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VDE.DOC
-------
Instructions for the VDE Editor:
version 1.85 (21 Jan 1998)
(c)1987-98, E. Meyer
=============================== CONTENTS ==================================
1. INTRODUCTION: Description; Copyright and Licensing.
2. QUICK-START INSTRUCTIONS:
Installation, Menus and Commands, Help, Basic operation, Macros.
3. DOS SYNTAX: how to invoke VDE from the command line.
4. COMMAND SUMMARY: MenuBar choices; Command keys.
5. TEXT FILES, FILE MODES, AND COMPATIBILITY.
6. TECHNICAL INFORMATION, alphabetically by topic:
Accessory programs, Ctrl key, Directories, Error messages, Keyboard
variants, Memory, Multitasking environments, Prompts.
7. REVIEWS / ABOUT THE AUTHOR.
See also:
VDE.REF - comprehensive COMMAND REFERENCE
VMACRO.REF - detailed treatment of MACROS
VINST.REF - use of the VINST installation utility
============================ 1. INTRODUCTION ==============================
VDE is a small, fast text editor for IBM PC (near-)compatibles offering:
* easy menu-driven operation or WordStar-compatible command keys
* multiple file editing with dual windows, cut and paste, compare
* block copy, move, delete, read, write, and zoom
* find and replace (forward, backward, ignore case, all files, etc)
* protected mode and multi-level undo to avoid unintended changes
* keystroke macros with full programming ability
* commands to split files, count words, sort or number lists
* full-featured file browser (tag, edit, import, delete, etc)
* access to any DOS program or a full DOS shell
* variable number of text lines and columns displayable
* automatic save at user-specified interval
* programmable function keys and many other user configurable options
* compatibility with older or limited PCs including laptops, palmtops
But VDE is also a powerful word processor, with:
* left and right margins, wordwrap, automatic or manual reformat
* variable tabs, auto indent, center/flush right, justification
* print preview to check format and pagebreaks before printing
* customizable printer drivers for special effects (bold, underline,
italic, super/subscript, overstrike, proportional fonts, etc)
* printing options: headers, pagination, selective print, print to file,
single sheet feed, address envelopes
* multiple file formats for text exchange (including DOS, WordStar,
WordPerfect, XyWrite, NotaBene, Microsoft Word)
* integrated spelling checker (registered users only)
VDE's versatility is due to its integration of the most important word
processing features with the simplicity of a small text editor, making it an
efficient tool for many different tasks. VDE is an ideal choice for a DOS
file editor, and a practical editor to run from a shell within telecom,
database, file maintenance, programming, and other application software. Yet
its full formatting and printing features also make VDE a powerful word
processor. Much of your work can probably be done more easily with VDE than
with leading retail software.
"The recurrent theme in this business is smaller, faster,
cheaper. Except for software, which gets bigger, slower,
and costs the same." -- Bill Machrone
PC Magazine, May 1993
For some years now, VDE has offered an alternative to the trend among
retail word processors to emulate desktop publishing software by making
elaborate provisions for font variations and page layout, and presenting a
graphic representation of the printed result on screen. These hybrid
programs include many features which most people never use, consume lots of
disk space and memory, and have sluggish response times even on the fastest
computers. Their design ignores the fundamental fact that typesetting is a
process quite unrelated to writing, and there's no particularly good reason
for a writer to be distracted by it. Of course computers can make either
task easier, but apparently not with the same software -- not as long as
processor speed keeps struggling to keep up with software complexity.
VDE is so small and efficient that it still works well on generations of
older PCs long abandoned by major software vendors, as well as today's
simplest handheld PC-compatibles. The fundamental advance of a word
processor over a typewriter or a pen is in speed and ease of writing and
revision, and VDE allows you to concentrate on your writing, whether it's
running on an 8086 or a Pentium. You can find a phrase, or make a global
change, instantly; work gets done sooner, and more of it can be done at the
keyboard, eliminating unnecessary printouts. Of course, when you're ready to
print, VDE can still take advantage of a variety of your printer's fonts.
(And if you truly need more sophisticated page design, you can easily import
what you've written into a full-blown desktop publishing program.)
Though small, VDE can accomplish even more than a glance at its list of
built-in features might suggest; its programmable macros allow you to design
and add many useful features that aren't provided directly, like sorting or
mail-merge, as you find a need for them.
HOW YOU GOT YOUR COPY OF VDE
VDE circulates widely as "shareware", giving you the opportunity to try
the program at no cost, and to share it with others -- hence the name. If it
doesn't meet your needs, you don't have to pay for it. If you find the
program valuable and continue to use it, you can "register" your copy for a
modest fee. In return, you get an update disk (often including extra
features like VDE's integrated spelling checker) and support from the author.
Shareware offers some unique advantages over retail software, because
users interact directly with the author. Obviously, costs are kept down
because glossy packaging, advertising, and retail markups are eliminated. But
shareware can also resist market trends and continue to provide useful kinds
of products that the big corporations have abandoned. And shareware authors
can respond more directly to user requests and concerns than software
publishers who release an update only when it seems profitable.
Shareware works when users give program authors useful feedback, and most
of all, when users support authors by registering their programs. This makes
it possible for quality shareware to continue to develop and improve. Please
support shareware by registering any programs that you use.
The use and distribution of VDE are governed by the "COPYRIGHT AND
LICENSE" information below. Please read this carefully!
FILES YOU SHOULD HAVE
Be sure you have all the files which should be included in this package:
VDE.EXE - The VDE editor itself.
VINST.COM - Installation and customizing utility.
VDE.DOC - This basic documentation for VDE.
VDE.REF - Detailed reference guide for VDE commands.
VMACRO.REF - Reference guide for use of macros.
VINST.REF - Reference guide for VINST utility.
VDExxx.UPD - Latest news and update information for this version.
ORDER.FRM - Registration/license order form.
FILE_ID.DIZ - Standard software description for BBS operators.
WS4.VDF - WordStar function key definitions.
WP.VDF - WordPerfect function key definitions.
EXAMPLES.VDF - Function key examples described in VMACRO.REF.
CTRLCAPS.COM - Utility to remap [Ctrl] key function.
VDE.ICN - Icon for HP100/200LX palmtop Application Manager.
