line editing and history

The command shell supports line editing and history. The editing commands are based on the basic commands. A short summary follows but a more complete description can be found in Appendix B.

Line editing:

• ˆ B moves back a single character.

• ˆ F moves forward a single character.

• ˆ A moves to the beginning of the line.

• ˆ E moves to the end of the line.

• ˆ H and DEL delete the previous character.

• ˆ D deletes the current character.

• ˆ K deletes from current position to the end of line.

• ˆ L,ˆ R redraws line in case it gets trashed.

• ˆ U deletes the entire line.

• ˆ W deletes the last word.

History:

• ˆ P moves back through history.

• ˆ N moves forward through history.

• !! previous command.

• !$ previous command last argument.

• !string last command starting with string.

Completion:

• tab complete command if first arg, filename otherwise.

• esc-? or double tab list possible completions.

Each line of input must be smaller than 1024 bytes which is more than sufficient for most applications. Lines can be continued on several lines provided carriage returns follow a `\' (as in standard shells).

append history, $, history