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1991-09-04
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Welcome to
QEdit(R) Advanced
the "quick editor"
Version 2.1 (February 1990)
(See the file "READ.ME" for additional v2.15 documentation)
R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L
Please note that this is the shareware version of the documentation.
The licensed commercial version includes an indexed, bound manual.
SemWare(R)
4343 Shallowford Road, Suite C3A
Marietta, GA 30062-5022
VOICE: (404) 641-9002
FAX: (404) 640-6213
BBS: (404) 641-8968
Copyright 1985-1991 Applied Systems Technologies, Inc.
All rights reserved worldwide.
This software embodies valuable trade secrets proprietary to Applied
Systems Technologies, Inc.
SemWare and QEdit are registered trademarks of Applied Systems
Technologies, Inc. All trademarks referenced in this document are
the property of their respective owners.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
_______
____|__ | (R)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware
Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware
principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a
shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the
member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help
you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not
provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the
ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442- 9427 or send a
Compuserve message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
QEDIT ADVANCED SHAREWARE SOFTWARE LICENSE
=========================================
This version of QEdit is NOT public domain or free software, but is
being distributed as "shareware" for EVALUATION PURPOSES ONLY.
Copyright, Proprietary Rights
-----------------------------
The QEdit Advanced software is owned by Applied Systems
Technologies, Inc. (doing business under the registered tradename
SemWare) or its suppliers and is protected by United States
copyright laws and international treaty provisions. You may not
reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or create derivative works
based on the software for any purpose other than creating an
adaptation to the software as an essential step in its utilization
for your own use. This software embodies valuable trade secrets
proprietary to SemWare; you may not disclose any information
regarding the internal operations of this software to others.
Usage Restrictions
------------------
SemWare grants a limited license to individuals to use this
shareware software for a 30-day evaluation period on a private,
non-commercial basis, for the express purpose of determining whether
QEdit is suitable for their needs. At the end of this 30-day
evaluation period, the individual must either purchase a license
from SemWare for continued use of the program, or discontinue using
QEdit.
What does this mean? If you use this program on a continued basis,
you must purchase a license for its use. QEdit is NOT free, and we
are not giving away free copies. We are giving you the opportunity
to try it before paying for a license for continued use. It is that
simple. Try it. Then either pay for it, or quit using it.
Paying for a license to continue using the software product is not
only required, but also allows SemWare to provide support and
updates, and stay in business. Licensed users receive printed
documentation, additional utilities and configuration files, and a
version of the program that does NOT show the opening and closing
shareware reminder screens. Registration of the licensed copy allows
the registered user to receive free technical support (by phone,
fax, our own support BBS, mail, or various electronic services such
as CompuServe), and makes them eligible for discounts on future
versions.
Purchasing a license for QEdit Advanced entitles you to use the
program on any and all computers available to you, provided you do
not operate QEdit on more than one computer or terminal at a time
and you do not operate QEdit on a network or a multi-user system. If
you would like a network or multiple-use (site) license, please
contact SemWare for details.
Distribution, Copying Restrictions
----------------------------------
Individuals are granted a limited license to copy the SHAREWARE
version of QEdit Advanced only for the trial use of other
individuals and subject to the above limitations. This license DOES
NOT include distribution or copying of this software package:
1. In connection with any other product or service;
2. For general use within a company, institution, or agency;
3. For any consideration or 'disk fee'; or
4. In modified form (i.e., any distribution that does not
include ALL FILES supplied by SemWare with the shareware
version of QEdit Advanced, WITHOUT ALTERATION. This also
prohibits distribution of all or portions of the
documentation in printed form.)
Operators of electronic bulletin board systems (Sysops) are
permitted and encouraged to post the shareware version of QEdit
Advanced for downloading by their users, as long as the above
conditions are met. Though a fee may be charged for BBS access, NO
FEE may be charged to specifically access or download the QEdit
Advanced shareware files.
Non-profit computer-related User Groups may distribute the shareware
version of QEdit Advanced provided the above conditions are met.
However, such User Groups MAY charge a NOMINAL fee to cover the cost
of the disk and copying of the software.
Disk vendors MUST obtain written permission from SemWare before
distributing the shareware version of QEdit Advanced. Certain
restrictions apply. Generally, ASP approved vendors are granted
permission. For further details, see VENDOR.DOC.
WARRANTY DISCLAIMER
===================
SEMWARE PROVIDES THE SHAREWARE VERSION OF QEDIT ADVANCED "AS IS" AND
WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW,
SEMWARE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SPECIFICALLY, SEMWARE MAKES NO
REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY THAT THE SOFTWARE IS FIT FOR ANY
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
SEMWARE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE
OF THIS SOFTWARE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFIT, DATA
OR USE OF THE SOFTWARE, OR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES OR OTHER SIMILIAR CLAIMS, EVEN IF SEMWARE HAS BEEN
SPECIFICALLY ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES
DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
US GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS
===============================
This software and documentation are provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS.
Use, duplication or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to
restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights
in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at 252.227-7013.
Contractor/manufacturer is Applied Systems Technologies, Inc., 4343
Shallowford Road, Suite C3A, Marietta, Georgia 30062-5022, U.S.A.
ORDERING INFORMATION
Purchasing a license for QEdit Advanced allows you to use the
product on a regular and/or continuing basis. Registration of your
licensed copy of QEdit Advanced entitles you to free technical
support from SemWare, discounts on updates, and access to the
Registered User area of our support BBS (404/641-8968, <N81>,
1200/2400/9600 baud, 24 hours a day).
With your purchase, you will receive: a licensed copy of QEdit
Advanced V2.15 with a 90-day limited warranty; a bound, indexed
manual, along with a QEdit quick reference card; additional
utilities for use with QEdit.
We offer discounts to educational institutions, full-time students,
BBS sysops, US and Georgia government agencies, and various approved
Computer-related User Groups. Students must include proof of student
status (photocopy of current registration slip or student ID card).
BBS sysops must supply the name and number of their BBS, along with
any other relevant information. User Groups must be members of our
SemWare Supporter program. Call for details.
ALL PRICES AND DISCOUNTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
SITE LICENSES AND QUANTITY PURCHASES
------------------------------------
All corporate, business, government or other commercial, public, or
private users of QEdit must be licensed. We offer quantity discounts
as well as site (multi-user) licensing. Please call or write for
more information.
ORDERS OUTSIDE THE U.S./CANADA/MEXICO
-------------------------------------
Please use your MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Carte Blanche,
Diners Club, or Discover card when ordering, or send a check drawn
on a US bank payable in US dollars. Please add $10 for each copy to
cover overseas shipping.
Remit to: SemWare Order Form #9108-OF04
4343 Shallowford Rd, Suite C3A
Marietta, GA 30062-5022 USA
*** QEdit Advanced version 2.15, August 1991 ***
* Single-User License Order Form *
We take VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, Carte Blanche,
and Discover. You can use this handy order form to order by MAIL, or by:
PHONE: (404) 641-9002 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm ET) FAX: (404) 640-6213
BBS: (404) 641-8968 (1200/2400/9600 HST, <N81>)
COMPUSERVE: 71520,67
NOTE: We offer quantity discounts and multiple-user licenses. We also
offer student/educational discounts, discounts to BBS sysops, US and
Georgia govt. agencies, and approved User Groups. Call for details.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
SemWare, send me:
____ QEdit Advanced with Printed Manual.......... @ $54.95 ea $ ______
Includes single-user licensed copy of software (Version
2.15) with 90-day limited warranty, spiral-bound
indexed manual, reference card, low-cost upgrades.
SHIPPING (each copy)... US/Canada/Mexico: $3; Overseas: $10 $ ______
Purchase Orders under $100.00, add $6 Billing Fee ........... $ ______
(DOES NOT APPLY to PREPAID Check or Charge Card orders)
SUBTOTAL $ ______
Georgia Residents please add Sales Tax ................ @ 5% $ ______
TOTAL (U.S. Funds drawn on U.S. Bank) $ ______
Payment by: ( )CHECK ( )VISA ( )MC ( )AMEX ( )PO#_____________
( )DC ( )CB ( )DISCOVER (copy attached)
Name: _____________________________________________________________
Company (ONLY if company address):_________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________
: __________________________________________________________
: __________________________________________________________
Voice Day Phone: ______________________ Evening: __________________
Card #: _________________________________ Exp. Date: ______________
Signature of cardholder: __________________________________________
PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Call to confirm current prices.
TSR and OS/2 VERSIONS NOW AVAILABLE! Call for details.
TABLE OF CONTENTS________________________________________
Acknowledgements ................................... ii
Introduction ....................................... iii
Features ........................................... iv
System Requirements ................................ v
Installation ....................................... vi
Chapter 1 Users Guide for QEdit 1-1
Quick Start ..................................... 1-2
Getting Started .............................. 1-2
In the Editor ................................ 1-2
Getting Out .................................. 1-3
Menus ........................................... 1-3
The Status Line ................................. 1-4
Files ........................................... 1-5
Creating New Files ........................... 1-5
Loading Existing Files ....................... 1-5
Multiple Files: The Ring .................... 1-6
Saving Files and Exiting .................... 1-8
Viewing and Getting Around in the Text .......... 1-9
Cursor Movement .............................. 1-9
Moving Through a File ..................... 1-9
Moving Around on the Screen ............... 1-12
Moving by Lines and Characters ............ 1-13
Using Windows ................................ 1-13
Creating Windows .......................... 1-14
Switching Windows ......................... 1-14
Changing Window Size ...................... 1-14
Closing Windows ........................... 1-15
Copying, Moving, Replacing, and Deleting text ... 1-16
Block Commands ............................... 1-16
Marking and Unmarking a Block ............. 1-16
Manipulating Blocks Directly .............. 1-18
Manipulating Blocks Using Scrap Buffers ... 1-19
Manipulating Blocks Using Scratch Buffers . 1-21
Examples of Block Commands ................ 1-22
Non-Block Commands ........................... 1-25
Adding Text ............................... 1-25
Copying Text .............................. 1-26
Moving Text ............................... 1-27
Deleting and Undeleting Text .............. 1-28
Replacing Text ............................ 1-29
The Kill Buffer - A Safety Net ............... 1-31
Macros .......................................... 1-33
Creating Macros .............................. 1-33
Using Macros ................................. 1-34
Saving and Reloading Macros .................. 1-34
Example of a Macro ........................... 1-35
Printing ........................................ 1-35
Print Formatting ............................. 1-36
Formfeeds .................................... 1-36
The Shell and Dos Commands ...................... 1-37
Word Processing Commands ........................ 1-38
Modes ........................................... 1-39
Chapter 2 Customizing QEdit 2-1
Initiating the Configuration Program ............ 2-2
The Configuration Menu .......................... 2-3
Advanced Options ................................ 2-5
Colors/Screen Options ........................... 2-7
General Options ................................. 2-9
The Help Screen ................................. 2-13
Keyboard Configuration .......................... 2-14
The Keyboard Definition File ................. 2-14
Creating a Keyboard Definition File .......... 2-16
Printer Options ................................. 2-17
Tab Settings .................................... 2-18
Chapter 3 QEdit Command Reference 3-1
Appendix A. List of Commands A-1
By Function ..................................... A-1
Alphabetically .................................. A-6
Appendix B. List of Configurable Keys B-1
Function Keys ................................... B-1
Special Purpose Keys ............................ B-2
Control Keys .................................... B-3
Alternate Keys .................................. B-5
Enhanced Keyboard Keys .......................... B-6
Appendix C. Error Messages C-1
QEdit Error Messages ............................ C-1
QCONFIG Error Messages .......................... C-3
Appendix D. Commonly Used Macros D-1
Appendix E. Addendum E-1
***NOTE: Because of disk space limitations, the Index
has been omitted from this documentation.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS____________________________________________________
Many years of work have gone into the development of this version of
QEdit. And we had LOTS of help. Special thanks go to:
My wife, for her many valuable suggestions, for "proofing" this
manual, and for putting up with all the long hours (and many all
nighters) that I have spent working on QEdit.
Gerhard Barth, who went above and beyond the call of duty to help us
track down a nasty bug in the very first version of QEdit.
P.L. Olympia, who has gone out of his way and spent much time
promoting this program.
Anthony M. Marcy, who developed the INLINER program, an assembler
which translates 8088 assembly language directly into Turbo Pascal
INLINE code.
Karl Brendel, for his constant support and excellent testing. Karl
is also the author of an excellent add-on product for QMODEM called
QFONEDIT.
John Newlin, for his encouragement and support. John is also the
author of SCOUT. If you're looking for a powerful file or DOS
manager that's memory resident, then look no further. SCOUT is
probably what you're looking for.
Stuart Warren, for his insight, encouragement, and many valuable
programming suggestions.
Steve Watkins, for all the many hours he spent testing and the many
"hard to find" bugs and quirks that he uncovered.
All the folks at TurboPower software. We're especially grateful for
TdebugPlus. Using Turbo Pascal without the tools provided by the
TurboPower folks is just plain wasteful!
To ALL registered users - THANK YOU - it is only through your
support that additional versions are made possible.
ii
INTRODUCTION________________________________________________________
"You can never be too rich, too thin, or have too much RAM and
Disk storage." Ancient American proverb, ca. 1980
This manual describes the use and operation of QEdit, a full-screen
text editor for the IBM PC and compatible computers. The manual
includes installation instructions, a user's guide, and a reference
section which explains all of QEdit's commands.
QEdit is a text editor as opposed to a word processor. This means
that most of its features are geared toward creating and maintaining
program source code and other text files. However, QEdit can also
be used like a word processor to write documents or letters since it
includes word-wrapping and paragraph reformatting capabilities.
QEdit was developed with these goals in mind:
- FAST OPERATION - More than anything else, QEdit was designed to
operate quickly, especially in these areas:
- Initially loading a file for editing.
- Displaying/Updating the screen.
- Moving through the editing window.
- Searching for text.
- Saving a file back to disk.
- EASE OF USE - This version of QEdit includes:
- Optional "Pop-Down" menus.
- Customizable Help Screen.
- Complete execution from a single file (Q.EXE).
- Pop-up file directory and picker.
- COMPACT PROGRAM SIZE - Every effort was made to keep the program
size as compact as possible. Even though memory is getting
cheaper all the time, we didn't want QEdit to require any more
memory than absolutely necessary.
iii
FEATURES____________________________________________________________
These are just some of the many features you will enjoy while using
QEdit:
- It is very fast!
- It is customizable. QEdit can be easily configured the way you
like it. This includes the meaning of ALL special keys on the
keyboard (Alt, Ctrl, and function keys; <Home>, <PgUp>, etc.),
colors, screen appearance, and many other options.
- It utilizes all available memory. With QEdit you can edit files
as large as your computer's memory will allow.
- It allows true multi-file editing. The number of files you can
edit is limited only by available memory.
- It enables you to view files through up to eight "windows". You
can have multiple views of the same file or view a different file
in each window.
- It provides up to 99 scratch buffers for cut-and-paste or template
operations.
- It allows you to exit to DOS (or a DOS shell) temporarily and use
DOS commands from within the editor.
- It is easy to use. You can use the optional "Pop-Down" menus to
access QEdit's commands, and there is a Help Screen which you can
customize for your own needs.
- It supports Character, Line, and Column Blocks.
- It allows you to create macros which will execute a series of
commands and keystrokes by pressing a single key.
- It provides wordwrap and paragraph reformat capabilities.
- It saves deleted words, lines, and Blocks in a deletion buffer for
later recall.
- It provides "C mode", which utilizes automatic indentation for C
language programming.
- It locates matching braces and parentheses, a useful feature for
programming.
- It will load multiple files from the DOS command line, with or
without wildcard characters.
- It allows you to specify up to six default file extensions for use
when loading files and determining tab settings.
iv
- It allows you to execute command line compilers from within QEdit,
using its macro capability.
- It provides line drawing to create diagrams and tables.
- It supports enhanced (101 key) keyboards.
- It supports up to 200-column and 100-line screens.
- It supports EGA 43-line mode and VGA 50-line mode.
- It is compact. Even with all these features, QEdit requires less
than 50k of disk space.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS_________________________________________________
QEdit will run on the IBM PS/2, PC/AT, PC/XT, PC, PC/Jr, and on IBM
compatible computers including the Compaq, NCR, Tandy, and WYSE
PC's. MINIMUM requirements are:
- 128 KB of memory (although QEdit can utilize up to 640 KB if it
is available).
- PC-DOS 2.0 or greater or MS-DOS 2.0 or greater.
- One diskette drive.
- Either a color or a monochrome monitor with 80-column display.
- 60 KB of disk space.
- Q.EXE, the editor program itself. No other files are necessary for
operating QEdit.
v
INSTALLATION________________________________________________________
Before installing QEdit, you should review the contents of the
READ.ME file on your QEdit distribution diskette. This file
contains important information (usage information, new features,
changes, etc.) that became available after this manual was printed.
You should carefully review the READ.ME file before using QEdit.
The READ.ME file also contains a complete list of the files included
on the distribution diskette. A partial list is included here:
Q.EXE QEdit. No other files are necessary for proper
operation of QEdit.
QCONFIG.EXE The QEdit configuration program. This program
allows you to customize QEdit.
QCONFIG.DAT The default QEdit Keyboard Definition file. Used
by QCONFIG.EXE.
QHELP.TXT The default QEdit Help text. Used by QCONFIG.EXE.
QEdit is simple to install. But first, be sure to make a backup
copy of the distribution diskette.
Once you have made your backup copy, simply copy Q.EXE to the disk
and/or subdirectory where you would like to use it. If you are
using a hard disk, then you probably want to put it somewhere that
is accessible via the "path". For example, on our system, we keep
many of our executable programs in a subdirectory called TOOLS.
+---------------------------------+
|QEdit Tip: |
| Please note that one of the |
| MAJOR features of QEdit is |
| configurability. You can |
| customize the colors, the keys, |
| the on-screen appearance of the |
| editor, and many other |
| functions. |
| |
| By spending just a small amount |
| of time reviewing Chapter 2 on |
| configuration, you can benefit |
| greatly through customizing the |
| editor to your personal |
| preferences. |
+---------------------------------+
If you will be customizing QEdit (Refer to Chapter 2 for complete
information on customizing QEdit), then you may wish to create a
special directory and copy the files Q.EXE, QCONFIG.EXE,
QCONFIG.DAT, and QHELP.TXT to that directory.
vi
CHAPTER 1. USERS GUIDE FOR QEDIT___________________________________
Quick Start
===========
With QEdit you can edit any text file with a few simple commands.
The next three sections briefly describe the quickest way possible
to load, edit, and save a file.
Getting Started
Using QEdit is simple and straightforward.
To initiate QEdit, type "Q <Enter>". The Editor will respond with
a prompt for the name of the file to be edited.
+-----------------------------------------------------+
| File(s) to edit: <Esc = abort> |
| |
+-----------------------------------------------------+
Enter the filename. The filename may include full path designation.
