then a double clicked leftmouse button will return
to the netrw browser window. See |g:netrw_retmap|.
<s-leftmouse> (gvim only) like mf, will mark files
(to disable mouse buttons while browsing: |g:netrw_mousemaps|)
*netrw-quickcom* *netrw-quickcoms*
QUICK REFERENCE: COMMANDS *netrw-explore-cmds* *netrw-browse-cmds* {{{2
:NetrwClean[!] ...........................................|netrw-cleanYXXY
:NetrwSettings ...........................................|netrw-settingsYXXY
:Explore[!] [dir] Explore directory of current file......|netrw-exploreYXXY
:Hexplore[!] [dir] Horizontal Split & Explore.............|netrw-exploreYXXY
:Nexplore[!] [dir] Vertical Split & Explore...............|netrw-exploreYXXY
:Pexplore[!] [dir] Vertical Split & Explore...............|netrw-exploreYXXY
:Rexplore Return to Explorer.....................|netrw-exploreYXXY
:Sexplore[!] [dir] Split & Explore directory .............|netrw-exploreYXXY
:Texplore[!] [dir] Tab & Explore..........................|netrw-exploreYXXY
:Vexplore[!] [dir] Vertical Split & Explore...............|netrw-exploreYXXY
BOOKMARKING A DIRECTORY *netrw-mb* *netrw-bookmark* *netrw-bookmarks* {{{2
One may easily "bookmark" a directory by using
mb
Bookmarks are retained in between sessions in a $HOME/.netrwbook file, and are
kept in sorted order.
Related Topics:
|netrw-gb| how to return (go) to a bookmark
|netrw-mB| how to delete bookmarks
|netrw-qb| how to list bookmarks
BROWSING *netrw-cr* {{{2
Browsing is simple: move the cursor onto a file or directory of interest.
Hitting the <cr> (the return key) will select the file or directory.
Directories will themselves be listed, and files will be opened using the
protocol given in the original read request.
CAVEAT: There are four forms of listing (see |netrw-i|). Netrw assumes that
two or more spaces delimit filenames and directory names for the long and
wide listing formats. Thus, if your filename or directory name has two or
more sequential spaces embedded in it, or any trailing spaces, then you'll
need to use the "thin" format to select it.
The |g:netrw_browse_split| option, which is zero by default, may be used to
cause the opening of files to be done in a new window or tab instead of the
default. When the option is one or two, the splitting will be taken
horizontally or vertically, respectively. When the option is set to three, a
<cr> will cause the file to appear in a new tab.
When using the gui (gvim), one may select a file by pressing the <leftmouse>
button. In addition, if
*|g:netrw_retmap| == 1 AND (its default value is 0)
* in a netrw-selected file, AND
* the user doesn't already have a <2-leftmouse> mapping defined before
netrw is loaded
then a doubly-clicked leftmouse button will return to the netrw browser
window.
Netrw attempts to speed up browsing, especially for remote browsing where one
may have to enter passwords, by keeping and re-using previously obtained
directory listing buffers. The |g:netrw_fastbrowse| variable is used to
control this behavior; one may have slow browsing (no buffer re-use), medium
speed browsing (re-use directory buffer listings only for remote directories),
and fast browsing (re-use directory buffer listings as often as possible).
The price for such re-use is that when changes are made (such as new files
are introduced into a directory), the listing may become out-of-date. One may
always refresh directory listing buffers by pressing ctrl-L (see
|netrw-ctrl-l|).
Related topics: |netrw-o| |netrw-p| |netrw-P| |netrw-t| |netrw-v|
Associated setting variables: |g:netrw_browse_split| |g:netrw_fastbrowse|
|g:netrw_ftp_list_cmd| |g:netrw_ftp_sizelist_cmd|
|g:netrw_ftp_timelist_cmd| |g:netrw_ssh_cmd|
|g:netrw_ssh_browse_reject| |g:netrw_use_noswf|
BROWSING WITH A HORIZONTALLY SPLIT WINDOW *netrw-o* *netrw-horiz* {{{2
Normally one enters a file or directory using the <cr>. However, the "o" map
allows one to open a new window to hold the new directory listing or file. A
horizontal split is used. (for vertical splitting, see |netrw-v|)
Normally, the o key splits the window horizontally with the new window and
cursor at the top.
Associated setting variables: |g:netrw_alto| |g:netrw_winsize|
Related Actions |netrw-cr| |netrw-p| |netrw-t| |netrw-v|
Associated setting variables:
|g:netrw_alto| control above/below splitting
|g:netrw_winsize| control initial sizing
BROWSING WITH A NEW TAB *netrw-t*
Normally one enters a file or directory using the <cr>. The "t" map
allows one to open a new window holding the new directory listing or file in
a new tab.
If you'd like to have the new listing in a background tab, use |gT|.
Related Actions |netrw-cr| |netrw-o| |netrw-p| |netrw-v|
Associated setting variables:
|g:netrw_winsize| control initial sizing
BROWSING WITH A VERTICALLY SPLIT WINDOW *netrw-v* {{{2
Normally one enters a file or directory using the <cr>. However, the "v" map
allows one to open a new window to hold the new directory listing or file. A
vertical split is used. (for horizontal splitting, see |netrw-o|)
Normally, the v key splits the window vertically with the new window and
cursor at the left.
There is only one tree listing buffer; using "v" on a displayed subdirectory
will split the screen, but the same buffer will be shown twice.
Associated setting variable: |g:netrw_altv| |g:netrw_winsize|
Related Actions |netrw-cr| |netrw-o| |netrw-t| |netrw-v|
Associated setting variables:
|g:netrw_altv| control right/left splitting
|g:netrw_winsize| control initial sizing
CHANGE LISTING STYLE (THIN LONG WIDE TREE) *netrw-i* {{{2
The "i" map cycles between the thin, long, wide, and tree listing formats.
The thin listing format gives just the files' and directories' names.
The long listing is either based on the "ls" command via ssh for remote
directories or displays the filename, file size (in bytes), and the time and
date of last modification for local directories. With the long listing
format, netrw is not able to recognize filenames which have trailing spaces.
Use the thin listing format for such files.
The wide listing format uses two or more contiguous spaces to delineate
filenames; when using that format, netrw won't be able to recognize or use
filenames which have two or more contiguous spaces embedded in the name or any
trailing spaces. The thin listing format will, however, work with such files.
This listing format is the most compact.
The tree listing format has a top directory followed by files and directories
preceded by a "|". One may open and close directories by pressing the <cr>
key while atop the directory name.
One may make a preferred listing style your default; see |g:netrw_liststyle|.
As an example, by putting the following line in your .vimrc,
let g:netrw_liststyle= 4
the tree style will become your default listing style.
One typical way to use the netrw tree display is to:
vim .
(use i until a tree display shows)
navigate to a file
v (edit as desired in vertically split window)
ctrl-w h (to return to the netrw listing)
P (edit newly selected file in the previous window)
ctrl-w h (to return to the netrw listing)
P (edit newly selected file in the previous window)
...etc...
Associated setting variables: |g:netrw_liststyle| |g:netrw_maxfilenamelen|
|g:netrw_timefmt| |g:netrw_list_cmd|
CHANGE FILE PERMISSION *netrw-gp* {{{2
"gp" will ask you for a new permission for the file named under the cursor.
Currently, this only works for local files.
Associated setting variables: |g:netrw_chgperm|
CHANGING TO A BOOKMARKED DIRECTORY *netrw-gb* {{{2
To change directory back to a bookmarked directory, use
{cnt}gb
Any count may be used to reference any of the bookmarks.
Note that |netrw-qb| shows both bookmarks and history; to go
to a location stored in the history see |netrw-u| and |netrw-U|.
Related Topics:
|netrw-mB| how to delete bookmarks
|netrw-mb| how to make a bookmark
|netrw-qb| how to list bookmarks
CHANGING TO A PREDECESSOR DIRECTORY *netrw-u* *netrw-updir* {{{2
Every time you change to a new directory (new for the current session),
netrw will save the directory in a recently-visited directory history
list (unless |g:netrw_dirhistmax| is zero; by default, it's ten). With the
"u" map, one can change to an earlier directory (predecessor). To do
the opposite, see |netrw-U|.
The "u" map also accepts counts to go back in the history several slots.
For your convenience, |netrw-qb| lists the history number which can be
re-used in that count.
See |g:netrw_dirhistmax| for how to control the quantity of history stack
slots.
CHANGING TO A SUCCESSOR DIRECTORY *netrw-U* *netrw-downdir* {{{2
With the "U" map, one can change to a later directory (successor).
This map is the opposite of the "u" map. (see |netrw-u|) Use the
q map to list both the bookmarks and history. (see |netrw-qb|)
The "U" map also accepts counts to go forward in the history several slots.
See |g:netrw_dirhistmax| for how to control the quantity of history stack
slots.
NETRW CLEAN *netrw-clean* *:NetrwClean*
With :NetrwClean one may easily remove netrw from one's home directory;
more precisely, from the first directory on your |'runtimepath'|.
With :NetrwClean!, netrw will remove netrw from all directories on your
|'runtimepath'|.
With either form of the command, netrw will first ask for confirmation
that the removal is in fact what you want to do. If netrw doesn't have
permission to remove a file, it will issue an error message.
*netrw-gx*
CUSTOMIZING BROWSING WITH A USER FUNCTION *netrw-x* *netrw-handler* {{{2
(also see |netrw_filehandler|)
Certain files, such as html, gif, jpeg, (word/office) doc, etc, files, are
best seen with a special handler (ie. a tool provided with your computer).
