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. Also see state().

n Normal no Operator-pending nov Operator-pending (forced characterwise o_v) noV Operator-pending (forced linewise o_V) noCTRL-V Operator-pending (forced blockwise o_CTRL-V); CTRL-V is one character niI Normal using i_CTRL-O in Insert-mode niR Normal using i_CTRL-O in Replace-mode niV Normal using i_CTRL-O in Virtual-Replace-mode nt Terminal-Normal (insert goes to Terminal-Job mode) v Visual by character vs Visual by character using v_CTRL-O in Select mode V Visual by line Vs Visual by line using v_CTRL-O in Select mode CTRL-V Visual blockwise CTRL-Vs Visual blockwise using v_CTRL-O in Select mode 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 Rx Replace mode i_CTRL-X completion Rv Virtual Replace gR Rvc Virtual Replace mode completion compl-generic Rvx Virtual 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-Job mode: keys go to the job

This is useful in the 'statusline' option or when used with remote_expr() In most other places it always returns "c" or "n". Note that in the future more modes and more specific modes may be added. It's better not to compare the whole string but only the leading character(s). Also see visualmode().

Can also be used as a method:

DoFull()->mode()