+---------------------------------+
|QEdit Tip: |
| At any "File to edit" prompt, |
| you may use wildcard characters|
| (* or ?) to obtain a list of |
| matching files in the |
| directory. |
+---------------------------------+
You may optionally include the filename on the DOS command line in
order to bypass this prompt. For example, from the DOS command line,
type:
"Q filename <Enter>"
In the Editor
Once you are in QEdit, the cursor movement keys (Left, Right, Up,
Down, Home, End, ...) allow you to move around in the text.
To obtain a help screen, simply press <F1>. Pressing <F1> again
returns you to the text.
To obtain a menu of QEdit commands, press <Esc>. You may then use
the cursor movement keys to position the cursor bar over the desired
command. Pressing <Enter> will execute the command.
1-2
+------------------------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| Pressing <Esc> will abort any editor prompt. |
+------------------------------------------------+
Getting Out
The easiest way to get out of QEdit and save all the work you have
done is to enter <Alt F> <G>.
Menus
=====
QEdit provides an easy-to-use "Pop-Down" style menu system. The
menu system is very helpful while learning to use the editor. It is
also handy for executing seldom used commands.
To access the menus and execute a command:
1. Press <Esc>. The main menu will be displayed at the top of
the screen. The main menu consists of a list of sub-menu items.
2. Select a sub-menu item. You may do this by moving the cursor
bar to the desired item and pressing <Enter> or by typing the
capital letter of the desired item.
3. Execute a command. This is done in the same manner as selecting
the sub-menu items.
Here is an example of the "Pop-Down" style menu system. This User
is about to execute the "Copy block" command.
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|File Window #Block# Search Print Macro Editing Other Quit |
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| mark block Begin |
| mark block End |
|#Copy block#######|
| Move block |
| Delete block |
| Unmark |
| mark Line |
+------------------+
You can execute many QEdit commands using the menus. As you become
more familiar with the editor, you may wish to use the <Ctrl>,
<Alt>, and function keys, instead of the menus, to execute commands
more quickly. A cross reference of all QEdit commands can be found
in Appendix A.
1-3
The Status Line
===============
At the top of the editing screen is the Status Line. The Status
Line constantly displays information regarding the file you are
currently editing.
The Status Line is shown below with a description of the information
displayed.
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|L 15 C 15 IAW R B 411K *c:\qedit\qedit.doc |
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| | ||| | | | | |
| | ||| | | | | +--- The path and name of the
| | ||| | | | | file you are editing
| | ||| | | | |
| | ||| | | | +- *) Indicates file has been changed
| | ||| | | |
| | ||| | | +--- Amount of available memory
| | ||| | |
| | ||| | +--- B) Indicates Box Drawing mode is ON
| | ||| |
| | ||| +--- R) Indicates macro recording is ON
| | |||
| | ||+--- W) Indicates WordWrap mode is ON
| | ||
| | |+--- A) Indicates AutoIndent mode is ON
| | |
| | +--- I) Indicates Insert mode is ON
| |
| +--- The current cursor column number
|
+--- The current cursor line number
For more information on Insert, AutoIndent, WordWrap, and Box
Drawing, refer to the "Modes" section in this chapter. For more
information on macro recording, refer to the "Macros" section in
this chapter.
+---------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| The Status Line may be config-|
| ured to appear at the bottom |
| of the screen. Refer to the |
| "Colors/Screen Options" |
| section of Chapter 2 for more |
| information. |
+---------------------------------+
1-4
Files
=====
Creating New Files
There are three different ways to create new files, ready for
editing.
1. From the DOS command line, enter <Q> followed by one or more new
filenames. Each filename must be separated by a space. For
example, typing:
"Q file1 b:file2 \dir1\file3 <Enter>"
will create "file1" in the current directory, "file2" on disk
drive B, and "file3" in the directory "dir1".
+---------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| When specifying file names |
| to QEdit, you may use full |
| path designations if desired. |
+---------------------------------+
2. From the DOS command line, type "Q <Enter>". QEdit will
respond with the prompt:
+------------------------------------------------+
| File(s) to edit: <Esc = abort> |
| |
+------------------------------------------------+
Enter one or more new filenames, each separated by a space.
3. From within the editor, enter the EditFile <Alt E> command. The
above prompt will appear. Again, you may enter one or more new
filenames, each separated by a space.
Loading Existing Files
Loading existing files works exactly like creating new files (in the
previous section) with two exceptions:
- The filename(s) specified must exist on disk.
- The filename(s) may contain wildcard characters (*, ?).
QEdit can be configured to respond to wildcarded filename entries in
one of two ways:
1. Load all matching files into the editor.
1-5
2. Show all the matching filenames in a "pick" listing. You can then
use the cursor keys to find the file you want and press <Enter>
to load it into the editor.
QEdit can also be configured to use default file extensions, such as
"doc" and "pas" when entering filenames. For more information on
configuring these options, refer to the "General Options" section of
Chapter 2.
Multiple Files: The Ring
QEdit is a true multi-file editor. It allows as many files as will
fit into memory to be loaded at the same time. All of these files
can then be edited by simply switching back and forth between them
without having to save and load each file individually. Switching
between files is accomplished very quickly and easily.
A simple explanation of how QEdit handles multiple files will help
you in manipulating and editing multiple files.
QEdit maintains all loaded files in a "ring". As we describe each
of the commands used to manipulate the files in the ring, refer to
the illustration below.
+----------------------------------------------------+
| +----+ +----+ |
| | | |....| |
| +-----> | A | <---<Ctrl KP>|.B..|<Alt N> |
| | | | |....| | |
| | +----+ +----+ | |
| v ^ <Alt E> v |
| +----+ | | +----+ |
| | | | | | | |
| | F | <----+-------------------+-----> | C | |
| | | | | | | |
| +----+ | | +----+ |
| ^ v v ^ |
| | +----+ +----+ | |
| | | | | | | |
| +-----> | E | <----------> | D | <----+ |
| | | | | |
| +----+ +----+ |
| |
| The "Ring" |
+----------------------------------------------------+
In the ring we see that six files have been loaded into the editor.
You can, of course, load many more files - as many as your
computer's memory will allow.
1-6
Assume the file currently being edited is file "B". You may then
move from one file to another in any of the following ways:
- Enter the NextFile <Alt N> command.
You will now be editing the next file in the ring, file "C".
- Enter the PrevFile <Ctrl KP> command.
You will now be editing the previous file in the ring, file "A".
- Enter the EditFile <Alt E> command.
The editor will prompt for a filename. You may enter the name of
any file in the ring. The editor will make the entered file the
current one for editing.
You may, at any time, add files to the ring or discard files from
the ring. If you add a new file to the ring using the EditFile
command, it will become the current file and the old current file
will become the previous file. If you delete a file from the ring
the previous file will become the current file.
+---------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| When loading files, be aware |
| that QEdit will not load two |
| copies of the same file. If |
| you issue the EditFile command|
| for a file already loaded, |
| that file will become the |
| new current file. |
+---------------------------------+
1-7
Saving Files and Exiting
QEdit provides several different ways to save files, discard files,
and exit the editor. A set of five basic commands provides assorted
combinations of saving, discarding, and exiting in order to suit
individual preferences.
We recommend selecting one or two methods with which you feel most
comfortable and using them consistently.
The table below summarizes these commands and their effects.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Command for Single Command for Multiple |
|File or Current File Files |
|-------------------- -------------------- |
|Exit <Ctrl KD> GExit <Alt X> X X X(a)|
| |
|File <Ctrl KX> GFile <Alt F><G> X X X(a)|
| |
|PQuit <Ctrl KQ> GPQuit <Alt Q><Q> X X X(a)|
| |
|Quit (b) X X |
| |
|SaveFile <Ctrl KS> GSave <Alt Y> X |
| |
| | | | | | |
| Edited File(s) are Saved Unconditionally ---+ | | | | |
| | | | | |
| User Prompted to Save Edited Files (Y/N) ---+ | | | |
| | | | |
| User Warned That File Changes May Be Lost ---+ | | |
| | | |
| File(s) are Discarded From Editor ---+ | |
| | |
| The Editor is Terminated ---+ |
| |
| (a) The Exit, File, and PQuit commands can be configured to |
| terminate or not terminate the editor. Refer to the |
| "General Options" section of Chapter 2 for more |
| information. |
| |
| (b) USE WITH CAUTION! |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
1-8
Viewing and Getting Around in the Text
======================================
QEdit is quite versatile in allowing you to move around in the text.
With simple keystrokes you can either move a few characters or lines
at a time or move from one end of the file to another. You can go
to specific lines in the file or go to each occurrence of a
particular string of characters. And with QEdit's windows, you can
view up to eight files at a time or have multiple views of the same
file.
As you will see, there are quite a few commands in QEdit for moving
around in your text. If you are not already familiar with these
types of commands, try them out. You will probably find some new
commands that will be useful for your applications of QEdit.
Cursor Movement
---------------
Moving Through a File
QEdit provides several commands which enable you to move about in a
file.
- BegFile <Ctrl PgUp> and EndFile <Ctrl PgDn>
As their names imply, these commands move the cursor to the
beginning or end of the current file. BegFile positions the
cursor at column one on the first line of the file. EndFile
positions the cursor after the last non-blank character on the
last line of the file.
- PageUp <PgUp> and PageDown <PgDn>
PageUp scrolls the text toward the top of the file, one page-full,
less one line, at a time. PageDown scrolls the text toward the
end of the file, one page-full, less one line, at a time.
- HalfPgUp and HalfPgDn
These commands work exactly like the PageUp and PageDown commands,
except that they scroll only one-half page at a time.
+---------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| All QEdit commands, including |
| those without default key |
| assignments, can be assigned |
| as the user desires, to |
| almost any key. Refer to |
| the "Keyboard Configuration" |
| section of Chapter 2 for more |
| information. |
+---------------------------------+
1-9
- ScrollUp <Ctrl W> and LineUp
These commands scroll the text one line at a time toward the
beginning of the file.
The ScrollUp command will cause the cursor to remain on the same
line of text until it reaches the bottom of the screen, while the
LineUp command will cause the cursor to remain stationary on the
screen.
- ScrollDown <Ctrl Z> and LineDown
These commands scroll the text one line at a time toward the end
of the file.
The ScrollDown command will cause the cursor to remain on the same
line of text until it reaches the top of the screen, while the
LineDown command will cause the cursor to remain stationary on the
screen.
- GotoLine <Ctrl J>
Upon entering the GotoLine command, QEdit will prompt with:
+--------------------------+
|line number: <Esc = abort>|
| |
+--------------------------+
By typing a line number and <Enter>, QEdit will "jump" the cursor
to the specified line number. An easy way to move about quickly
in your text is to keep track of critical positions by noting
their line number, which is displayed on the Status Line, and then
using this command to "jump" to those positions.
- GotoBlockBeg <Ctrl QB> and GotoBlockEnd <Ctrl QK>
These commands move the cursor to the beginning or to the end of
the currently marked Block. If the marked Block is in another
file, QEdit will make that file the current file and then move you
to the beginning or end of the Block. For more information on
using marked Blocks, refer to the "Block Commands" section in this
chapter.
- PrevPosition <Ctrl QP>
This command can come in very handy. It moves you to the cursor's
previous position. Although it would not be of much use if you
had only moved a character or two, it can be useful for larger
jumps of the cursor.
For example, perhaps you are in the middle of a file and want to
check something at the very beginning of the file. To get to the
beginning, you would simply enter BegFile <Ctrl PageUp>. After
you look at the beginning, you want to get back to where you were
previously. You could use PageDown, but that could be tedious,
especially if your file is large. The easiest way would be to
enter PrevPosition, and with a single keystroke, you are
immediately back where you started. Note: PrevPosition can only
take you back to the cursor's immediately previous position.
1-10
If there are intervening keystrokes that move the cursor,
PrevPosition will move you back to the most recent location of the
cursor.
- Find <Ctrl QF> and RepeatFind <Ctrl L>
These commands will search for a specific string of characters in
the file. Upon entering the Find command, QEdit will prompt for
the string of characters for which to search.
+---------------------------------------------+
|Search for: <Esc = Abort> |
| |
+---------------------------------------------+
Enter the desired string of characters and press <Enter>.
QEdit will then prompt for the search options to use.
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
|Options [BGLIW] (Back Global Local Ignore-case Whole-words): |
|I |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
Enter the letter(s) corresponding to the option(s) you want and
press <Enter>. The available options are (see Appendix E for
additional options):
[B] = Search backward from the current cursor position. When you
choose "B", QEdit will search backward from the cursor
position toward the beginning of the file. Otherwise, it
will search from the cursor position toward the end of the
file.
[I] = Ignore the case (capital or lowercase) of the search
string. For example, "Hello" would match "hello" if this
option is chosen. This option is set ON by default.
[W] = Search for whole words only. For example, when this option
is chosen, the word "sent" will match only the actual word
"sent". Otherwise, any other words that contain the
string (such as "sentence" or "absent") would also match.
Once the Find command is executed the cursor will be placed at the
first occurrence of the search string found in the text. To
locate subsequent occurrences of the search string, simply enter
the RepeatFind command.
If you want to search for a string and replace it with another
string, refer to the "Replacing Text" section in this chapter.
- Match <Alt F3>
This is a specialized search command. It acts only on the
characters ( ), { }, and [ ]. With the cursor placed on one of
these characters, enter the Match command. QEdit will locate the
logical matching character of the pair. This command can be
useful for programming in languages where complicated expressions
are grouped using these characters.
1-11
Moving Around on the Screen
These commands affect the cursor position within the current
screen of displayed text.
- BegScreen <Ctrl Home> and EndScreen <Ctrl End>
These commands move you to the first or last line of the screen
(or current window if you have windows open). The cursor's column
position does not change.
- BegLine <Home> and EndLine <End>
You are probably already familiar with these commands. BegLine
moves the cursor to the beginning, or column one, of the current
cursor line. EndLine moves the cursor to the last non-blank
character of the current cursor line.
- ScreenLeft <Alt F5> and ScreenRight <Alt F6>
These commands scroll the entire text to the left or right one
column at a time. You can change the number of columns which are
shifted each time using the QEdit configuration program. Refer to
the "Colors/Screen Options" section of Chapter 2 for more
information.
- WordLeft <Ctrl Cursor Left> and WordRight <Ctrl Cursor Right>
These commands move the cursor to the first character of the
previous or following word in the text.
- MakeCtrofScreen <Shift F5>, MakeTopofScreen <F5>, MakeBotofScreen
These three commands change the position of the cursor line on the
screen (or window, if you have windows open). They can be useful
if you prefer to work at the bottom or top of the screen or if you
want to keep the text surrounding your cursor line in view.
The MakeCtrofScreen command scrolls the text on the screen (either
up or down) until the cursor line is the center line of the
screen.
The MakeTopofScreen command scrolls the text upward until the
cursor line is the top line of the screen.
The MakeBotofScreen command scrolls the text downward until the
cursor line is the last line of the screen.
1-12
Moving By Lines and Characters
These commands enable you to move in short increments through the
text.
- CursorLeft <Cursor Left> and CursorRight <Cursor Right>
These commands move the cursor one column to the right or left on
the cursor line.
When you use CursorLeft, the cursor will stop when it reaches the
left edge of the screen, unless the text has been scrolled to the
left. In that case it scrolls the text to the right one column at
a time until it reaches column one.
When you use CursorRight and the cursor reaches the right edge of
the screen, it will begin to scroll the text to the left. It will
stop scrolling when it reaches the maximum line length.
- CursorUp <Cursor Up> and CursorDown <Cursor Down>
These commands move the cursor up or down in the file one line at
a time. The cursor's column position does not change.
Using Windows
-------------
QEdit provides the ability to view different areas of files (either
multiple files or the same file) at the same time, through the use
of windows. A window is a portion of the screen that allows you to
view text. You can divide your screen into as many as eight
horizontal windows. You can then view as many as eight different
files through these windows or have multiple views of a single
file. This capability can be quite helpful for comparing text,
copying text, and moving text.
An example of a screen split into three windows is shown below.
+------------------------------------------------------------+
| L 1 C 1 IAW 411K *c:\file1 |
| |
| This window is a view of file number 1 at line number 1. |
| This file is being edited with Insert, AutoIndent, and |
| WordWrap modes all ON. This file has been updated. |
| |
| |
| L 483 C 12 IAW 411K *c:\file1 |
| |
| This window is a view of file number 1 at line number 483. |
| |
| |
| L 15 C 15 I 411K c:\file2 |
| - |
| This window is a view of file number 2. |
| This file is being edited with Insert mode ON, while |
| AutoIndent and WordWrap modes are OFF. This file has not |
| been updated. |
+------------------------------------------------------------+
1-13
Creating Windows
To create a window, use the HorizontalWindow <Ctrl OH> command. The
screen will be split into two halves, or windows, each window having
its own Status Line. The cursor will reside in the newly created
window, making it the current window.
If only one file is being edited, the newly created window will
simply be an additional view of the same file. QEdit will not load
more than one copy of the same file.
If multiple files are being edited, the newly created window will be
a view of the next file in the ring. (Refer to the "Multiple Files"
section in this chapter.) If desired, you can configure QEdit to
prompt for the name of the file to be viewed in the new window
instead of the editor automatically selecting the next file in the
ring. Refer to the "General Options" section of Chapter 2 for more
information.
Once the screen has been split into windows, entering the
HorizontalWindow command again will affect the current window. All
other windows will remain unchanged.
Switching Windows
When multiple windows are opened, editing will only take place in
the current window (the window containing the cursor). For editing
text in other windows, two commands are provided to switch from one
window to another.
- The PrevWindow <Ctrl OP> command will move the cursor to the
window above the current window. If the current window is at the
top of the screen, the cursor will move to the last window on the
screen.
- The NextWindow <Ctrl ON> command will move the cursor to the
window below the current window. If the current window is at the
bottom of the screen, the cursor will move to the first window on
the screen.
Changing Window Size
You can change the size of any of the windows on the screen with the
commands below.
- The GrowWindow <Ctrl OG>, ShrinkWindow <Ctrl OS>, and ResizeWindow
<Esc><W><R>, commands allow you to change the size of the current
window. Upon entering any of these commands, QEdit will prompt
you to change the size of the window by using the cursor up and
cursor down keys.
1-14
- The ZoomWindow <Ctrl OZ> command will cause the current window to
fill the entire screen, as all other windows disappear. To
restore the screen with all windows, simply press <Ctrl OZ> again.
Be careful not to confuse this command with the OneWindow command
(see below). OneWindow fills the screen with the current window
(like ZoomWindow does), but it also closes all windows except the
current one. ZoomWindow leaves the other windows intact, even
though they are hidden from view.
Closing Windows
There are two commands to close windows.
- The CloseWindow <Ctrl OC> command closes the current window. The
current window will disappear and the cursor will be placed in the
window above the closed window, making it the new current window.
When the closed window is at the top of the screen, the window
below the closed window will become the new current window.
- The OneWindow <Ctrl OO> command closes all windows except the
current window. The current window will fill the entire screen.
Note that closing a window does not discard files from the
editor.
1-15
Copying, Moving, Replacing, and Deleting Text
=============================================
Block Commands
--------------
In this section, we will see how to mark and manipulate Blocks. A
Block is some portion of the text file which has been specifically
delineated using QEdit's Block marking commands. We will see how to
manipulate Blocks both directly and through the use of intermediate
storage areas known as buffers.
