Vim documentation: pi_netrw
main help file
*pi_netrw.txt* For Vim version 7.0. Last change: 2006 May 02
NETRW REFERENCE MANUAL by Charles E. Campbell, Jr.
*dav* *http* *network* *rcp* *scp*
*fetch* *netrw* *Nread* *rsync* *sftp*
*ftp* *netrw.vim* *Nwrite* *netrw-file*
==============================================================================
0. Contents *netrw-contents*
1. Starting With Netrw..................................|netrw-startYXXY
2. Netrw Reference......................................|netrw-refYXXY
CONTROLLING EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS..................|netrw-externappYXXY
READING............................................|netrw-readYXXY
WRITING............................................|netrw-writeYXXY
DIRECTORY LISTING..................................|netrw-dirlistYXXY
CHANGING THE USERID AND PASSWORD...................|netrw-chgupYXXY
VARIABLES..........................................|netrw-variablesYXXY
PATHS..............................................|netrw-pathYXXY
3. Network-Oriented File Transfer.......................|netrw-xferYXXY
NETRC..............................................|netrw-netrcYXXY
PASSWORD...........................................|netrw-passwdYXXY
4. Activation...........................................|netrw-activateYXXY
5. Transparent File Transfer............................|netrw-transparentYXXY
6. Ex Commands..........................................|netrw-exYXXY
7. Variables and Options................................|netrw-varYXXY
8. Directory Browsing...................................|netrw-browse| {{{1
Maps...............................................|netrw-mapsYXXY
Exploring..........................................|netrw-explore-cmdsYXXY
Quick Reference Commands Table.....................|netrw-browse-cmdsYXXY
Netrw Browser Variables............................|netrw-browse-varYXXY
Introduction To Directory Browsing.................|netrw-browse-introYXXY
Netrw Browsing And Option Incompatibilities........|netrw-incompatibleYXXY
Directory Exploring Commands.......................|netrw-exploreYXXY
Refreshing The Listing.............................|netrw-ctrl-lYXXY
Going Up...........................................|netrw--YXXY
Browsing...........................................|netrw-crYXXY
Obtaining A File...................................|netrw-OYXXY
Thin, Long, and Wide Listings......................|netrw-iYXXY
Making A New Directory.............................|netrw-dYXXY
Deleting Files Or Directories......................|netrw-DYXXY
Renaming Files Or Directories......................|netrw-moveYXXY
Hiding Files Or Directories........................|netrw-aYXXY
Edit File Or Directory Hiding List.................|netrw-ctrl-hYXXY
Browsing With A Horizontally Split Window..........|netrw-oYXXY
Preview Window.....................................|netrw-pYXXY
Selecting Sorting Style............................|netrw-sYXXY
Editing The Sorting Sequence.......................|netrw-SYXXY
Reversing Sorting Order............................|netrw-rYXXY
Changing To A Predecessor Directory................|netrw-uYXXY
Changing To A Successor Directory..................|netrw-UYXXY
Browsing With A Vertically Split Window............|netrw-vYXXY
Customizing Browsing With A User Function..........|netrw-xYXXY
Making The Browsing Directory The Current Directory|netrw-cYXXY
Bookmarking A Directory............................|netrw-b| |netrw-Nb|
Changing To A Bookmarked Directory.................|netrw-B| |netrw-NB|
Listing Bookmarks And History......................|netrw-qYXXY
Improving Directory Browsing.......................|netrw-listhack| }}}1
9. Problems and Fixes...................................|netrw-problemsYXXY
10. Debugging............................................|netrw-debugYXXY
11. History..............................................|netrw-historyYXXY
12. Credits..............................................|netrw-creditsYXXY
The Netrw plugin is generally sourced automatically as it is a
|standard-plugin|. That said, to make use of netrw, one must
have plugins available which can be done with the following
two lines in your <.vimrc>:
set nocp " 'compatible' is not set
filetype plugin on " plugins are enabled
You can avoid loading this plugin by setting the "loaded_netrw" variable
in your <.vimrc> file:
:let loaded_netrw = 1
{Vi does not have any of this}
==============================================================================
1. Starting With Netrw *netrw-start*
Netrw makes reading, writing, and browsing over a network connection 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; try
vim scp://hostname/path/to/file
if you have an ssh connection. Want to make ssh/scp easier to use? Check
out YXXYnetrw-listhack|!
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"
How about browsing -- ie. 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's more protocols supported than scp and ftp, too: see the next
section, |netrw-externapp|.
==============================================================================
2. Netrw Reference *netrw-ref*
CONTROLLING EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS *netrw-externapp*
Protocol Variable Default Value
-------- ---------------- -------------
dav: *g:netrw_dav_cmd* = "cadaver"
fetch: *g:netrw_fetch_cmd* = "fetch -o" if fetch is available
ftp: *g:netrw_ftp_cmd* = "ftp"
http: *g:netrw_http_cmd* = "fetch -o" if fetch is available
http: g:netrw_http_cmd = "wget -q -O" If wget 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"
READING *netrw-read* *netrw-nread*
: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*
: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!
