FAQ

*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: >

	gem install vim-ruby

(This really only downloads it.  See installation instructions
|vim-ruby-install| below.)

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

	http://rubyforge.org/projects/vim-ruby/

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: >

	vim-ruby-install.rb

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

	ruby bin/vim-ruby-install.rb

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:

	Possible Vim installation directories: ~
		1) D:/Gavin/vimfiles ~
		2) E:/Vim/vimfiles ~
 ~
	Please select one (or anything else to specify another directory): 2 ~
	autoload/rubycomplete.vim -> E:/Vim/vimfiles/autoload/rubycomplete.vim ~
	compiler/eruby.vim        -> E:/Vim/vimfiles/compiler/eruby.vim ~
	compiler/ruby.vim         -> E:/Vim/vimfiles/compiler/ruby.vim ~
	compiler/rubyunit.vim     -> E:/Vim/vimfiles/compiler/rubyunit.vim ~
	ftdetect/ruby.vim         -> E:/Vim/vimfiles/ftdetect/ruby.vim ~
	ftplugin/eruby.vim        -> E:/Vim/vimfiles/ftplugin/eruby.vim ~
	ftplugin/ruby.vim         -> E:/Vim/vimfiles/ftplugin/ruby.vim ~
	indent/eruby.vim          -> E:/Vim/vimfiles/indent/eruby.vim ~
	indent/ruby.vim           -> E:/Vim/vimfiles/indent/ruby.vim ~
	syntax/eruby.vim          -> E:/Vim/vimfiles/syntax/eruby.vim ~
	syntax/ruby.vim           -> E:/Vim/vimfiles/syntax/ruby.vim ~

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:

	~/.vim/after/ftplugin/ruby.vim ~

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. >

	set nocompatible      " We're running Vim, not Vi!
	syntax on             " Enable syntax highlighting
	filetype on           " Enable filetype detection
	filetype indent on    " Enable filetype-specific indenting
	filetype plugin on    " Enable filetype-specific plugins
	compiler ruby         " Enable compiler support for ruby

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. >

	set expandtab
	set tabstop=2 shiftwidth=2 softtabstop=2
	set autoindent

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?] >

	if !exists( "*EndToken" )
	  function EndToken()
	    let current_line = getline( '.' )
	    let braces_at_end = '{\s*\(|\(,\|\s\|\w\)*|\s*\)\?$'
	    if match( current_line, braces_at_end ) >= 0
	      return '}'
	    else
	      return 'end'
	    endif
	  endfunction
	endif

	imap <S-CR> <ESC>:execute 'normal o' . EndToken()<CR>O

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:

	array.map { |elem| ~

	def fibonacci(n) ~

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

	http://rubygarden.org/ruby?VimRubySupport


*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:
>
	http://rubyforge.org/mailman/listinfo/vim-ruby-devel

The list is mirrored at: >

	http://news.gmane.org/gmane.comp.editors.vim.vim%2druby.devel


*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* : >
	http://vim-ruby.rubyforge.org

Project page: >
	http://rubyforge.org/projects/vim-ruby/

Bug tracker: >
	http://rubyforge.org/tracker/?group_id=16

Relevant Wiki page: >
	http://rubygarden.org/ruby?VimRubySupport

Mailing list archives: >
	http://news.gmane.org/gmane.comp.editors.vim.vim%2druby.devel
	http://rubyforge.org/pipermail/vim-ruby-devel/

Mailing list join: >
	http://rubyforge.org/mailman/listinfo/vim-ruby-devel


vim: ft=help tw=78 noet :