QEdit contains a rich set of Block commands. There are commands to
mark Blocks by lines, columns, and characters. There are commands
to copy, move, shift, and delete Blocks. These commands are very
useful for transferring text from one file to another. There are
also cut-and-paste commands, as well as commands to move Blocks to
and from named Scratch Buffers.
Marking and Unmarking a Block
Before you can manipulate a Block, you must first "mark" or outline
a Block. There are four ways of marking a Block in QEdit. The one
you choose will depend on the editing situation and what you find
most comfortable to use.
- MarkLine <Alt L>
This command allows you to mark a Block in whole line increments.
In other words, the Block will contain complete lines only and no
portions of lines. To use this command place the cursor anywhere
on the first line of the text you wish to mark and press <Alt L>.
(Notice that the line is immediately marked.) Now, move the
cursor (the Block will "follow" the cursor) to the last line of
text to be marked and press <Alt L> again. You now have a marked
Block, ready for manipulation.
- DropAnchor <Alt A>
This command allows you to mark a Block one character at a time.
In other words, the Block will contain a stream of characters
(which can span over multiple lines). To use this command place
the cursor over the first character of the text you wish to mark
and press <Alt A>. Then begin moving the cursor toward the end of
the text to be marked. Notice that the Block "follows" the cursor
position. Once the cursor is placed over the last character to be
marked, press <Alt A> again. You now have a marked Block, ready
for manipulation.
1-16
- MarkCharacter
This command works just like DropAnchor except that while marking
the Block, the cursor is not included within the Block.
MarkCharacter is provided as a replacement for the DropAnchor
command. If you want the cursor position included in character
Blocks, then continue to use DropAnchor; otherwise, replace the
DropAnchor command with this command in the QCONFIG.DAT file.
Refer to the "Keyboard Configuration" section of Chapter 2 for
more information on changing QEdit command assignments.
- MarkColumn <Alt K>
This command allows you to mark one or more columns of text. To
use this command place the cursor over the upper left-hand
character of the text you wish to mark and press <Alt K>. Then
begin moving the cursor to the right and/or downward. Notice that
the Block "follows" the cursor position. Once the cursor is
placed over the lower right-hand character of the Block, press
<Alt K> again. You now have a marked Block, ready for
manipulation.
+--------------------------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| When using the MarkLine, MarkCharacter, |
| MarkColumn, and DropAnchor commands, it is not |
| necessary to mark the end of the Block. QEdit |
| will assume the end of the Block to be the |
| current cursor position for DropAnchor, |
| MarkCharacter, and MarkColumn and the current |
| cursor line for MarkLine. Marking the end of |
| the Block is only necessary when moving or |
| copying text within the same file. |
+--------------------------------------------------+
- MarkBlockBegin <Ctrl KB> and MarkBlockEnd <Ctrl KK>
This is another method of marking a Block one character at a time.
To mark a Block with this command, place the cursor over the first
character of the text you wish to mark and press <Ctrl KB>. Then
position the cursor one character past the end of the text that is
to be marked and press <Ctrl KK>. The Block is now marked and
ready for manipulation.
- UnmarkBlock <Alt U>
Entering the UnmarkBlock command causes the currently marked Block
to be unmarked.
QEdit allows you to mark one Block at a time. If you mark a Block
and then go elsewhere in the file and attempt to mark another Block,
QEdit will simply extend the first Block by including all the text
between the original Block and the current cursor position. If you
mark a Block in one file and then go to another file and mark a
Block, QEdit will automatically unmark the Block in the first file.
1-17
Also, if you mix types of Block marking, by entering MarkLine
followed by DropAnchor or vice-versa, QEdit will mark the Block
according to the last command entered.
Manipulating Blocks Directly
QEdit provides several ways to manipulate a marked Block. The
following commands act directly on a marked Block.
+--------------------------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| When Copying or Moving Blocks: |
| |
| Blocks marked using the Drop- Anchor, |
| MarkCharacter, MarkColumn, and |
| MarkBlockBegin/End commands will always be |
| inserted beginning at the current cursor |
| position. |
| |
| Blocks marked using the Mark- Line command |
| will be inserted at either the line before or |
| the line after the current cursor line. Refer |
| to the "General Options" section of Chapter 2 |
| for more information. |
+--------------------------------------------------+
- CopyBlock <Alt C>
This command makes a copy of the marked Block and inserts it where
you decide. You can insert this copy of the Block at some other
place in the same file or in another file. The original Block of
text, from which you made the copy, is not affected.
To use this command, first mark the Block as described above.
Next, move the cursor to the position in the file where you wish
to insert the marked text. (Or, if you have multiple files loaded
and wish to copy text from one file to another, use the NextFile,
PrevFile or EditFile commands to get a new current file and
likewise position the cursor.) Now enter the CopyBlock <Alt C>
command. The Block will be inserted at the new position. You may
notice, after you use CopyBlock, that the newly inserted Block of
text is now marked and the original Block is unmarked. To unmark
the copied Block, enter the UnmarkBlock command.
QEdit provides an easy method for copying the same Block
repeatedly. Refer to the Copy and Paste commands in the following
section for more information.
- CopyOverBlock <Alt Z>
This command is for use with column Blocks only. It works just
like CopyBlock except the Block is copied to the current cursor
position by overlaying existing text and without shifting text to
the right.
1-18
- MoveBlock <Alt M>
This command works exactly like CopyBlock with one exception: Upon
entering the MoveBlock <Alt M> command, the originally marked
Block is deleted from the file.
As with the CopyBlock command, you can move a Block to another
part of the same file or from one file to another.
QEdit provides an easy method for deleting a Block from its
original position and inserting it repeatedly at other positions.
Refer to the Cut and Paste commands in the following section for
more information.
- DeleteBlock <Alt G>.
This command simply deletes a marked Block of text from the file.
To use this command, first mark a Block of text to be deleted,
then enter the DeleteBlock command. The marked text will be
deleted from the file. (Deleted Blocks will be placed in the Kill
buffer. Refer to "The Kill Buffer" section in this chapter for
more information.)
- ShiftLeft <Shift F7> and ShiftRight <Shift F8>
These commands allow the User to shift text contained in a Block
to the left or right. To use these commands, first mark a Block.
Now enter ShiftLeft or ShiftRight. The entire marked Block of
text will be shifted one column to the left or right respectively.
If there is no marked Block of text or the cursor is outside of
the marked Block, the current cursor line will be shifted. This
command is very useful for changing indentation for portions of
text or source code.
Manipulating Blocks Using Scrap Buffers
QEdit provides an extremely helpful device for quickly manipulating
Blocks of text. This device consists of a Scrap Buffer and four
QEdit commands which act on the Scrap Buffer.
The Scrap Buffer is a temporary holding area for marked Blocks of
text. The commands Cut, Copy, Paste, and PasteOver are solely
responsible for placing text into the Scrap Buffer and copying text
from the Scrap Buffer.
1-19
When you issue a Copy or Cut command (we will discuss how to use
these in the following section ), the marked Block is placed into
the Scrap Buffer. The next time you Copy or Cut a Block into the
Scrap Buffer, the previous contents of the Scrap Buffer are deleted
and replaced with the new Block.
You can repeatedly use the Paste and PasteOver commands as many
times as needed to insert a copy of the Block held in the Scrap
Buffer at multiple positions in your file or files. The Paste and
PasteOver commands do not purge the contents of the Scrap Buffer.
- Copy <grey +> and Paste <grey *> or PasteOver <Ctrl PrtSc>
To copy a section of text from its present position and insert it
somewhere else:
1. Mark the text using the Block marking commands.
2. Enter Copy <grey +>. This places a copy of the marked text
into the Scrap Buffer.
3. If you want to insert the text somewhere else within the same
file, use the cursor movement commands to place the cursor
where you wish to insert the text.
4. If you want to insert the text in another file, switch to that
file using the NextFile, PrevFile, or EditFile command to
access that file. Then, likewise place the cursor at the
desired position.
5. Enter Paste <grey *> to insert the text. If you have copied
a column Block into the Scrap Buffer and wish to insert it
by overlaying existing text then use PasteOver <Ctrl PrtSc>
instead of Paste.
Since Paste and PasteOver leave the contents of the Scrap Buffer
intact, you can make multiple insertions in the same or different
files. Simply move the cursor to the file and position where you
wish to make additional insertions and enter Paste <grey *> or
PasteOver <Ctrl PrtSc>. Please note that the next time you issue
a Cut or Copy command, the previous contents of the Scrap Buffer
will be discarded.
- Cut <grey -> and Paste <grey *> or PasteOver <Ctrl PrtSc>
Cut and Paste/PasteOver work exactly like Copy and Paste/PasteOver
except that Cut will delete the marked Block from the file. You
can still make multiple insertions of the text using the Paste or
PasteOver Commands.
1-20
+----------------------------------------------------+
QEdit Tip: |
QEdit can be configured to have the Cut and Copy |
commands act on the current cursor line if no |
Block is marked. Refer to the "Advanced Options" |
section of Chapter 2 for more information. |
+----------------------------------------------------+
Manipulating Blocks Using Scratch Buffers
A Scratch Buffer is a special type of buffer to which you assign a
name. QEdit allows you to create and name up to 99 Scratch Buffers
for each editing session. These can be useful if you have several
different Blocks of text that you want to insert in multiple
locations. The commands StoreScrbuff <Ctrl BS>, AppendScrbuff
<Ctrl BA>, and GetScrbuff <Ctrl BL> are used to place text in, and
retrieve text from, a Scratch Buffer. Whenever you issue one of
these commands, QEdit will ask you for the name of the Scratch
Buffer. The contents of all Scratch Buffers are discarded when the
editor is terminated.
- StoreScrbuff <Ctrl BS> and AppendScrbuff <Ctrl BA>
To place a Block of text into a named buffer:
1. Mark the Block.
2. If you want to create a new Scratch Buffer containing the
marked Block, enter StoreScrbuff <Ctrl BS>. (This command is
also used if you wish to replace the current contents of a
Scratch Buffer with the marked Block.) If you want to append
the marked Block to the current contents of the Scratch Buffer,
enter AppendScrbuff <Ctrl BA>.
3. QEdit will prompt for the name of the Scratch Buffer.
+----------------------------------------------------+
|Store (Append) to buffer: <Esc = abort> |
| |
+----------------------------------------------------+
4. Enter a name. It is best to use a name which reflects the
contents of the buffer and is easily remembered.
The Block is now stored in a Scratch Buffer under the assigned
name.
- GetScrbuff <Ctrl BL>
To retrieve the contents of a named Scratch Buffer and insert it
at the current cursor position:
1. Position the cursor where you wish the contents of the named
Scratch Buffer to be inserted.
1-21
2. Enter GetScrbuff <Ctrl BL>. QEdit will prompt for the name
of the Scratch Buffer to be retrieved.
+---------------------------------------------+
|Get from buffer: <Esc = abort> |
| |
+---------------------------------------------+
3. Enter the name of the desired Scratch Buffer.
4. Repeat the above steps whenever you want to insert the
contents of a Scratch Buffer into your text.
Examples of Block Commands
This section contains examples of commonly used Block Commands.
- Copying or moving a Block within the same file.
1. Position the cursor at the beginning of the Block to be copied
or moved.
2. Enter DropAnchor <Alt A> to mark a stream of characters, or
MarkLine <Alt L> to mark whole lines, or MarkColumn <Alt K> to
mark a column of text.
3. Position the cursor at the end of the Block to be copied or
moved.
4. Enter DropAnchor, MarkLine, or MarkColumn again to mark the end
of the Block.
5. Move the cursor to the location in the file where you want to
insert the marked Block.
6. Enter CopyBlock <Alt C>, CopyOverBlock <Alt Z> (column Blocks
only), or MoveBlock <Alt M>.
7. Enter UnmarkBlock <Alt U> to unmark the Block.
The Block has now been copied or moved.
- Copying or moving a Block to another file.
1. Position the cursor at the beginning of the Block to be copied
or moved.
2. Enter DropAnchor <Alt A> to mark a stream of characters, or
MarkLine <Alt L> to mark whole lines, or MarkColumn <Alt K> to
mark a column of text.
1-22
3. Position the cursor at the end of the Block to be copied or
moved.
4. Switch to the "target" file using the file commands EditFile,
NextFile, or PrevFile.
5. Move the cursor to the location in the file where you want to
insert the marked Block.
6. Enter CopyBlock <Alt C>, CopyOverBlock <Alt Z> (column Blocks
only), or MoveBlock <Alt M>.
7. Enter UnmarkBlock <Alt U> to unmark the Block.
The Block has now been copied or moved.
- Copying or moving a Block for multiple insertions in the same file.
If you want to insert the same Block at several positions within a
file, follow these steps:
1. Position the cursor at the beginning of the Block to be copied
or moved.
2. Enter DropAnchor <Alt A> to mark a stream of characters, or
MarkLine <Alt L> to mark whole lines, or MarkColumn <Alt K> to
mark a column of text.
3. Position the cursor at the end of the Block to be copied or
moved.
4. If you want to leave the Block in its original position and
insert copies of it at other locations, then enter Copy
<grey +>.
If you want to delete the Block from its original position and
insert copies of it at other locations, then enter Cut <grey ->.
The Block is now stored in the Scrap Buffer.
5. Move the cursor to the location in the file where you want to
insert the Block.
6. Enter Paste <grey *> or PasteOver <Ctrl PrtSc> (column Blocks
only).
The Block is now inserted. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for each
additional insertion.
1-23
- Copying or moving a Block for multiple insertions in more than one
file.
If you want to insert the same Block at several positions in more
than one file, follow these steps:
1. Position the cursor at the beginning of the Block to be copied
or moved.
2. Enter DropAnchor <Alt A> to mark a stream of characters, or
MarkLine <Alt L> to mark whole lines, or MarkColumn <Alt K> to
mark a column of text.
3. Position the cursor at the end of the Block to be copied or
moved.
4. If you want to leave the Block in its original position and
insert copies of it at other locations, then enter Copy
<grey +>.
If you want to delete the Block from its original position and
insert copies of it at other locations, then enter Cut <grey ->.
The Block is now stored in the Scrap Buffer.
5. Switch to the "target" file using the file commands EditFile,
NextFile, or PrevFile.
6. Move the cursor to the location in the file where you want to
insert the Block.
7. Enter Paste <grey *> or PasteOver <Ctrl PrtSc> (column Blocks
only).
The Block is now inserted. Repeat steps 5-7 for each additional
insertion.
- Copying multiple Blocks for insertion in one or more files.
If you have several Blocks that you want to insert in several
different files, follow these steps:
1. Position the cursor at the beginning of the first Block.
2. Enter DropAnchor <Alt A> to mark a stream of characters, or
MarkLine <Alt L> to mark whole lines, or MarkColumn <Alt K> to
mark a column of text.
3. Position the cursor at the end of the first Block.
4. Enter AppendScrbuff <Ctrl BA> if you want to append to an
existing Scratch Buffer. Otherwise, enter StoreScrbuff
<Ctrl BS> to create or overwrite an existing Scratch Buffer.
1-24
5. QEdit will prompt for the name of the buffer. Enter a name.
(It is best to use a name which reflects the contents of the
buffer and is easily remembered).
The Block is now stored in a Scratch Buffer under the assigned
name. Repeat steps 1-5 for each additional Block you want to
store.
6. Switch to the "target" file using the file commands EditFile,
NextFile, or PrevFile.
7. Move the cursor to the location in the file where you want to
insert a Block.
8. Enter GetScrbuff <Ctrl BL>. QEdit will prompt for the name of
the Scratch Buffer. Enter the name of the desired Scratch
Buffer for insertion.
Repeat steps 6 through 8 for each insertion of a stored Block.
Non-Block Commands
------------------
In addition to QEdit's array of Block commands, there are also many
commands for manipulating your text which do not depend on marked
Blocks. This section explains each of these non-Block commands in
detail.
Adding Text
- AddLine <F2>
As its name implies, this command inserts a blank line in the
text. The line is added immediately below the current cursor line.
The cursor is moved to the new line. The cursor column does not
change.
- InsertLine <Alt F2>
This command inserts a blank line in the text above the cursor
line. The cursor remains on the new line and the cursor column
does not change.
- Literal <Ctrl P>
The Literal command is used to insert control characters into the
text. To use this command, enter <Ctrl P> followed by a control
character. The control character will be inserted into the text.
For example, to insert a formfeed character (ASCII 12) in the
text, enter <Ctrl P> <Ctrl L>.
1-25
This command is handy for entering the control characters
represented by ASCII decimal values 1 through 26. Simply enter
<Ctrl P> followed by <Ctrl A> for ASCII character 1, or <Ctrl B>
for ASCII character 2 and so on, up to <Ctrl Z> for ASCII
character 26.
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| An alternate and perhaps easier method of entering |
| control characters or any ASCII character into your |
| text is to hold down the <Alt> key and enter the |
| decimal equivalent of the ASCII character using the |
| numeric keypad. For example, to insert a formfeed |
| character (ASCII 12) in the text, just enter <Alt |
| 12> using the numeric keypad. |
| |
| If a linefeed character (ASCII 10) is entered, |
| QEdit will split the line at this position the next |
| time the file is edited. |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
- ToggleBoxDraw <Shift F1>
This is a specialized command which is really a mode of operation
that can be switched ON or OFF. If switched ON, the cursor
movement keys (up, down, right, left) can be used to "draw" lines
in the text. This can be very useful for creating graphs and
tables. To switch Box Drawing mode ON, enter <Shift F1>. To
switch OFF, enter <Shift F1> again.
- ToggleEnterMatching <Esc><O><E>
This is also a specialized command which is really a mode of
operation that can be switched ON or OFF. If switched ON, QEdit
will automatically insert into the text a corresponding ), ], or "
character each time a (, [, or " character, respectively, is
entered. To switch EnterMatching mode ON, enter <Esc><O><E>. To
switch OFF, enter <Esc><O><E> again.
Copying Text
- GetPrev <Ctrl - (dash)>
This command copies the character directly above the cursor onto
the cursor line. To get an idea of how this command works, place
the cursor at the beginning of any line which has text on the line
immediately above it. Now press <Ctrl - (dash)> and hold it down.
The cursor will move to the right while copying the the characters
from the line above.
- DupLine <F4>
This command simply makes a copy of the current cursor line and
inserts this copy on the line immediately below the cursor line.
The cursor is placed on the new line.
1-26
- Copy <grey +> and Paste <grey *>
Refer to the "Block Commands" section in this chapter for a
complete explanation of these commands. The commands are included
here because, if desired, the User can configure QEdit so that
these commands act on the current cursor line in the same manner in
which they act on Blocks. For more information on how to configure
this option, refer to the "Advanced Options" section of Chapter 2.
Moving Text
- Align
This command lines up the left-most character of the cursor line
with the left-most character of the line above it. This allows
you to align portions of text which require a common left margin.
This command also moves the cursor down one line; thus, large
portions of text can be aligned very quickly by entering this
command and holding the command key down.