DIRECTORY LISTING *netrw-dirlist*
:Nread [protocol]://[user]@hostname/path/
CHANGING USERID AND PASSWORD *netrw-chgup*
Attempts to use ftp will prompt you for a user-id and a password.
These will be saved in g:netrw_uid and g:netrw_passwd Subsequent uses
of ftp will re-use those. If you need to use a different user id
and/or password, you'll want to call NetUserPass() first.
: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
VARIABLES *netrw-variables*
*b:netrw_lastfile* last file Network-read/written retained on a per-buffer
basis (supports plain :Nw )
*s:netrw_line* during :Nw/NetWrite, holds current line number
*s:netrw_col* during :Nw/NetWrite, holds current column number
s:netrw_line and s:netrw_col are used to
restore the cursor position on writes
*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_ftpmode* ="binary" (default)
="ascii"
*g:netrw_ignorenetrc* =0 (default)
=1 If you have a <.netrc> file but it doesn't work and
you want it ignored, then set this variable as shown.
*g:netrw_uid* (ftp) user-id, retained on a per-session basis
*g:netrw_passwd* (ftp) password, retained on a per-session basis
*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*
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 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
==============================================================================
3. Network-Oriented File Transfer *netrw-xfer*
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, its 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.
*netrw-putty* *netrw-pscp*
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'
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 executable, it will be used to do reads for
ftp://... (and http://...) . See |netrw-var| for more about this.
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 just as 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
However, ftp will often 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 |
+---------------------------------+----------------------------+------------+
| 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 pasword.
(*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 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!
PASSWORD *netrw-passwd*
The script attempts to get passwords for ftp invisibly using |inputsecret()|,
a built-in Vim function. See |netrw-uidpass| 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-listhack| can help with this problem.
==============================================================================
4. Activation *netrw-activate*
Network-oriented file transfers are available by default whenever Vim's
|'nocompatible'| mode is enabled. The <netrw.vim> file resides in your
system's vim-plugin directory and is sourced automatically whenever you bring
up vim. 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
==============================================================================
5. Transparent File Transfer *netrw-transparent*
Transparent file transfers occur whenever a regular file read or write
(invoked via an |:autocmd| for |BufReadCmd| or |BufWriteCmd| events) is made.
Thus one may use files across networks just as simply as if they were local.
vim ftp://[user@]machine/path
...
:wq
See |netrw-activate| for more on how to encourage your vim to use plugins
such as netrw.
==============================================================================
6. Ex Commands *netrw-ex*
The usual read/write commands are supported. There are also a few
additional commands available. Often you won't need to use Nw or
Nread as shown in |netrw-transparent| (ie. use :e url, :r url, :w url;
see |netrw-urls|).
:[range]Nw Write the specified lines to the current
file as specified in b:netrw_lastfile.
:[range]Nw {netfile} [{netfile}]...
Write the specified lines to the {netfile}.
:Nread Read the specified lines into the current
buffer from the file specified in
b:netrw_lastfile.
:Nread {netfile} {netfile}...
Read the {netfile} after the current line.
*netrw-uidpass*
:call NetUserPass()
If b:netrw_uid and b:netrw_passwd don't exist,
this function query the user for them.
:call NetUserPass("userid")
This call will set the b:netrw_uid and, if
the password doesn't exist, will query the user for it.
:call NetUserPass("userid","passwd")
This call will set both the b:netrw_uid and b:netrw_passwd.
The user-id and password are used by ftp transfers. One may
effectively remove the user-id and password by using ""
strings.
:NetrwSettings This command is desribed in |netrw-settings| -- used to
display netrw settings and change netrw behavior.
==============================================================================
7. Variables and Options *netrw-options* *netrw-var*
The script <netrw.vim> uses several variables which can affect <netrw.vim>'s
behavior. These variables typically may be set in the user's <.vimrc> file:
(also see |netrw-settings|)
-------------
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_passwd Holds current password for ftp.
g:netrw_silent =0 transfers done normally
=1 transfers done silently
g:netrw_uid Holds current user-id for ftp.
=1 use alternate ftp (user uid password)
(see |netrw-options|)
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The script will also make use of the following variables internally, albeit
temporarily.
-------------------
Temporary Variables
-------------------
Variable Meaning
-------- ------------------------------------
g:netrw_method Index indicating rcp/ftp+.netrc/ftp
g:netrw_machine Holds machine name parsed from input
g: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"
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 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 first two options (netrw_ftp and NetReadFixup) both help with certain
ftp's that give trouble otherwise. In order to best understand how to use
these options if ftp is giving you troubles, a bit of discussion follows on
how netrw does ftp reads.
The g:netrw_..._cmd variables specify the external program to use handle the
associated protocol (rcp, ftp, etc), plus any options.
The g:netrw_list_cmd's HOSTNAME entry will be changed via substitution with
whatever the current request is for a hostname.