Netrw allows one to invoke such special handlers by:
* when Exploring, hit the "x" key
* when editing, hit gx with the cursor atop the special filename
(not available if the |g:netrw_nogx| variable exists)
Netrw determines which special handler by the following method:
* if |g:netrw_browsex_viewer| exists, then it will be used to attempt to
view files. Examples of useful settings (place into your <.vimrc>):
:let g:netrw_browsex_viewer= "kfmclient exec"
or
:let g:netrw_browsex_viewer= "gnome-open"
If g:netrw_browsex_viewer == '-', then netrwFileHandler() will be
invoked first (see |netrw_filehandler|).
* for Windows 32 or 64, the url and FileProtocolHandler dlls are used.
* for Gnome (with gnome-open): gnome-open is used.
* for KDE (with kfmclient) : kfmclient is used.
* for Mac OS X : open is used.
* otherwise the netrwFileHandler plugin is used.
The file's suffix is used by these various approaches to determine an
appropriate application to use to "handle" these files. Such things as
OpenOffice (*.sfx), visualization (*.jpg, *.gif, etc), and PostScript (*.ps,
*.eps) can be handled.
*netrw_filehandler*
The "x" map applies a function to a file, based on its extension. Of course,
the handler function must exist for it to be called!
Ex. mypgm.html x ->
NFH_html("scp://user@host/some/path/mypgm.html")
Users may write their own netrw File Handler functions to support more
suffixes with special handling. See <autoload/netrwFileHandlers.vim> for
examples on how to make file handler functions. As an example:
" NFH_suffix(filename)
fun! NFH_suffix(filename)
..do something special with filename..
endfun
These functions need to be defined in some file in your .vim/plugin
(vimfiles\plugin) directory. Vim's function names may not have punctuation
characters (except for the underscore) in them. To support suffices that
contain such characters, netrw will first convert the suffix using the
following table:
@ -> AT ! -> EXCLAMATION % -> PERCENT
: -> COLON = -> EQUAL ? -> QUESTION
, -> COMMA - -> MINUS ; -> SEMICOLON
$ -> DOLLAR + -> PLUS ~ -> TILDE
So, for example:
file.rcs,v -> NFH_rcsCOMMAv()
If more such translations are necessary, please send me email:
NdrOchip at ScampbellPfamily.AbizM - NOSPAM
with a request.
Associated setting variable: |g:netrw_browsex_viewer|
*netrw-curdir*
DELETING BOOKMARKS *netrw-mB* {{{2
To delete a bookmark, use
{cnt}mB
Related Topics:
|netrw-gb| how to return (go) to a bookmark
|netrw-mb| how to make a bookmark
|netrw-qb| how to list bookmarks
DELETING FILES OR DIRECTORIES *netrw-delete* *netrw-D* *netrw-del* {{{2
If files have not been marked with |netrw-mf|: (local marked file list)
Deleting/removing files and directories involves moving the cursor to the
file/directory to be deleted and pressing "D". Directories must be empty
first before they can be successfully removed. If the directory is a
softlink to a directory, then netrw will make two requests to remove the
directory before succeeding. Netrw will ask for confirmation before doing
the removal(s). You may select a range of lines with the "V" command
(visual selection), and then pressing "D".
If files have been marked with |netrw-mf|: (local marked file list)
Marked files (and empty directories) will be deleted; again, you'll be
asked to confirm the deletion before it actually takes place.
The |g:netrw_rm_cmd|, |g:netrw_rmf_cmd|, and |g:netrw_rmdir_cmd| variables are
used to control the attempts to remove files and directories. The
g:netrw_rm_cmd is used with files, and its default value is:
g:netrw_rm_cmd: ssh HOSTNAME rm
The g:netrw_rmdir_cmd variable is used to support the removal of directories.
Its default value is:
g:netrw_rmdir_cmd: ssh HOSTNAME rmdir
If removing a directory fails with g:netrw_rmdir_cmd, netrw then will attempt
to remove it again using the g:netrw_rmf_cmd variable. Its default value is:
g:netrw_rmf_cmd: ssh HOSTNAME rm -f
Related topics: |netrw-d|
Associated setting variable: |g:netrw_localrmdir| |g:netrw_rm_cmd|
|g:netrw_rmdir_cmd| |g:netrw_ssh_cmd|
*netrw-explore* *netrw-hexplore* *netrw-nexplore* *netrw-pexplore*
*netrw-rexplore* *netrw-sexplore* *netrw-texplore* *netrw-vexplore*
DIRECTORY EXPLORATION COMMANDS {{{2
:[N]Explore[!] [dir]... Explore directory of current file *:Explore*
:[N]Hexplore[!] [dir]... Horizontal Split & Explore *:Hexplore*
:Rexplore ... Return to Explorer *:Rexplore*
:[N]Sexplore[!] [dir]... Split&Explore current file's directory *:Sexplore*
:Texplore [dir]... Tab & Explore *:Texplore*
:[N]Vexplore[!] [dir]... Vertical Split & Explore *:Vexplore*
Used with :Explore **/pattern : (also see |netrw-starstar|)
:Nexplore............. go to next matching file *:Nexplore*
:Pexplore............. go to previous matching file *:Pexplore*
:Explore will open the local-directory browser on the current file's
directory (or on directory [dir] if specified). The window will be
split only if the file has been modified, otherwise the browsing
window will take over that window. Normally the splitting is taken
horizontally.
:Explore! is like :Explore, but will use vertical splitting.
:Sexplore will always split the window before invoking the local-directory
browser. As with Explore, the splitting is normally done
horizontally.
:Sexplore! [dir] is like :Sexplore, but the splitting will be done vertically.
:Hexplore [dir] does an :Explore with |:belowright| horizontal splitting.
:Hexplore! [dir] does an :Explore with |:aboveleft| horizontal splitting.
:Vexplore [dir] does an :Explore with |:leftabove| vertical splitting.
:Vexplore! [dir] does an :Explore with |:rightbelow| vertical splitting.
:Texplore [dir] does a tabnew before generating the browser window
By default, these commands use the current file's directory. However, one may
explicitly provide a directory (path) to use.
The [N] will override |g:netrw_winsize| to specify the quantity of rows and/or
columns the new explorer window should have.
Otherwise, the |g:netrw_winsize| variable, if it has been specified by the
user, is used to control the quantity of rows and/or columns new explorer
windows should have.
:Rexplore This command is a little different from the others. When one
edits a file, for example by pressing <cr> when atop a file in
a netrw browser window, :Rexplore will return the display to
that of the last netrw browser window. It is a command version
of the <2-leftmouse> map (which is only available under gvim and
cooperative terms).
*netrw-star* *netrw-starpat* *netrw-starstar* *netrw-starstarpat*
EXPLORING WITH STARS AND PATTERNS
When Explore, Sexplore, Hexplore, or Vexplore are used with one of the
following four styles, Explore generates a list of files which satisfy
the request.
*/filepat files in current directory which satisfy filepat
**/filepat files in current directory or below which satisfy the
file pattern
*//pattern files in the current directory which contain the
pattern (vimgrep is used)
**//pattern files in the current directory or below which contain
the pattern (vimgrep is used)
The cursor will be placed on the first file in the list. One may then
continue to go to subsequent files on that list via |:Nexplore| or to
preceding files on that list with |:Pexplore|. Explore will update the
directory and place the cursor appropriately.
A plain
:Explore
will clear the explore list.
If your console or gui produces recognizable shift-up or shift-down sequences,
then you'll likely find using shift-downarrow and shift-uparrow convenient.
They're mapped by netrw:
<s-down> == Nexplore, and
<s-up> == Pexplore.
As an example, consider
:Explore */*.c
:Nexplore
:Nexplore
:Pexplore
The status line will show, on the right hand side of the status line, a
message like "Match 3 of 20".
Associated setting variables: |g:netrw_keepdir| |g:netrw_browse_split|
|g:netrw_fastbrowse| |g:netrw_ftp_browse_reject|
|g:netrw_ftp_list_cmd| |g:netrw_ftp_sizelist_cmd|
|g:netrw_ftp_timelist_cmd| |g:netrw_list_cmd|
|g:netrw_liststyle|
DISPLAYING INFORMATION ABOUT FILE *netrw-qf* {{{2
With the cursor atop a filename, pressing "qf" will reveal the file's size
and last modification timestamp. Currently this capability is only available
for local files.
EDIT FILE OR DIRECTORY HIDING LIST *netrw-ctrl-h* *netrw-edithide* {{{2
The "<ctrl-h>" map brings up a requestor allowing the user to change the
file/directory hiding list contained in |g:netrw_list_hide|. The hiding list
consists of one or more patterns delimited by commas. Files and/or
directories satisfying these patterns will either be hidden (ie. not shown) or
be the only ones displayed (see |netrw-a|).
The "gh" mapping (see |netrw-gh|) quickly alternates between the usual
hiding list and the hiding of files or directories that begin with ".".
As an example,
let g:netrw_list_hide= '\(^\|\s\s\)\zs\.\S\+'
Effectively, this makes the effect of a |netrw-gh| command the initial setting.