- JoinLine <Alt J>
This command will delete the line below the current cursor line
and append it to the end of the cursor line.
If the cursor is positioned on or before the last non-blank
character of the line, the line below will be appended immediately
following the last non-blank character.
If the cursor is positioned beyond the last non-blank character of
the line, the line below will be appended beginning at the current
cursor position.
If the line below the cursor line is blank, the blank line will be
deleted.
- SplitLine <Alt S>
This command will delete all text on and to the right of the
cursor on the cursor line and will insert this text on a new line
immediately below the cursor line. The cursor position will not
change.
- Return <Enter>
Before reading the explanation of the Return command, it may be
helpful to review the discussion of Insert mode in the "Modes"
section in this chapter.
If the editor is in Insert mode, this command performs like the
SplitLine command; that is, all text on and to the right of the
cursor on the cursor line will be deleted and inserted on a new
line immediately below the cursor line. The cursor, however, will
be placed on the new line.
If the editor is not in Insert mode, this command will simply
place the cursor at the beginning of the line below the cursor
line. No text will be affected.
1-27
If the editor is in AutoIndent mode, the cursor will be placed at
the left margin instead of at the beginning of the line.
+---------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| QEdit can be configured so |
| that the Return command does |
| not split lines in Insert |
| mode. |
| Refer to the "Advanced |
| Options" section of Chapter 2 |
| for more information. |
+---------------------------------+
- Cut <grey -> and Paste <grey *>
Refer to the "Block Commands" section in this chapter for a
complete explanation of these commands. The commands are included
here because, if desired, the User can configure QEdit so that
these commands act on the current cursor line in the same manner
in which they act on Blocks. For more information on how to
configure this option, refer to the "Advanced Options" section of
Chapter 2.
- ShiftLeft <Shift F7> and ShiftRight <Shift F8>
Refer to the "Block Commands" section in this chapter for a
complete explanation of these commands. The commands are included
here because, if there is no marked Block in the text, these
commands will act on the current cursor line.
Deleting And Undeleting Text
- Backspace <Backspace> and DelLtWord <Ctrl Backspace>
If Insert mode is ON, the Backspace command deletes the character
to the left of the cursor. The text to the right of the cursor is
pulled behind the cursor as it moves to the left. If the cursor
is in column one and you enter Backspace, the cursor line is
appended to the line immediately above.
If Insert mode is OFF, the Backspace command works the same as
above except the text to the right of the cursor is not pulled
behind the cursor as it moves left.
The DelLtWord command is a backspace for "words". It works just
like the Backspace command, except that it deletes all characters
from the cursor to the beginning of the previous word.
- DelCh <Del> and DelRtWord <Ctrl T>
DelCh will delete the character at the cursor position and pull
the text to the right of the cursor, one column to the left.
If the cursor position is to the right of the last non-blank
character on the cursor line, the line immediately below will be
appended to the cursor line.
1-28
The DelRtWord command is a character delete for "words". It
works just like the DelCh command, except that it deletes
all characters from the cursor to the beginning of the following
word.
- DelToEol <F6>
This command deletes the character at the cursor position and all
text to the right of the cursor on the current cursor line. The
cursor position does not change.
- DelLine <Alt D>
This command deletes the current cursor line from the text. All
text below the deleted line is shifted up one line.
- UndoCursorline <Ctrl QL>
This command allows you to reverse any changes you have made to
the cursor line. This can be helpful if you accidentally delete
or change part of a line, or you just change your mind and want
the cursor line back the way it was. This command must be issued
before the cursor is moved from the current cursor line and before
any file or window commands are entered. Changes made using the
FindReplace command cannot be reversed with this command.
- UnKill <Ctrl U>
This command allows you to retrieve text that has been deleted by
the DeleteBlock, DelLine, DelRtWord, or DelToEol commands. Refer
to "The Kill Buffer" section in this chapter for a complete
explanation on the use of this command.
Replacing Text
QEdit provides the ability to search for specific strings of
characters throughout your text and then replace all, some, or none
of them with another string of characters. (If you want to search
for strings of characters without replacing them, use the Find
command which is described in the "Moving Through a File" section in
this chapter.)
- FindReplace <Ctrl QA>
This command will search for a specific string of characters in
the current file, and optionally, replace it with another string
of characters.
Upon entering the FindReplace command, QEdit will prompt for the
string of characters for which to search.
+-------------------------------------------------+
|Search For: <Esc = Abort> |
| |
+-------------------------------------------------+
Enter the desired string of characters and press <Enter>.
1-29
QEdit will then prompt for a new string of characters (to replace
the old string).
+-------------------------------------------------+
|Replace with: <Esc = Abort> |
| |
+-------------------------------------------------+
Enter the new string of characters and press <Enter>.
QEdit will then prompt for the search options you wish to use.
+------------------------------------------------------------+
|Options [BGLIWN] (Back Global Local Ignore-case Whole-words |
|No-prompting): |
|I |
+------------------------------------------------------------+
Enter the letter(s) corresponding to the option(s) you want and
press <Enter>. The available options are (see Appendix E for
additional options):
[B] = Search backward from the current cursor position. If you
choose "B", QEdit will search backward from the cursor
position toward the beginning of the file. Otherwise, it
will search from the cursor position toward the end of the
file.
[I] = Ignore the case (capital or lowercase) of the search
string. For example, "Hello" would match "hello" when this
option is chosen. This option is set ON by default.
[W] = Search for whole words only. For example, when this option
is chosen, the word "sent" will match only the actual word
"sent". Otherwise, any other words that contain the
string (such as "sentence" or "absent") would also match.
[N] = Find and replace without prompting. If you choose "N",
QEdit will find and replace every occurrence of the search
string, without asking you if you want to replace each
individual occurrence.
If you select the "No-prompting" option, QEdit will find and
replace every occurrence of the search string with no further User
intervention. If you do not select the "No-prompting" option,
QEdit will prompt at every occurrence of the search string with:
+-------------------------------------+
| Replace (Yes/No/Only/Rest/Quit): |
+-------------------------------------+
Valid responses are:
<Y>es - Replace the search string with the new string
and continue to the next occurrence.
<N>o - Do not replace the search string, but continue
to the next occurrence.
1-30
<O>nly - Replace the search string with the new string
and quit.
<R>est - Replace the search string with the new string
and replace the rest of the occurrences with no
further prompts.
<Q>uit - Abort the FindReplace process.
- RepeatFind <Ctrl L>
This command will reissue the previous Find or FindReplace command
using the same character strings and options.
The Kill Buffer - A Safety Net
------------------------------
QEdit maintains a temporary storage area for deleted text. This
provides the User a safeguard against incorrectly or inadvertently
deleting text. This recovery mechanism is automatically in effect
when QEdit is running. No action is required from the User until
there is a need to recover deleted text.
The temporary storage area is called the Kill Buffer. QEdit will
place into the Kill Buffer text which has been deleted by these
commands:
DeleteBlock <Alt G>
DelLine <Alt D>
DelRtWord <Ctrl T>
DelToEol <F6>
To understand how the Kill Buffer works and how text is recovered
from the Kill Buffer, refer to the illustration below.
The Kill Buffer
Entry Command
Number Entered Buffer Contents top
+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | DelToEol | part of this line was deleted. |
|-------+------------+--------------------------------|
| 3 | DelRtWord | (1 word deleted) |
|-------+------------+--------------------------------|
| 2 | DelLine | This entire line was deleted. |
|-------+------------+--------------------------------|
| 1 | DelLine | This entire line was deleted. |
|-------+------------+--------------------------------|
| empty | | |
|-------+------------+--------------------------------|
| empty | | |
+-----------------------------------------------------+
bottom
1-31
Each time one of the text deletion commands is used, a new entry is
made in the Kill Buffer. In the above example, four deletion
commands have been issued. The text from these four commands has
been stored in the Kill Buffer from top to bottom. In other words,
when the DelToEol command was issued (entry #4), the first three
entries were pushed toward the bottom of the Kill Buffer and the
newly deleted text was entered at the top.
In the example, the Kill Buffer has enough room for six entries.
When a seventh entry is made, the oldest entry, or entry number one,
will be discarded from the Kill Buffer. Once discarded from the
Kill Buffer, that text can no longer be recovered.
To recover deleted text, the UnKill <Ctrl U> command is used. Each
time the UnKill command is issued the most recent entry (the "top"
entry of the Kill Buffer) is retrieved and restored to the file.
This entry is then deleted from the Kill Buffer, and all remaining
entries move toward the top of the buffer by one position. In the
example, the first time the UnKill command is issued, entry #4 will
be recovered. Next, entry #3 will be recovered, and so on. Thus,
recovering deleted text follows the rule of LIFO (last in - first
out). The last entry of deleted text will be the first one recovered
and the first entry of deleted text will be the last one recovered.
Here are some additional items of which to be aware regarding the
Kill Buffer and its uses.
- A separate Kill Buffer is maintained for each file loaded into
QEdit. The Kill Buffer for each file exists only as long as the
file is loaded.
- The default size of the Kill Buffer is 30 entries. This may be
changed using the QEdit configuration program. Refer to the
"General Options" section of Chapter 2 for more information.
- The text deleted using the DelLine, DelRtWord, and DelToEol
commands will take up one entry in the Kill Buffer each time the
commands are executed. The text deleted using the DeleteBlock
command will take up as many entries as there are lines in the
Block.
It is important to note that regardless of how large the Kill
Buffer is configured to be, it may be possible to mark and delete
a Block in the file which is larger than the buffer. If this
situation arises, QEdit will save the deleted text in the Kill
Buffer from the bottom up. For example, if a marked Block is 200
lines long and five lines too large for the Kill Buffer, then the
top five lines of the Block will not be loaded into the Kill Buffer.
- When issuing the UnKill command to recover deleted text, deleted
lines will be inserted immediately before the current cursor line,
and deleted words will be inserted immediately before the current
cursor position.
1-32
Macros
======
A macro is a series of commands and/or keystrokes which are assigned
to a single key. If you find that you are repeatedly entering the
same series of commands and keystrokes (for example, a row of
asterisks, three Returns, and then a Tab), using macros will allow
you to easily assign these to a single key, such as <Shift F6>.
Then, the next time you wish to enter a row of asterisks, three
Returns, and a Tab, you will only have to press <Shift F6>.
Creating, using, and saving macros for later use is both quick and
simple. By taking a few minutes to review the following sections,
you should be able to save plenty of time and keystrokes in your
future editing with the help of macros. (For advanced macro usage,
see QMAC.DOC on the QEdit software diskette.)
Creating Macros
Once you have decided to assign a series of commands and keystrokes
to a single key, creating the macro is simply a matter of entering
this series while QEdit "records" the macro.
To create a macro follow these steps:
1. Position the text and cursor to where you will begin entering the
series of commands and keys. (You may want to practice your
series once or twice before actually recording the macro.)
2. Enter the MacroRecord <Ctrl M> command. An "R" will appear on
the Status Line to indicate macro recording is ON. The following
message will appear:
+--------------------------------------------------------+
|Assign to what key: (Enter for "scrap", Escape to Abort)|
+--------------------------------------------------------+
3. Enter the key to which you want to assign the series of commands
and keystrokes. There are two requirements here. The key must
be a "configurable" key. A list of all configurable keys is
contained in Appendix B. Also, the key cannot have a command
already assigned to it.
You may assign the macro to a "scrap" or temporary area by simply
pressing <Enter>. The scrap area will hold your macro until
another macro is recorded.
4. Enter the series of commands and keystrokes to be assigned. Note
that the "R" still appears on the Status Line.
5. Enter the MacroRecord <Ctrl M> command again. Macro recording is
now OFF. The "R" no longer appears on the the Status Line. The
macro is now created and assigned to the key specified in step 3.
1-33
Using Macros
To use your macro, simply position the text and cursor properly and
press the key to which you assigned the macro, or use the
ExecuteScrap <Ctrl Enter> command to retrieve the latest macro from
the scrap area. If the macro does not behave as you expected
(perhaps you inadvertently hit an extraneous key while recording),
simply repeat the above steps. Your old macro assignment will be
replaced with the new one.
+-----------------------------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| Be aware of modes, especially Insert mode, when |
| recording and using macros. Macros recorded with |
| Insert mode ON and then used with Insert mode OFF |
| (and vice-versa) may behave very strangely. |
+-----------------------------------------------------+
Saving and Reloading Macros
Normally, macros created using this process are lost once the editor
is terminated. QEdit, however, provides an easy method of saving
your macros so that they may be reloaded for use in any future
editing session.
Macros can be saved in a binary disk file. You specify the name of
this file. Once macros have been created, enter the MacroWrite
<Esc><M><W> command. QEdit will prompt with:
+------------------------------------------------+
|Macro file to write: <Esc = abort> |
| |
+------------------------------------------------+
Enter the name of the file to contain your macros. The macros will
be saved under the given filename. You may notice that this file
now appears in the current DOS directory. Macros assigned to the
scrap area cannot be saved.
In a future editing session, if you wish to reuse your previously
defined macros, you need only reload the macro file. To do this
enter the MacroRead <Esc><M><R> command. QEdit will prompt with:
+------------------------------------------------+
|Macro file to read: <Esc = abort> |
| |
+------------------------------------------------+
Enter the name of the previously saved macro file. Your macros will
be reloaded. You may then use them in the same manner as before.
The QEdit configuration program provides an alternate method of
creating macros. Refer to the "Keyboard Configuration" section of
Chapter 2 for more information.
1-34
Example of a Macro
To create a macro which will insert a formfeed character (ASCII
12) at column one of the current cursor line, do the following:
1. Position the cursor in the text where you would like to insert
the formfeed character.
2. Enter MacroRecord <Ctrl M>.
3. Press <Alt F1> to assign the macro to this key.
4. Press the following series of keys:
<Home> (for the BegLine command)
<Ctrl P> (for the Literal command)
<Ctrl L> (a formfeed character)
5. Enter MacroRecord <Ctrl M>. The macro is now created and
assigned to the <Alt F1> key.
Now, whenever you enter <Alt F1>, the cursor will be moved to column
one and a formfeed character will be inserted, just as if you had
typed it in from the keyboard.
Printing
========
QEdit allows you to print either your entire current file or a
portion of the current file.
To print the entire current file, simply enter the PrintAll
<Alt P><A> command. The entire current file will be printed.
To print a portion of the current file, first mark the portion of
the file to be printed using the Block marking commands. (Refer to
the "Block Commands" section in this chapter.) Next, enter the
PrintBlock <Alt P><B> command. Only the marked Block portion of the
file will be printed.
1-35
Print Formatting
Two commands are provided for setting the left margin and the page
size. Appendix E contains information on commands for setting the
top and bottom print margins. (The left margin and page size may
also be specified using the configuration program. Refer to the
"Printer Options" section of Chapter 2 and to Appendix E for more
information.)
- SetPrintLeftMargin <Alt P><L>
This command specifies the number of blank spaces to be used as a
left margin. QEdit will prompt with:
+------------------------------------------+
|Printer left margin [0..80]: <Esc = Abort>|
|0 |
+------------------------------------------+
Enter the left margin length from zero to 80.
- SetPrintPageSize <Alt P><P>
This command specifies the the number of lines to be printed on
each page. QEdit will prompt with:
+-----------------------------------------+
|Printer page size [0..400]: <Esc = Abort>|
|0 |
+-----------------------------------------+
Enter a page size from zero to 400. A zero will instruct QEdit
to print continuously without page breaks.
Formfeeds
QEdit will automatically send a formfeed character (ASCII 12) to the
printer at the end of each page. A page is determined by the page
size as explained in the section above.
At times you may find it desirable to insert formfeed characters
directly into your text. For example, you want the page size for
your text to be 55 lines, which you have set using the
SetPrintPageSize command, but there is a 15-line table in the text
that should appear on a page by itself. To accomplish this, simply
insert formfeed characters immediately before and after the table.
To insert a formfeed character in the text, enter the Literal
<Ctrl P> command followed by a formfeed <Ctrl L> character. If you
need to insert formfeed characters into your text repeatedly, you
may want to use a macro. An example of a macro to insert formfeed
characters can be found in the "Macros" section in this chapter.
It is also possible, from within QEdit, to send a formfeed character
to the printer, causing the printer to eject a page. To do this,
simply enter the PrintEject <Alt P><F> command.
1-36
The Shell and Dos commands
==========================
(For the following discussion, "Dos" is a QEdit command, while "DOS"
refers to the computer's operating system.)
QEdit provides two very helpful commands that allow you to interact
with DOS from within the editor. The commands, Shell and Dos, allow
you to perform most functions that you would normally execute from
the DOS command line, then return you to your original position in
the editor.
QEdit also has an option which frees up memory when executing the
Shell and Dos commands. For details, see "Swapping" in Appendix E.
- Shell <F9>
This command should be used when executing multiple DOS commands.
Upon entering the Shell command, control will be passed to DOS.
The DOS prompt will appear on the screen, just as if no other
programs were running. You may now enter most DOS commands.
(Some exceptions are noted below.) Once you have entered all the
desired DOS commands, simply type "exit <Enter>" and control
will be passed back to QEdit. You will be positioned in the file
exactly where you were when the Shell command was entered.
- Dos <Alt F9>
This command should be used when executing a single DOS command.
Upon entering this command, QEdit will prompt with:
+-------------------------------------------------+
|Execute what: <Esc = Abort> |
| |
+-------------------------------------------------+
You may now enter almost any DOS command. (Some exceptions are
noted below.) Once the DOS command has completed, pressing any
key will pass control back to QEdit.
You should not execute any TSR programs (programs that terminate but
remain resident in your computer) from the Shell or Dos commands.
For example, the DOS PRINT and GRAPHICS commands are TSR programs.
If you mistakenly execute a TSR program from QEdit's Shell or Dos
command, the computer's memory allocation scheme will probably
become fragmented, and as a result, QEdit's available memory may
become severely limited. You should save your files, terminate
QEdit, and then reboot the computer.
1-37
Word Processing Commands
========================
QEdit has all the features you need to do basic word processing. In
addition to the commands which enable you to view and edit your text
(discussed in previous sections), QEdit provides word-wrapping and
paragraph reformatting capabilities. Also, Appendix E contains
information on QEdit commands for changing case, centering a line
(or block of lines), and filling a block.
- The right margin
To benefit from the word-wrap and paragraph reformatting features
of QEdit, an appropriate right margin must first be set. The
default setting is column 60. This may be changed using the
configuration program. (Refer to the "General Options" section of
Chapter 2 for instructions on how to change the right margin
setting.) This value of the right margin will be used each time
the editor is initiated.
QEdit provides the ability to change the right margin setting
temporarily while the editor is running without affecting the
permanent setting. To change the right margin setting temporarily,
enter the SetRmargin <Ctrl OR> command. QEdit will prompt with:
+------------------------------------+
|right margin [1..300]: <Esc = abort>|
|60 |
+------------------------------------+
Enter the desired column number for the right margin. The new
setting will be in effect until the SetRmargin command is entered
again or the next time the editor is initiated. WordWrap mode is
automatically switched ON whenever the right margin is set using
this command.