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
get filename tempfile [g:netrw_ftpmode]
get filename tempfile
---------------------------------------------------------------------
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(tmpfile) 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
==============================================================================
8. Directory Browsing *netrw-browse* *netrw-dir* *netrw-list* *netrw-help*
MAPS *netrw-maps*
<F1>.............Help.......................................|netrw-helpYXXY
<cr>.............Browsing...................................|netrw-crYXXY
<del>............Deleting Files or Directories..............|netrw-deleteYXXY
-................Going Up...................................|netrw--YXXY
a................Hiding Files or Directories................|netrw-aYXXY
b................Bookmarking a Directory....................|netrw-bYXXY
B................Changing to a Bookmarked Directory.........|netrw-BYXXY
c................Make Browsing Directory The Current Dir....|netrw-cYXXY
d................Make A New Directory.......................|netrw-dYXXY
D................Deleting Files or Directories..............|netrw-DYXXY
<c-h>............Edit File/Directory Hiding List............|netrw-ctrl-hYXXY
i................Long Listing...............................|netrw-iYXXY
<c-l>............Refreshing the Listing.....................|netrw-ctrl-lYXXY
o................Browsing with a Horizontal Split...........|netrw-oYXXY
p................Preview Window.............................|netrw-pYXXY
q................Listing Bookmarks and History..............|netrw-qYXXY
r................Reversing Sorting Order....................|netrw-rYXXY
R................Renaming Files or Directories..............|netrw-RYXXY
s................Selecting Sorting Style....................|netrw-sYXXY
S................Editing the Sorting Sequence...............|netrw-SYXXY
u................Changing to a Predecessor Directory........|netrw-uYXXY
U................Changing to a Successor Directory..........|netrw-UYXXY
v................Browsing with a Vertical Split.............|netrw-vYXXY
x................Customizing Browsing.......................|netrw-xYXXY
COMMANDS *netrw-explore-cmds*
:Explore[!] [dir] Explore directory of current file........|netrw-exploreYXXY
:Sexplore[!] [dir] Split & Explore directory ...............|netrw-exploreYXXY
:Hexplore[!] [dir] Horizontal Split & Explore...............|netrw-exploreYXXY
:Vexplore[!] [dir] Vertical Split & Explore.................|netrw-exploreYXXY
:Pexplore[!] [dir] Vertical Split & Explore.................|netrw-exploreYXXY
:Nexplore[!] [dir] Vertical Split & Explore.................|netrw-exploreYXXY
:NetrwSettings.............................................|netrw-settingsYXXY
QUICK REFERENCE COMMANDS TABLE *netrw-browse-cmds*
------- -----------
Command Explanation
------- -----------
<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)
b bookmark current directory; use Nb if compact listing
in use |netrw-b|
B go to previous bookmarked directory; use Nb if compact
listing is in use |netrw-B|
c Make current browsing directory the current directory |netrw-c|
d Make a directory |netrw-d|
D Netrw will attempt to remove the file(s)/directory(ies) |netrw-D|
<c-h> Edit file hiding list |netrw-ctrl-h|
i Toggles between long and short listing |netrw-i|
<c-l> Causes Netrw to refresh the directory listing |netrw-ctrl-l|
Nb Same as b, but always available |netrw-Nb|
NB Same as B, but always available |netrw-NB|
o Enter the file/directory under the cursor in a new browser
window. A horizontal split is used. |netrw-o|
O Obtain a file specified by cursor |netrw-O|
p Preview the file |netrw-p|
P Browse in the previously used window |netrw-P|
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|
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 browser
window. A vertical split is used. |netrw-v|
x Apply a function to a file. (special browsers) |netrw-x|
NETRW BROWSER VARIABLES *netrw-browse-var*
--- -----------
Var Explanation
--- -----------
*g:netrw_alto* change from above splitting to below splitting
by setting this variable (see |netrw-o|)
default: =0
*g:netrw_altv* change from left splitting to right splitting
by setting this variable (see |netrw-v|)
default: =0
*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
*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_fastbrowse* =0: slow speed browsing, never re-use
directory listings; always obtain
directory listings.
=1: medium speed browsing, re-use directory
listings only when remote browsing.
(default value)
=2: fast 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 choice of the trade-off
between accuracy and speed to the user.
*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$'
*g:netrw_ftp_list_cmd* options for passing along to ftp for directory
listing. Defaults:
unix or g:netrw_cygwin set: : "ls -lF"
otherwise "dir"
*g:netrw_hide* if true, the hiding list is used
default: =0
*g:netrw_keepdir* =1 (default) keep current directory immune from
the browsing directory.
=0 keep the current directory the same as the
browsing directory.
The current browsing directory is contained in
b:netrw_curdir (also see |netrw-c|)
*g:netrw_list_cmd* command for listing remote directories
default: (if ssh is executable)
"ssh HOSTNAME ls -FLa"
*g:netrw_longlist* if =1, then long listing will be default
*g:netrw_list_hide* comma separated pattern list for hiding files
default: ""
*g:netrw_local_mkdir* command for making a local directory
default: "mkdir"
*g:netrw_local_rmdir* remove directory command (rmdir)
default: "rmdir"
*g:netrw_maxfilenamelen* =32 by default, selected so as to make long
listings fit on 80 column displays.