What it means:
\(^\|\s\s\) : if the line begins with the following, -or-
two consecutive spaces are encountered
\zs : start the hiding match now
\. : if it now begins with a dot
\S\+ : and is followed by one or more non-whitespace
characters
Associated setting variables: |g:netrw_hide| |g:netrw_list_hide|
Associated topics: |netrw-a| |netrw-gh| |netrw-mh|
*netrw-sort-sequence*
EDITING THE SORTING SEQUENCE *netrw-S* *netrw-sortsequence* {{{2
When "Sorted by" is name, one may specify priority via the sorting sequence
(g:netrw_sort_sequence). The sorting sequence typically prioritizes the
name-listing by suffix, although any pattern will do. Patterns are delimited
by commas. The default sorting sequence is (all one line):
For Unix:
'[\/]$,\<core\%(\.\d\+\)\=,\.[a-np-z]$,\.h$,\.c$,\.cpp$,*,\.o$,\.obj$,
\.info$,\.swp$,\.bak$,\~$'
Otherwise:
'[\/]$,\.[a-np-z]$,\.h$,\.c$,\.cpp$,*,\.o$,\.obj$,\.info$,
\.swp$,\.bak$,\~$'
The lone * is where all filenames not covered by one of the other patterns
will end up. One may change the sorting sequence by modifying the
g:netrw_sort_sequence variable (either manually or in your <.vimrc>) or by
using the "S" map.
Related topics: |netrw-s| |netrw-S|
Associated setting variables: |g:netrw_sort_sequence| |g:netrw_sort_options|
EXECUTING FILE UNDER CURSOR VIA SYSTEM() *netrw-X*
Pressing X while the cursor is atop an executable file will yield a prompt
using the filename asking for any arguments. Upon pressing a [return], netrw
will then call |system()| with that command and arguments. The result will
be displayed by |:echomsg|, and so |:messages| will repeat display of the
result. Ansi escape sequences will be stripped out.
FORCING TREATMENT AS A FILE OR DIRECTORY *netrw-gd* *netrw-gf* {{{2
Remote symbolic links (ie. those listed via ssh or ftp) are problematic
in that it is difficult to tell whether they link to a file or to a
directory.
To force treatment as a file: use
gf
To force treatment as a directory: use
gd
GOING UP *netrw--* {{{2
To go up a directory, press "-" or press the <cr> when atop the ../ directory
entry in the listing.
Netrw will use the command in |g:netrw_list_cmd| to perform the directory
listing operation after changing HOSTNAME to the host specified by the
user-provided url. By default netrw provides the command as:
ssh HOSTNAME ls -FLa
where the HOSTNAME becomes the [user@]hostname as requested by the attempt to
read. Naturally, the user may override this command with whatever is
preferred. The NetList function which implements remote browsing
expects that directories will be flagged by a trailing slash.
HIDING FILES OR DIRECTORIES *netrw-a* *netrw-hiding* {{{2
Netrw's browsing facility allows one to use the hiding list in one of three
ways: ignore it, hide files which match, and show only those files which
match.
If no files have been marked via YXXYnetrw-mf|:
The "a" map allows the user to cycle through the three hiding modes.
The |g:netrw_list_hide| variable holds a comma delimited list of patterns
based on regular expressions (ex. ^.*\.obj$,^\.) which specify the hiding list.
(also see |netrw-ctrl-h|) To set the hiding list, use the <c-h> map. As an
example, to hide files which begin with a ".", one may use the <c-h> map to
set the hiding list to '^\..*' (or one may put let g:netrw_list_hide= '^\..*'
in one's <.vimrc>). One may then use the "a" key to show all files, hide
matching files, or to show only the matching files.
Example: \.[ch]$
This hiding list command will hide/show all *.c and *.h files.
Example: \.c$,\.h$
This hiding list command will also hide/show all *.c and *.h
files.
Don't forget to use the "a" map to select the mode (normal/hiding/show) you
want!
If files have been marked using |netrw-mf|, then this command will:
if showing all files or non-hidden files:
modify the g:netrw_list_hide list by appending the marked files to it
and showing only non-hidden files.
else if showing hidden files only:
modify the g:netrw_list_hide list by removing the marked files from it
and showing only non-hidden files.
endif
*netrw-gh* *netrw-hide*
As a quick shortcut, one may press
gh
to toggle between hiding files which begin with a period (dot) and not hiding
them.
Associated setting variable: |g:netrw_list_hide| |g:netrw_hide|
Associated topics: |netrw-a| |netrw-ctrl-h| |netrw-mh|
IMPROVING BROWSING *netrw-listhack* *netrw-ssh-hack* {{{2
Especially with the remote directory browser, constantly entering the password
is tedious.
For Linux/Unix systems, the book "Linux Server Hacks - 100 industrial strength
tips & tools" by Rob Flickenger (O'Reilly, ISBN 0-596-00461-3) gives a tip
for setting up no-password ssh and scp and discusses associated security
issues. It used to be available at http://hacks.oreilly.com/pub/h/66 ,
but apparently that address is now being redirected to some "hackzine".
I'll attempt a summary based on that article and on a communication from
Ben Schmidt:
1. Generate a public/private key pair on the local machine
(ssh client):
ssh-keygen -t rsa
(saving the file in ~/.ssh/id_rsa as prompted)
2. Just hit the <CR> when asked for passphrase (twice) for no
passphrase. If you do use a passphrase, you will also need to use
ssh-agent so you only have to type the passphrase once per session.
If you don't use a passphrase, simply logging onto your local
computer or getting access to the keyfile in any way will suffice
to access any ssh servers which have that key authorized for login.
3. This creates two files:
~/.ssh/id_rsa
~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
4. On the target machine (ssh server):
cd
mkdir -p .ssh
chmod 0700 .ssh
5. On your local machine (ssh client): (one line)
ssh {serverhostname}
cat '>>' '~/.ssh/authorized_keys2' < ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
or, for OpenSSH, (one line)
ssh {serverhostname}
cat '>>' '~/.ssh/authorized_keys' < ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
You can test it out with
ssh {serverhostname}
and you should be log onto the server machine without further need to type
anything.
If you decided to use a passphrase, do:
ssh-agent $SHELL
ssh-add
ssh {serverhostname}
You will be prompted for your key passphrase when you use ssh-add, but not
subsequently when you use ssh. For use with vim, you can use
ssh-agent vim
and, when next within vim, use
:!ssh-add
Alternatively, you can apply ssh-agent to the terminal you're planning on
running vim in:
ssh-agent xterm &
and do ssh-add whenever you need.
For Windows, folks on the vim mailing list have mentioned that Pageant helps
with avoiding the constant need to enter the password.
Kingston Fung wrote about another way to avoid constantly needing to enter
passwords:
In order to avoid the need to type in the password for scp each time, you
provide a hack in the docs to set up a non password ssh account. I found a
better way to do that: I can use a regular ssh account which uses a
password to access the material without the need to key-in the password
each time. It's good for security and convenience. I tried ssh public key
authorization + ssh-agent, implementing this, and it works! Here are two
links with instructions:
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/library/l-keyc2/
http://sial.org/howto/openssh/publickey-auth/
LISTING BOOKMARKS AND HISTORY *netrw-qb* *netrw-listbookmark* {{{2
Pressing "qb" (query bookmarks) will list both the bookmarked directories and
directory traversal history.
Related Topics:
|netrw-gb| how to return (go) to a bookmark
|netrw-mb| how to make a bookmark
|netrw-mB| how to delete bookmarks
|netrw-u| change to a predecessor directory via the history stack
|netrw-U| change to a successor directory via the history stack
MAKING A NEW DIRECTORY *netrw-d* {{{2
With the "d" map one may make a new directory either remotely (which depends
on the global variable g:netrw_mkdir_cmd) or locally (which depends on the
global variable g:netrw_localmkdir). Netrw will issue a request for the new
directory's name. A bare <CR> at that point will abort the making of the
directory. Attempts to make a local directory that already exists (as either
a file or a directory) will be detected, reported on, and ignored.
Related topics: |netrw-D|
Associated setting variables: |g:netrw_localmkdir| |g:netrw_mkdir_cmd|
|g:netrw_remote_mkdir|
MAKING THE BROWSING DIRECTORY THE CURRENT DIRECTORY *netrw-c* {{{2
By default, |g:netrw_keepdir| is 1. This setting means that the current
directory will not track the browsing directory. (done for backwards
compatibility with v6's file explorer).
Setting g:netrw_keepdir to 0 tells netrw to make vim's current directory
track netrw's browsing directory.
However, given the default setting for g:netrw_keepdir of 1 where netrw
maintains its own separate notion of the current directory, in order to make
the two directories the same, use the "c" map (just type c). That map will
set Vim's notion of the current directory to netrw's current browsing
directory.
Associated setting variable: |g:netrw_keepdir|
MARKING FILES *netrw-mf* {{{2
(also see |netrw-mr|)
One may mark files with the cursor atop a filename and then pressing "mf".
With gvim, one may also mark files with <s-leftmouse>. The following netrw
maps make use of marked files:
|netrw-a| Hide marked files/directories
|netrw-D| Delete marked files/directories
|netrw-mc| Copy marked files to target
|netrw-md| Apply vimdiff to marked files
|netrw-me| Edit marked files
|netrw-mF| Unmark marked files
|netrw-mg| Apply vimgrep to marked files
|netrw-mm| Move marked files
|netrw-mp| Print marked files
|netrw-mt| Set target for |netrw-mm| and |netrw-mc|
|netrw-mT| Generate tags using marked files
|netrw-mx| Apply shell command to marked files
|netrw-mz| Compress/Decompress marked files
|netrw-qF| Mark files using quickfix list
|netrw-O| Obtain marked files
|netrw-R| Rename marked files
One may unmark files one at a time the same way one marks them; ie. place
the cursor atop a marked file and press "mf". This process also works
with <s-leftmouse> using gvim. One may unmark all files by pressing
"mu" (see |netrw-mu|).