The optional spelling checker is not distributed as shareware; it can
only be obtained directly from the author upon registering VDE. Run the
INSTALL program on your registered VDE disk to access the speller files and
instructions.
COPYRIGHT AND LICENSE INFORMATION
The VDE editor and documentation are copyright (c)1987-98
Eric Meyer, all rights reserved worldwide. They may not be
circulated in any incomplete or modified form, nor sold for
profit, without written permission of the author. The use
or sale of VDE is subject to the following terms:
PERSONAL USE. If you find VDE valuable and continue to use it, you are
encouraged (but not required) to register, and help support the
development of high-quality, affordable software:
INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION ...... $35 (US)
Registered users receive several benefits:
* The latest version of VDE (and other useful programs)
on disk direct from the author.
* A convenient fully-integrated spelling checker with
customizable user dictionary.
* A registration certificate verifying the legality of
your personal use of VDE at your workplace as well.
* Technical support if you encounter problems using VDE.
SITE LICENSES. Any company or institution wishing to use VDE in the course
of its business MUST purchase a SITE LICENSE. The cost of the license is
modest, and varies according to the number of computers on which VDE may
be in use in the workplace:
Up to 5 copies................. $50 (US)
Up to 10 copies............... $100
Additional copies over 10....... $5 each
The purchaser of a site license receives, in addition to the disk,
spelling checker, and technical support described above, a license
certificate documenting the legality of your company's use of VDE.
Furthermore, employees can use VDE at home and share it with others
without raising issues of software piracy.
ORDERING INFORMATION. License, registration, and update orders may be mailed
directly to the author, with a CHECK or MONEY ORDER; PURCHASE ORDERS are
also accepted. Please use the order form provided (ORDER.FRM).
All CREDIT CARD orders (VISA/MC/AmEx/Discover, US or international)
must be made through the Public Software Library, P.O. Box 35705, Houston
TX 77235; mention item #10303. There is a $5 surcharge from PSL. PSL's
toll-free line FOR ORDERS ONLY is (800)242-4775; all other calls,
(713)524-6398; fax (713)524-6398. Email orders to 10303@pslweb.com,
inquiries to authors@pslweb.com.
Orders from overseas receive full support, including disks by
airmail. Payment can be made by credit card through PSL, or by bank check
or money order in US currency, directly to the author; modest amounts of
US cash ($50 or less) can also be sent safely by registered mail.
SHAREWARE SOURCES. VDE is distributed widely through "shareware" channels,
usually as an archive file named VDE###.ZIP (where ### is the version,
i.e. 183). It can be found through many BBS or online systems, and is
available by mail from many software libraries, including PSL.
VDE can be downloaded directly from either of the two primary
distribution points: (1) On CompuServe, file VDE.ZIP in library 1 (DL1) of
the PCAPP forum. (2) From an Internet list server: to see what's
available, send the message "get files" to ftpmail@twty.chi.il.us ; to
obtain a specific file, use its name, as in: "get VDE183.ZIP".
COMMERCIAL SALE. Any software dealer or library may offer VDE for sale
provided that the charge for the disk containing it does not exceed US $6
(for CDROM, $30), and its shareware status is clearly noted. Otherwise
the sale of VDE, either alone or together with other software or hardware,
requires a licensing agreement. Please write for terms.
For further information about VDE, address correspondence to:
Eric Meyer
3045 4th Street Internet: 74415.1305@compuserve.com
Boulder, Colorado 80304 USA
THE CUSTOMARY DISCLAIMER: You undertake to use VDE at
your own risk. The author does not warrant the suitability
of VDE for any particular purpose, and assumes no liability
for damages of any kind resulting from its use.
====================== 2. QUICK-START INSTRUCTIONS ========================
These instructions are intended to explain basic features and operation
of VDE, especially where it may differ from other editors you may have used.
Throughout, you will find references like "(See MARGINS)" which lead to a
more complete explanation of operations elsewhere (in the *.REF files).
This is not a beginner's tutorial; basic familiarity with personal
computers, MSDOS, text files, and editors is assumed. If you encounter
something you don't understand, you can consult your DOS manual, browse in a
good computer bookstore, or just try it (on a file you have a backup copy of,
naturally) and see what happens.
INSTALLATION
Installation and customization of VDE are performed by the VINST utility.
The VINST.REF file describes all the options (display colors, action of
certain keys, editing settings, printer drivers, etc) that can be changed to
suit your tastes. You will discover the settings you prefer for VDE's many
options and defaults as you become more familiar with the program. [Various
comments below in brackets "[]" point out some uses of VINST.] Once you have
used VINST on your copy of VDE.EXE and chosen <S>ave, its initial welcome/-
copyright screen will no longer appear.
VDE will run well on any computer with a fully IBM PC-compatible BIOS and
video adapter, but also has special provisions for certain unusual models,
including the Hewlett-Packard 95/100/200LX palmtop. See further notes about
this in VINST.REF.
MENUS AND COMMANDS
Editing functions in VDE can be performed in two different ways: by
MenuBar selections, or by Ctrl- and Alt-key commands. The commands
ultimately offer the greatest power, flexibility, and speed, but can take
some time to learn. MenuBars allow anyone to get started using VDE
immediately, and may better suit those who will use VDE only occasionally, or
simply prefer not to memorize commands. All possibilities are listed under
COMMAND SUMMARY below.
MenuBars guide you to the functions you need. Press [F10], which is
originally programmed as "Menu", or press ^[Esc] (Ctrl + Esc), or if you're
running Windows, Left-Shift + [Esc], to see:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
File Block Delete sEarch formaT stYle Set View Print Misc User
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each highlighted letter choice leads to a submenu; for example, "F" brings up
the File menu, with choices such as "Save" and "Quit". Hereafter, MenuBar
commands will be referred to in the following manner:
{File:Save}
Which you execute by pressing, say, ^[Esc] "F" "S". Most, though not all, of
VDE's functions are available from the menu bars. [Others can be added to
your User menu bar.]
If you're willing to memorize at least a basic set of them, VDE's editing
commands are more concise, and give access to the full range of features,
including powerful macros. If you're already familiar with the widely known
WordStar command set, you can probably start right off editing files with
VDE. VDE uses simple one- or two-key combinations, for example:
^QC
which means "press [Ctrl] + Q, then C", or
AltD
which means "press [Alt] + D". Many, though not all, of these are mnemonic
(^Q for Quick moves, etc). Their advantage lies in being easily found by the
touch typist without distraction -- no groping for function keys or mouse
interrupts the writing process. In addition to many WordStar-style Ctrl-key
commands, VDE has a number of Alt-key and Esc-key commands to invoke its
additional features, such as multi-file editing.
