*vim-ruby.txt* *vim-ruby* *vim-ruby-faq*

VIM/RUBY CONFIGURATION FILES

The vim-ruby Project FAQ

http://vim-ruby.rubyforge.org

The vim-ruby project maintains Ruby-related configuration files for Vim. This

FAQ contains all you need to know about it.

*** TOC ***

*vim-ruby-faq-X* What is the vim-ruby project?

It maintains all the configuration files that help Vim edit Ruby code. By

installing these files, Vim will properly highlight and indent Ruby files, and

will be able to run them and go directly to the location of any errors.

Rakefiles, ERB files, and unit tests are also identified and supported.

If you make use of this project, make sure you read the installation and

configuration instructions in this FAQ.

*vim-ruby-faq-X* Doesn't Vim include these files?

Yes it does. You should only want to download and install this project if it

has changed since you last installed your version of Vim. Read the "News"

section of the |vim-ruby-homepage| to see when the most recent release was

made.

*vim-ruby-faq-X* How do you get it?

The easiest way is to run: >

(This really only downloads it. See installation instructions

|vim-ruby-install| below.)

If you don't have RubyGems, download a tarball from: >

Again, see installation instructions below.

*vim-ruby-faq-X* How do you install it? *vim-ruby-install*

If you obtained the vim-ruby files via RubyGems, run: >

If you downloaded a tarball, unpack it, change to the created directory, and

run: >

Whichever way you run it, the effect is the same. The installer will:

- Search for a Vim config directory to put its files and ask you to confirm.

- Copy the configuration files to the appropriate places underneath the

directory you selected.

Here is an example installation transcript:

~

Existing files are overwritten. This is safe, because it's a slow-maturing

project, so new files are better than old ones. However, if you had edited the

files, you will have lost your changes. Better make your changes in, for

instance:

This file will be loaded _after_ the regular config files are loaded, so your

customisations will definitely take effect.

*vim-ruby-faq-X* What Vim config do I need? *vim-ruby-config*

Without the following lines in your .vimrc, _vimrc, or other startup file, the

files in the vim-ruby project will be largely useless. >

See |.vimrc| for more information about this important Vim configuration file.

See |matchit-install| for instructions on installing "matchit", which will

allow you to use |%| to bounce between Ruby keywords (class, def, while, ...)

and their respective "end" keywords.

*vim-ruby-faq-X* How do I know that everything's working?

If you've run the installer and added the configuration |vim-ruby-config|

above, everything should be fine when you restart Vim. To test this:

- Edit a Ruby file with Vim (make sure it has a .rb extension).

- The code should be syntax highlighted.

- Type in some code. When you start a new line, it should be automatically

indented to the correct spot.

- Add or remove some space from the beginning of a line of code and hit ==.

That line should be reindented.

- Put the cursor on a "class" or "def" keyword and hit %. The cursor should

now be on the matching "end" keyword.

- TODO: what else?

*vim-ruby-faq-X* How do I use it?

TODO: write.

*vim-ruby-faq-X* How do I customise it? *vim-ruby-customize*

The most important customisation for editing Ruby code is the amount of space to

indent. The following is a typical setup. Look up the various options to read

about them. >

TODO: is autoindent necessary? What other options should go here? What about

Ruby comments?

FIXME: Autoindent is good. maybe mention |i_CTRL_D| and |i_CTRL_T| for

moving lines about in this context?

COMMENT: I never use ^D and ^T in insert mode, though I always knew what they

do. Might try them!

*vim-ruby-faq-X* I want feature X. Will you include it?

The idea of the vim-ruby project is to maintain configuration files that are

actually distributed with Vim. Therefore all functionality should be helpful to

all Vim/Ruby users. So the project does not deal with people's individual

tastes.

That said, we are considering creating a separate configuration file for less

universal features, whose features users can pick and choose. So don't hesitate

to send us your suggestions.

*vim-ruby-faq-X* What are some other cool Ruby-related Vim tricks I can use?

An example is the following (put it in ~/.vimrc/ftplugin/ruby_extra.vim or

similar): [similar? |$VIMRUNTIME| or what?] >

This will help you create ruby blocks of code, by inserting "}" or "end" as

appropriate. Try creating these lines of code and hitting SHIFT-ENTER:

For other suggestions, search the web or look at: >

*vim-ruby-faq-X* How can I report a bug? *vim-ruby-bug-reporting*

Bug reports are most welcome. In order of preference:

- submit a bug at http://rubyforge.org/tracker/?group_id=16

- send an email to the mailing list (see below)

- email the maintainer (email address appears in each configuration file)

*vim-ruby-list*

*vim-ruby-faq-X* Does the project have a mailing list?

Yes: vim-ruby-devel@rubyforge.org. Only subscribers can post. To join, visit:

The list is mirrored at: >

*vim-ruby-faq-X* Why is this project separate from Vim?

We can't use Vim's CVS to keep track of these files, so we organise it ourselves

and give Bram the latest files in time for each release of Vim. By keeping the

Ruby stuff together, we can release it all at once and people can update it

independently of Vim.

*vim-ruby-faq-X* I have another question...

The mailing list or the file maintainer is a good place to ask. Or perhaps

comp.lang.ruby, but please make sure you've read the FAQ thoroughly before

asking there.

*vim-ruby-faq-X* Can you repeat all the web pages listed in this FAQ?

Homepage *vim-ruby-homepage* : >

Project page: >

Bug tracker: >

Relevant Wiki page: >

Mailing list archives: >

Mailing list join: >

vim: ft=help tw=78 noet :