Marked files are highlighted using the "netrwMarkFile" highlighting group,
which by default is linked to "Identifier" (see Identifier under
|group-name|). You may change the highlighting group by putting something
like
highlight clear netrwMarkFile
hi link netrwMarkFile ..whatever..
into $HOME/.vim/after/syntax/netrw.vim .
*markfilelist* *global_markfilelist* *local_markfilelist*
All marked files are entered onto the global marked file list; there is only
one such list. In addition, every netrw buffer also has its own local marked
file list; since netrw buffers are associated with specific directories, this
means that each directory has its own local marked file list. The various
commands which operate on marked files use one or the other of the marked file
lists.
UNMARKING FILES *netrw-mF* {{{2
(also see |netrw-mf|)
This command will unmark all files in the current buffer. One may also use
mf (|netrw-mf|) on a specific file to unmark just that file.
MARKING FILES BY QUICKFIX LIST *netrw-qF*
(also see |netrw-mf|)
One may convert the |quickfix-error-lists| into a marked file list using
"qF". You may then proceed with commands such as me (|netrw-me|) to
edit them. Quickfix error lists are generated, for example, by calls
to |:vimgrep|.
MARKING FILES BY REGULAR EXPRESSION *netrw-mr* {{{2
(also see |netrw-mf|)
One may also mark files by pressing "mr"; netrw will then issue a prompt,
"Enter regexp: ". You may then enter a shell-style regular expression such
as *.c$ (see |glob()|). For remote systems, glob() doesn't work -- so netrw
converts "*" into ".*" (see |regexp|) and marks files based on that. In the
future I may make it possible to use |regexp|s instead of glob()-style
expressions (yet-another-option).
MARKED FILES: ARBITRARY COMMAND *netrw-mx* {{{2
(See |netrw-mf| and |netrw-mr| for how to mark files)
(uses the local marked-file list)
Upon activation of the "mx" map, netrw will query the user for some (external)
command to be applied to all marked files. All "%"s in the command will be
substituted with the name of each marked file in turn. If no "%"s are in the
command, then the command will be followed by a space and a marked filename.
MARKED FILES: COMPRESSION AND DECOMPRESSION *netrw-mz* {{{2
(See |netrw-mf| and |netrw-mr| for how to mark files)
(uses the local marked file list)
If any marked files are compressed, then "mz" will decompress them.
If any marked files are decompressed, then "mz" will compress them
using the command specified by |g:netrw_compress|; by default,
that's "gzip".
For decompression, netrw provides a |Dictionary| of suffices and their
associated decompressing utilities; see |g:netrw_decompress|.
Associated setting variables: |g:netrw_compress| |g:netrw_decompress|
MARKED FILES: COPYING *netrw-mc* {{{2
(See |netrw-mf| and |netrw-mr| for how to mark files)
(Uses the global marked file list)
Select a target directory with mt (|netrw-mt|). Then change directory,
select file(s) (see |netrw-mf|), and press "mc". The copy is done
from the current window (where one does the mf) to the target.
Associated setting variable: |g:netrw_localcopycmd| |g:netrw_ssh_cmd|
MARKED FILES: DIFF *netrw-md* {{{2
(See |netrw-mf| and |netrw-mr| for how to mark files)
(uses the global marked file list)
Use |vimdiff| to visualize difference between selected files (two or
three may be selected for this). Uses the global marked file list.
MARKED FILES: EDITING *netrw-me* {{{2
(See |netrw-mf| and |netrw-mr| for how to mark files)
(uses the global marked file list)
This command will place the marked files on the |arglist| and commence
editing them. One may return the to explorer window with |:Rexplore|.
(use |:n| and |:p| to edit next and previous files in the arglist)
MARKED FILES: GREP *netrw-mg* {{{2
(See |netrw-mf| and |netrw-mr| for how to mark files)
(uses the global marked file list)
This command will apply |:vimgrep| to the marked files.
The command will ask for the requested pattern; one may then enter:
/pattern/[g][j]
! /pattern/[g][j]
pattern
In the cases of "j" option usage as shown above, "mg" will winnow the current
marked file list to just those possessing the specified pattern.
Thus, one may use
mr ...file-pattern
mg ..contents-pattern
to have a marked file list satisfying the file-pattern but containing the
desried contents-pattern.
MARKED FILES: HIDING AND UNHIDING BY SUFFIX *netrw-mh* {{{2
(See |netrw-mf| and |netrw-mr| for how to mark files)
(uses the local marked file list)
This command extracts the suffices of the marked files and toggles their
presence on the hiding list. Please note that marking the same suffix
this way multiple times will result in the suffix's presence being toggled
for each file (so an even quantity of marked files having the same suffix
is the same as not having bothered to select them at all).
Related topics: |netrw-a| |g:netrw_list_hide|
MARKED FILES: MOVING *netrw-mm* {{{2
(See |netrw-mf| and |netrw-mr| for how to mark files)
(uses the global marked file list)
WARNING: moving files is more dangerous than copying them.
A file being moved is first copied and then deleted; if the
copy operation fails and the delete succeeds, you will lose
the file. Either try things out with unimportant files
first or do the copy and then delete yourself using mc and D.
Use at your own risk!
Select a target directory with mt (|netrw-mt|). Then change directory,
select file(s) (see |netrw-mf|), and press "mm". The move is done
from the current window (where one does the mf) to the target.
Associated setting variable: |g:netrw_localmovecmd| |g:netrw_ssh_cmd|
MARKED FILES: PRINTING *netrw-mp* {{{2
(See |netrw-mf| and |netrw-mr| for how to mark files)
(uses the local marked file list)
Netrw will apply the |:hardcopy| command to marked files. What it does
is open each file in a one-line window, execute hardcopy, then close the
one-line window.
MARKED FILES: SOURCING *netrw-ms* {{{2
(See |netrw-mf| and |netrw-mr| for how to mark files)
(uses the local marked file list)
Netrw will source the marked files (using vim's |:source| command)
MARKED FILES: SETTING THE TARGET DIRECTORY *netrw-mt* {{{2
(See |netrw-mf| and |netrw-mr| for how to mark files)
Set the marked file copy/move-to target (see |netrw-mc| and |netrw-mm|):
* If the cursor is atop a file name, then the netrw window's currently
displayed directory is used for the copy/move-to target.
* Also, if the cursor is in the banner, then the netrw window's currently
displayed directory is used for the copy/move-to target.
Unless the target already is the current directory. In which case,
remove the target.
* However, if the cursor is atop a directory name, then that directory is
used for the copy/move-to target
There is only one copy/move-to target per vim session; ie. the target is a
script variable (see |s:var|) and is shared between all netrw windows (in an
instance of vim).
When using menus and gvim, netrw provides a "Targets" entry which allows one
to pick a target from the list of bookmarks and history.
Related topics:
Marking Files......................................|netrw-mfYXXY
Marking Files by Regular Expression................|netrw-mrYXXY
Marked Files: Target Directory Using Bookmarks.....|netrw-TbYXXY
Marked Files: Target Directory Using History.......|netrw-ThYXXY
MARKED FILES: TAGGING *netrw-mT* {{{2
(See |netrw-mf| and |netrw-mr| for how to mark files)
(uses the global marked file list)
The "mT" mapping will apply the command in |g:netrw_ctags| (by default, it is
"ctags") to marked files. For remote browsing, in order to create a tags file
netrw will use ssh (see |g:netrw_ssh_cmd|), and so ssh must be available for
this to work on remote systems. For your local system, see |ctags| on how to
get a version. I myself use hdrtags, currently available at
http://www.drchip.org/astronaut/src/index.html , and have
let g:netrw_ctags= "hdrtag"
in my <.vimrc>.
When a remote set of files are tagged, the resulting tags file is "obtained";
ie. a copy is transferred to the local system's directory. The local tags
file is then modified so that one may use it through the network. The
modification is concerns the names of the files in the tags; each filename is
preceded by the netrw-compatible url used to obtain it. When one subsequently
uses one of the go to tag actions (|tags|), the url will be used by netrw to
edit the desired file and go to the tag.
Associated setting variables: |g:netrw_ctags| |g:netrw_ssh_cmd|
MARKED FILES: TARGET DIRECTORY USING BOOKMARKS *netrw-Tb* {{{2
Sets the marked file copy/move-to target (see |netrw-mc| and |netrw-mm|).
The |netrw-qb| map will give you a list of bookmarks (and history).
One may choose one of the bookmarks to become your marked file
target by using [count]Tb (default count: 1).
Related topics:
Listing Bookmarks and History......................|netrw-qbYXXY
Marked Files: Setting The Target Directory.........|netrw-mtYXXY
Marked Files: Target Directory Using History.......|netrw-ThYXXY
Marking Files......................................|netrw-mfYXXY
Marking Files by Regular Expression................|netrw-mrYXXY
MARKED FILES: TARGET DIRECTORY USING HISTORY *netrw-Th* {{{2
Sets the marked file copy/move-to target (see |netrw-mc| and |netrw-mm|).
The |netrw-qb| map will give you a list of history (and bookmarks).
One may choose one of the history entries to become your marked file
target by using [count]Th (default count: 0; ie. the current directory).
