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Unexplained, new "control sequence" message when exiting Vim while using iTerm2 3.4.1.

Thanks for filing an issue! Please answer the questions below so I can help you.

  • iTerm2 version: 3.4.1
  • OS version: 10.15.7
  • Attach ~/Library/Preferences/com.googlecode.iterm2.plist here (drag-drop from finder into this window) Here's my plist file: com.googlecode.iterm2.plist
  • Attach a debug log, if possible. debuglog.txt
  • Attach a screen capture video if it would make the reproduction steps clearer. I have a screenshot, not a video. See below.
  • Are you reporting a performance issue, excessive CPU usage, or a hang? No
  • Are you reporting a crash? No
  • Are you reporting excessive memory usage? No

What happened:

  1. I opened a file using vim, for example, my bashrc file.
  2. I then exit the file, using the vim command sequence ":wq". (Note: I get the same weird message if I just type ":q" in vim.)
  3. Then I get the following message at the top of the iTerm2 window: Screen_Shot_2020-11-18_at_4.31.17_PM

The message says: "A control sequence attempted to clear scrollback." I don't understand what that means, therefore I don't know whether to accept or deny. For now, I just ignore the message, which means it pops up every time I quit vim.

What should have happened: Without knowing why this message appears, I assume that the message should never appear.

What does this message mean (to a non-shell programmer), why is it appearing, and how should I respond? I am hesitant to act on the message without knowing what is going on.

This is probably not an actual issue* but a new feature I don't understand. However, I did not find an explanation or description of this action in the documentation or in a web search.

Thanks!

  • I am not sure what constitutes an issue vs an incident.