6

I'm writting scripts for vim, and I want to let the script do different things in different mode. I know that the statusline will show the current mode, but I don't know how to get the exact current mode and store it in variables. For example, when I enter the visual-line mode, can I get the current mode from some system variables of vim and distinct the mode from other visual mode?

1 Answer 1

5

You are looking for the function mode(), see :h mode():

mode([expr])    Return a string that indicates the current mode.
        If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
        a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then the full mode is
        returned, otherwise only the first letter is returned.

            n   Normal
            no  Operator-pending
            v   Visual by character
            V   Visual by line
            CTRL-V  Visual blockwise
            s   Select by character
            S   Select by line
            CTRL-S  Select blockwise
            i   Insert
            ic  Insert mode completion |compl-generic|
            ix  Insert mode |i_CTRL-X| completion
            R   Replace |R|
            Rc  Replace mode completion |compl-generic|
            Rv  Virtual Replace |gR|
            Rx  Replace mode |i_CTRL-X| completion
            c   Command-line editing
            cv  Vim Ex mode |gQ|
            ce  Normal Ex mode |Q|
            r   Hit-enter prompt
            rm  The -- more -- prompt
            r?  A |:confirm| query of some sort
            !   Shell or external command is executing
            t   Terminal mode: keys go to the job

So all you need to do is:

let currentMode = mode()

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.