Related topics:
Listing Bookmarks and History......................|netrw-qbYXXY
Marked Files: Setting The Target Directory.........|netrw-mtYXXY
Marked Files: Target Directory Using Bookmarks.....|netrw-TbYXXY
Marking Files......................................|netrw-mfYXXY
Marking Files by Regular Expression................|netrw-mrYXXY
MARKED FILES: UNMARKING *netrw-mu* {{{2
(See |netrw-mf| and |netrw-mr| for how to mark files)
The "mu" mapping will unmark all currently marked files.
*netrw-browser-settings*
NETRW BROWSER VARIABLES *netrw-browser-options* *netrw-browser-var* {{{2
(if you're interested in the netrw file transfer settings, see |netrw-options|
and |netrw-protocol|)
The <netrw.vim> browser provides settings in the form of variables which
you may modify; by placing these settings in your <.vimrc>, you may customize
your browsing preferences. (see also: |netrw-settings|)
--- -----------
Var Explanation
--- -----------
*g:netrw_alto* change from above splitting to below splitting
by setting this variable (see |netrw-o|)
default: =&sb (see |'sb'|)
*g:netrw_altv* change from left splitting to right splitting
by setting this variable (see |netrw-v|)
default: =&spr (see |'spr'|)
*g:netrw_banner* enable/suppress the banner
=0: suppress the banner
=1: banner is enabled (default)
NOTE: suppressing the banner is a new feature
which may cause problems.
*g:netrw_bannerbackslash* if this variable exists and is not zero, the
banner will be displayed with backslashes
rather than forward slashes.
*g:netrw_browse_split* when browsing, <cr> will open the file by:
=0: re-using the same window
=1: horizontally splitting the window first
=2: vertically splitting the window first
=3: open file in new tab
=4: act like "P" (ie. open previous window)
Note that |g:netrw_preview| may be used
to get vertical splitting instead of
horizontal splitting.
*g:netrw_browsex_viewer* specify user's preference for a viewer:
"kfmclient exec"
"gnome-open"
If
"-"
is used, then netrwFileHandler() will look for
a script/function to handle the given
extension. (see |netrw_filehandler|).
*g:netrw_chgperm* Unix/Linux: "chmod PERM FILENAME"
Windows: "cacls FILENAME /e /p PERM"
Used to change access permission for a file.
*g:netrw_compress* ="gzip"
Will compress marked files with this
command
*g:Netrw_corehandler* Allows one to specify something additional
to do when handling <core> files via netrw's
browser's "x" command (see |netrw-x|). If
present, g:Netrw_corehandler specifies
either one or more function references
(see |Funcref|). (the capital g:Netrw...
is required its holding a function reference)
*g:netrw_ctags* ="ctags"
The default external program used to create
tags
*g:netrw_cursor* = 2 (default)
This option controls the use of the
|'cursorline'| (cul) and |'cursorcolumn'|
(cuc) settings by netrw:
Value Thin-Long-Tree Wide
=0 u-cul u-cuc u-cul u-cuc
=1 u-cul u-cuc cul u-cuc
=2 cul u-cuc cul u-cuc
=3 cul u-cuc cul cuc
=4 cul cuc cul cuc
Where
u-cul : user's |'cursorline'| setting used
u-cuc : user's |'cursorcolumn'| setting used
cul : |'cursorline'| locally set
cuc : |'cursorcolumn'| locally set
*g:netrw_decompress* = { ".gz" : "gunzip" ,
".bz2" : "bunzip2" ,
".zip" : "unzip" ,
".tar" : "tar -xf"}
A dictionary mapping suffices to
decompression programs.
*g:netrw_dirhistmax* =10: controls maximum quantity of past
history. May be zero to supppress
history.
(related: |netrw-qb| |netrw-u| |netrw-U|)
*g:netrw_dynamic_maxfilenamelen* =32: enables dynamic determination of
|g:netrw_maxfilenamelen|, which affects
local file long listing.
*g:netrw_errorlvl* =0: error levels greater than or equal to
this are permitted to be displayed
0: notes
1: warnings
2: errors
*g:netrw_fastbrowse* =0: slow speed directory browsing;
never re-uses directory listings,
always obtains directory listings.
=1: medium speed directory browsing;
re-use directory listings only
when remote directory browsing.
(default value)
=2: fast directory browsing;
only obtains directory listings when the
directory hasn't been seen before
(or |netrw-ctrl-l| is used).
Fast browsing retains old directory listing
buffers so that they don't need to be
re-acquired. This feature is especially
important for remote browsing. However, if
a file is introduced or deleted into or from
such directories, the old directory buffer
becomes out-of-date. One may always refresh
such a directory listing with |netrw-ctrl-l|.
This option gives the user the choice of
trading off accuracy (ie. up-to-date listing)
versus speed.
*g:netrw_fname_escape* =' ?&;%'
Used on filenames before remote reading/writing
*g:netrw_ftp_browse_reject* ftp can produce a number of errors and warnings
that can show up as "directories" and "files"
in the listing. This pattern is used to
remove such embedded messages. By default its
value is:
'^total\s\+\d\+$\YXXY
^Trying\s\+\d\+.*$\YXXY
^KERBEROS_V\d rejected\YXXY
^Security extensions not\YXXY
No such file\YXXY
: connect to address [0-9a-fA-F:]*
: No route to host$'
*g:netrw_ftp_list_cmd* options for passing along to ftp for directory
listing. Defaults:
unix or g:netrw_cygwin set: : "ls -lF"
otherwise "dir"
*g:netrw_ftp_sizelist_cmd* options for passing along to ftp for directory
listing, sorted by size of file.
Defaults:
unix or g:netrw_cygwin set: : "ls -slF"
otherwise "dir"
*g:netrw_ftp_timelist_cmd* options for passing along to ftp for directory
listing, sorted by time of last modification.
Defaults:
unix or g:netrw_cygwin set: : "ls -tlF"
otherwise "dir"
*g:netrw_glob_escape* ='[]*?`{~$' (unix)
='[]*?`{$' (windows
These characters in directory names are
escaped before applying glob()
*g:netrw_hide* Controlled by the "a" map (see |netrw-a|)
=0 : show all
=1 : show not-hidden files
=2 : show hidden files only
default: =0
*g:netrw_home* The home directory for where bookmarks and
history are saved (as .netrwbook and
.netrwhist).
default: the first directory on the
|'runtimepath'|
*g:netrw_keepdir* =1 (default) keep current directory immune from
the browsing directory.
=0 keep the current directory the same as the
browsing directory.
The current browsing directory is contained in
b:netrw_curdir (also see |netrw-c|)
*g:netrw_list_cmd* command for listing remote directories
default: (if ssh is executable)
"ssh HOSTNAME ls -FLa"
*g:netrw_liststyle* Set the default listing style:
= 0: thin listing (one file per line)
= 1: long listing (one file per line with time
stamp information and file size)
= 2: wide listing (multiple files in columns)
= 3: tree style listing
*g:netrw_list_hide* comma separated pattern list for hiding files
Patterns are regular expressions (see |regexp|)
Example: let g:netrw_list_hide= '.*\.swp$'
default: ""
*g:netrw_localcopycmd* ="cp" Linux/Unix/MacOS/Cygwin
="copy" Windows
Copies marked files (|netrw-mf|) to target
directory (|netrw-mt|, |netrw-mc|)
*g:netrw_localmkdir* command for making a local directory
default: "mkdir"
*g:netrw_localmovecmd* ="mv" Linux/Unix/MacOS/Cygwin
="move" Windows
Moves marked files (|netrw-mf|) to target
directory (|netrw-mt|, |netrw-mm|)
*g:netrw_localrmdir* remove directory command (rmdir)
default: "rmdir"
*g:netrw_maxfilenamelen* =32 by default, selected so as to make long
listings fit on 80 column displays.
If your screen is wider, and you have file
or directory names longer than 32 bytes,
you may set this option to keep listings
columnar.
*g:netrw_mkdir_cmd* command for making a remote directory
via ssh (also see |g:netrw_remote_mkdir|)
default: "ssh USEPORT HOSTNAME mkdir"
*g:netrw_mousemaps* =1 (default) enables mouse buttons while
browsing to:
leftmouse : open file/directory
shift-leftmouse : mark file
middlemouse : same as P
rightmouse : remove file/directory
=0: disables mouse maps
*g:netrw_nobeval* doesn't exist (default)
If this variable exists, then balloon
evaluation will be suppressed
(see |'ballooneval'|)
*g:netrw_remote_mkdir* command for making a local directory
via ftp (also see |g:netrw_mkdir_cmd|)
default: "mkdir"
*g:netrw_retmap* if it exists and is set to one, then:
* if in a netrw-selected file, AND
* no normal-mode <2-leftmouse> mapping exists,
then the <2-leftmouse> will be mapped for easy
return to the netrw browser window.
example: click once to select and open a file,
double-click to return.
Note that one may instead choose to:
* let g:netrw_retmap= 1, AND
* nmap <silent> YourChoice <Plug>NetrwReturn
and have another mapping instead of
<2-leftmouse> to invoke the return.