- WordWrap
WordWrap is a QEdit mode which can be switched ON and OFF
using the ToggleWordwrap <Ctrl OW> command. When switched ON,
this mode will cause the cursor to advance automatically to the
next line when text is being entered.
The cursor will advance to the next line based on the right
margin, which is set using the SetRmargin <Ctrl OR> command. Once
the cursor reaches the right margin and a non-blank character is
typed, the cursor, along with the word (i.e., any continuous
string of non-blank characters) currently being typed, will be
advanced to the next line.
The cursor will not advance to the next line if the current line
does not contain at least one space.
1-38
- Paragraph Reformatting
The WrapPara <Alt B> command will reformat text from the current
cursor position to the next blank line or the end of the file.
The right-hand side of the text will be reformatted based on the
right margin. The right margin is set using the SetRmargin
<Ctrl OR> command.
The left-hand side of the text will be reformatted based on
AutoIndent mode. If AutoIndent mode is switched OFF, the left
margin will be column one. If AutoIndent mode is switched ON, the
first non-blank character on the line immediately AFTER the cursor
line will be used for the left margin. Using the line AFTER the
cursor line allows for special indentation for the first line of a
paragraph.
Modes
=====
QEdit uses modes to affect the operation of the editor. In general,
a QEdit mode is a state during which certain commands or keystrokes
behave differently. Following is an explanation of all the QEdit
modes.
- Insert mode
Insert mode can be switched ON and OFF by pressing the <Ins> key.
When Insert mode is ON, an "I" will appear on the Status Line.
The following table describes the commands and keystrokes which
are affected by Insert mode.
Command/
Keystroke Insert ON Insert OFF
----------- ---------------------- ---------------------
Characters, Shift text to right Overwrite existing
Space of cursor, one column text.
to the right.
Backspace Deletes character/word Deletes character/word
to left of cursor. to left of cursor.
Text to right of cursor Text to right of cursor
shifts left one column. does not shift.
Return Splits line at cursor Does not split line.
position. Cursor moves Cursor moves to next
to next line. line.
TabLt, Tabs cursor and shifts Tabs cursor only.
TabRt text same number of
positions.
1-39
- AutoIndent mode
AutoIndent mode is switched ON and OFF using the ToggleIndent
<Ctrl QI> command. This mode, when ON, positions the cursor at
the current left margin (This is not the same as the print left
margin.) whenever the <Enter> key is pressed. The current left
margin is determined by the first non-blank character on the
immediately preceding line. The following table describes the
commands and keystrokes which are affected by AutoIndent mode.
Command/
Keystroke AutoIndent ON AutoIndent OFF
--------- -------------------------- ------------------------
Return Cursor positioned below Cursor positioned at
first non-blank character column one.
of previous line.
WrapPara When reformatting, the left A left margin of zero is
margin is determined from used when reformatting.
the first non-blank
character on the line
immediately following the
cursor line.
- C mode
This mode is specifically for "C" language programming. It is
switched ON and OFF using the configuration program. (Refer to
the "General Options" section of Chapter 2 for information on
switching C mode ON and OFF.) C mode is only in effect when
AutoIndent mode is also ON.
C Mode, when switched ON, affects files with a ".c", ".cpp",
".cxx", ".h", ".hpp", or ".hxx", file extension. When the current
cursor line contains a "{" and the <Enter> key is pressed, QEdit
issues a normal Return followed by a TabRt command. Additionally,
when a "}" character is entered, QEdit first issues a TabLt
command and then enters the "}" character.
- WordWrap mode
WordWrap mode is switched ON and OFF using the ToggleWordwrap
<Ctrl OW> command. When switched ON, this mode will cause the
cursor to advance to the next line automatically when text is
being entered.
The cursor will advance to the next line based on the right
margin, which is set using the SetRmargin <Ctrl OR> command. Once
the cursor reaches the right margin and a non-blank character is
typed, the cursor, along with the word (i.e., any continuous
string of non-blank characters) currently being typed, will be
advanced to the next line.
The cursor will not advance to the next line if the current line
does not contain at least one space.
1-40
- BackUp mode
BackUp mode is switched ON and OFF using the ToggleBakups
<Esc><O><B> command. When BackUp Mode is switched ON, QEdit will
create a backup copy (using the .bak file extension) for any file
that is edited and saved. The backup copy of the file is an image
of the file before it was last edited and saved. When BackUp mode
is OFF, no backup files will be created.
- MacroRecord mode
MacroRecord mode is switched ON and OFF using the MacroRecord
<Ctrl M> command. This mode, when ON, records and assigns a
series of commands and keystrokes to a designated key (or scrap
area). This creates a macro. For a complete explanation of
macros and their use, refer to the "Macros" section in this
chapter.
- EnterMatching mode
EnterMatching mode is switched ON and OFF using the
ToggleEnterMatching <Esc><O><E> command. If switched ON, QEdit
will automatically insert into the text a corresponding ), ], or "
character each time a (, [, or " character, respectively, is
entered.
- Box Drawing mode
Box Drawing mode is switched ON and OFF using the ToggleBoxDraw
<Shift F1> command. If switched ON, the cursor movement keys (up,
down, right, left) can be used to "draw" lines in the text. This
can be very useful for creating charts and tables. All of the
diagrams found in this manual were created using Box Drawing. The
ToggleBoxType command allows you to select different line drawing
styles.
- Smart Tabs mode
Smart Tabs mode is switched ON and OFF using the ToggleSmartTabs
<Ctrl QT> command. If switched ON, the TabRt and TabLt commands
will place the cursor beneath the first character of the next (or
previous) word on the first nonblank line preceding the current
cursor line.
Smart Tabs mode should NOT be used in conjunction with C mode.
- Physical Tab Expansion mode
Physical Tab Expansion mode is switched ON and OFF using the
ToggleTabsExpand <Alt V> command. If switched ON, physical tab
characters (ASCII 9's) found in a file will be expanded into
spaces according to the Physical Tab Width set in the
configuration program. If switched OFF, physical tabs will be
displayed on the screen and a physical tab character will be
placed in the text each time the TabRt command is entered.
1-41
+--------------------------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| In general, Physical Tab Expansion mode should |
| always be set ON. You would only want to set |
| it OFF if you were editing binary or data |
| files that contain or require physical tabs. |
+--------------------------------------------------+
- Tabs Out mode
Tabs Out mode is switched ON and OFF using the ToggleTabsOut
<Alt I> command. If switched ON, continuous spaces in a line of
text will be replaced with physical tabs (ASCII 9's) according to
the Physical Tab Width set in the configuration program. Only
spaces in edited lines are replaced with physical tabs. Spaces
falling between single or double quotes will not be replaced.
1-42
CHAPTER 2. CUSTOMIZING QEDIT_______________________________________
QEdit provides a configuration capability which allows the User to
customize the editor to suit individual preferences. There are a
wide range of options which may be customized including key
assignments, color, tab settings, and printer options.
Of course, customizing QEdit is not a requirement. If you like the
editor exactly the way it is, it will not be necessary to use the
configuration program.
The configuration program is QCONFIG.EXE and is included on the
distribution diskette, along with the other QEdit software. The
configuration program customizes QEdit by actually modifying the
editor program itself - Q.EXE.
+---------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| Before running the |
| configuration program, make |
| a backup copy of the original |
| QEdit distribution disk. |
+---------------------------------+
Initiating the Configuration Program
====================================
To initiate the configuration program, type "qconfig <Enter>" from
the DOS command line. The program will request the name of the
editor program to customize with the prompt:
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| Enter program name to config, <CR> for Q.EXE : |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
Simply press <Enter>, unless you have previously renamed the
editor or if the editor is located in another directory.
If you have renamed the editor, enter the appropriate filename and
press <Enter>. If the editor is located in another directory,
enter the full pathname and press <Enter>.
If the file to be customized could not be located on disk, this
error message will be displayed:
+--------------------------------------------------+
|FATAL ERROR: Q.EXE not found |
+--------------------------------------------------+
Check the editor's filename and/or path for accuracy.
2-2
If the version numbers of the editor and the configuration program
are not the same, this error message will be displayed:
+--------------------------------------------------+
|FATAL ERROR: patch area not found |
+--------------------------------------------------+
Try reloading the QEdit software from the distribution disk
(i.e., Q.EXE and QCONFIG.EXE).
The Configuration Menu
======================
The configuration program will display a menu from which to select
the desired functions for customization.
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Configuration choices. |
| Choose One of the Following by pressing the indicated Key: |
| |
| A)dvanced options |
| C)olors/screen |
| G)eneral options |
| H)elp install |
| K)eys |
| P)rinter options |
| Q)uit |
| S)ave changes and quit |
| T)ab settings |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
Following is a brief explanation of these menu items. They will
each be discussed in detail in this chapter. (See Appendix E for
additional options.)
A)dvanced options
Contains a variety of configurable options, including those
related to video display, DOS memory, and editor menus.
C)olors/screen
Allows you to change colors of various editor displays when
using a color monitor.
G)eneral options
A miscellaneous category of options.
H)elp install
Allows you to create your own Help Screen.
2-3
K)eys
Allows you to reassign editor commands to different keys.
P)rinter options
Allows you to set options for printing text, such as page size.
Q)uit
Terminates the program. You will first be prompted to save or
not to save changes.
S)ave changes and quit
After you have made all of the desired changes, press <S> to
save the changes and terminate the program.
T)ab settings
Allows you to set the physical and cursor tab widths.
Choose the category that you wish to customize by pressing the first
letter of the corresponding menu item. You will be prompted for a
response to each option within the category. Each configuration
option will be displayed along with its current value. (The Keys
and Help install categories, however, work a little differently in
that they request a filename.)
For each option displayed, you may enter a new value. If you do not
wish to change the current value, simply press <Enter>. After you
have reviewed all options in a category, you will be returned to
the main menu where you may select another category.
Once you have completed customizing, you may save all the changes
you have made by pressing <S> at the main menu prompt. Your changes
will be made permanent (that is, effective the next time you execute
the editor), and the configuration program will be terminated.
If you decide that you do not want to save your changes, press <Q>.
The prompt "Save Changes (Y/N)?" will be displayed. Simply press
<N>. No changes will be saved and the configuration program will be
terminated.
2-4
Advanced Options
================
This section contains a list of the Advanced Options which can be
customized using the configuration program. The configuration
program prompt, the default value, and a description are given for
each option.
- Test for presence of EGA or VGA adapters (Y/N)? [Y] :
For Concurrent PC-DOS (a Digital Research version of DOS) users
only, this option should be set to <N>.
- Test for presence of enhanced keyboard (Y/N)? [N] :
If your system has an enhanced (101 key) keyboard then set this
option to <Y> and QEdit will recognize the additional keys such
as F11, F12, and grey cursor keys.
+--------------------------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| Many TSR's, including mouse drivers, do not |
| properly recognize the enhanced keyboard. If |
| you are using a TSR and it is not working with |
| QEdit, try setting this option to <N>. |
+--------------------------------------------------+
- Should QEdit change the cursor size (Y/N)? [Y] :
By default, QEdit uses a small cursor when Insert mode is OFF
and a medium cursor when Insert mode is ON. Selecting <N> will
tell QEdit not to change the cursor size.
- Do you want the Return command to split lines in insert mode
(Y/N)? [Y] :
Normally, the Return command splits the current line at the
cursor when pressed in Insert mode. This means that the part of
the line following the cursor will be inserted on a new line. If
Insert mode is OFF, the Return command will simply place the
cursor at the beginning of the next line.
If you select <N> for this option, the Return command will
always act as if Insert mode is OFF. Return will move the cursor
to the beginning of the next line with no effect on the text.
2-5
- Should Cut and Copy use current line if no block marked(Y/N)? [N]:
If a block is not marked, and you execute the Cut or Copy
command, the current cursor line will be affected if you enter
<Y> for this option.
- Amount of memory to reserve from DOS (in paragraphs)
[0,8..32767] [0] :
COMMAND.COM normally occupies the high end of DOS memory. If a
program uses all available DOS memory, then COMMAND.COM can be
overlayed and will have to be reloaded when the application is
finished. This really is not a problem on a hard disk system,
as the reload takes a very short time. On a diskette based
system, the delay can be somewhat annoying. Specifying a value
of 1400 should keep COMMAND.COM from having to be reloaded on
any DOS version through 3.3. Please note that this will deny
QEdit of an additional 22k of memory.
- Code generated by ALT numeric keypad [0] :
The <Alt> numeric keypad can be used to enter just about any of
the characters in the IBM PC character set. Characters are
entered by holding down the <Alt> key and pressing the decimal
number(s) that represents that character. On IBM PC's this
action returns a scan code of 0. A small number of compatible
PC's return a different scan code. If your PC returns a
different scan code for the <Alt> numeric keypad, enter it here.
- Do you want the ESCAPE command to invoke the menus (Y/N)? [Y] :
By default, the Escape command displays the "Pop-Down" menus,
when executed outside of the menus or any QEdit prompts. If you
do NOT want the Escape command to do this, select <N> for this
option.
2-6
Colors/Screen Options
=====================
This section contains a list of the Screen and Screen Color Options
which can be customized using the configuration program. The
configuration program prompt, the default value, and a description
are given for each option.
- Statusline position: "T" for top, "B" for bottom [T] :
The Status Line may be positioned at the top or at the bottom
line of the screen.
- Statusline fill character [ ] :
This character is used to "break up" the information on the
editor's Status Line. The default is a space. For example,
if the dash character is specified then the Status Line would
look like this:
+-----------------------------------------------------------+
|L 15-- C 15---IAW-R-B--411K-----*c:\qedit\qedit.doc--------|
+-----------------------------------------------------------+
- Do you want the display "boxed" (Y/N)? [N] :
The editing screen may be completely enclosed in a box.
- Do you want the original screen restored upon termination (Y/N)?[Y]:
QEdit can optionally restore the original screen upon exiting
the program. Be aware that selecting this option takes up 4k of
memory. But it is very handy after long uninterrupted editing
sessions to see what you were doing before you started.
- Do you want "snow" checking (Y/N)? [Y] :
If QEdit determines that your system has a Color/Graphics
Adapter card (CGA), the editor will not write to the screen at
full speed in order to avoid "snow" (a sparkling appearance on
the screen that results from updating the screen too quickly).
If you have a COMPAQ, ZENITH, or other color adapter that allows
full speed screen updating without "snow", then set this option
to <N>.
This option has no effect on monochrome and true EGA/VGA cards.
- Number of columns to scroll horizontally for screen lt/rt
commands [1..400] [1] :
This is the number of columns that QEdit should scroll when you
enter the ScreenLeft or ScreenRight commands.
2-7
+-----------------------------------------------------+
|Attribute chart/guide. [0..127] |
| |
| |
| ** GRAPHIC CHART ** |
| ** OMITTED FROM ** |
| ** DOCUMENTATION FOR ** |
| ** SHAREWARE VERSION ** |
| (run QCONFIG to view color chart) |
| |
|Select attributes from the chart above. |
+-----------------------------------------------------+
The chart above is for use with the following Screen Color Options.
Enter a number, in response to each option, based on the color in
which the number appears on the chart.
If you have a monochrome screen, many of the values in the chart
will appear to be the same color. However, you will still have the
options of normal, highlighted, underlined, and reverse video. If
you have a color monitor you can take advantage of a wider array of
options.
- Blocked Text [112]:
The color used for marked Blocks.
- Error msgs [112]:
The color used for warning and error messages.
- Text Area [7]:
The color used for normal text (the editing screen).
- Status Line [9]:
The color used for the Status Line.
- Cursor Line [15]:
The color used for the cursor line. Reverts to normal when a
block is marked.
- Messages [15]:
The color used for QEdit messages.
- Hi-lited items [9]:
The color used for "found" search strings when using the Find
and FindReplace commands.
- EOF line/indicator [15]:
The color used for the "end of file" line.
2-8
- Help screen [112]:
The color used for the Help Screen.
- Box borders [15]:
The color used for box borders.
- PopUp windows [15]:
The color used for the background of the "Pop-Down" menus.
- Menu items [15]:
The color used for items within menus.
- Selected Menu items [112]:
The color used for selected items within menus.
General Options
===============
This section contains a list of the General Options which can be
customized using the configuration program. The configuration
program prompt, the default value, and a description are given for
each option. (See Appendix E for additional options.)
- Do you want the DelCh command to join lines if at EOL (Y/N)? [Y] :
If you want the DelCh command to be restricted so that it only
works on the current line, then select <N> for this option. If
you select <Y>, the command will work across line breaks. This
means that if you issue DelCh at the end of the line, the
following line will be joined to the end of the cursor line
(just as if you had issued a JoinLine command).
- Do you want the PQuit, Exit, and File commands to return to
"EditFile" prompt (Y/N)? [Y] :
If only 1 file is being edited, QEdit can either terminate or
ask for another file to edit whenever the PQuit, Exit, or File
commands are executed. Enter <N> to terminate.
- Do you want the editor to start in Wordwrap Mode (Y/N)? [N] :
If you want WordWrap mode to be ON each time QEdit is executed,
then set this option to <Y>. Refer to the "Word Processing
Commands" section of Chapter 1 for more information on WordWrap.
- Default right margin for Wordwrap [1..512] [60] :
This is the default right margin setting each time QEdit is
executed. Refer to the "Word Processing Commands" section of
Chapter 1 for more information.
2-9
- Do you want the editor to start in Insert Mode (Y/N)? [Y] :
If you want Insert mode to be ON each time QEdit is executed,
then set this option to <Y>. Refer to the "Modes" section of
Chapter 1 for more information on Insert mode.
- Do you want the editor to start in Autoindent Mode (Y/N)? [Y] :
If you want AutoIndent mode to be ON each time QEdit is
executed, then set this option to <Y>. Refer to the "Modes"
section of Chapter 1 for more information on AutoIndent mode.
- Load wildcarded filespecs from the command line (Y/N)? [Y] :
When QEdit encounters a wildcarded file specification (* or ?)
from the DOS command line, it will do one of two things
depending on this option setting. If you select <Y>, the editor
will load every file that matches the wildcarded specification.
(For example, if you entered "q *.doc", QEdit would load all
files with the extension ".doc"). However, if you select <N>,
QEdit will display a "Pop-Down" menu list of all the files which
match the wildcarded specification. You can then choose the file
you want to edit by using the cursor keys and pressing <Enter>.
- Load wildcarded filespecs from inside the editor (Y/N)? [N] :
This option is similar to the previous one, except that it
refers to the EditFile command rather than the DOS command line
used at startup. If you use a wildcard character with EditFile
it will either load all matching files, or show you a list of
matching files, depending on your choice for this option. Select
<Y> to load all matching files and <N> to display a list of
matching files.
- Do you want the editor to start in "enter matching" mode (Y/N)?[N]:
When ON, the double quote, parenthesis, and square bracket
keys all automatically enter the matching character when the
left character is entered. For example, typing the '[' key
automatically enters a ']' immediately following.
- Use CMODE for .c, .cpp, .cxx, .h, .hpp, and .hxx files (Y/N)? [Y]:
C mode is included primarily for editing C Language programs. C
mode is only in effect when AutoIndent mode is also ON. When C
mode is active, <Enter> typed on a line containing a '{' does a
normal return and then issues a TabRt command. Subsequently,
when a '}' is typed, a TabLt command is issued.