If your screen is wider, and you have file
or directory names longer than 32 bytes,
you may set this option to keep listings
columnar.
*g:netrw_mkdir_cmd* command for making a remote directory
default: "ssh HOSTNAME mkdir"
*g:netrw_rm_cmd* command for removing files
default: "ssh HOSTNAME rm"
*g:netrw_rmdir_cmd* command for removing directories
default: "ssh HOSTNAME rmdir"
*g:netrw_rmf_cmd* command for removing softlinks
default: "ssh HOSTNAME rm -f"
*g:netrw_sort_by* sort by "name", "time", or "size"
default: "name"
*g:netrw_sort_direction* sorting direction: "normal" or "reverse"
default: "normal"
*g:netrw_sort_sequence* when sorting by name, first sort by the
comma-separated pattern sequence
default: '[\/]$,*,\.bak$,\.o$,\.h$,
\.info$,\.swp$,\.obj$'
*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_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_timefmt* specify format string to strftime() (%c)
default: "%c"
*g:netrw_winsize* specify initial size of new o/v windows
default: ""
*g:NetrwTopLvlMenu* This variable specifies the top level
menu name; by default, its "Netrw.". If
you wish to change this, do so in your
.vimrc.
INTRODUCTION TO DIRECTORY BROWSING *netrw-browse-intro*
Netrw supports the browsing of directories on the local system and on remote
hosts, including listing files and directories, entering directories, editing
files therein, deleting files/directories, making new directories, and moving
(renaming) files and directories. The Netrw browser generally implements the
previous explorer maps and commands for remote directories, although details
(such as pertinent global variable names) necessarily differ.
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 to use ftp
in its remote browsing. Any other protocol will be used for file transfers,
but otherwise the ssh protocol will be used to do remote directory 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/
For local directories, the trailing slash is not required.
If you'd like to avoid entering the password in for remote directory listings
with ssh or scp, see |netrw-listhack|.
NETRW BROWSING AND OPTION INCOMPATIBILITIES *netrw-incompatible*
Netrw will not work properly with
:set acd
:set fo=...ta...
If either of these options are present when browsing is attempted, netrw
will change them by using noacd and removing the ta suboptions from the
|'formatoptions'|.
*netrw-explore* *netrw-pexplore*
*netrw-hexplore* *netrw-sexplore*
DIRECTORY EXPLORING COMMANDS *netrw-nexplore* *netrw-vexplore*
:Explore[!] [dir]... Explore directory of current file *:Explore*
:Sexplore[!] [dir]... Split&Explore directory of current file *:Sexplore*
:Hexplore[!] [dir]... Horizontal Split & Explore *:Hexplore*
:Vexplore[!] [dir]... Vertical Split & Explore *:Vexplore*
Used with :Explore **/pattern :
: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.
By default, these commands use the current file's directory. However, one
may explicitly provide a directory (path) to use.
*netrw-starstar*
When Explore, Sexplore, Hexplore, or Vexplore are used with a **/filepat,
such as:
:Explore **/filename_pattern
netrw will attempt to find a file in the current directory or any subdirectory
which matches the filename pattern. Internally, it produces a list of files
which match the pattern and their paths; to that extent it resembles the Unix
operation:
find $(pwd) -name "$1" -exec "echo" "{}" ";" 2> /dev/null
The directory display is updated to show the subdirectory containing a
matching file. One may then proceed to the next (or previous) matching files'
directories by using Nexplore or Pexplore, respectively. 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".
*netrw-starpat*
When Explore, Sexplore, Hexplore, or Vexplore are used with a */pattern,
such as:
:Explore */pattern
netrw will use |:vimgrep| to find files which contain the given pattern.
Like what happens with |netrw-starstar|, a list of files which contain
matches to the given pattern is generated. The cursor will then jump
to the first file with the given pattern; |:Nexplore|, |:Pexplore|, and
the shifted-down and -up arrows work with the list to move to the next
or previous files in that list.
*netrw-starstarpat*
When Explore, Sexplore, Hexplore, or Vexplore are used with a **//pattern,
such as:
:Explore **//pattern
then Explore will use |:vimgrep| to find files like |netrw-starpat|;
however, Explore will also search subdirectories as well as the current
directory.
REFRESHING THE LISTING *netrw-ctrl-l*
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 .".
GOING UP *netrw--*
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 directory browsing
expects that directories will be flagged by a trailing slash.
BROWSING *netrw-cr*
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 three 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 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. The splitting will
be done horizontally if the option is one and vertically if the option is
two.
OBTAINING A FILE *netrw-O*
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.
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|.
THIN, LONG, AND WIDE LISTINGS *netrw-i*
The "i" map cycles between the thin, long, and wide listing formats.