You may also use the |:Rexplore| command to do
the same thing.
default: =0
*g:netrw_rm_cmd* command for removing files
default: "ssh USEPORT HOSTNAME rm"
*g:netrw_rmdir_cmd* command for removing directories
default: "ssh USEPORT HOSTNAME rmdir"
*g:netrw_rmf_cmd* command for removing softlinks
default: "ssh USEPORT HOSTNAME rm -f"
*g:netrw_sort_by* sort by "name", "time", or "size"
default: "name"
*g:netrw_sort_direction* sorting direction: "normal" or "reverse"
default: "normal"
*g:netrw_sort_options* sorting is done using |:sort|; this
variable's value is appended to the
sort command. Thus one may ignore case,
for example, with the following in your
.vimrc:
let g:netrw_sort_options="i"
default: ""
*g:netrw_sort_sequence* when sorting by name, first sort by the
comma-separated pattern sequence. Note that
the filigree added to indicate filetypes
should be accounted for in your pattern.
default: '[\/]$,*,\.bak$,\.o$,\.h$,
\.info$,\.swp$,\.obj$'
*g:netrw_special_syntax* If true, then certain files will be shown
using special syntax in the browser:
netrwBak : *.bak
netrwCompress: *.gz *.bz2 *.Z *.zip
netrwData : *.dat
netrwHdr : *.h
netrwLib : *.a *.so *.lib *.dll
netrwMakefile: [mM]akefile *.mak
netrwObj : *.o *.obj
netrwTags : tags ANmenu ANtags
netrwTilde : *
netrwTmp : tmp* *tmp
These syntax highlighting groups are linked
to Folded or DiffChange by default
(see |hl-Folded| and |hl-DiffChange|), but
one may put lines like
hi link netrwCompress Visual
into one's <.vimrc> to use one's own
preferences.
*g:netrw_ssh_browse_reject* ssh can sometimes produce unwanted lines,
messages, banners, and whatnot that one doesn't
want masquerading as "directories" and "files".
Use this pattern to remove such embedded
messages. By default its value is:
'^total\s\+\d\+$'
*g:netrw_ssh_cmd* One may specify an executable command
to use instead of ssh for remote actions
such as listing, file removal, etc.
default: ssh
*g:netrw_tmpfile_escape* =' &;'
escape() is applied to all temporary files
to escape these characters.
*g:netrw_timefmt* specify format string to vim's strftime().
The default, "%c", is "the preferred date
and time representation for the current
locale" according to my manpage entry for
strftime(); however, not all are satisfied
with it. Some alternatives:
"%a %d %b %Y %T",
" %a %Y-%m-%d %I-%M-%S %p"
default: "%c"
*g:netrw_use_noswf* netrw normally avoids writing swapfiles
for browser buffers. However, under some
systems this apparently is causing nasty
ml_get errors to appear; if you're getting
ml_get errors, try putting
let g:netrw_use_noswf= 0
in your .vimrc.
*g:netrw_winsize* specify initial size of new windows made with
"o" (see |netrw-o|), "v" (see |netrw-v|),
|:Hexplore| or |:Vexplore|. The g:netrw_winsize
is an integer describing the percentage of the
current netrw buffer's window to be used for
the new window.
If g:netrw_winsize is less than zero, then
the absolute value of g:netrw_winsize lines
or columns will be used for the new window.
default: 50 (for 50%)
*g:netrw_xstrlen* Controls how netrw computes string lengths,
including multi-byte characters' string
length. (thanks to N Weibull, T Mechelynck)
=0: uses Vim's built-in strlen()
=1: number of codepoints (Latin a + combining
circumflex is two codepoints) (DEFAULT)
=2: number of spacing codepoints (Latin a +
combining circumflex is one spacing
codepoint; a hard tab is one; wide and
narrow CJK are one each; etc.)
=3: virtual length (counting tabs as anything
between 1 and |'tabstop'|, wide CJK as 2
rather than 1, Arabic alif as zero when
immediately preceded by lam, one
otherwise, etc)
*g:NetrwTopLvlMenu* This variable specifies the top level
menu name; by default, it's "Netrw.". If
you wish to change this, do so in your
.vimrc.
NETRW BROWSING AND OPTION INCOMPATIBILITIES *netrw-incompatible* {{{2
Netrw has been designed to handle user options by saving them, setting the
options to something that's compatible with netrw's needs, and then restoring
them. However, the autochdir option:
:set acd
is problematical. Autochdir sets the current directory to that containing the
file you edit; this apparently also applies to directories. In other words,
autochdir sets the current directory to that containing the "file" (even if
that "file" is itself a directory).
NETRW SETTINGS WINDOW *netrw-settings-window* {{{2
With the NetrwSettings.vim plugin,
:NetrwSettings
will bring up a window with the many variables that netrw uses for its
settings. You may change any of their values; when you save the file, the
settings therein will be used. One may also press "?" on any of the lines for
help on what each of the variables do.
(also see: |netrw-browser-var| |netrw-protocol| |netrw-variables|)
==============================================================================
OBTAINING A FILE *netrw-O* {{{2
If there are no marked files:
When browsing a remote directory, one may obtain a file under the cursor
(ie. get a copy on your local machine, but not edit it) by pressing the O
key.
If there are marked files:
The marked files will be obtained (ie. a copy will be transferred to your
local machine, but not set up for editing).
Only ftp and scp are supported for this operation (but since these two are
available for browsing, that shouldn't be a problem). The status bar will
then show, on its right hand side, a message like "Obtaining filename". The
statusline will be restored after the transfer is complete.
Netrw can also "obtain" a file using the local browser. Netrw's display
of a directory is not necessarily the same as Vim's "current directory",
unless |g:netrw_keepdir| is set to 0 in the user's <.vimrc>. One may select
a file using the local browser (by putting the cursor on it) and pressing
"O" will then "obtain" the file; ie. copy it to Vim's current directory.
Related topics:
* To see what the current directory is, use |:pwd|
* To make the currently browsed directory the current directory, see |netrw-c|
* To automatically make the currently browsed directory the current
directory, see |g:netrw_keepdir|.
*netrw-createfile*
OPEN A NEW FILE IN NETRW'S CURRENT DIRECTORY *netrw-%*
To open a file in netrw's current directory, press "%". This map will
query the user for a new filename; an empty file by that name will be
placed in the netrw's current directory (ie. b:netrw_curdir).
PREVIEW WINDOW *netrw-p* *netrw-preview* {{{2
One may use a preview window by using the "p" key when the cursor is atop the
desired filename to be previewed. The display will then split to show both
the browser (where the cursor will remain) and the file (see |:pedit|).
By default, the split will be taken horizontally; one may use vertical
splitting if one has set |g:netrw_preview| first.
An interesting set of netrw settings is:
let g:netrw_preview = 1
let g:netrw_liststyle = 3
let g:netrw_winsize = 30
These will:
1. Make vertical splitting the default for previewing files
2. Make the default listing style "tree"
3. When a vertical preview window is opened, the directory listing
will use only 30% of the columns available; the rest of the window
is used for the preview window.
PREVIOUS WINDOW *netrw-P* *netrw-prvwin* {{{2
To edit a file or directory in the previously used (last accessed) window (see
:he |CTRL-W_p|), press a "P". If there's only one window, then the one window
will be horizontally split (by default).
If there's more than one window, the previous window will be re-used on
the selected file/directory. If the previous window's associated buffer
has been modified, and there's only one window with that buffer, then
the user will be asked if s/he wishes to save the buffer first (yes,
no, or cancel).
Related Actions |netrw-cr| |netrw-o| |netrw-t| |netrw-v|
Associated setting variables:
|g:netrw_alto| control above/below splitting
|g:netrw_altv| control right/left splitting
|g:netrw_preview| control horizontal vs vertical splitting
|g:netrw_winsize| control initial sizing
REFRESHING THE LISTING *netrw-ctrl-l* *netrw-ctrl_l* {{{2
To refresh either a local or remote directory listing, press ctrl-l (<c-l>) or
hit the <cr> when atop the ./ directory entry in the listing. One may also
refresh a local directory by using ":e .".
REVERSING SORTING ORDER *netrw-r* *netrw-reverse* {{{2
One may toggle between normal and reverse sorting order by pressing the
"r" key.
Related topics: |netrw-s|
Associated setting variable: |g:netrw_sort_direction|
RENAMING FILES OR DIRECTORIES *netrw-move* *netrw-rename* *netrw-R* {{{2
If there are no marked files: (see |netrw-mf|)
Renaming/moving files and directories involves moving the cursor to the
file/directory to be moved (renamed) and pressing "R". You will then be
queried for where you want the file/directory to be moved. You may select
a range of lines with the "V" command (visual selection), and then
pressing "R".
If there are marked files: (see |netrw-mf|)
Marked files will be renamed (moved). You will be queried as above in
order to specify where you want the file/directory to be moved.
WARNING:
Note that moving files is a dangerous operation; copies are safer. That's
because a "move" for remote files is actually a copy + delete -- and if
the copy fails and the delete does not, you may lose the file.
The g:netrw_rename_cmd variable is used to implement renaming. By default its
value is:
ssh HOSTNAME mv
One may rename a block of files and directories by selecting them with
the V (|linewise-visual|).
SELECTING SORTING STYLE *netrw-s* *netrw-sort* {{{2
One may select the sorting style by name, time, or (file) size. The "s" map
allows one to circulate amongst the three choices; the directory listing will
automatically be refreshed to reflect the selected style.
Related topics: |netrw-r| |netrw-S|
Associated setting variables: |g:netrw_sort_by| |g:netrw_sort_sequence|
SETTING EDITING WINDOW *netrw-C* {{{2
One may select a netrw window for editing with the "C" mapping, or by setting
g:netrw_chgwin to the selected window number. Subsequent selection of a file
to edit (|netrw-cr|) will use that window.
Related topics: |netrw-cr|
Associated setting variables: |g:netrw_chgwin|
10. Problems and Fixes *netrw-problems* {{{1
(This section is likely to grow as I get feedback)
(also see |netrw-debug|)
*netrw-p1*
P1. I use windows 95, and my ftp dumps four blank lines at the
end of every read.