- Default number of deleted lines to keep per file [0..300] [30] :
QEdit saves a certain number of deleted lines and blocks, which
can later be recalled using the UnKill command. This option
allows you to select the maximum number of lines QEdit can save
for every edited file.
2-10
- Remove trailing blanks from edited lines (Y/N)? [Y] :
When you edit a line of text, QEdit can either remove trailing
blanks from that line or leave it as is. For most purposes,
the remove option is preferable, as it will generally create
smaller files.
- Delete white space after words with DelRtWord command (Y/N)? [Y] :
If you enter the DelRtWord command, it deletes the "word" to the
right of the cursor. This option causes DelRtWord to
delete the blank space which follows the word as well.
- Terminate files with a Control Z (Y/N)? [N] :
MS/PC-DOS versions 2.0 thru 3.3 do NOT require an end of file
terminator (the exact size of the file is stored in the
directory). However, some programs that were directly
translated from their CP/M versions still require the Control Z
end of file marker. If you have one of these programs for which
you are creating text files, you should select <Y> for this
option.
- Do you want "backups" of saved files (Y/N)? [Y] :
Select <Y> if you want a backup file (an image of the file
before you did any editing) with the .bak extension saved each
time you save a file.
- Prompt for filename on open window (Y/N)? [N] :
If you enter the HorizontalWindow command, QEdit can either
prompt you for the name of the file you want to load into the
new window or load the next file in the ring into the new
window (in the latter case, if only one file is being edited
another window for the same file is opened).
To have QEdit prompt you for a filename, select <Y>. To have it
load the next file in the ring, select <N>.
- Close window when a file is quit (Y/N)? [Y] :
If you enter any command which discards a file from the editor
whenever more than one window is open, QEdit can either load
the next file in the ring into that window or close that
window.
To have QEdit close the window, select <Y>. To have it load the
next file in the ring, select <N>.
- Display End Of File marker (Y/N)? [Y] :
QEdit can optionally display a line at the end of the file in
the following format:
<*** End of File ***>
2-11
- Insert line blocks ABOVE the cursor line (Y/N)? [N] :
Line blocks can either be inserted (with the Paste, CopyBlock,
or MoveBlock command) above or below the current cursor line.
- Default Find options [IWBG] [I]:
Select the default search options when using the Find command.
The options are:
I - Ignore Case. The Find command will ignore lower and upper
case when searching for a matching string.
W - Words Only. The Find command will search for matching
strings which are whole words only. For example, with the
"W" option on, searching for the string "not", QEdit would
ignore strings such as "cannot", "notes", etc. and only
identify occurrences of the string "not" delimited by
spaces.
B - Backwards Search. This option causes the Find command to
begin with the current cursor position and search backwards
toward the beginning of the file.
G - Global Search. Begin searching from the beginning of the
file.
Note that even when these options are not selected as defaults,
they can still be selected from within the editor whenever the
Find command is executed.
- Default FindReplace options [IWBNG] [I]:
Select the default search and replace options when using the
FindReplace command. The options are:
I - Ignore Case. The FindReplace command will ignore lower and
upper case when searching for a matching string.
W - Words Only. The FindReplace command will search for
matching strings which are whole words only. For example,
with the "W" option on, searching for the string "not",
QEdit would ignore strings such as "cannot", "notes", etc.
and only identify occurrences of the string "not" delimited
by spaces.
B - Backwards Search. This option causes the FindReplace
command to begin with the current cursor position and search
backwards toward the beginning of the file.
N - No Prompting. The FindReplace command will not prompt when
it identifies a matching string; instead, all occurrences of
the search string will be replaced with the new string.
G - Global Search. Begin searching from the beginning of the
file.
2-12
Note that even when these options are not selected as defaults,
they can still be selected from within the editor whenever the
FindReplace command is executed.
- Default file extension number 1 [.pas]:
- Default file extension number 2 [.inc]:
- Default file extension number 3 [.asm]:
- Default file extension number 4 [.c]:
- Default file extension number 5 [.h]:
- Default file extension number 6 [.doc]:
Six default file extensions are provided to save keystrokes each
time a filename to edit is entered. These file extensions are
used whenever QEdit is executed with a filename from the command
line or whenever the EditFile command is entered.
When using QEdit, if the filename entered does not have a period
(and does not include the DOS wildcard characters) and that
file does NOT exist as named, QEdit appends the first default
file extension to the name and tries to load that file. If that
file exists, then QEdit loads it for editing. If it does not
exist, QEdit will repeat the process with the other default file
extensions. If no files were found, then QEdit will create a
new file as originally named.
The Help Screen
===============
QEdit allows you to create a customized one page Help Screen, which
may be displayed at any time from within the editor by entering the
QuickHelp <F1> command.
Of course, you may prefer to use the default Help Screen which is
already loaded into QEdit. In that case no action is required.
However, if you want to design and use your own Help Screen, simply
follow these steps:
1. Create an 80 x 25 (80 columns by 25 lines) text file (you can use
QEdit to create this file) and list all of the information that
should appear on the screen when the QuickHelp command is
entered. We suggest that you list less frequently used commands
in this file, while leaving out more familiar commands such as
cursor movement and paging.
2-13
2. Run QCONFIG.EXE and select option <H> from the menu.
3. You will be prompted for the name of the Help file just created.
Enter that name.
That is all there is to it! The next time you enter QuickHelp from
within QEdit, your customized Help Screen will be displayed.
Keyboard Configuration
======================
QEdit provides the extremely helpful capability of assigning editor
commands (and strings of characters) to almost any key you prefer.
This allows you to assign frequently used commands to keys which are
most convenient for your use or you may wish to reassign commands
completely to emulate another text editor or word processor with
which you are already familiar.
By taking a few minutes to review this section, your future text
editing may become significantly smoother and more comfortable as a
result of customizing your keyboard to suit your individual
preferences.
The Keyboard Definition File
QEdit uses the Keyboard Definition file to customize the keyboard.
This file contains a list of all the keys to which commands may be
assigned. Supplied with QEdit is a Keyboard Definition file called
QCONFIG.DAT which contains the default settings for the keyboard.
Other files are supplied which emulate certain common word
processors. WordStar command keys can be emulated using the
WSKEY.DAT Keyboard Definition file. Brief command keys can be
emulated using the BRIEF.DAT Keyboard Definition file.
The Keyboard Definition file consists of a list of configurable keys
and the commands or macros which are assigned to them. The
configurable keys are on the left side of the file with the commands
or macros assigned to the keys on the right. Blank lines and lines
starting with an asterisk "*" are ignored. The QCONFIG.DAT file, as
well as Appendix B, contains a complete list of configurable keys.
Control keys are specified with a "^". For example:
^f1 or ^F1 specifies Control F1
^c or ^C specifies Control C
^PgUp specifies Control PgUp
2-14
Alternate keys are specified with a "@". For example:
@f1 or @F1 specifies Alt F1
@c or @C specifies Alt C
@PgUp specifies Alt PgUp
Shift keys are specified with a "#". For example:
#f1 or #F1 specifies Shift F1
The format of a line in the Keyboard Definition file is simply the
keystroke followed by the command. For example:
f1 QuickHelp
#f5 MakeCtrofScreen
@f2 InsertLine
cursorup CursorUp
^cursorleft WordLeft
backspace Backspace
^backspace DelLtWord
@a DropAnchor
^a WordLeft
+-------------------------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| The configuration program ignores the case of |
| the command, as well as any underscores that |
| may be embedded. This means that InsertLine, |
| insert_line, and Insert_Line all refer to the |
| same command. |
| |
| Also, the order of the keys does not matter. |
| The configurable keys may be put in any order |
| desired. |
+-------------------------------------------------+
There is also a provision for assigning commands to a "twokey". A
twokey consists of two distinct keystrokes, such as <Ctrl B>
immediately followed by <A>. To assign a command to a twokey, enter
both keystrokes of the twokey in the first column (keystroke column)
separated by an underline.
For example, to assign the Exit command to the twokey,
<Ctrl F1> <F2>, enter the following into the Keyboard Definition
file:
^f1_f2 Exit
2-15
Through the use of macros, multiple commands and/or text may be
assigned to any configurable key (Macros, however, cannot be
assigned to twokeys). To define a macro, specify MacroBegin as the
first command, followed by any combination of text and QEdit
commands, each separated by a space. Text should be enclosed in
single or double quotes. The commands and/or text must all fit on
one line, not exceeding 255 characters in length.
Example:
f1 MacroBegin EditFile 'help.dat' Return
This macro would load the file 'help.dat'. Note that the Return
command is issued after the text. This is required to terminate the
QEdit prompt.
Example:
@t MacroBegin GSave Dos 'tpc ' CurrentFilename Return
Now, when you press <Alt T>, all changed files will be saved and the
Turbo Pascal compiler will be invoked on the current file.
Example (the following must appear on 1 line in the Keyboard
Definition file):
@f1 MacroBegin EditFile 'errors.lst' Return Quit Dos
'tcc ' CurrentFilename ' >errors.lst' Return Return
HorizontalWindow EditFile 'errors.lst' Return
This macro will run the Turbo C compiler on the current file, saving
the results to a file called "errors.lst", and loading that file
into another window after the compile is finished.
Additional examples can be found in Appendix D. In general, any
commonly used sequence of commands (or a useful, but complicated
sequence of commands for that matter) is a good candidate for a
macro.
Creating a Keyboard Definition File
To customize the keyboard using the default Keyboard Definition
file, QCONFIG.DAT, no action is required. QEdit is distributed with
this Keyboard Definition file already loaded.
2-16
To customize the keyboard using one of the supplied word processor
emulation Keyboard Definition files, skip to step number 6 below.
To create your own Keyboard Definition file, do the following:
1. Load the file QCONFIG.DAT into QEdit (from the DOS command line
type "q qconfig.dat <Enter>").
2. Rename the file using the ChangeFilename command <Alt O>.
3. Browse through the file using the Cursor Up and Down keys. Notice
that the left side of the file contains a list of all configurable
keys. To the right of each key is the command or macro currently
assigned to the key. Some keys have no commands assigned.
4. Change the commands assigned to the keys to suit your particular
needs. For more information on how to assign keys, refer to The
Keyboard Definition file section above.
5. Save the file and exit QEdit by pressing <Alt X>.
6. Run QCONFIG.EXE and select option <K> from the menu.
7. You will be prompted for the name of the Keyboard Definition
file. Enter the name of the Keyboard Definition file you wish to
load. If you are creating your own file, enter the new name
chosen in step 2.
8. Your key assignments will be incorporated into the editor
program, Q.EXE. The QCONFIG menu will again appear. Press <S> to
save your changes and terminate the program.
9. Run the editor to insure that your key assignments function as
desired.
Printer Options
===============
This section contains a list of the Printer Options which can be
customized using the configuration program. The configuration
program prompt, the default value, and a description are given for
each option. (See Appendix E for additional options.)
- Default left margin for printing [0..80] [0]:
This is the number of spaces QEdit skips before printing each
line. If you do not want QEdit to skip any spaces at the
beginning of each line, select zero.
- Default page size for printing [0..400] [0]:
QEdit will send a formfeed character to the printer after
printing this number of lines. If you do NOT want QEdit
to send formfeeds (continuous printing), select zero.
2-17
- Add formfeed after printing (Y/N)? [Y] :
Should QEdit send a formfeed when printing is complete? If you
select <Y>, your forms should be correctly lined up in
preparation for the next printing operation.
Tab Settings
============
This section contains a list of all Tab Setting Options which can be
customized using the configuration program. The configuration
program prompt, the default value, and a description are given for
each option.
- Do you want the editor to start in Physical Tab Expansion Mode
(Y/N)?[Y]:
If you want Physical Tab Expansion mode to be ON each time QEdit
is executed, then set this option to <Y>. Refer to the "Modes"
section of Chapter 1 for more information on Physical Tab
Expansion.
- Do you want the editor to start in Tabs Out Mode (Y/N)? [N] :
If you want Tabs Out mode to be ON each time QEdit
is executed, then set this option to <Y>. Refer to the "Modes"
section of Chapter 1 for more information on Tabs Out.
- Default physical tab width [2,4, or 8] [8]:
This is the tab width that QEdit uses when Physical Tab
Expansion mode or Tabs Out mode are ON.
- Default Cursor tab width [2..12] [8]:
This is the tab width that QEdit uses when you enter the TabRt
and TabLt commands.
- Default file extension number 1 for default tabs [.pas]:
Physical tab width for above [2]:
Cursor tab width for above [2]:
- Default file extension number 2 for default tabs [.inc]:
Physical tab width for above [2]:
Cursor tab width for above [2]:
- Default file extension number 3 for default tabs [.asm]:
Physical tab width for above [8]:
Cursor tab width for above [8]:
2-18
- Default file extension number 4 for default tabs [.c]:
Physical tab width for above [4]:
Cursor tab width for above [4]:
- Default file extension number 5 for default tabs [.h]:
Physical tab width for above [4]:
Cursor tab width for above [4]:
- Default file extension number 6 for default tabs [.doc]:
Physical tab width for above [8]:
Cursor tab width for above [8]:
QEdit allows you to set default physical and cursor tab widths
for up to six different file extensions. When a file is loaded
that matches one of these extensions, these defaults are used.
Otherwise, the defaults set in the first two Tab Settings are
used.
- Do you want the editor to start in Smart Tabs Mode (Y/N)? [N] :
If you want Smart Tabs mode to be ON each time QEdit
is executed, then set this option to <Y>. Refer to the "Modes"
section of Chapter 1 for more information on Smart Tabs.
2-19
CHAPTER 3. QEDIT COMMAND REFERENCE_________________________________
This chapter contains a description for each of the QEdit commands.
Where appropriate, the default key assignments are provided.
Additionally, <Esc> sequences are given for those commands which can
be accessed through the "Pop-Down" menus.
To assign commands which do not have a default assignment or to
change existing key assignments, refer to the "Keyboard
Configuration" section of Chapter 2 for instructions.
AddLine <F2> or <Esc><E><A>
----------------------------------------
Adds a blank line after the cursor line, placing the cursor on the
newly created line. The cursor column does not change.
Align
----------------------------------------
Aligns the text on the cursor line with the text on the line
immediately before the cursor line and then positions the cursor on
the next line. The cursor column does not change. If the cursor is
on line one, or the previous line is blank, or the cursor line is
blank, this command will only move the cursor to the next line.
AppendScrbuff <Ctrl BA>
----------------------------------------
Appends the currently marked Block to the end of the named Scratch
Buffer. The existing contents of the named Scratch Buffer are not
lost. If the named Scratch Buffer does not exist, a new Scratch
Buffer will be created.
Backspace <Backspace>
----------------------------------------
If Insert mode is ON:
Deletes the character to the left of the cursor. The text to the
right of, and including the cursor position, shifts left one
position. If the cursor is in column one, the cursor line is
appended to the end of the preceding line.
If Insert mode is OFF:
Deletes the character to the left of the cursor. The text to the
right of the cursor does NOT close in or shift. If the cursor is
in column one, however, the cursor line will still be appended to
the end of the previous line.
3-2
BegFile <Ctrl PgUp>
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor at column one on the first line of the current
file.
BegLine <Home>
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor at column one of the current cursor line.
BegScreen <Ctrl Home>
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor at the top line of the current window. The
cursor column does not change.
ChangeFilename <Alt O> or <Alt F><C> or <Esc><F><C>
----------------------------------------
Changes the name of the current file. QEdit will prompt for the new
name. If the file already exists, you will be required to confirm
that you still want to rename the file. The current file is marked
as being a changed file. (An asterisk will appear on the Status
Line preceding the filename.) This command will have no effect on
disk files, until the renamed file is saved.
CloseWindow <Ctrl OC> or <Esc><W><C>
----------------------------------------
Closes the current window, unless it is the only window which is
open, in which case the command has no effect.
Copy <grey +>
----------------------------------------
Copies the marked Block into the Scrap Buffer. The Block is then
unmarked. If no Block is marked, the cursor line is copied into the
Scrap Buffer. The copying of the cursor line, when a Block is not
marked, is configurable. Refer to the "Advanced Options" section of
Chapter 2 for more information.
CopyBlock <Alt C> or <Esc><B><C>
----------------------------------------
Copies the marked Block to the cursor position. If the Block is a
character Block (created using the DropAnchor, MarkCharacter, or
MarkBlockBegin/End commands)
3-3
or a column Block (created using the MarkColumn command), the Block
is inserted into the text beginning at the current cursor position.
If the Block is a line Block (created using the MarkLine command),
it is inserted before or after the current cursor line, depending on
the configuration setting (Refer to the "General Options" section of
Chapter 2 for more information). The Block remains marked. Blocks
may be copied from one file to another.
CopyOverBlock <Alt Z>
----------------------------------------
Copies the currently marked column Block and places it at the
current cursor position by overlaying existing text and without
shifting text to the right. This command only works with column
Blocks. The Block remains marked. Blocks may be "copied over" from
one file to another.
CurrentFilename
----------------------------------------
Returns the name of the currently edited file, as if it had been
typed at the keyboard. This command is useful for manipulation of
files from within macros.
CursorDown <Cursor Down>
----------------------------------------
Moves the cursor downward in the file to the next line.
CursorLeft <Cursor Left>
----------------------------------------
Moves the cursor one character to the left. When the cursor reaches
the left edge of the screen, it stops, unless the text has been
scrolled left, in which case the text scrolls right one position.
CursorRight <Cursor Right>
----------------------------------------
Moves the cursor one character to the right. When the cursor
reaches the right end of the screen, the text starts scrolling left
until the cursor reaches the maximum line length.
CursorUp <Cursor Up>
----------------------------------------
Moves the cursor upward in the file to the previous line.
3-4
Cut <grey ->
----------------------------------------
Copies the marked Block into the Scrap Buffer. The Block is then
deleted from the file being edited. If no Block is marked, the
cursor line is cut into the Scrap Buffer. The cutting of the cursor
line, when a Block is not marked, is configurable. Refer to the
"Advanced Options" section of Chapter 2 for more information.
DelCh <Del>
----------------------------------------
Deletes the character at the current cursor position. The line to
the right of the cursor shifts left one position. If the cursor
position is past the last character on the line, the next line is
appended to the cursor line. The "joining" of the next line when
the cursor is past the last character on the line is configurable.
Refer to the "General Options" section of Chapter 2 for more
information.
DeleteBlock <Alt G> or <Esc><B><D>
----------------------------------------
Deletes the currently marked character or line Block. If there is
not a Block marked in the current file, this command has no effect.
DelLine <Alt D> or <Esc><E><D>
----------------------------------------
Deletes the cursor line. The line following the cursor line becomes
the new cursor line.
DelLtWord <Ctrl Backspace>
----------------------------------------
Deletes the "word" to the left of the cursor. If the cursor is in
column one, the cursor line is appended to the end of the preceding
line.
DelRtWord <Ctrl T>
----------------------------------------
Deletes the "word" to the right of the cursor. If the cursor
position is past the last character on the line, the next line is
appended to the cursor line.
