Copy the values from a variable?

Question

I set a variable b:aaa which has the value that I can see via echo b:aaa, how can I copy that to text? I know I can do it by

set @a = b:aaa
"ap

to get it. But can I copy it to the an open file directly?

Copy to what text? It's all text. If you mean using it in insert mode: <c-r>=b:aaa — Tommy A, Commented Apr 10, 2017 at 14:26
That's a technical detail that's left to you. But yes, wrapping it in string() would add safety. — Tommy A, Commented Apr 10, 2017 at 16:25
Are you just wanting to put the contents of a variable into a buffer? e.g. :put=b:aaa — Peter Rincker, Commented Apr 10, 2017 at 16:35
Additionaly see getreg() and setreg() functions for setting the register to a specific value. And also see :h let-option for setting the option to a variable. — Christian Brabandt, Commented Apr 10, 2017 at 17:07

Peter Rincker · Accepted Answer · 2017-04-11 22:27:12Z

4

To put the value of a variable into a buffer use the :put command with the expression register, @=:

put=b:aaa

You can use a range with :put to put it at a specific location. Put below the 9th line:

9put=b:aaa

Note: use :put! to put above the current line

For more help see:

:h :put
:h @=
:h :range

answered Apr 11, 2017 at 22:27

Peter Rincker

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rbernabe · Accepted Answer · 2017-04-10 14:59:39Z

1

Registers works like variables, so you are almost done. I think this would work for you:

let @a = b:aaa
"ap

answered Apr 10, 2017 at 14:59

rbernabe

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Better use setreg() function.
– Christian Brabandt
Commented Apr 10, 2017 at 17:07
I didn't know about the setreg() function, it seems to be more functional because allow line wise and block wise selection. Also the :put solution Peter Rincker mentions is good
– rbernabe
Commented Apr 10, 2017 at 18:22
2

Why is setreg() better @ChristianBrabandt? I thought it just existed to support things like setreg(l:some_var, "val")?
– Martin Tournoij
Commented Apr 11, 2017 at 20:08
1

@Carpetsmoker because you can force the register to actually behave like linewise, characterwise or blockwise
– Christian Brabandt
Commented Apr 11, 2017 at 20:21

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