# Vimscript

> programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q7931258](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7931258)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vim_script)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vimscript

## Summary
Vimscript is a programming language primarily used for computer configuration, specifically for the Vim text editor and Neovim. It allows users to customize and extend the functionality of these editors. The language supports multiple programming paradigms, including imperative, functional, and object-oriented programming.

## Key Facts
- Vimscript is an instance of a programming language.
- It is also known by the aliases VimL and vim script.
- Its primary use is for computer configuration, particularly for the Vim text editor and Neovim.
- The language supports imperative programming, functional programming, and object-oriented programming paradigms.
- Files written in Vimscript typically use the `.vim` file extension.
- Vimscript is part of Vim, an editor that was incepted on November 2, 1991.
- A user manual for Vimscript is available at `https://vimdoc.sourceforge.net/htmldoc/usr_41.html`.
- The media type for Vimscript is `text/vimscript`.
- It has a dedicated tag on Stack Exchange: `https://vi.stackexchange.com/tags/vimscript`.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Vimscript used for?
A: Vimscript is primarily used for computer configuration, specifically for the Vim text editor and Neovim. It allows users to customize and extend the functionality of these editors, enabling personalized workflows and the creation of plugins.

### Q: What programming paradigms does Vimscript support?
A: Vimscript supports multiple programming paradigms, including imperative programming, functional programming, and object-oriented programming. This flexibility allows developers to write scripts using various styles.

### Q: What is the file extension for Vimscript files?
A: Files written in Vimscript typically use the `.vim` file extension. This convention helps identify scripts and configuration files intended for the Vim editor.

### Q: Is Vimscript related to Vim?
A: Yes, Vimscript is an integral part of the Vim text editor. It is the native scripting language used to configure and extend Vim, and it is also utilized by its derivative, Neovim.

## Why It Matters
Vimscript is significant because it provides the core mechanism for users to customize and extend the powerful Vim text editor, and its derivative, Neovim. As a programming language specifically designed for computer configuration within these environments, it empowers users to tailor their editing experience to an unparalleled degree. This includes everything from simple key remappings and custom commands to complex plugins that add entirely new functionalities, such as the `vim-mediawiki-editor`. By enabling deep personalization, Vimscript transforms Vim from a mere text editor into a highly adaptable and efficient development tool, catering to the specific workflows and preferences of programmers, system administrators, and writers. Its ability to facilitate deep personalization and extension is crucial for maintaining Vim's status as a highly adaptable and efficient development tool. This flexibility allows users to continuously evolve their editing environment, integrating new features and streamlining complex tasks, thereby enhancing productivity across various technical domains. Its role ensures that Vim and Neovim remain highly relevant and productive tools in various technical fields, allowing for continuous evolution and adaptation to user needs.

## Notable For
- Being the native scripting language for the highly customizable Vim text editor and Neovim.
- Supporting multiple programming paradigms (imperative, functional, object-oriented) within a configuration language context.
- Enabling extensive computer configuration and plugin development for a widely used and long-standing text editor.

## Body
### Overview
Vimscript is a programming language primarily used for computer configuration. It serves as the native scripting language for the Vim text editor and is also utilized by Neovim.

### Characteristics
Vimscript is an instance of a programming language. It supports multiple programming paradigms, including imperative programming, functional programming, and object-oriented programming. This allows for diverse approaches to scripting and customization within the Vim environment.

### Naming and Identification
The language is also known by its aliases, VimL and vim script. Files written in Vimscript typically use the `.vim` file extension. Its media type is `text/vimscript`. The language has a Wikipedia title of "Vim script" and its presence on Wikipedia spans multiple languages, including Arabic (ar), Czech (cs), English (en), French (fr), and Japanese (ja).

### Usage and Integration
Vimscript is an integral part of Vim, an editor that was incepted on November 2, 1991. It is used to create plugins, such as `vim-mediawiki-editor`, and to customize the editor's behavior. A user manual for Vimscript is available online at `https://vimdoc.sourceforge.net/htmldoc/usr_41.html`. The language has a presence on platforms like Stack Exchange, with a dedicated tag for questions at `https://vi.stackexchange.com/tags/vimscript`.

### External Identifiers
Vimscript has a Freebase ID of `/m/05c2cjz`, which was published on October 28, 2013, with reference to Wikidata item Q15241312. It is described on Wikidata as a programming language.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013