3-5
DelToEol <F6> or <Esc><E><E>
----------------------------------------
Deletes text on the cursor line, from the cursor position to the end
of line.
Dos <Alt F9>
----------------------------------------
QEdit prompts for a command, which is passed to DOS for execution.
After the command is executed by DOS, control is returned to QEdit.
If you want to execute a series of commands in DOS, you should use
the Shell command, described later in this chapter.
+--------------------------------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| You should NOT execute any TSR (terminate and stay |
| resident) programs here. These include the DOS print |
| and graph commands and memory-resident programs such |
| as Sidekick and Superkey. |
+--------------------------------------------------------+
DropAnchor <Alt A>
----------------------------------------
This command is used to mark a character Block. Initially executing
this command will mark one end of a Block at the cursor position.
As the cursor is moved, the Block will "grow" with it. Executing
this command again will mark the other end of the Block at the
cursor position. If DropAnchor is executed in a file that already
contains a character Block, the Block is extended to the current
cursor position.
DupLine <F4>
----------------------------------------
Makes a copy of the current cursor line and inserts the copy
immediately following the cursor line. The cursor is moved to the
new line.
EditFile <Alt E> or <Alt F><L> or <Esc><F><L>
----------------------------------------
The editor prompts for the name(s) of the additional file(s) to be
edited. Wildcard characters (* or ?) are permissible, as are
multiple filenames. The editor will not load multiple copies of the
same file. If you issue the EditFile command using the name of a
file that has already been loaded, QEdit will simply make that file
the current file.
3-6
EndFile <Ctrl PgDn>
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor on the last line of the file immediately
following the last non-blank character. If the last line of the
file is blank, the cursor is positioned in column one.
EndLine <End>
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor immediately following the last non-blank
character on the cursor line.
EndScreen <Ctrl End>
----------------------------------------
The cursor is positioned on the last line of the current window.
The cursor column does not change.
Escape <Esc>
----------------------------------------
If executed while editing, the "Pop-Down" menus are displayed.
Otherwise, this command aborts any editor prompt.
ExecuteScrap <Ctrl Enter>
----------------------------------------
Plays back the latest macro that was created using the MacroRecord
command.
Exit <Ctrl KD>
----------------------------------------
Conditionally discards the current file. If the file has not been
modified, the file is discarded without prompting. If the file has
been modified, the editor prompts with "Save Changes (Y/N)?".
Pressing <Y> will save and then discard the file. Pressing <N> will
discard the file without saving any changes.
QEdit can be configured, when only a single file is being edited and
the Exit command is issued, to either terminate or prompt for
another file to edit. Refer to the "General Options" section of
Chapter 2 for more information.
3-7
File <Ctrl KX> or <Alt F><F> or <Esc><F><F>
----------------------------------------
Saves and then discards the current file.
QEdit can be configured, when only a single file is being edited and
the File command is issued, to either terminate or prompt for
another file to edit. Refer to the "General Options" section of
Chapter 2 for more information.
Find <Ctrl QF> or <Esc><S><F>
----------------------------------------
Searches for a specified string of characters within the current
file. The User is prompted for a search string and search options.
Available search options are:
[B] Search backwards from the current cursor position.
[G] Global search. Begin searching from the beginning of the
file (or marked block, if the L option is also selected.)
[L] Local search. Limit the search to the marked block.
[I] Ignore the case of the search string.
[W] Search for whole words only.
FindReplace <Ctrl QA> or <Esc><S><R>
----------------------------------------
Searches and replaces strings within the current file. The User is
prompted for a search string, a replace string, and options.
Available options are:
[B] Search backwards from the current cursor position.
[G] Global search and replace. Begin searching from the beginning
of the file (or marked block, if the L option is also
selected.)
[L] Local search and replace. Limit the search to the marked
block.
[I] Ignore the case of the search string.
[W] Search for whole words only.
[N] Find and replace without prompting.
At every occurrence of the search string in the file, the User is
given the following replace options.
[Y] Replace the search string with the replace string and
continue on to the next occurrence of the search string.
[N] Do not make any changes but continue on to the next
occurrence of the search string.
[O] Replace the search string with the replace string and
then terminate the FindReplace process.
[R] Replace the search string with the replace string for this
and the rest of the occurrences throughout the file without
any further prompting.
[Q] Terminate the FindReplace process.
3-8
GetPrev <Ctrl - (dash)>
----------------------------------------
Duplicates the character immediately above the cursor at the cursor
position.
GetScrbuff <Ctrl BL>
----------------------------------------
Inserts the contents of the named Scratch Buffer at the cursor
position. Refer to the "Block Commands" section of Chapter 1 for
more information.
GExit <Alt X> or <Alt Q><X> or <Esc><Q><X>
----------------------------------------
Issues the Exit command for all files that have been loaded. If no
files have been modified, this command immediately terminates the
editor and returns control to DOS. If any files have been modified
you are prompted with "Save Changes (Y/N)?" for each modified file.
For example, if you have ten files loaded and two of them have been
modified, then you will be prompted to save changes twice, once for
each modified file.
GFile <Alt F><G> or <Esc><F><G>
----------------------------------------
Instructs the editor to discard all files which have been loaded.
Any files which have been modified will be saved.
If no files have been changed, this command immediately terminates
the editor and returns control to DOS.
GotoBlockBeg <Ctrl QB>
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor at the beginning of the currently marked Block.
If the Block is in a file other than the current file, the file
containing the Block becomes the new current file.
GotoBlockEnd <Ctrl QK>
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor at the end of the currently marked Block. If
the Block is in a file other than the current file, the file
containing the Block becomes the new current file.
3-9
GotoLine <Ctrl J>
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor at the requested line. The editor will prompt
for the desired line number.
GPQuit <F3> or <Alt Q><Q> or <Esc><Q><Q>
----------------------------------------
Issues the PQuit command for all files that have been loaded.
GrowWindow <Ctrl OG> or <Esc><W><R>
----------------------------------------
Changes the size of the current window, if there are multiple
windows on the screen.
GSave <Alt Y>
----------------------------------------
Issues the SaveFile command for all files that have been modified.
HalfPgDn
----------------------------------------
Scrolls the text toward the end of the file one-half page.
HalfPgUp
----------------------------------------
Scrolls the text toward the beginning of the file one-half page.
HorizontalWindow <Ctrl OH> or <Esc><W><S>
----------------------------------------
Splits the screen or current window horizontally, creating a new
window. Up to eight windows may be displayed on the screen at one
time.
InsertDate
----------------------------------------
Inserts the system date at the current cursor position.
3-10
InsertLine <Alt F2> or <Esc><E><I>
----------------------------------------
Inserts a blank line above the cursor line and positions the cursor
on the newly created line. The cursor column does not change.
InsertTime
----------------------------------------
Inserts the system time at the current cursor position.
JoinLine <Alt J> or <Esc><E><J>
----------------------------------------
Joins the line below the cursor line to the end of the cursor line.
If the cursor is past the end of the line, then the line is joined
at the cursor position.
KillFile <Ctrl KZ>
----------------------------------------
Erases the currently edited file from disk. The file remains loaded
in the editor and is marked as being a changed file. (An asterisk
will appear on the Status Line preceding the filename.) This
command is very useful when available disk space is low.
LineDown
----------------------------------------
Scrolls the text one line at a time toward the end of the file. The
cursor remains stationary on the screen.
LineUp
----------------------------------------
Scrolls the text one line at a time toward the beginning of the
file. The cursor remains stationary on the screen.
3-11
Literal <Ctrl P>
----------------------------------------
Causes the editor to literally interpret the keystroke that is
entered immediately following this command. It is used to insert
control characters into the currently edited file. For example, to
insert the ASCII form-feed character (ASCII 12), you would first
press <Ctrl P> then <Ctrl L>. To insert a "null" character into the
file, press <Ctrl P> and then <Ctrl 2>. (Note: The "2" must be the
"2" key on the alphanumeric keyboard, NOT the key on the numeric
keypad.) Refer to the "Adding Text" section of Chapter 1 for more
information.
MacroRead <Esc> <M><R>
----------------------------------------
Loads the named macro file, with all macros contained therein, from
disk into the editor's internal macro buffer. The macros are
assigned to the keys exactly as they were originally recorded and
saved. The editor prompts the User for the name of the file.
MacroRecord <Ctrl M> or <Esc><M><M>
----------------------------------------
Toggles (ON and OFF) macro recording. If macro recording is OFF,
this will turn macro recording ON and prompt for a key to which to
assign the macro. After pressing the desired key (see Appendix B
for a list of available keys), all following keystrokes are recorded
until the MacroRecord key is pressed again. After the macro has
been recorded, it can be played back by pressing the key to which
the macro was assigned.
Instead of assigning a macro to a specific key, it can be assigned
to a "scrap" or temporary area by simple pressing <Enter> at the
prompt. A macro assigned to the scrap area may be played back by
entering the ExecuteScrap <Ctrl Enter> command. The scrap area
will be updated each time the MacroRecord command is executed.
MacroWrite <Esc> <M><W>
----------------------------------------
Saves all currently defined macros to a binary disk file. The
editor prompts for the name of the file.
3-12
MainMenu <Esc>
----------------------------------------
Activates the "Pop-Down" style menu system. Many of the editor's
commands can be executed via the menus.
MakeBotofScreen
----------------------------------------
Scrolls the text in the window so that the cursor line becomes the
bottom line of the window.
MakeCtrofScreen <Shift F5>
----------------------------------------
Scrolls the text in the window so that the cursor line becomes the
center line of the window.
MakeTopofScreen <F5>
----------------------------------------
Scrolls the text in the window so that the cursor line becomes the
top line of the window.
MarkBlockBegin <Ctrl KB> or <Esc><B><B>
----------------------------------------
Marks the beginning of a character Block. The Block is not shown
until the MarkBlockEnd command is executed at some position beyond
the beginning position of the Block. For an alternate method of
marking character Blocks, refer to the DropAnchor and MarkCharacter
commands.
MarkBlockEnd <Ctrl KK> or <Esc><B><E>
----------------------------------------
Marks the end of a character Block. The Block is not shown until
the MarkBlockBegin command is also executed at some position before
the end of the Block. For an alternate method of marking character
Blocks, refer to the DropAnchor and MarkCharacter commands.
3-13
MarkCharacter
----------------------------------------
This command is used to mark a character Block. It is similar to
the DropAnchor command except the cursor position is NOT included as
part of the Block.
This command is provided as a replacement for the DropAnchor
command. If you want the cursor position included in character
Blocks, then continue to use DropAnchor; otherwise, replace the
DropAnchor command with this command.
MarkColumn <Alt K>
----------------------------------------
This command is used to mark a column Block. Initially executing
this command will mark the current cursor position. As the cursor
is moved, the Block will "grow". Executing this command again will
mark the other end of the Block at the current cursor position. If
MarkColumn is executed in a file that already contains a Block, the
Block is extended to the current cursor position.
MarkLine <Alt L> or <Esc><B><L>
----------------------------------------
This command is used to mark a line Block. Initially executing this
command will mark the current cursor line. As the cursor is moved,
the Block will "grow" with it line by line. Executing this command
again will mark the other end of the Block at the current cursor
line. If MarkLine is executed in a file that already contains a
Block, the Block is extended to the current cursor line.
Match <Alt F3>
----------------------------------------
Will find the corresponding "(", ")", "{", "}", "[", "]" character.
This command is primarily intended for programming languages in
which complicated expressions are grouped with one or more of these
characters. This command is very useful for finding unmatched
parentheses.
MoveBlock <Alt M> or <Esc><B><M>
----------------------------------------
Moves (copies and deletes) the currently marked Block to the cursor
position. If the Block is a character Block (created using the
DropAnchor, MarkCharacter, or MarkBlockBegin/End commands) or a
column Block (created using the MarkColumn command), the Block is
inserted into the text beginning at the current cursor position. If
the Block is a line Block (created using the MarkLine command), it
3-14
is inserted before or after the current cursor line, depending on
the configuration setting (Refer to the "General Options" section
of Chapter 2 for more information). The Block remains marked.
Blocks may be moved from one file to another.
NextFile <Alt N> or <Alt F><N> or <Esc><F><N>
----------------------------------------
Makes the next file in the ring the new current file when multiple
files are loaded.
NextWindow <Ctrl ON> or <Esc><W><N>
----------------------------------------
Makes the window below the current window the new current window.
If the current window is at the bottom of the screen, the top window
on the screen will become the current window.
OneWindow <Ctrl OO> or <Esc><W><O>
----------------------------------------
Closes all windows except the current window and expands it to
occupy the entire screen.
PageDown <PgDn>
----------------------------------------
Scrolls the text toward the end of the file, one page-full less one
line, at a time.
PageUp <PgUp>
----------------------------------------
Scrolls the text toward the top of the file, one page-full less one
line, at a time.
Paste <grey *>
----------------------------------------
Inserts the contents of the Scrap Buffer at the cursor position.
The Scrap Buffer is loaded using the Cut or Copy commands. If the
Scrap Buffer contains a character or column Block, it is inserted at
the cursor position. If the Scrap Buffer contains a line Block, it
is inserted before or after the cursor line depending on the
configuration setting. Refer to the "General Options" section of
Chapter 2 for more information.
Paste is also available within prompt boxes.
3-15
PasteOver <Ctrl PrtSc>
----------------------------------------
This is a Paste command for column Blocks. It takes a column Block
which has been loaded into the Scrap Buffer using the Cut or Copy
commands and places it at the current cursor position by overlaying
existing text and without shifting text to the right.
PQuit <Ctrl KQ> or <Alt F><Q> or <Esc><F><Q>
----------------------------------------
This command initiates a protected quit. If the current file has
not been modified, it is discarded. If the current file has been
modified, the User is warned that changes will be lost. If multiple
files are being edited, this command will make the previous file in
the ring the new current file.
QEdit can be configured, when only a single file is being edited and
the PQuit command is issued, to either terminate or prompt for
another file to edit. Refer to the "General Options" section of
Chapter 2 for more information.
PrevFile <Ctrl KP> or <Alt F><P> or <Esc><F><P>
----------------------------------------
Makes the previous file in the ring the new current file when
multiple files are loaded.
PrevPosition <Ctrl QP>
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor at the previous cursor position. Very helpful
when used with the GotoLine command. The GotoLine line can be used
to go directly to a certain area of the file. The PrevPosition can
then be used to return you to the original cursor position.
PrevWindow <Ctrl OP> or <Esc><W><P>
----------------------------------------
Makes the window above the current window the new current window. If
the current window is at the top of the screen, the bottom window on
the screen will become the current window.
PrintAll <Alt P><A> or <Esc><P><A>
----------------------------------------
Prints the entire contents of the current file.
3-16
PrintBlock <Alt P><B> or <Esc><P><B>
----------------------------------------
Prints the entire contents of the marked Block. The marked Block
must be in the current file.
PrintEject <Alt P><F> or <Esc><P><F>
----------------------------------------
Sends a formfeed character (ASCII 12) to the printer.
QuickHelp <F1> or <Alt H>
----------------------------------------
Displays the Help Screen. A Help Screen is provided with QEdit;
however, you may wish to design your own Help Screen. For more
information, refer to the "The Help Screen" section of Chapter 2.
Quit
----------------------------------------
Unconditional quit. The current file is discarded regardless of any
changes made to it. This command is for those who do not like
software that "nags" you. USE WITH CAUTION!
ReadBlock <Alt R> or <Alt F><R> or <Esc><F><R>
----------------------------------------
Inserts the named disk file at the current cursor position.
RepeatFind <Ctrl L> or <Esc><S><A>
----------------------------------------
Repeats the previous Find or FindReplace command.
ResizeWindow <Ctrl OG> or <Ctrl OS> or <Esc><W><R>
----------------------------------------
Changes the size of the current window, if there are multiple
windows on the screen.
Return <Enter>
----------------------------------------
The Return command behaves differently depending on Insert mode and
AutoIndent mode.
If Insert mode is OFF, the cursor is positioned at the first column
of the next line.
(Continued on next page.)
3-17
If Insert mode is ON, the current cursor line is split at the cursor
position and any text to the right of and including the cursor
position is placed on a new line following the current line. If the
cursor is past the last character on the line, then a blank line is
added following the current line. The cursor is then moved to the
first column of the new line.
If AutoIndent is ON, spaces are inserted ahead of the cursor
position to align it with the text on the previous line.
If AutoIndent is OFF, the text is moved to the beginning of the
next line.
The Return command can be configured to split or not to split lines
when Insert mode is ON. Refer to the "Advanced Options" section of
Chapter 2 for more information.
SaveFile <Ctrl KS> or <Alt F><S> or <Esc><F><S>
----------------------------------------
Saves to disk the file currently being edited. The file remains
loaded, ready for further editing.
ScreenLeft <Alt F5>
----------------------------------------
Shifts the screen to the left, the number of columns specified in
the configuration program. Refer to the "Colors/Screen Options"
section of Chapter 2 for more information.
ScreenRight <Alt F6>
----------------------------------------
Shifts the screen to the Right, the number of columns specified in
the configuration program. Refer to the "Colors/Screen Options"
section of Chapter 2 for more information.
ScrollDown <Ctrl Z>
----------------------------------------
Scrolls the text one line at a time toward the end of the file. The
cursor remains on the same line of text until it reaches the top of
the screen.
3-18
ScrollUp <Ctrl W>
----------------------------------------
Scrolls the text one line at a time toward the beginning of the
file. The cursor remains on the same line of text until it reaches
the bottom of the screen.
SetCtabwidth <Esc><O><C>
----------------------------------------
Sets the cursor tab width. This is the width that is used when the
TabRt or TabLt commands are executed.
SetEGA25
----------------------------------------
Switches a monitor with an EGA or VGA card to 25-line mode. This
command has no effect if the video card is not an EGA or VGA type.
SetEGA43
----------------------------------------
Switches a monitor with an EGA or VGA card to 43-line mode or
50-line mode, respectively. This command has no effect if the video
card is not an EGA or VGA type.
SetPrintLeftMargin <Alt P><L> or <Esc><P><L>
----------------------------------------
Sets the number of spaces to be printed as a left margin at the
beginning of each line. The default is zero.
SetPrintPageSize <Alt P><P> or <Esc><P><P>
----------------------------------------
Sets the number of lines to be printed per page before sending a
formfeed. A value of zero will allow continuous printing (no
formfeeds sent).
SetPtabwidth <Esc><O><P>
----------------------------------------
Sets the Physical Tab Width. This determines the width to which
physical tab characters found in files are expanded if Physical Tab
Expansion is set ON. It also determines the number of spaces to be
used for Tabs Out mode. Refer to the ToggleTabsExpand and
ToggleTabsOut commands in this chapter for more information.
3-19
SetRmargin <Ctrl OR> or <Esc><O><R>
----------------------------------------
Sets the right margin for word-wrap and paragraph reformatting.
WordWrap mode is automatically switched ON whenever the right margin
is set using this command.