HELP
ON-LINE HELP: You can get a brief reminder of the command set anytime you
like by pressing ^J for help (which is also initially programmed on [F1]). A
summary of the simple Ctrl-key commands will appear; press [PgUp/Dn] or
[^],[v] (the up/down arrow keys) to page through other commands, or press A,
E/M, K, O, P, or Q to display the Alt-key, Esc/Macro, ^K, ^O, ^P, or ^Q-
commands instead (or F for a list of file modes, or J to return to the
original screen). On narrow screens, the left/right arrow keys [<],[>] can
be used to scroll menus for viewing. Once you have found the information you
need, press [Esc] or [Space] to remove the help menu.
THE MANUAL: if you need more extensive help while learning to use VDE,
turn to the manual (the .DOC and .REF files). It is distributed on disk,
rather than in printed and bound form, for two reasons:
(1) It's easier to search for help electronically than to flip through a
printed index. Simply edit the file with VDE and use the find command (^QF
or {sEarch:Find}) to locate the information you need by a key word or phrase.
(2) It makes updates easier, and saves trees, the pollution of paper
production, and the choking of landfills with waste paper. Not everyone
needs a printed copy of the manual. Of course, you can use VDE to print out
any portion of it that you desire, to have for reference at your desk.
BASIC OPERATION
A typical editing session begins by typing something like "VDE filename"
at the DOS prompt. (Directory paths and various options are supported; see
SYNTAX). If the file exists, it is displayed for editing; if not, you get a
blank screen to compose a new file. VDE edits entirely in memory; nothing
happens to files on disk until you issue some sort of save command. (There
is an auto-save feature that can do this at preselected intervals.)
Backup files are a good way to guard against losing earlier work. By
default, when you save changes to MY.DOC, the original version of the file is
renamed to MY.BAK. Thus, if you decide that the recent changes were a
mistake, you can recover the previous version from the .BAK file. [Preser-
vation of .BAK files can be suppressed.]
VDE can edit up to 8 files at once, allowing you to move among them,
compare two files on a split screen, shuffle text between them, perform
find/replace operations across them, etc (see MULTIPLE FILES, WINDOWS,
MATCHING FILES, FIND/REPLACE). There is also a convenient FILE BROWSER that
allows you to select files from a directory listing.
Normally a HEADER line appears at the top of the screen, showing the file
name, cursor position (by Page, Line, and Column), and various flags for the
status of editing options. At times, further information may be provided
below this by various menus or error messages. Press [Esc] to remove any
menu or prompt; error messages will clear by themselves, or when you press
any key.
The usual display is a single screen of text, 24 lines by 80 columns.
But many commands allow you to display different amounts of text or adjust
your view of it (see SCREEN CONTROLS), even view two different files or parts
of the same file (see WINDOWS). You can suppress the header, or add a RULER
LINE to it, indicating margins and tab stops, to facilitate alignment.
When commands require user input, prompts will appear, usually directly
beneath the header. Some are simple confirmations, like "Abandon changes?",
that require you to press "Y" or "N". At other prompts for numeric or text
input, like "Column:" or "Find string:", you're expected to type something
then press [Enter]; a variety of special keys can be used to create or edit
input (see PROMPTS).
There are three ways to move the cursor around the text: you can use a
pointing device like a mouse (under DOS 3 or higher) if one is installed; or
you can press the four PC "arrow keys" or the WordStar "cursor diamond":
up [^] ^E
TO MOVE left right PRESS [<] [>] OR ^S ^D
down [v] ^X
These methods are largely equivalent, but there are some subtle differences
(see CURSOR MOTION). Note that symbols like "[<]" are used here to indicate
arrow-keys, not characters like "less than".
Like WordStar, VDE uses separate block beginning and end markers, which
can be set independently in any order. (They appear as highlighted brackets
"{}".) Once a block is properly marked, the included text will be high-
lighted, and can be operated on with a wide variety of commands (see BLOCK
COMMANDS, AUTO NUMBER, etc) -- but a block can also simply remain marked
while you do other things. Normally, a block is a continuous stream of file
text, but you can also operate on rectangular segments containing only parts
of several lines (see COLUMN BLOCKS).
In documents, VDE normally formats text while you type, to whatever
margins are in effect; in addition, existing text can be instantly
reformatted in a variety of ways. (For full details see MARGINS, SPACING,
JUSTIFICATION, REFORMAT, AUTO FORMAT, AUTO INDENT) The left margin command
is ordinarily used only for indenting portions of a text; to set the physical
margin that will always be at the left edge of the paper (which doesn't
appear on screen), see the left margin setting in PRINTER INSTALLATION.
With auto-format on, care is required when mixing different formats in
one file, since the current margins or spacing may differ from those in
effect when the text you're modifying was first written. (If you
accidentally lose the original format, just reset to the original settings to
restore it before continuing.)
It is helpful to understand how VDE manages text reformatting. While
most word processors store various hidden codes in a file to indicate
paragraph boundaries and formatting choices -- requiring a special file
format of their own -- VDE just formats text however you request, and stores
it that way as a simple text file. Therefore, VDE's ability to REformat text
in a document depends upon a subtle distinction: when wordwrap occurs, a
space is left at the end of the line, which indicates that the CR (Carriage
Return) is "SOFT", introduced (and later removable) for formatting purposes.
On the other hand, when you actually hit [Enter] to end a paragraph, you get
a CR with no preceding space, which means it's "HARD", a permanent boundary
for formatting the paragraph. (A little arrow appears on screen to indicate
this.) Thus when typing at the end of a line, you change a hard CR into a
soft one, or vice versa, by adding or deleting a space. This also means that
[Enter] is NOT a key to use simply to move downward through the file, since
it will also harden all the CRs, obstructing future reformatting. (It is
still possible to reformat such "hard" text, which you may also encounter
from other sources, with another command; see REFORMAT.)