See |netrw-fixup|, and put the following into your
<.vimrc> file:
let g:netrw_win95ftp= 1
*netrw-p2*
P2. I use Windows, and my network browsing with ftp doesn't sort by
time or size! -or- The remote system is a Windows server; why
don't I get sorts by time or size?
Windows' ftp has a minimal support for ls (ie. it doesn't
accept sorting options). It doesn't support the -F which
gives an explanatory character (ABC/ for "ABC is a directory").
Netrw then uses "dir" to get both its thin and long listings.
If you think your ftp does support a full-up ls, put the
following into your <.vimrc>:
let g:netrw_ftp_list_cmd = "ls -lF"
let g:netrw_ftp_timelist_cmd= "ls -tlF"
let g:netrw_ftp_sizelist_cmd= "ls -slF"
Alternatively, if you have cygwin on your Windows box, put
into your <.vimrc>:
let g:netrw_cygwin= 1
This problem also occurs when the remote system is Windows.
In this situation, the various g:netrw_ftp_[timeYXXYsize]list_cmds
are as shown above, but the remote system will not correctly
modify its listing behavior.
*netrw-p3*
P3. I tried rcp://user@host/ (or protocol other than ftp) and netrw
used ssh! That wasn't what I asked for...
Netrw has two methods for browsing remote directories: ssh
and ftp. Unless you specify ftp specifically, ssh is used.
When it comes time to do download a file (not just a directory
listing), netrw will use the given protocol to do so.
*netrw-p4*
P4. I would like long listings to be the default.
Put the following statement into your YXXY.vimrc|:
let g:netrw_liststyle= 1
Check out |netrw-browser-var| for more customizations that
you can set.
*netrw-p5*
P5. My times come up oddly in local browsing
Does your system's strftime() accept the "%c" to yield dates
such as "Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997"? If not, do a
"man strftime" and find out what option should be used. Then
put it into your YXXY.vimrc|:
let g:netrw_timefmt= "%X" (where X is the option)
*netrw-p6*
P6. I want my current directory to track my browsing.
How do I do that?
Put the following line in your YXXY.vimrc|:
let g:netrw_keepdir= 0
*netrw-p7*
P7. I use Chinese (or other non-ascii) characters in my filenames, and
netrw (Explore, Sexplore, Hexplore, etc) doesn't display them!
(taken from an answer provided by Wu Yongwei on the vim
mailing list)
I now see the problem. You code page is not 936, right? Vim
seems only able to open files with names that are valid in the
current code page, as are many other applications that do not
use the Unicode version of Windows APIs. This is an OS-related
issue. You should not have such problems when the system
locale uses UTF-8, such as modern Linux distros.
(...it is one more reason to recommend that people use utf-8!)
*netrw-p8*
P8. I'm getting "ssh is not executable on your system" -- what do I
do?
(Dudley Fox) Most people I know use putty for windows ssh. It
is a free ssh/telnet application. You can read more about it
here:
http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/ Also:
(Marlin Unruh) This program also works for me. It's a single
executable, so he/she can copy it into the Windows\System32
folder and create a shortcut to it.
(Dudley Fox) You might also wish to consider plink, as it
sounds most similar to what you are looking for. plink is an
application in the putty suite.
http://the.earth.li/~sgtatham/putty/0.58/htmldoc/Chapter7.html#plink
(Vissale Neang) Maybe you can try OpenSSH for windows, which
can be obtained from:
http://sshwindows.sourceforge.net/
It doesn't need the full Cygwin package.
(Antoine Mechelynck) For individual Unix-like programs needed
for work in a native-Windows environment, I recommend getting
them from the GnuWin32 project on sourceforge if it has them:
http://gnuwin32.sourceforge.net/
Unlike Cygwin, which sets up a Unix-like virtual machine on
top of Windows, GnuWin32 is a rewrite of Unix utilities with
Windows system calls, and its programs works quite well in the
cmd.exe "Dos box".
(dave) Download WinSCP and use that to connect to the server.
In Preferences > Editors, set gvim as your editor:
- Click "Add..."
- Set External Editor (adjust path as needed, include
the quotes and !.! at the end):
"c:\Program Files\Vim\vim70\gvim.exe" !.!
- Check that the filetype in the box below is
{asterisk}.{asterisk} (all files), or whatever types
you want (cec: change {asterisk} to * ; I had to
write it that way because otherwise the helptags
system thinks it's a tag)
- Make sure it's at the top of the listbox (click it,
then click "Up" if it's not)
If using the Norton Commander style, you just have to hit <F4>
to edit a file in a local copy of gvim.
(Vit Gottwald) How to generate public/private key and save
public key it on server:
http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/0.60/htmldoc/Chapter8.html#pubkey-gettingready
(8.3 Getting ready for public key authentication)
How to use a private key with 'pscp':
http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/0.60/htmldoc/Chapter5.html
(5.2.4 Using public key authentication with PSCP)
(Ben Schmidt) I find the ssh included with cwRsync is
brilliant, and install cwRsync or cwRsyncServer on most
Windows systems I come across these days. I guess COPSSH,
packed by the same person, is probably even better for use as
just ssh on Windows, and probably includes sftp, etc. which I
suspect the cwRsync doesn't, though it might
(cec) To make proper use of these suggestions above, you will
need to modify the following user-settable variables in your
.vimrc:
|g:netrw_ssh_cmd| |g:netrw_list_cmd| |g:netrw_mkdir_cmd|
|g:netrw_rm_cmd| |g:netrw_rmdir_cmd| |g:netrw_rmf_cmd|
The first one (|g:netrw_ssh_cmd|) is the most important; most
of the others will use the string in g:netrw_ssh_cmd by
default.
*netrw-p9* *netrw-ml_get*
P9. I'm browsing, changing directory, and bang! ml_get errors
appear and I have to kill vim. Any way around this?
Normally netrw attempts to avoid writing swapfiles for
its temporary directory buffers. However, on some systems
this attempt appears to be causing ml_get errors to
appear. Please try setting |g:netrw_use_noswf| to 0
in your <.vimrc>:
let g:netrw_use_noswf= 0
*netrw-p10*
P10. I'm being pestered with "[something] is a directory" and
"Press ENTER or type command to continue" prompts...
The "[something] is a directory" prompt is issued by Vim,
not by netrw, and there appears to be no way to work around
it. Coupled with the default cmdheight of 1, this message
causes the "Press ENTER..." prompt. So: read |hit-enter|;
I also suggest that you set your |'cmdheight'| to 2 (or more) in
your <.vimrc> file.
*netrw-p11*
P11. I want to have two windows; a thin one on the left and my editing
window on the right. How may I accomplish this?
* Put the following line in your <.vimrc>:
let g:netrw_altv = 1
* Edit the current directory: :e .
* Select some file, press v
* Resize the windows as you wish (see |CTRL-W_<| and
|CTRL-W_>|). If you're using gvim, you can drag
the separating bar with your mouse.
* When you want a new file, use ctrl-w h to go back to the
netrw browser, select a file, then press P (see |CTRL-W_h|
and |netrw-P|). If you're using gvim, you can press
<leftmouse> in the browser window and then press the
<middlemouse> to select the file.
*netrw-p12*
P12. My directory isn't sorting correctly, or unwanted letters are
appearing in the listed filenames, or things aren't lining
up properly in the wide listing, ...
This may be due to an encoding problem. I myself usually use
utf-8, but really only use ascii (ie. bytes from 32-126).
Multibyte encodings use two (or more) bytes per character.
You may need to change |g:netrw_sepchr| and/or |g:netrw_xstrlen|.
*netrw-p13*
P13. I'm a Windows + putty + ssh user, and when I attempt to browse,
the directories are missing trailing "/"s so netrw treats them
as file transfers instead of as attempts to browse
subdirectories. How may I fix this?
(mikeyao) If you want to use vim via ssh and putty under Windows,
try combining the use of pscp/psftp with plink. pscp/psftp will
be used to connect and plink will be used to execute commands on
the server, for example: list files and directory using 'ls'.
These are the settings I use to do this:
" list files, it's the key setting, if you haven't set,
" you will get a blank buffer
let g:netrw_list_cmd = "plink HOSTNAME ls -Fa"
" if you haven't add putty directory in system path, you should
" specify scp/sftp command. For examples:
"let g:netrw_sftp_cmd = "d:\\dev\\putty\\PSFTP.exe"
"let g:netrw_scp_cmd = "d:\\dev\\putty\\PSCP.exe"
*netrw-p14*
P14. I'd would like to speed up writes using Nwrite and scp/ssh
style connections. How? (Thomer M. Gil)
Try using ssh's ControlMaster and ControlPath (see the ssh_config
man page) to share multiple ssh connections over a single network
connection. That cuts out the cryptographic handshake on each
file write, sometimes speeding it up by an order of magnitude.
see http://thomer.com/howtos/netrw_ssh.html
(included by permission)
Add the following to your ~/.ssh/config:
# you change "*" to the hostname you care about
Host *
ControlMaster auto
ControlPath /tmp/%r@%h:%p
Then create an ssh connection to the host and leave it running:
ssh -N host.domain.com
Now remotely open a file with Vim's Netrw and enjoy the
zippiness:
vim scp://host.domain.com//home/user/.bashrc
*netrw-p15*
P15. How may I use a double-click instead of netrw's usual single click
to open a file or directory? (Ben Fritz)
First, disable netrw's mapping with
let g:netrw_mousemaps= 0
and then create a netrw buffer only mapping in
$HOME/.vim/after/ftplugin/netrw.vim:
nmap <buffer> <2-leftmouse> <CR>
Note that setting g:netrw_mousemaps to zero will turn off
all netrw's mouse mappings, not just the <leftmouse> one.