Shell <F9> or <Alt F><O> or <Esc><F><O>
----------------------------------------
Invokes a DOS shell. While in the shell, you can execute DOS and
other commands. When you are ready to leave the shell, type
"exit <Enter>". You will be back in QEdit, exactly where you
left off.
+------------------------------------------------------------+
| QEdit Tip: |
| You should NOT execute any TSR (terminate and stay |
| resident) programs here. These include the DOS print and |
| graph commands and memory-resident programs such as |
| Sidekick and Superkey. |
+------------------------------------------------------------+
ShiftLeft <Shift F7>
----------------------------------------
Shifts the contents of the currently marked Block (or the cursor
line, if the cursor does not reside in a marked Block) one position
to the left. If you issue this command when the leftmost
character(s) of the line(s) being shifted is in column 1, that
character(s) will be deleted to allow the remainder of the line to
shift left one position.
ShiftRight <Shift F8>
----------------------------------------
Shifts the contents of the currently marked Block (or the cursor
line, if the cursor does not reside in a marked Block) one position
to the right. If you issue this command when the rightmost
character(s) of the line(s) being shifted is in column 512, that
character(s) will be deleted to allow the remainder of the line to
shift right one position.
ShowEntryScreen <Alt F10>
----------------------------------------
Displays the original DOS screen as it appeared upon initial
execution of the editor. Pressing any key will return you to the
edit screen.
3-20
ShrinkWindow <Ctrl OS> or <Esc><W><R>
----------------------------------------
Changes the size of the current window, if there are multiple
windows on the screen.
SplitLine <Alt S> or <Esc><E><S>
----------------------------------------
Splits the current cursor line at the cursor position. Any text to
the right of and including the cursor position is placed on a new
line following the current line. If the cursor is past the last
character on the line, then a blank line is added following the
current line. The cursor position does not change.
StoreScrbuff <Ctrl BS>
----------------------------------------
Copies the currently marked Block to the named Scratch Buffer. The
editor will prompt for the name of the Scratch Buffer. The contents
of all Scratch Buffers are lost when the editor is terminated.
TabLt <Shift Tab>
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor at the previous tab position, as defined by the
tab width. If in Insert mode, the text to the right of, and including
the cursor position, also shifts left. If in Insert mode AND inside
a marked block, the entire block shifts left by the current cursor
tab width (if appropriate advanced configuration option is set).
TabRt <Tab>
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor at the next tab position, as defined by the
cursor tab width. If in Insert mode, the text to the right of, and
including the cursor position, also shifts right. If in Insert mode
AND inside a marked block, the entire block shifts right by the
current cursor tab width (if appropriate advanced configuration
option is set).
ToggleBakups <Esc><O><B>
----------------------------------------
Toggles file backups ON and OFF. If ON, QEdit will create a backup
file using the ".bak" file extension whenever a modified file is
saved.
3-21
ToggleBoxDraw <Shift F1>
----------------------------------------
Toggles Box Drawing mode ON and OFF. If ON, the cursor movement
keys (up, down, right, left) will "draw" lines in the text, both
up/down and right/left. Very useful for creating charts and tables.
The letter "B" will appear on the Status Line when this mode is ON.
ToggleEGA43 <Ctrl F1>
----------------------------------------
Toggles an EGA monitor between 25-line and 43-line mode or a VGA
monitor between 25-line and 50-line mode. This command has no
effect if the video card is not an EGA or VGA type.
ToggleEnterMatching <Esc><O><E>
----------------------------------------
Toggles EnterMatching mode ON and OFF. If ON, the double quote,
parenthesis, and square bracket keys all automatically enter the
matching character when the left character is entered. For example,
typing the '[' key automatically enters a ']' immediately following.
ToggleIndent <Ctrl QI> or <Esc><O><A>
----------------------------------------
Toggles AutoIndent mode ON and OFF. If ON, the cursor is positioned
at the current left margin whenever the <Enter> key is pressed.
The current left margin is determined by the first non-blank
character on the immediately preceding line.
Paragraph reformatting and word-wrapping will also use the current
left margin when AutoIndent mode is ON.
The letter "A" will appear on the Status Line when this mode is ON.
ToggleInsert <Ins> or <Esc><O><I>
----------------------------------------
Toggles Insert mode ON and OFF. If ON, text to the right of the
cursor on the cursor line is shifted whenever characters, spaces,
the Backspace command, the TabLt command, or the TabRt command is
entered. Also, entering the Return command will cause a line split
at the current cursor position.
The letter "I" will appear on the Status Line when this mode is ON.
3-22
ToggleSmartTabs <Ctrl QT>
----------------------------------------
Toggles Smart Tabs ON and OFF. If ON, the TabRt and TabLt commands
will place the cursor beneath the beginning of the next (or previous)
word on the first nonblank line preceding the current cursor line.
Smart Tabs mode should NOT be set ON while C mode is ON.
ToggleTabsExpand <Alt V>
----------------------------------------
Toggles Physical Tab Expansion ON and OFF. If ON, physical tab
characters (ASCII 9's) found in a file will be expanded into spaces
according to the Physical Tab Width set in the configuration
program. If OFF, physical tabs will be displayed on the screen and
a physical tab character will be placed in the text each time the
TabRt command is entered.
ToggleTabsOut <Alt I>
----------------------------------------
Toggles Tabs Out mode ON and OFF. If ON, continuous spaces in a
line of text will be replaced with physical tabs (ASCII 9's)
according to the Physical Tab Width set in the configuration program.
Only spaces in edited lines are replaced with physical tabs. Spaces
falling between single or double quotes will not be replaced.
ToggleWordwrap <Ctrl OW> or <Esc><O><W>
----------------------------------------
Toggles WordWrap mode ON and OFF. If ON, the cursor, along with
the word currently being typed, will automatically advance to the
next line whenever a character is typed beyond the right margin.
The right margin can be permanently set using the configuration
program (refer to the "General Options" section of Chapter 2 for
more information) or temporarily changed using the SetRmargin
command.
The letter "W" will appear on the Status Line when this mode is ON.
UndoCursorline <Ctrl QL>
----------------------------------------
Reverses any changes made to the current cursor line (except changes
made with the FindReplace command). If the cursor has been moved
from the changed line or a file or window command is executed, the
changes cannot be undone.
3-23
UnKill <Ctrl U> or <Esc><E><U>
----------------------------------------
Recovers the last deleted entry from the current file's Kill Buffer.
Deleted blocks and lines will be inserted immediately before the
current cursor line and deleted words will be inserted immediately
before the current cursor position.
The number of lines saved in the Kill Buffer may be set with the
configuration program. Refer to the "General Options" section of
Chapter 2 for more information.
UnmarkBlock <Alt U> or <Esc><B><U>
----------------------------------------
Unmarks the currently marked Block.
WordLeft <Ctrl Cursor Left>
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor at the first character of the previous word.
WordRight <Ctrl Cursor Right>
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor at the first character of the following word.
WrapPara <Alt B>
----------------------------------------
Reformats text from the current cursor position until a blank line
or end of file is encountered. If AutoIndent is ON, the line below
the cursor line is used for the left margin. Otherwise, a left
margin of zero is used. The right margin is determined by the
configuration program or the SetRmargin command.
WriteBlock <Alt W> or <Alt F><W> or <Esc><F><W>
----------------------------------------
Writes the currently marked Block to the named file. The editor
will prompt for the name of the file.
ZoomWindow <Ctrl OZ> or <Esc><W><Z>
----------------------------------------
Toggles Zoom mode ON and OFF. If there are multiple windows on the
screen, entering the ZoomWindow command will cause the current
window to fill the entire screen. Pressing ZoomWindow again
restores the other windows to the screen.
3-24
APPENDIX A. LIST OF COMMANDS_______________________________________
+-------------+
| By Function |
+-------------+
Menu (Esc) Default Customized
Command Sequence Keystroke Keystroke
-------------------- ---------- -------------------- ----------
Cursor Movement
---------------
BegFile Ctrl PgUp
BegLine Home
BegScreen Ctrl Home
CursorDown Cursor Down
CursorLeft Cursor Left
CursorRight Cursor Right
CursorUp Cursor Up
EndFile Ctrl PgDn
EndLine End
EndScreen Ctrl End
GotoBlockBeg Ctrl QB
GotoBlockEnd Ctrl QK
GotoLine Ctrl J
HalfPgDn
HalfPgUp
LineDown
LineUp
MakeBotofScreen
MakeCtrofScreen Shift F5
MakeTopofScreen F5
A-1
PageDown PgDn
PageUp PgUp
PrevPosition Ctrl QP
ScreenLeft Alt F5
ScreenRight Alt F6
ScrollDown Ctrl Z
ScrollUp Ctrl W
WordLeft Ctrl Cursor Left
WordRight Ctrl Cursor Right
Editing
-------
AddLine EA F2
Align
Backspace Backspace
DelCh Del
DelLine ED Alt D
DelLtWord Ctrl Backspace
DelRtWord Ctrl T
DelToEol EE F6
DupLine F4
GetPrev Ctrl - (dash)
InsertLine EI Alt F2
JoinLine EJ Alt J
Literal Ctrl P
Return Enter
SplitLine ES Alt S
UnKill EU Ctrl U
Block/Scratch Buffer
--------------------
AppendScrbuff Ctrl BA
Copy grey +
CopyBlock BC Alt C
CopyOverBlock Alt Z
Cut grey -
A-2
DeleteBlock BD Alt G
DropAnchor Alt A
GetScrbuff Ctrl BL
MarkBlockBegin BB Ctrl KB or F7
MarkBlockEnd BE Ctrl KK or F8
MarkCharacter
MarkColumn Alt K
MarkLine BL Alt L
MoveBlock BM Alt M
Paste grey *
PasteOver Ctrl PrtSc
ShiftLeft Shift F7
ShiftRight Shift F8
StoreScrbuff Ctrl BS
UnmarkBlock BU Alt U
File
----
ChangeFilename FC Alt O or Alt F,C
EditFile FL Alt E or Alt F,L
Exit Ctrl KD
File FF Ctrl KX or Alt F,F
GExit QX Alt X or Alt Q,X
GFile FG Alt F,G
GPQuit QQ F3 or Alt Q,Q
GSave Alt Y
KillFile Ctrl KZ
NextFile FN Alt N or Alt F,N
PQuit FQ Ctrl KQ or Alt F,Q
PrevFile FP Ctrl KP or Alt F,P
Quit
ReadBlock FR Alt R or Alt F,R
SaveFile FS Ctrl KS or Alt F,S
WriteBlock FW Alt W or Alt F,W
A-3
Window
------
CloseWindow WC Ctrl OC
GrowWindow WG Ctrl OG
HorizontalWindow WS Ctrl OH
NextWindow WN Ctrl ON
OneWindow WO Ctrl OO
PrevWindow WP Ctrl OP
ShrinkWindow WR Ctrl OS
ZoomWindow WZ Ctrl OZ
Macro
-----
CurrentFilename
ExecuteScrap Ctrl Enter
MacroRead MR
MacroRecord MM Ctrl M
MacroWrite MW
Printing
--------
PrintAll PA Alt P,A
PrintBlock PB Alt P,B
PrintEject PF Alt P,F
SetPrintLeftMargin PL Alt P,L
SetPrintPageSize PP Alt P,P
Tab
---
SetCtabwidth OC
SetPtabwidth OP
TabLt Shift Tab
TabRt Tab
A-4
Find/Replace
------------
Find SF Ctrl QF
FindReplace SR Ctrl QA
RepeatFind SA Ctrl L
Toggles
-------
ToggleBakups OB
ToggleBoxDraw Shift F1
ToggleEnterMatching OE
ToggleIndent OA Ctrl QI
ToggleInsert OI Ins
ToggleSmartTabs Ctrl QT
ToggleTabsExpand Alt V
ToggleTabsOut Alt I
ToggleWordwrap OW Ctrl OW
Other
-----
Dos Alt F9
Escape Escape
InsertDate
InsertTime
MainMenu Escape
Match Alt F3
QuickHelp Alt H or F1
SetEGA25
SetEGA43
SetRmargin OR Ctrl OR
Shell FO F9 or Alt F,O
ShowEntryScreen Alt F10
ToggleEGA43 Ctrl F1
UndoCursorline Ctrl QL
WrapPara Alt B
A-5
+----------------+
| Alphabetically |
+----------------+
Menu (Esc) Default Customized
Command Sequence Keystroke Keystroke
-------------------- ---------- -------------------- ----------
AddLine EA F2
Align
AppendScrbuff Ctrl BA
Backspace Backspace
BegFile Ctrl PgUp
BegLine Home
BegScreen Ctrl Home
ChangeFilename FC Alt O or Alt F,C
CloseWindow WC Ctrl OC
Copy grey +
CopyBlock BC Alt C
CopyOverBlock Alt Z
CurrentFilename
CursorDown Cursor Down
CursorLeft Cursor Left
CursorRight Cursor Right
CursorUp Cursor Up
Cut grey -
DelCh Del
DeleteBlock BD Alt G
DelLine ED Alt D
DelLtWord Ctrl Backspace
DelRtWord Ctrl T
DelToEol EE F6
Dos Alt F9
DropAnchor Alt A
DupLine F4
EditFile FL Alt E or Alt F,L
EndFile Ctrl PgDn
EndLine End
EndScreen Ctrl End
Escape Escape
ExecuteScrap Ctrl Enter
Exit Ctrl KD
File FF Ctrl KX or Alt F,F
A-6
Find SF Ctrl QF
FindReplace SR Ctrl QA
GetPrev Ctrl - (dash)
GetScrbuff Ctrl BL
GExit QX Alt X or Alt Q,X
GFile FG Alt F,G
GotoBlockBeg Ctrl QB
GotoBlockEnd Ctrl QK
GotoLine Ctrl J
GPQuit QQ F3 or Alt Q,Q
GrowWindow WG Ctrl OG
GSave Alt Y
HalfPgDn
HalfPgUp
HorizontalWindow WS Ctrl OH
InsertDate
InsertLine EI Alt F2
InsertTime
JoinLine EJ Alt J
KillFile Ctrl KZ
LineDown
LineUp
Literal Ctrl P
MacroRead MR
MacroRecord MM Ctrl M
MacroWrite MW
MainMenu Escape
MakeBotofScreen
MakeCtrofScreen Shift F5
MakeTopofScreen F5
MarkBlockBegin BB Ctrl KB or F7
MarkBlockEnd BE Ctrl KK or F8
MarkCharacter
MarkColumn Alt K
MarkLine BL Alt L
A-7
Match Alt F3
MoveBlock BM Alt M
NextFile FN Alt N or Alt F,N
NextWindow WN Ctrl ON
OneWindow WO Ctrl OO
PageDown PgDn
PageUp PgUp
Paste grey *
PasteOver Ctrl PrtSc
PQuit FQ Ctrl KQ or Alt F,Q
PrevFile FP Ctrl KP or Alt F,P
PrevPosition Ctrl QP
PrevWindow WP Ctrl OP
PrintAll PA Alt P,A
PrintBlock PB Alt P,B
PrintEject PF Alt P,F
QuickHelp Alt H or F1
Quit
ReadBlock FR Alt R or Alt F,R
RepeatFind SA Ctrl L
Return Enter
SaveFile FS Ctrl KS or Alt F,S
ScreenLeft Alt F5
ScreenRight Alt F6
ScrollDown Ctrl Z
ScrollUp Ctrl W
SetCtabwidth OC
SetEGA25
SetEGA43
SetPrintLeftMargin PL Alt P,L
SetPrintPageSize PP Alt P,P
SetPtabwidth OP
SetRmargin OR Ctrl OR
Shell FO F9 or Alt F,O
ShiftLeft Shift F7
A-8
ShiftRight Shift F8
ShowEntryScreen Alt F10
ShrinkWindow WR Ctrl OS
SplitLine ES Alt S
StoreScrbuff Ctrl BS
TabLt Shift Tab
TabRt Tab
ToggleBakups OB
ToggleBoxDraw Shift F1
ToggleEGA43 Ctrl F1
ToggleEnterMatching OE
ToggleIndent OA Ctrl QI
ToggleInsert OI Ins
ToggleSmartTabs Ctrl QT
ToggleTabsExpand Alt V
ToggleTabsOut Alt I
ToggleWordwrap OW Ctrl OW
UndoCursorline Ctrl QL
UnKill EU Ctrl U
UnmarkBlock BU Alt U
WordLeft Ctrl Cursor Left
WordRight Ctrl Cursor Right
WrapPara Alt B
WriteBlock FW Alt W or Alt F,W
ZoomWindow WZ Ctrl OZ
A-9
APPENDIX B. LIST OF CONFIGURABLE KEYS______________________________
+---------------+
| Function Keys |
+---------------+
Keystroke Default Command | Keystroke Default Command
--------- --------------- | --------- ---------------
F1 QuickHelp | Shift F1 ToggleBoxDraw
F2 AddLine | Shift F2
F3 GPQuit | Shift F3
F4 DupLine | Shift F4
F5 MakeTopofScreen | Shift F5 MakeCtrofScreen
|
F6 DelToEol | Shift F6
F7 MarkBlockBegin | Shift F7 ShiftLeft
F8 MarkBlockEnd | Shift F8 ShiftRight
F9 Shell | Shift F9
F10 | Shift F10
-------------------------------+------------------------------
Ctrl F1 ToggleEGA43 | Alt F1
Ctrl F2 | Alt F2 InsertLine
Ctrl F3 | Alt F3 Match
Ctrl F4 | Alt F4
Ctrl F5 | Alt F5 ScreenLeft
|
Ctrl F6 | Alt F6 ScreenRight
Ctrl F7 | Alt F7
Ctrl F8 | Alt F8
Ctrl F9 | Alt F9 Dos
Ctrl F10 | Alt F10 ShowEntryScreen
B-1
+----------------------+
| Special Purpose Keys |
+----------------------+
Keystroke Default Command | Keystroke Default Command
------------ --------------- | ---------------- ----------------
Backspace Backspace | Ctrl Backspace DelLtWord
Cursor down CursorDown |
Cursor left CursorLeft | Ctrl Cursor left WordLeft
Cursor right CursorRight | Ctrl Cursor right WordRight
Cursor up CursorUp |
|
Del DelCh | Shift Del
End EndLine | Ctrl End EndScreen
Enter Return | Ctrl Enter ExecuteScrap
Escape Escape |
grey * Paste |
|
grey + Copy |
grey - Cut |
Home BegLine | Ctrl Home BegScreen
Ins ToggleInsert | Shift Ins
PgDn PageDown | Ctrl PgDn EndFile
|
PgUp PageUp | Ctrl PgUp BegFile
Tab TabRt | Shift Tab TabLt
` |
/ |
~ (tilde) |
|
| Ctrl PrtSc PasteOver
| Ctrl [
| Ctrl ]
| Ctrl - GetPrev
| Ctrl \
| Ctrl 2
| Ctrl 6
B-2
+--------------+
| Control Keys |
+--------------+
Keystroke Default Command | Keystroke Default Command
--------- --------------- | --------- ---------------
Ctrl A WordLeft | Ctrl P Literal
*Ctrl BA AppendScrbuff | *Ctrl QA FindReplace
Ctrl BL GetScrbuff | