This is an experiment with building a partial replacement for plugins like YouCompleteMe communicating with a language server following the language server protocol
This client has not been tested against a wide range of servers so there may be protocol bugs.
Install with your method of choice. If you don't have a preference check out
vim-plug. Install a language server and ensure it is executable from your
$PATH.
Map a filetype to the command that starts the language server for that filetype
in your vimrc. I also recommend a mapping to the function call to jump to
definition.
let g:lsc_server_commands = {'dart': ['dart_language_server']}
nnoremap gd :call lsc#reference#goToDefinition()<CR>The protocol does not require that every language server supports every feature so support may vary.
All communication with the server is asynchronous and will not block the editor. For requests that trigger an action the response might be silently ignored if it can no longer be used - you can abort most operations that are too slow by moving the cursor.
Error, warnings, and hints reported by the server are highlighted in the buffer. When the cursor is on a line with a diagnostic the message will be displayed. If there are multiple diagnostics on a line the one closes to the cursor will be displayed.
Diagnostics are also reported in the location list for each window which has the buffer open.
When more than 3 word characters or a '.' are typed a request for autocomplete suggestions is sent to the server. If the server responds before the cursor moves again the options will be provided using vim's built in completion.
While the cursor is on any identifier call lsc#reference#goToDefinition() (see
above for recommended mapping) to jump to the location of the definition. If the
cursor moves before the server responds the response will be ignored.
While the cursor is on any identifier call lsc#reference#findReferences() to
populate the quickfix list with usage locations.