Like WordStar, VDE applies print effects not by marking a block, but
simply by placing a code marker in the text. Some are one-time switches,
while others (like boldface) are toggles that must be applied in pairs, to
turn the effect on and off again. Thus, to use the boldface code ^PB,
you type: This is how you get ^PBboldface^PB text.
and you see: This is how you get BboldfaceB text.
The toggle displays onscreen as a highlighted letter; in the printout, the
word will actually be underlined. Many effects such as boldface, italic, and
super/subscripts are possible if supported by an appropriate printer driver.
(See PRINTER CODES)
VDE is designed to minimize the need for printing drafts of your work;
you can move around the file and make corrections so quickly that it's easier
to edit at the keyboard in the first place than to mark up printed copy by
hand, then type in the corrections. A preview command (see PRINT PREVIEW)
also helps to avoid many mistakes in printing: markers and printer codes are
hidden to show actual alignment of text columns, text between toggles is
highlighted to indicate print effects, and pagebreaks are shown as dotted
lines. When you're ready to print, many options are available to select
header text, number location, only a portion of the file, and so on (see
PRINTING). You can print on any size paper or label that your printer
supports, even address an envelope.
The default printer driver is called "SIMPLE"; it should work on
virtually any printer, but is not capable of special effects (except under-
line and strikeout). [VINST can be used to change to a driver that supports
the full capabilities of your particular printer, or to customize any driver
to your preferences; see PRINTER DRIVERS and INSTALLATION.]
MACROS
A "macro" is a string of VDE commands and/or text that, once defined, can
be repeated automatically. Macros can contain not only ordinary editing
commands but also special programming commands which perform such operations
as loops, tests, and jumps, much like a programming language. (See CREATING
MACROS) You can type in a macro directly, or record the use of keys pressed
during normal editing. You can store macros on function keys [F1]...[F12],
and these definitions can be made permanent with VINST. The 48 user-
definable keys (including Shift, Ctrl, Alt) allow you to customize VDE to
your own taste or to suit any specialized task. (See FUNCTION KEYS)
Macros are a sophisticated and powerful tool for automating repetitive
tasks. But don't think of them as a toy for computer-programmer types only;
anyone can find something practical to do with them. The simplest example is
boilerplate text -- the ability to enter a letterhead or a phrase like
"Western Widget Development Ltd" just by pressing a key. Macros are also
good for any frequently performed task, like changing margins -- just assign
several pairs of your favorite right and left margin settings to different
function keys, and you can switch between them with one keypress. Many more
complicated examples are described in VMACRO.REF.
============================= 3. DOS SYNTAX ==============================
The command-line syntax for VDE is: (items in braces "{}" are optional)
> VDE {NAME1{[_]}{/M}} {{,}NAME2...} {;NAME.VD_ {;...}}
"NAME1","NAME2" - files to edit. If none is given, you begin a new (as
yet untitled) file [or you may be prompted for a filename]. Each name may
include a drive or directory. Multiple names can be separated by spaces or
commas; the previous item's directory carries over to the next item, unless
this begins with a new drive or root "\".
If a name is a drive or directory alone, or contains wildcards (*,?),
the File Browser is invoked to select the files you want to edit from that
group. Alternatively, an option "/1-8" (or a slash alone "/" for 8) may be
used to load up to that many files automatically, bypassing the Browser
display. (The actual number of files loaded may be smaller, depending on how
many exist and how many you were already editing.)
"[_]" - optional number or string in square brackets, to position the
cursor once the file is loaded. Must not be separated from filename.
If a number, the cursor goes to that line (for nondocuments) or page
(for documents), as if the ^QI command had been invoked; the maximum value,
65535, generally works to select the end of the file.
If a text string, the cursor goes to the first instance of that string,
as if the ^QF command had been used; ^L will find further instances. (If the
desired string contains control codes, you must substitute the VDE wildcard
^_ instead. If the string consists entirely of digits, you must add a
wildcard to it to keep it from being treated as a line/page number.)
"/M" - optional choice of FILE MODES, any one of:
D = Document (w/print effects) W,S = WordStar v.3-4,5-7
A = ASCII document P,F = wordPerFect v.4,5
U = Unformatted document M = Microsoft word
N = Nondocument X = Xywrite/nota bene
C = programming source L = hp Lx memo
You can also use "/R" (either alone or combined with a file mode) to load a
file in PROTECTED MODE.
";NAME.VD_" - optional VDE data file(s) to load; must have file type
.VDF, .VDP, .VDC, .VDG, or .VDI. Files must reside in the specified,
current, or VDE directory. (See DATA FILES)
EXAMPLES
> VDE
Begin editing new file, as yet "untitled" [or VDE may prompt you for a
filename to edit, if so installed].
> VDE SAMPLE.FIL
Edit file SAMPLE.FIL in the current directory, using the default file
mode (normally /D).
> VDE *.TXT
Bring up a listing of all files *.TXT in the current directory, to
select some for editing.
> VDE *.DOC/
Automatically load up to 8 files *.DOC for editing.
> VDE MY.DOC[12]/W ;WS4.VDF
Load function key file WS4.VDF, and edit file MY.DOC as a WordStar
v.3-4 document, starting out on page 12.
> VDE B:\ACCTS\MYFILE[KEYWORD], INDEX/R
Edit files MYFILE and INDEX, both(!) in B:\ACCTS, starting off in
MYFILE at the first instance of "KEYWORD", preventing changes to INDEX.
========================== 4. COMMAND SUMMARY =============================
EXPLANATION OF KEYS: special PC keys are indicated in [brackets],
including arrows [^],[v],[<],[>] for the cursor keys. [+],[-],[5] refer to
the keypad (separate) "+,-,5" keys only. "Esc0" means pressing [Esc], then
0. "AltD" means pressing [Alt]+D. "^" indicates holding down [Ctrl]; "^K"
means [Ctrl]+K. Many commands use two-key sequences, like ^QR = [Ctrl]+Q,
then R. A prefix (like ^Q) can be canceled with [Esc] or [Space].
On some foreign keyboards, a few obscure ctrl-keys are in different
locations: you must press ^6 for ^^, or ^< for ^\. If your [Ctrl] key is not
conveniently located, you may want to remap it: see CTRLCAPS.
SPECIAL KEYS
[Enter] = End of input line. In documents, marks a paragraph end.
[Tab] = Hard tab mode: enter Tab. Variable tab mode: move to next stop.
Shft[Tab] = backward tab (move to previous tab position).
^[Tabl = tab to next column of above line.
Alt[Tab] = variable tab in hard tab mode, or vice versa.
[BkSp] = Delete previous character. ^[BkSp] = delete word to left.
[Del] = Delete current character. ^[Del] = delete entire current word.
[Ins] = toggle Insert/overstrike. ^[Ins] = toggle Word Insert.
[^], [v], [>], [<] (arrow keys) = move cursor.
^[<],^[>] = move to start of previous (left), next (right) word.
^[^],^[v] = go to top, bottom of screen.
Alt[<],[>] = scroll screen horizontally 32 columns.
Alt[^],[v] = scroll screen vertically 1/3 screen.
[5] = make current line center of screen. \ Keypad keys,
[-],[+] = scroll back, forward one line. / NumLock off
[Home],[End] = go to beginning, end of line. Repeat: prev/next line.
^[Home],^[End] = go to top, end of file.
[PgUp],[PgDn] = page back, forward one screen.
^[PgUp],^[PgDn] = page both windows of split screen back, forward.
Shft[^],[v],[>],[<] \ mark (shifted arrow
Shft[Home,End,PgUp,PgDn] / block or keypad keys)
MENUBAR CHOICES
Press ^[Esc] or LeftShift-Esc (also initially programmed on [F10]) to
call up the main menu bar; select a sub-menu by typing the capitalized,
highlighted letter, then select a command from it. The [Esc] key can be used
to return to the main menu, or from there, to return to editing. For
explanation of any selection, look up its command equivalent.
___MENUBAR_____________COMMAND___ _____MENUBAR____________COMMAND___
{File: neW} ^KD {Block: Begin} ^KB
Open} AltL End} ^KK
Import} ^KR Cut} AltC
Dir} ^KF Paste} AltP
Next file} AltN Goto} ^QB
Prev file} AltB Zoom} ^KZW
Rename} ^KE Write} ^KWH
Save} ^KS Unmark} ^KHY
Quit} ^KQ Delete} ^KY
Exit} ^KX
{Delete: Line} ^Y {sEarch: Find} ^QF
to ln Start} ^Q[Del] Replace} ^QA
to ln End} ^QY rePeat} ^L
to Char} ^QT place Set} ^KM
Block} ^KY place Go} ^QM
Undelete} ^U Overview} AltO
Match} AltM
spellCheck} AltJ
{formaT: Center} ^OC {stYle: Underline} ^PS
Flush} ^OF Bold} ^PB
Double spc} ^OS Doublestrike} ^PD
Prop spc} ^OK Italic} ^PY
Justify} ^OJ Subscript} ^PV
Reform} ^B suPerscript} ^PT
Auto fmt} ^OM
autoIndent} ^OA
{Set: L margin} ^OL {View: Dual window} AltW
R margin} ^OR Split window} ^OW
Marg rel} ^OX other Window} AltF
rUler} ^OT Header} ^OQ
tab Set} ^OI F-labels} ^OU
tab Clr} ^ON Lines} AltE
Varitab} ^OV Cols} AltA
Hyphens} ^OH Blank} ^OZ
Pg length} ^OP
{Print: File} ^KP {Misc: Time} AltT
preView} ^OD Date} AltD
Driver} AltV Record} ^M^M
pg Break} ^PL Shell} AltR
Graphic} AltG spLit} AltS
overstrike Char} ^PH Use datafile} AltU
overstrike Line} ^PM file Info} AltK
about VDE} AltI
COMMAND KEYS
I. CONTROL KEYS: press the ctrl-key combination shown.
WordStar arrow-key diamond:
^E = up ^D = right ^F,^A = move to word right, left
^X = down ^S = left
^W,^Z = scroll back, forward one line ^B = reformat paragraph
^R,^C = page back, forward one screen
^G = delete character at cursor ^Y = delete current line
^T = delete word to right
^U = undo last deletion (character, word, line, or block)
^V = toggle Insert mode on/off ^N = insert CR (break line)
^_ = insert a space
^P = insert special code: ^P- = soft hyphen
^PI,H,M,L = tab, backspace, return, formfeed
^PB,D,S,Y,T,V,A,N,Q,W,E,R = print toggles and switches
^^ = toggle upper/lowercase character ^L = repeat last find/replace
^\ = copy character above ^H = repeat in other direction
^M = define a macro by entering a key sequence at the prompt
^M^M = record a macro from keys pressed as you work
II. FILE AND BLOCK COMMANDS: first press ^K, then the key shown.
^KF = disk File browser ^KR = Read a file into text
^KL = Load replacement file(s) ^KJ = delete a disk file
^KP = Print
^KE = rEname current work ^KS = Save to disk, and continue
^KD = Done: save & load new file ^KX = eXit: save & quit to DOS
^KA = set Autosave interval ^KQ = Quit to DOS, abandoning file
^KO = prOtected mode (Read/Only)
^KM = insert place Mark in text ^KU = Undo all place marks
^KB = mark start of a Block ^KK = mark end of a block
^KH = unmark the block ^KY = Delete the marked block
^KC = Copy block at cursor location ^KV = moVe block to cursor location
^KZ = Zoom into the marked block ^KW = Write block to a disk file
^KN,I = column block mode
^K# = automatically number items in the block
^K",',^ = uppercase ("), lowercase ('), or switch case (^) of block text
III. QUICK COMMANDS: first press ^Q, then the key shown.
^QS,^QD = go to beginning, end of line
^QE,^QX = go to top, bottom of screen
^QR,^QC = go to top, end of file
^QB,^QK = go to beginning, end of block
^QL,^QN = go to last, next page ^QI = go to specified page or line
^QM = go to next place Marker
^QP = go to Previous position in file (before last sizable move)
^QF = find a string ^QA = find and replace a string
^QY = delete from cursor to end of current line
^Q[BkSp] = delete from cursor to beginning of current line
^QT = delete up to specified character
IV. ONSCREEN COMMANDS: first press ^O, then the key shown.
^OR,^OL = set Right, Left margin ^OX = toggle Margin Release on/off
^OC = Center text on line ^OF = make line Flush right
^OA = Auto indent on/off ^OM = auto forMat on/off
^OG = temporary indent ^OY = hard reformat on/off
^OO = first line indent
^OK = proportional spacing on/off ^OS = double Spacing on/off
^OV = tab mode Variable/hard ^OH = Hyphenation on/off
^OI,^ON = set, clear tab stop(s)
^OP = set Page length (0 turns off pagination)
^OQ = header display on/off ^OU = function key labels on/off
^OT = ruler line display on/off ^OB = hard CR/TAB display on/off
^OD = print preview (print codes hidden, pagebreaks displayed)
^OE = make current line top of screen
^OW = split Window to show two different portions of the file
^OZ = temporarily blank the entire screen
V. ALT-KEY COMMANDS: hold [Alt] and press the key shown.
AltK = file/memory Information AltI = VDE version Information
AltL = Load an additional file AltB = move Back to previous file
AltW = split Window between 2 files AltN = move forward to Next file
AltF = move to other File window
AltC,P = Cut and Paste a block from one place or file to another
AltM = Match up the two files on screen, showing differences
AltX = eXit (^KX) from all files AltQ = Quit (^KQ) from all files
AltR = Run DOS command (or shell) AltS = Split up a large file
AltT,D = enter the current system Time or Date in the file
AltG = enter a PC Graphics character into text
AltE,A = EGA/VGA screen (43/50 lines), wide screen (132 columns)
AltO = move with Overview bar AltV = change printer driVers
AltU = Use (Load or Save) data file (key definitions, etc)
VI. ESC-KEY COMMANDS: first press [Esc], then the key shown.
Esc0...Z = optional alternate way to use macro keys
Macro Programming:
Esc0...Z = labels Esc(),+,- = counter
Esc!,$ = jumps Esc; = pause
Esc=,~,<,>,@ = character tests Esc:,? = user input
Esc* = toggle control Esc&,&& = chain/call macro
Esc/ = adjust value
^[Esc] = call up MenuBar (LeftShift-Esc may also be used)
============= 5. TEXT FILES, FILE MODES, AND COMPATIBILITY ================
VDE is intended only for editing TEXT FILES. You should not attempt to
use it on other types of disk files, such as binary data or executable
programs; the results will be unpredictable. VDE can edit up to 8 files at
once; the maximum individual file size is roughly 70-80k (about 80,000
characters). If an existing file is too large to edit with VDE, it can be
divided up (see SPLITTING FILES).
There are different kinds of text files, ranging from simple DOS
("ASCII") text to elaborately formatted word processor files; they can
generally be described as either DOCUMENTS or NON-DOCUMENTS. A non-document
consists of individual lines of arbitrary length which are always kept
separate, like batch files or programming source code. A document consists
of a stream of text whose paragraphs can be reformatted at will (to different
margins, etc); if created with a word processor, it may contain not just the
text itself but also data indicating formatting, printing, and other
instructions, and each program has its own proprietary way of encoding that
information.
VDE has many "file modes", each designated by a different letter, for
editing nondocuments, simple DOS text, or various word-processor formats
including WordStar, WordPerfect, XyWrite, NotaBene, Microsoft Word, and HP LX
Memo; for a list, press ^JF. Your choice of modes determines not only the
format in which a file is read from or written to disk, but also how it
displays on screen and what default settings apply. In general, the document
modes support word-processing features like wordwrap, pagination, variable
tabs, and print styles; nondocument modes do not. [VDE normally uses its own
simple "D"ocument mode /D by default, but this can be changed, or separate
defaults declared by filetype, with VINST.]
The file mode can be specified with a slash after the filename on the
command line or at any VDE disk file prompt (such as "Read in file:"),
allowing you to read, write, or combine text in any of the format(s) offered.
To convert a file to a different format (subject to VDE's limited support for
word processor features), just use ^KE to change to the appropriate mode
before saving.
Several of VDE's file modes (/D,A,U,N,C) are variations on a basic file
format often called "DOS TEXT" or "ASCII TEXT" which is compatible with
virtually all software (compilers, databases, telecom, etc): of these, many
VDE users will need only /D for documents and /N for nondocuments, but there
are other variants for special needs:
/D mode is VDE's standard Document format, formatted into paragraphs with
soft CRs, and providing for various print effects with ^P-codes.
/A mode is for ASCII documents, differing from /D only in that control
codes in the text aren't interpreted as printer toggles and switches, so it
can be used to view and print files that use codes 00-1Fh as PC graphics.
/U mode is for Unformatted ASCII documents, which contain carriage
returns only at the ends of paragraphs, a format commonly used by many
different kinds of software. When you edit such a file, its paragraphs are
(temporarily) formatted to your own margin settings.
/N mode is for Nondocuments, simple line-by-line ASCII text.
/C mode differs from /N only by initially establishing variable tab stops
and auto-indentation suitable for structured programming languages like C.
The remaining "compatibility" modes (/W,S,P,F,X,M,L) allow VDE to read
and write files in the proprietary formats of WordStar, WordPerfect, XyWrite,
NotaBene, Microsoft Word, and the HP LX palmtop Memo editor, making VDE a
handy accessory for users of these programs. Features supported in each
format are listed below; non-supported features will simply be filtered out.
WORDSTAR - /W mode supports all features of WS v.3-4 file format. /S
mode reads and writes WS v.5-7 format, but doesn't support all of the newer
formatting features, notes, printer/font IDs, etc. VDE's operation will seem
very familiar to a WordStar user, since many (though not all) of the control-
key commands are identical. Note that VDE doesn't recognize or implement any
WordStar "dot commands" in the text.
WORDPERFECT - /P mode reads and writes files in WP v.4 format. /F mode
reads WP v.5-6 or WP for Windows files, and writes v.5 format (which can also
be read by v.6, or imported into WPfW). Both modes support some formatting
features and underline, boldface, and super/subscript; /F also supports
italics and strikeout. You can also edit in VDE using a command set rather
like WordPerfect's, by using the supplied WP.VDF key definition file. It
causes the [F]-keys to call up the MenuBar in a manner similar to WP's
commands.
XYWRITE/NOTABENE - /X mode reads and writes files in the format of XW or
NB; it supports margins, underline, boldface, and italics. (Note: /U mode
can also be used to read XW/NB files without processing or filtering out
formatting codes.)
MICROSOFT WORD - /M mode reads files in the format of DOS Word v.3-6 or
Word for Windows v.2-6, and writes DOS v.5 format. It doesn't support any
print effects or formatting features, it simply extracts paragraphs of text.
(/U mode can also be used to exchange files with Word in "text only" format.)
MEMO (HP LX palmtop) - /L mode reads and writes files in the "formatted"
mode of the HP LX palmtop's built-in Memo application. Margins, underline,
boldface, and pagebreak are supported. (Unformatted "ASCII" files can be
exchanged with MEMO using /U mode. VDE cannot read encrypted MEMO files.)
NOTES
Formatted ASCII documents not originally created with VDE are likely to
be full of hard CRs, so reformatting may require hard reformat (^OY).
VDE's DOS/ASCII file modes do NOT restrict contents to the "printable"
range of ASCII values (20-7Eh). If any control codes or graphics (00-1F or
7F-FF) are present in such a file, and would be unacceptable for some
application, you can easily filter them out with a macro program. (One is
provided in EXAMPLES.VDF; see MACRO PROGRAMMING.)
VDE's compatibility file modes are merely intended to offer simple, quick
access to reformattable text with a limited set of print effects. Word
processor file formats are very complex; users with more demanding
requirements for file compatibility or translation should use specialized
software designed for such purposes.
======================== 6. TECHNICAL INFORMATION =========================
ACCESSORY PROGRAMS - For academic and technical writing, the author has a
shareware footnote-endnote formatting utility called "wsNOTE" for WordStar
files, that can also be used with VDE in /W mode. The "VDE macro
compiler" VMC, by Evan Slawson, is a free utility that translates function
key files (*.VDF) from the binary format used by VDE/VINST to an easily
read and edited text file. An assortment of VDE enhancements including
VMC and WSNOTE is provided on your registered disk, or can be obtained
from the Internet list server (see SOURCES), where you can also find
macros and helpful hints from other VDE users.
It is often possible to use software other than VDE's own integrated
speller for spell checking, thesaurus, or grammar; programs known to work
with VDE include Webster's Professional, American Heritage Dictionary,
Turbo Lightning (Borland), MicroSpell (Trigram), and Wordfinder
(Microlytics), as well as shareware programs such as ShareSpell
(Acropolis). Older programs (like Turbo Lightning) that operate as TSRs
may require that VDE be installed for "XT" keyboard type. Standalone
programs require you to save your file in an appropriate format, then run
the program, a process easily automated with a function key definition
using AltR and ^F for the current filename (see PROMPTS).
CTRL KEY (CTRLCAPS) - VDE's WordStar-style command set makes extensive use
of the [Ctrl] key, which was located on the home row next to "A" on the
original IBM PC keyboard; but most later ("enhanced"!) keyboards have put
[CapsLock] there instead, making [Ctrl] less accessible. If this is a
problem you want to fix, some keyboards (e.g. Northgate Omnikey, Toshiba
laptops) can be reconfigured; if yours can't, the included CTRLCAPS
utility can be used to swap the functions of these two keys.
With CTRLCAPS active, the key labeled [CapsLock] is used to form
Ctrl-combinations, making VDE's WordStar-style commands easy to type once
again; for the CapsLock function, press the key labeled [Ctrl]. When
CTRLCAPS is inactive, the keys revert to their labeled functions.
To use CTRLCAPS (version 1.2), you can type:
CTRLCAPS for status report (and help if not installed)
CTRLCAPS ON to install (or reenable) Ctrl/Caps swapping
CTRLCAPS OFF to temporarily disable it
CTRLCAPS is a tiny memory-resident utility (TSR), and remains
installed until you reboot; do not install it from within another program
or shell. Once installed, you may change its status at any time.
DIRECTORIES - At any VDE filename prompt, you can always specify a directory
as well. Otherwise, the default directory assumed by the file commands
(^KL,^KR,^KE,^KF,^KJ; AltL) is that of the current file; when editing
multiple files, this can differ from one to the next. The directory
doesn't display in the header, but is shown by the AltK or ^KF commands.
The current DOS directory remains unchanged, and is shown by the AltR
command, for which it is the default directory. (It can be changed at the
AltR prompt.) You will return to this directory upon exiting VDE.
THE "VDE DIRECTORY": Sometimes other files associated with VDE need
to be located in order to perform certain functions:
* AltU (or ";" on the command line) needs to be able to find .VDx
data files.
* AltH,AltJ require the speller overlay and dictionary files.
Normally, all you need to do to enable VDE to find these files is to keep
them in the "VDE directory", the same one from which VDE.EXE itself will
be run. But here are the additional details:
If you do specify a directory along with the .VDx filename, the file
will (only) be sought or put there.
Under DOS 2.x, VDE can't tell where it was run from; the "VDE
directory" defaults instead to the root directory of the current drive.
Under any DOS version, you can use the "SET" command to define an
environment variable "VDE" designating a different VDE directory instead.
For example: C:\>SET VDE=C:\UTIL
(This can be put in your AUTOEXEC.BAT, and is recommended for DOS 2.x.)
If the file needed is not found in the VDE directory, it will finally
be sought in the current DOS directory.
If you use AltU to SAVE a data file without specifying a directory,
the first file by that name found in the above search will be overwritten;
if no such file is found, a new file will be written to the VDE directory.
ERROR MESSAGES - These display briefly below the header:
"Error" - invalid data entered, or inappropriate command.
"Invalid Key" - an illegal command key sequence was pressed.
"Not Available" - the required hardware or software is not present.
"Invalid Filespec" - bad directory, duplicate filename, or excluded type.
"No File" - requested file does not exist.
"I/O Error" - read or write error, disk full, invalid drive, etc.
"Format Error" - word too long, or margins invalid.
"Not Found" - the object of a search was not found.
"Block Error" - there is no marked block (or the cursor is in it).
"Macro Error" - programming command misused, or recording overflow.
"Graphics Overflow" - too many graphics codes in file, table full.
"File Near Full" - this file has less than 1K memory free for editing.
"Out of Memory" - file, block, or string won't fit in available memory.
IMPORTANT NOTE: On DOS 2.x systems, an attempt to access an empty
disk drive or to print when the printer is not online can produce a
critical error message directly from DOS, something like:
"Device not ready; Ignore, Retry, or Abort?"