The short 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 has a multi-column display of the various files in the
netrw current directory, rather like the Unix "ls" presents. In this mode the
"b" and "B" maps are not available; instead, use Nb (|netrw-Nb|) and NB
(|netrw-NB|). 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.
MAKING A NEW DIRECTORY *netrw-d*
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_local_mkdir). 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.
DELETING FILES OR DIRECTORIES *netrw-delete* *netrw-D* *netrw-del*
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".
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
RENAMING FILES OR DIRECTORIES *netrw-move* *netrw-rename* *netrw-R*
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".
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|).
HIDING FILES OR DIRECTORIES *netrw-a*
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. The "a" map allows the user to cycle about these three ways.
The g:netrw_list_hide variable holds a comma delimited list of patterns (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.
EDIT FILE OR DIRECTORY HIDING LIST *netrw-ctrl-h* *netrw-edithide*
The "<ctrl-h>" map brings up a requestor allowing the user to change the
file/directory hiding list. 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|).
BROWSING WITH A HORIZONTALLY SPLIT WINDOW *netrw-o* *netrw-horiz*
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. To change to splitting the window horizontally with the
new window and cursor at the bottom, have
let g:netrw_alto = 1
in your <.vimrc>.
PREVIEW WINDOW *netrw-p* *netrw-preview*
One may use a preview window (currently only for local browsing) by using the
"p" key when the cursor is atop the desired filename to be previewed.
PREVIOUS WINDOW *netrw-P* *netrw-prvwin*
To edit a file or directory in the previously used window (see :he |CTRL-W_P|),
press a "P". If there's only one window, then the one window will be
horizontally split (above/below splitting is controlled by |g:netrw_alto|,
and its initial size is controlled by |g:netrw_winsize|).
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).
SELECTING SORTING STYLE *netrw-s* *netrw-sort*
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.
EDITING THE SORTING SEQUENCE *netrw-S* *netrw-sortsequence*
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:
[\/]$,*,\.bak$,\.o$,\.h$,\.info$,\.swp$,\.obj$
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.
REVERSING SORTING ORDER *netrw-r* *netrw-reverse*
One may toggle between normal and reverse sorting order by pressing the
"r" key.
CHANGING TO A PREDECESSOR DIRECTORY *netrw-u* *netrw-updir*
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, its ten). With the
"u" map, one can change to an earlier directory (predecessor). To do
the opposite, see |netrw-U|.
CHANGING TO A SUCCESSOR DIRECTORY *netrw-U* *netrw-downdir*
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-q|)
BROWSING WITH A VERTICALLY SPLIT WINDOW *netrw-v*
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. To change to splitting the window vertically with the new
window and cursor at the right, have
let g:netrw_altv = 1
in your <.vimrc>.
CUSTOMIZING BROWSING WITH A USER FUNCTION *netrw-x* *netrw-handler* *gx*
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
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.
* 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 netrwFileHandler applies a user-defined function to a file, based on its
extension. Of course, the handler function must exist for it to be called!
Ex. mypgm.html x ->
netrwFileHandler_html("scp://user@host/some/path/mypgm.html")
See the <plugin/netrwFileHandlers.vim> for an example of how to handle an html
file with mozilla.
One may write custom netrwFileHandlers; please look at the
plugin/netrwFileHandlers.vim
script for examples. If its likely to be generally useful, please feel free
to forward a copy to me for future inclusion in the distribution.
MAKING THE BROWSING DIRECTORY THE CURRENT DIRECTORY *netrw-c* *netrw-curdir*
By default, |g:netrw_keepdir| is 1. This setting means that the current
directory will not track the browsing directory. However, setting
g:netrw_keepdir to 0 (say, in your <.vimrc>) will tell netrw to make the
currently browsed directory also be the current directory.
However, with 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 the netrw's current browsing
directory.
BOOKMARKING A DIRECTORY *netrw-b* *netrw-bookmark* *netrw-bookmarks*
*netrw-Nb*
One may easily "bookmark" a directory by using
{cnt}b
Any count may be used. One may use viminfo's "!" option to retain bookmarks
between vim sessions. See |netrw-B| for how to return to a bookmark and
|netrw-q| for how to list them.
When wide listing is in use (see |netrw-i|), then the b map is not available;
instead, use {cnt}Nb.
CHANGING TO A BOOKMARKED DIRECTORY *netrw-NB* *netrw-B*
To change directory back to a bookmarked directory, use
{cnt}B
Any count may be used to reference any of the bookmarks. See |netrw-b| on
how to bookmark a directory and |netrw-q| on how to list bookmarks.
When wide listing is in use (see |netrw-i|), then the B map is not available;
instead, use {cnt}NB.
LISTING BOOKMARKS AND HISTORY *netrw-q* *netrw-listbookmark*
Pressing "q" will list the bookmarked directories and directory traversal
history (query). (see |netrw-b|, |netrw-B|, |netrw-u|, and |netrw-U|)
IMPROVING DIRECTORY BROWSING *netrw-listhack*
Especially with the remote directory browser, constantly entering the password
is tedious.