(see |g:netrw_mousemaps|)
==============================================================================
11. Debugging Netrw Itself *netrw-debug* {{{1
The <netrw.vim> script is typically available as something like:
/usr/local/share/vim/vim7x/plugin/netrwPlugin.vim
/usr/local/share/vim/vim7x/autoload/netrw.vim
-or-
/usr/local/share/vim/vim6x/plugin/netrwPlugin.vim
/usr/local/share/vim/vim6x/autoload/netrw.vim
which is loaded automatically at startup (assuming :set nocp).
1. Get the <Decho.vim> script, available as:
http://www.drchip.org/astronaut/vim/index.html#DECHO
or
http://vim.sourceforge.net/scripts/script.php?script_id=120
It now comes as a "vimball"; if you're using vim 7.0 or earlier,
you'll need to update vimball, too. See
http://www.drchip.org/astronaut/vim/index.html#VIMBALL
2. Edit the <netrw.vim> file by typing:
vim netrw.vim
:DechoOn
:wq
To restore to normal non-debugging behavior, re-edit <netrw.vim>
and type
vim netrw.vim
:DechoOff
:wq
This command, provided by <Decho.vim>, will comment out all
Decho-debugging statements (Dfunc(), Dret(), Decho(), Dredir()).
3. Then bring up vim and attempt to evoke the problem by doing a
transfer or doing some browsing. A set of messages should appear
concerning the steps that <netrw.vim> took in attempting to
read/write your file over the network in a separate tab.
To save the file, use
:tabnext
:set bt=
:w! DBG
Please send that information to <netrw.vim>'s maintainer,
NdrOchip at ScampbellPfamily.AbizM - NOSPAM
==============================================================================
12. History *netrw-history* {{{1
v149: Apr 18, 2013 * in wide listing format, now have maps for
w and b to move to next/previous file
Apr 26, 2013 * one may now copy files in the same
directory; netrw will issue requests for
what names the files should be copied under
Apr 29, 2013 * Trying Benzinger's problem again. Seems
that commenting out the BufEnter and
installing VimEnter (only) works. Weird
problem! (tree listing, vim -O Dir1 Dir2)
May 01, 2013 * :Explore ftp://... wasn't working. Fixed.
May 02, 2013 * introduced |g:netrw_bannerbackslash| as
requested by Paul Domaskis.
May 18, 2013 * More fixes for windows (not cygwin)
v148: Apr 16, 2013 * changed Netrw's Style menu to allow direct
choice of listing style, hiding style, and
sorting style
v147: Nov 24, 2012 * (James McCoy) Even with g:netrw_dirhistmax
at zero, the .vim/ directory would be
created to support history/bookmarks. I've
gone over netrw to suppress history and
bookmarking when g:netrw_dirhistmax is zero.
For instance, the menus will display
(disabled) when attempts to use
bookmarks/history are made.
Nov 29, 2012 * (Kim Jang-hwan) reported that with
g:Align_xstrlen set to 3 that the cursor was
moved (linewise) after invocation. This
problem also afflicted netrw.
(see |g:netrw_xstrlen|) Fixed.
Jan 21, 2013 * (mattn) provided a patch to insert some
endifs needed with the code implementing
|netrw-O|.
Jan 24, 2013 * (John Szakmeister) found that remote file
editing resulted in filetype options being
overwritten by NetrwOptionRestore(). I
moved filetype detect from NetrwGetFile()
to NetrwOptionRestore.
Feb 17, 2013 * (Yukhiro Nakadaira) provided a patch
correcting some syntax errors.
Feb 28, 2013 * (Ingo Karkat) provided a patch preventing
receipt of an |E95| when revisiting a
file://... style url.
Mar 18, 2013 * (Gary Johnson) pointed out that changing
cedit to <Esc> caused problems with visincr;
the cedit setting is now bypassed in netrw too.
Apr 02, 2013 * (Paul Domaskis) reported an undefined
variable error (s:didstarstar) was
occurring. It is now defined at
initialization.
* included additional sanity checking for the
marked file functions.
* included |netrw-qF| and special "j" option
handling for |netrw-mg|
Apr 12, 2013 * |netrw-u| and |netrw-U| now handle counts
* the former mapping for "T" has been removed;
in its place are new maps, |netrw-Tb| and |netrw-Th|.
* the menu now supports a "Targets" entry for
easier target selection. (see |netrw-mt|)
* (Paul Domaskis) reported some problems with
moving/copying files under Windows' gvim
(ie. not cygwin). Fixed.
* (Paul Mueller) provided a patch to get
start and rundll working via |netrw-gx|
by bypassing the user's |'shellslash'| option.
v146: Oct 20, 2012 * (David Kotchan) reported that under Windows,
directories named with unusual characters
such as "#" or "$" were not being listed
properly.
* (Kenny Lee) reported that the buffer list
was being populated by netrw buffers.
Netrw will now |:bwipe| netrw buffers
upon editing a file if g:netrw_fastbrowse
is zero and its not in tree listing style.
* fixed a bug with s:NetrwInit() that
prevented initialization with |Lists| and
|Dictionaries|.
* |netrw-mu| now unmarks marked-file lists
v145: Apr 05, 2012 * moved some command from a g:netrw_local_...
format to g:netwr_local... format
* included some NOTE level messages about
commands that aren't executable
* |g:netrw_errorlvl| (default: NOTE=0)
option introduced
May 18, 2012 * (Ilya Dogolazky) a scenario where a
|g:netrw_fastbrowse| of zero did not
have a local directory refreshed fixed.
Jul 10, 2012 * (Donatas) |netrw-gb| wasn't working due
to an incorrectly used variable.
Aug 09, 2012 * (Bart Baker) netrw was doubling
of entries after a split.
* (code by Takahiro Yoshihara) implemented
|g:netrw_dynamic_maxfilenamelen|
Aug 31, 2012 * (Andrew Wong) netrw refresh overwriting
the yank buffer.
v144: Mar 12, 2012 * when |CTRL-W_s| or |CTRL-W_v| are used,
or their wincmd equivalents, on a netrw
buffer, the netrw's w: variables were
not copied over. Fixed.
Mar 13, 2012 * nbcd_curpos_{bufnr('%')} was commented
out, and was mistakenly used during
RestorePosn. Unfortunately, I'm not
sure why it was commented out, so this
"fix" may re-introduce an earlier problem.
Mar 21, 2012 * included s:rexposn internally to make
:Rex return the cursor to the same pos'n
upon restoration of netrw buffer
Mar 27, 2012 * (sjbesse) s:NetrwGetFile() needs to remove
"/" from the netrw buffer's usual |'isk'|
in order to allow "filetype detect" to work
properly for scripts.
v143: Jun 01, 2011 * |g:netrw_winsize| will accept a negative
number; the absolute value of it will then
be used to specify lines/columns instead of
a percentage.
Jul 05, 2011 * the "d" map now supports mkdir via ftp
See |netrw-d| and |g:netrw_remote_mkdir|
Jul 11, 2011 * Changed Explore!, Sexplore!, and Vexplore
to use a percentage of |winwidth()| instead
of a percentage of |winheight()|.
Jul 11, 2011 * included support for https://... I'm just
beginning to test this, however.
Aug 01, 2011 * changed RestoreOptions to also restore
cursor position in netrw buffers.
Aug 12, 2011 * added a note about "%" to the balloon
Aug 30, 2011 * if |g:netrw_nobeval| exists, then balloon
evaluation is suppressed.
Aug 31, 2011 * (Benjamin R Haskell) provided a patch that
implements non-standard port handling for
files opened via the remote browser.
Aug 31, 2011 * Fixed a **//pattern Explorer bug
Sep 15, 2011 * (reported by Francesco Campana) netrw
now permits the "@" to be part of the
user id (if there's an @ that appears
to the right).
Nov 21, 2011 * New option: |g:netrw_ftp_options|
Dec 07, 2011 * (James Sinclair) provided a fix handling
attempts to use a uid and password when
they weren't defined. This affected
NetWrite (NetRead already had that fix).
==============================================================================
13. Todo *netrw-todo* {{{1
07/29/09 : banner :|g:netrw_banner| can be used to suppress the
suppression banner. This feature is new and experimental,
so its in the process of being debugged.
09/04/09 : "gp" : See if it can be made to work for remote systems.
: See if it can be made to work with marked files.
==============================================================================
14. Credits *netrw-credits* {{{1
Vim editor by Bram Moolenaar (Thanks, Bram!)
dav support by C Campbell
fetch support by Bram Moolenaar and C Campbell
ftp support by C Campbell <NdrOchip@ScampbellPfamily.AbizM>
http support by Bram Moolenaar <bram@moolenaar.net>
rcp
rsync support by C Campbell (suggested by Erik Warendorph)
scp support by raf <raf@comdyn.com.au>
sftp support by C Campbell
inputsecret(), BufReadCmd, BufWriteCmd contributed by C Campbell
Jérôme Augé -- also using new buffer method with ftp+.netrc
Bram Moolenaar -- obviously vim itself, :e and v:cmdarg use,
fetch,...
Yasuhiro Matsumoto -- pointing out undo+0r problem and a solution
Erik Warendorph -- for several suggestions (g:netrw_..._cmd
variables, rsync etc)
Doug Claar -- modifications to test for success with ftp
operation
==============================================================================
Modelines: {{{1
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