The problem with batch files is that to be effective and helpful, they
need to be adjusted as your systems grows and your applications change.
Performing the necessary batch-file maintenance, however, is often so
cumbersome that it's discouraging. Loading a full-blown word processor
to edit a five-to-ten line batch file can be a lot more time and trouble
than it's worth.
"EdBat" solves this problem by focusing all its energy on your batch
files. EdBat is without frills, but it's fast and easy to use.
EdBat is a full-screen editor with very limited features. Because it is
designed for speed, it limits itself to files of fewer than 512 bytes --
adequate for most batch files. (If your file is longer, you're probably
better off with a more sophisticated editor.)
When called, the program clears the screen and displays the file your want
to edit. Using the cursor keys, your can move to the appropriate place,
make the necessary changes, and press Alt-S to save the edited file. It is
not impossible to open a file, edit, close it, and be back at the DOS prompt
in as little as 15 seconds.
The price you pay for this fast operation is that EdBat has very few features. You're essentially limited to the regular character keys and the cursor keys. The Insert key does not work, the Delete key does not work, nor do the function keys perform any function. The Backspace key moves the cursor back a character, but it does not perform a delete.
To run EdBat, enter this line from the DOS prompt:
EDBAT filename
(The EDBAT.COM file must be on the disk in the current drive when your enter this command.) Filename is the name of the file you wish to edit. Full drive and subdirectory specifications are allowed when indicating a filename.
If the file is too long or if EdBat is unable to open the file, the program will print a message and exit. If the file you have specified does not exist, EdBat assumes you are creating a new file.
In a matter of seconds, the file you are to edit is displayed on the screen below a line containing the program title and the name of the current file. If you have started a new file, the screen's work area will be blank.
Use the cursor keys to move around the file, editing as needed. Notice that a triangle signals the end of each line. If you decide to cut a line short, move to the appropriate spot and press Enter. A triangle is inserted and cursor moves to the beginning of the next line. The screen may continue to show characters beyond the end-of-line marker, but they will be ignored when the file is saved.
To delete an entire line, simply move to the first position on that line and press Enter. An end-of-line marker appears at that spot, indicating that the line will be ignored.
EdBat Page 1
Inserting a line is slightly more difficult since there is no insert function. Move the cursor to the end-of-line marker on the line that will precede your new line. Press Cntl-Y and a down-arrow character (v) will replace the end-of-line marker. Add the new line right after the down arrow and press Enter as usual. When the file is saved, the lines will be adjusted.
When you're finished editing, press Alt-S to save the file. The program's save routine reads the screen and save what it sees to your file. It begins with the first line of the text area and continues until it finds a space in the first position of any line. EdBat ignores any characters in a line which follow the first end-of-line marker.
The only other option the program offers is Alt-Q, the Quit option, which returns you to DOS without changing the oringal file. In nearly every case, your entire file will fit easily on the screen. If part of your file scrolls off the screen, use Alt-Q to quit and find another method of editing the file. EdBat cannot save what it cannot see.
EdBat Command Summary
Alt-Q Quit
Alt-S Save
Ctrl-Y Multistatement delimiter (prints as a down arrow)
Enter End-of-line (prints as left-pointing triangle)
Space Space in first porition of line signals text end.