For Linux/Unix systems, I suggest looking into
http://hacks.oreilly.com/pub/h/66
It gives a tip for setting up password-less use of ssh and scp, and discusses
the associated security issues.
For Windows, the vim mailing list has mentioned that Pageant helps with
avoiding the constant need to enter the password.
NETRW SETTINGS *netrw-settings*
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.
==============================================================================
9. Problems and Fixes *netrw-problems*
(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
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 uses dir to get its short 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"
Alternatively, if you have cygwin on your Windows box, put
into your <.vimrc>:
let g:netrw_cygwin= 1
*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.
let g:netrw_longlist=1
Check out |netrw-browse-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 <.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?
let g:netrw_keepdir= 0
==============================================================================
10. Debugging *netrw-debug*
The <netrw.vim> script is typically available as:
/usr/local/share/vim/vim6x/plugin/netrw.vim
-or-
/usr/local/share/vim/vim7x/plugin/netrw.vim
which is loaded automatically at startup (assuming :set nocp).
1. Get the <Decho.vim> script, available as:
http://mysite.verizon.net/astronaut/vim/index.html#vimlinks_scripts
as "Decho, a vimL debugging aid"
or
http://vim.sourceforge.net/scripts/script.php?script_id=120
and put it into your local plugin directory.
2. <Decho.vim> itself needs the <cecutil.vim> script, so you'll need
to put it into your .vim/plugin, too. You may obtain it from:
http://mysite.verizon.net/astronaut/vim/index.html#VimFuncs
as "DrC's Utilities"
3. Edit the <netrw.vim> file by typing:
vim netrw.vim
:DechoOn
:wq
To restore to normal non-debugging behavior, edit <netrw.vim>
by typing
vim netrw.vim
:DechoOff
:wq
This command, provided by <Decho.vim>, will comment out all
Decho-debugging statements (Dfunc(), Dret(), Decho(), Dredir()).
4. Then bring up vim and attempt a transfer. A set of messages
should appear concerning the steps that <netrw.vim> took in
attempting to read/write your file over the network. Please
send that information to <netrw.vim>'s maintainer,
NdrOchip at ScampbellPfamily.AbizM - NOSPAM
==============================================================================
11. History *netrw-history* {{{1
v98: May 02, 2006 * the "p" key didn't work properly when the browsing
directory name had spaces in it.
v97: May 01, 2006 * exists("&acd") now used to determine if
the 'acd' option exists
* "obtain" now works again under Windows
v96: * bugfix - the |'acd'| option is not always defined but is
now bypassed only when it is
v95: * bugfix - Hiding mode worked correctly (don't show any file
matching any of the g:netrw_hide patterns), but
but showing mode was showing only those files that didn't
match any of the g:netrw_hide patterns. Instead, it now
shows all files that match any of the g:netrw_hide patterns
(the difference between a logical and and logical or).
v94: * bugfix - a Decho() had a missing quote; only affects things
when debugging was enabled.
v93: * bugfix - removed FocusGained event from causing a slow-browser
refresh for Windows
v92: * :Explore **//pattern implemented (**/filepattern already taken)
v91: * :Explore */pattern implemented
* |'acd'| option bypassed
v90: * mark '', as suggested by Yegappan Lakshmanan, used to help
guarantee entry into the jump list when appropriate.
* <s-down> and <s-up> are no longer defined until a
:Explore **/pattern is used (if the user already has a map
for them). They will be defined for new browser windows
from that point forward.
v89: * A <s-down>, <s-up>, :Nexplore, or a :Pexplore without having
first done an :Explore **/pattern (see |netrw-starstar|) caused
a lot of unhelpful error messages to appear
v88: * moved DrChip.Netrw menu to Netrw. Now has priority 80 by
default. g:NetrwTopLvlMenu == "Netrw" and can be changed
by the user to suit. The priority is g:NetrwMenuPriority.
* Changed filetype for browser displays from netrwlist to netrw.
v87: * bug fix -- menus were partially disappearing
v85: * bug fix -- missing an endif
* bug fix -- handles spaces in names and directories when using
ftp-based browsing
v83: * disabled stop-acd handling; the change in directory handling
may allow acd to be used again. Awaiting feedback.
* D was refusing to delete remote files/directories in wide
listing mode.
v81: * FocusGained also used to refresh/wipe local browser directory
buffers
* (bugfix) netrw was leaving [Scratch] buffers behind when the
the user had the "hidden" option set. The 'hidden' option is
now bypassed.
v80: * ShellCmdPost event used in conjunction with g:netrw_fastbrowse
to refresh/wipe local browser directory buffers.
v79: * directories are now displayed with nowrap
* (bugfix) if the column width was smaller than the largest
file's name, then netrw would hang when using wide-listing
mode - fixed
* g:netrw_fastbrowse introduced
v78: * progress has been made on allowing spaces inside directory
names for remote work (reading, writing, browsing). (scp)
v77: * Mikolaj Machowski fixed a bug in a substitute command
* g:netrw_browsex_viewer implemented
* Mikolaj Machowski pointed out that gnome-open is often
executable under KDE systems, although it is effectively
not functional. NetBrowseX now looks for "kicker" as
a running process to determine if KDE is actually the
really running.
