The DOS/Batch Text Editor Edit

This document provides a comprehensive guide to EDIT, a text editor for creating and modifying ASCII source files within the DOS/BATCH environment. EDIT functions in two primary modes: command mode, for receiving instructions, and text mode, for inputting longer text objects. It offers extensive file management, including the ability to merge or separate files and perform I/O operations with both primary and secondary input/output files.

As a sequential page editor, EDIT processes text page by page (delimited by form feed characters) but does not allow backward paging within an active session without restarting. Core functionalities include robust text modification (insertion, deletion, and exchange), facilitated by character location pointers known as "Dot" and "Mark." Commands can be character-oriented or line-oriented, using arguments to define their scope and target. The editor also features macro capabilities to automate repetitive command sequences.

The guide details operating procedures such as calling EDIT, specifying input/output files (with options for backup suppression), creating new files, and handling errors during an editing session. It categorizes commands into I/O (Read, Write, Next, List, Verify, End File, Exit, Form Feed, Trailer), pointer movement (Beginning, Jump, Advance, Mark), search (Get, wHole, Position), text modification (Insert, Delete, Kill, Change, Exchange), and utility commands (Save, Unsave, Execute Macro, Edit Open). Implementation notes offer advice on macro efficiency, delimiter selection, effective use of subsidiary I/O, and managing core memory when saving text. Practical examples are included to illustrate the application of various commands.