Mapping key to execute shell script from vim

Question

I would like to execute a shell script, with parameters, from vim by mapping it to F6, however the current mapping I have in my .vimrc isn't working:

" Map F6 to sync project changes to dev server
nmap <F6> :! ~/path/dev_sync.sh alistair /Users/user/svn<CR>

I guess there might be a problem that it is in a different directory? Or perhaps the fact I have to pass in parameters?

I've tried a few variations on this mapping and with no such luck, if anyone has any ideas it would be very appreciated, thank you.

Answer 1

You could try to :echo the command in Vim instead of executing it in the shell to ensure it is what you expected.

In any case, if you are starting to use mappings, you should definitively stick to the noremap version:

                                                *:nore* *:norem*
:no[remap]  {lhs} {rhs}         |mapmode-nvo|   *:no*  *:noremap* *:nor*
:nn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs}         |mapmode-n|     *:nn*  *:nnoremap*
:vn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs}         |mapmode-v|     *:vn*  *:vnoremap*
:xn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs}         |mapmode-x|     *:xn*  *:xnoremap*
:snor[emap] {lhs} {rhs}         |mapmode-s|     *:snor* *:snoremap*
:ono[remap] {lhs} {rhs}         |mapmode-o|     *:ono* *:onoremap*
:no[remap]! {lhs} {rhs}         |mapmode-ic|    *:no!* *:noremap!*
:ino[remap] {lhs} {rhs}         |mapmode-i|     *:ino* *:inoremap*
:ln[oremap] {lhs} {rhs}         |mapmode-l|     *:ln*  *:lnoremap*
:cno[remap] {lhs} {rhs}         |mapmode-c|     *:cno* *:cnoremap*
                        Map the key sequence {lhs} to {rhs} for the modes
                        where the map command applies.  Disallow mapping of
                        {rhs}, to avoid nested and recursive mappings.  Often
                        used to redefine a command.  {not in Vi}

Your problem may be caused by some mapping in command mode which changes the command before executing it.

If such kind of problem persists, it is often a good idea to try to reproduce it with all your settings and plugins disable, by starting Vim with vim -u NONE -U NONE -N -i NONE. You can find more about this on Vim-FAQ 2.5 - I have a "xyz" (some) problem with Vim. How do I determine it is a problem with my setup or with Vim? / Have I found a bug in Vim?.