If this happens, correct the situation and press "R" for Retry. DO NOT
PRESS "A"; this would exit from VDE back to DOS, without saving
modifications in any files you have been editing to disk!
If, after recovering from such an error, the message is still on
screen, you can press ^OZ,Esc to correct the display.
KEYBOARD VARIANTS - Some non-US keyboards differ somewhat in the arrangement
of special symbols that they offer. If the following keystrokes don't
work as VDE commands (or parts thereof), check your keyboard instructions
to find which key (or combination) produces that ASCII code instead.
___KEY_____DEC_HEX___|___KEY____DEC_HEX___|___KEY____DEC_HEX__
^\ 28 1C | " 34 22 | & 38 26
^^ (^6) 30 1E | # 35 23 | ^ 94 5E
^_ (^-) 31 1F | $ 36 24 | ~ 126 7E
MEMORY - VDE allocates memory for each file as needed, up to a maximum of
64k. (1k = 1024 bytes.) Due to an internal compression technique, the
largest file that can be edited with VDE is typically about 80k.
VDE requires a minimum of about 128k free RAM; the number and size of
files you can edit depends on the amount of additional memory you have
free. (VDE doesn't use EMS/XMS memory.) Your available memory may be
limited if you're running VDE in a shell from another program, or have
lots of memory-resident software (TSRs) loaded; you can check it with
AltK. The speller requires an additional 90k of memory; running a DOS
command (AltR) requires enough to load COMMAND.COM and whatever program
you intend to run. If you're running short of memory, try exiting files
you no longer need, or cutting an empty block to empty the cut buffer
(AltC), or unloading the speller (Esc*U).
MULTITASKING ENVIRONMENTS - VDE should be compatible with multitasking
operating systems, although you may need to identify it as a "program that
writes directly to the screen". No such precautions are needed to run VDE
under DESQview, however, because VDE is "DESQview-aware". Its window can
be resized, and it will run in the background. To get the best perform-
ance from VDE under DESQview, just leave both "Writes directly to screen"
and "Virtualize text/graphics" set to NO.
VDE can be run in an MSDOS session under Windows. Ctrl-Esc is a
Windows key, so if you want to use the MenuBar, either use LeftShift-Esc
instead, or set up a VDE.PIF file reserving Ctrl-Esc for use by VDE.
Since VDE doesn't distinguish between mouse and text cursors, it's not
good to move the mouse cursor onto the VDE screen when it's windowed with
other things; it's best either to run VDE full-screen, or disable mouse
operation in VDE.
PROMPTS - At prompts for numeric or text input, like "Column:" or "Find
string:", the following special keys operate:
Reposition cursor: [<], [>]
Delete character: [BkSp], [Del]
Finish entry: [Enter] (or ^[Enter] to avoid further prompting
Abort operation: ^[Break] in many cases)
Enter text from macro: [F1]-[@F12]
Replay last entry: ^R (only at beginning of input line)
Include current filename: ^F \
Include text from block: ^[ \(these don't have immediate
Erase entire entry: ^Y / effect at "Macro:" prompt)
Escape from prompt: [Esc] /
Enter one of above codes: ^P
Enter graphic: Alt-G
NOTES: "^[" means Ctrl-[, not Esc. When editing input with the arrow
keys, any characters typed are inserted, and [Enter] can be used at any
time. In most cases, to make these keys part of your input themselves
rather than having these effects, you must precede them with ^P (including
^P itself of course).
At prompts where [Del] and [>] can be entered, they don't require ^P
when the cursor is at the end of the input line. At the Print prompt, the
[<],[>] arrows can be used to scroll the option menu only when the cursor
is at the end of the input line.
==================== 7. REVIEWS / ABOUT THE AUTHOR ========================
"VDE is a word-processing program for people who like their
programs lean, mean and simple... executes all the standard
operations necessary for writing articles, books or screenplays...
blazingly fast... Even the loading and storing of files is speedy."
- Paul Ciotti, Los Angeles Times Magazine (18 March 1990)
"This may be the finest piece of word processing code ever
written. I have never been as impressed with anything as I have
with VDE 1.5... writing software in 100 percent assembly language
still pays off in performance and reduced code size. It's an
astonishing product, believe me. It's more than the perfect laptop
word processor. Actually, it's something that corporations should
consider if they want to save tens of thousands of dollars... I
cannot give a higher recommendation for any product that I have
seen in ten years... Top recommendation."
- John Dvorak, PC Magazine (24 April 1990)
"What fascinated Dvorak was not just the astonishing functionality
achieved with very little programming code, but also the attitude --
and implications -- of the author who circulated it freely asking
only for a modest sum... VDE is an amazing word-processor, offering
almost everything except the layout and document processing features
found in far fatter programs... it supports the old WordStar command
set... ergonomically the most efficient I've ever learned."
- Colin Brace, Language Technology/Electric Word (July/Aug 1990)
"I've used various versions of WordStar, WordPerfect, and Wang
IWP. I wouldn't trade my copy of VDE for shrink-wrapped sets of the
latest versions of all of these. I congratulate you both on the
quality of your program and on your policy in making it available..."
- K.N., registered VDE user (August 1991)
"You've recognized a truth about writing, which every commercial
word-processor vendor has forgotten. Writing is about words -- not
fonts or bit-maps or graphical layout. Writers need the computer
equivalent of a typewriter -- not a print-shop."
- J.W., registered VDE user (August 1995)
VDE has appeared in stores in "Dvorak's Top 30", a boxed collection of
shareware published by Interplay Productions; it was also included on-disk
with the book "Dvorak's Inside Track to DOS and PC Performance" by John
Dvorak and Nick Anis, published by Osborne/McGraw-Hill.
Eric Meyer has also written the shareware ZIP serial file transfer
program and Meyer File/Directory (MFD) utilities, as well as a number of free
utilities for IBM PC compatibles. He holds an A.B. in physics and a Ph.D. in
history and philosophy of science, and has taught at the Universities of
Indiana, Oklahoma, and Colorado. A longtime computer enthusiast, he has
programmed in languages from APL to Z80; this DOS software is written in 8086
assembler. Despite industry trends toward complexity and instant obso-
lescence, he still believes that useful, inexpensive programs should remain
available to users of even the simplest personal computers worldwide.
===============================[end VDE.DOC]=================================