* Explorer's O functionality was inadvertently left out.
Netrw now does the same thing, but with the "P" key.
* added g:netrw_browse_split option
* fixed a bug where the directory contained a "." but
the file didn't (was treating the dirname from "."
onwards as a suffix)
v76: * "directory is missing" error message now restores echo
highlighting
v75: * file://... now conforms to RFC2396 (thanks to S. Zacchiroli)
* if the binary option is set, then NetWrite() will only write
the whole file (line numbers don't make sense with this).
Supports writing of tar and zip files.
v74: * bugfix (vim, then :Explore) now works
* ctrl-L keeps cursor at same screen location (both local and
remote browsing)
* netrw now can read remote zip and tar files
* Obtain now uses WinXP ftp+.netrc successfully
v73: * bugfix -- scp://host/path/file was getting named incorrectly
* netrw detects use of earlier-than-7.0 version of vim and issues
a pertinent error message.
* netrwSettings.vim is now uses autoloading. Only
<netrwPlugin.vim> is needed as a pure plugin
(ie. always loaded).
v72: * bugfix -- formerly, one could prevent the loading of netrw
by "let g:loaded_netrw=1"; when autoloading became supported,
this feature was lost. It is now restored.
v71: * bugfix -- made some "set nomodifiable"s into setlocal variants
(allows :e somenewfile to be modifiable as usual)
* NetrwSettings calls a netrw function, thereby assuring that
netrw has loaded. However, if netrw does not load for whatever
reason, then NetrwSettings will now issue a warning message.
* For what reason I don't recall, when wget and fetch are both
not present, and an attempt to read a http://... url is made,
netrw exited. It now only returns.
* When ch=1, on the second and subsequent uses of browsing Netrw
would issue a blank line to clear the echo'd messages. This
caused an annoying "Hit-Enter" prompt; now a blank line message
is echo'd only if &ch>1.
v70: * when using |netrw-O|, the "Obtaining filename" message is now
shown using |hl-User9|. If User9 has not been defined, netrw
will define it.
v69: * Bugfix: win95/98 machines were experiencing a
"E121: Undefined variable: g:netrw_win95ftp" message
v68: * double-click-leftmouse selects word under mouse
v67: * Passwords which contain blanks will now be surrounded by
double-quotes automatically (Yongwei)
v66: * Netrw now seems to work with a few more Windows situations
* O now obtains a file: remote browsing file -> local copy,
locally browsing file -> current directory (see :pwd)
* i now cycles between thin, long, and wide listing styles
* NB and Nb are maps that are always available; corresponding
B and b maps are only available when not using wide listing
in order to allow them to be used for motions
v65: * Browser functions now use NetOptionSave/Restore; in particular,
netrw now works around the report setting
v64: * Bugfix - browsing a "/" directory (Unix) yielded buffers
named "[Scratch]" instead of "/"
* Bugfix - remote browsing with ftp was omitting the ./ and ../
v63: * netrw now takes advantage of autoload (and requires 7.0)
* Bugfix - using r (to reverse sort) working again
v62: * Bugfix - spaces allowed again in directory names with
g:netrw_keepdir=0. In fact, I've tested netrw (again)
with most ANSI punctuation marks for directory names.
* Bugfix - NetrwSettings gave errors when g:netrw_silent
had not be set.
v61: * document upgrade -- netrw variable-based settings all should
have tags. Supports NetrwSettings command.
* several important variables are window-oriented. Netrw has
to transfer these across a window split. See s:BufWinVars()
and s:UseBufWinVars().
v60: * when using the i map to switch between long and short listings,
netrw will now keep cursor on same line
* "Match # of #" now uses status line
* :Explore **/*.c will now work from a non-netrw-browser window
* :Explore **/patterns can now be run in separate browser windows
* active banner (hit <cr> will cause various things to happen)
v59: * bugfix -- another keepalt work-around installed (for vim6.3)
* "Match # of #" for Explore **/pattern matches
v58: * Explore and relatives can now handle **/somefilepattern (v7)
* Nexplore and Pexplore introduced (v7). shift-down and shift-up
cursor keys will invoke Nexplore and Pexplore, respectively.
* bug fixed with o and v
* autochdir only worked around for vim when it has been
compiled with either |+netbeans_intg| or |+sun_workshop|
* Under Windows, all directories and files were being preceded
with a "/" when local browsing. Fixed.
* When: syntax highlighting is off, laststatus=2, and remote
browsing is used, sometimes the laststatus highlighting
bleeds into the entire display. Work around - do an extra
redraw in that case.
* Bugfix: when g:netrw_keepdir=0, due to re-use of buffers,
netrw didn't change the directory when it should've
* Bugfix: D and R commands work again
v57: * Explore and relatives can now handle RO files
* reverse sort restored with vim7's sort command
* g:netrw_keepdir now being used to keep the current directory
unchanged as intended (sense change)
* vim 6.3 still supported
v56: * LocalBrowse now saves autochdir setting, unsets it, and
restores it before returning.
* using vim's rename() instead of system + local_rename variable
* avoids changing directory when g:netrw_keepdir is false
v55: * -bar used with :Explore :Sexplore etc to allow multiple
commands to be separated by YXXYs
* browser listings now use the "nowrap" option
* browser: some unuseful error messages now suppressed
v54: * For backwards compatibility, Explore and Sexplore have been
implemented. In addition, Hexplore and Vexplore commands
are available, too.
* <amatch> used instead of <afile> in the transparency
support (BufReadCmd, FileReadCmd, FileWriteCmd)
* ***netrw*** prepended to various error messages netrw may emit
* g:netrw_port used instead of b:netrw_port for scp
* any leading [:#] is removed from port numbers
v53: * backslashes as well as slashes placed in various patterns
(ex. g:netrw_sort_sequence) to better support Windows
v52: * nonumber'ing now set for browsing buffers
* when the hiding list hid all files, error messages ensued. Fixed
* when browsing, swf is set, but directory is not set, when netrw
was attempting to restore options, vim wanted to save a swapfile
to a local directory using an url-style path. Fixed
v51: * cygwin detection now automated (using windows and &shell is bash)
* customizable browser "file" rejection patterns
* directory history
* :[range]w url now supported (ie. netrw has a FileWriteCmd event)
* error messages have a "Press <cr> to continue" to allow them
to be seen
* directory browser displays no longer bother the swapfile
* u/U commands to go up and down the history stack
* history stack may be saved with viminfo with its "!" option
* bugfixes associated with unwanted [No Files] entries
v50: * directories now displayed using buftype=nofile; should keep the
directory names as-is
* attempts to remove empty "[No File]" buffers leftover
from :file ..name.. commands
* bugfix: a "caps-lock" editing difficulty left in v49 was fixed
* syntax highlighting for "Showing:" the hiding list included
* bookmarks can now be retained if "!" is in the viminfo option
v49: * will use ftp for http://.../ browsing v48:
* One may use ftp to do remote host file browsing
* (windows and !cygwin) remote browsing with ftp can now use
the "dir" command internally to provide listings
* g:netrw_keepdir now allows one to keep the initial current
directory as the current directory (normally the local file
browser makes the currently viewed directory the current
directory)
* g:netrw_alto and g:netrw_altv now support alternate placement
of windows started with o or v
* Nread ? and Nwrite ? now uses echomsg (instead of echo) so
:messages can repeat showing the help
* bugfix: avoids problems with partial matches of directory names
to prior buffers with longer names
* one can suppress error messages with g:netrw_quiet ctrl-h used
* instead of <Leader>h for editing hiding list one may edit the
* sorting sequence with the S map now allows confirmation of
* deletion with [y(es) n(o) a(ll) q(uit)] the "x" map now handles
* special file viewing with:
(windows) rundll32 url.dll (gnome) gnome-open (kde)
kfmclient If none of these are on the executable path, then
netrwFileHandlers.vim is used.
* directory bookmarking during both local and remote browsing
implemented
* one may view all, use the hiding list to suppress, or use the
hiding list to show-only remote and local file/directory
listings
* improved unusual file and directory name handling preview
* window support
v47: * now handles local directory browsing.
v46: * now handles remote directory browsing
* g:netrw_silent (if 1) will cause all transfers to be silent
v45: * made the [user@]hostname:path form a bit more restrictive to
better handle errors in using protocols (e.g. scp:usr@host:file
was being recognized as an rcp request) v44: * changed from
"rsync -a" to just "rsync"
* somehow an editing error messed up the test to recognize
use of the fetch method for NetRead.
* more debugging statements included
v43: * moved "Explanation" comments to <pi_netrw.txt> help file as
"Network Reference" (|netrw-ref|)
* <netrw.vim> now uses Dfunc() Decho() and Dret() for debugging
* removed superfluous NetRestorePosn() calls
v42: * now does BufReadPre and BufReadPost events on file:///* and
file://localhost/* v41: * installed file:///* and
file://localhost/* handling v40: * prevents redraw when a
protocol error occurs so that the user may see it v39: * sftp
support v38: * Now uses NetRestorePosn() calls with
Nread/Nwrite commands
* Temporary files now removed via bwipe! instead of bwipe
(thanks to Dave Roberts) v37: * Claar's modifications which
test if ftp is successful, otherwise give an error message
* After a read, the alternate file was pointing to the temp file.
The temp file buffer is now wiped out.
* removed silent from transfer methods so user can see what's
happening
==============================================================================
11. 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
==============================================================================
top - main help file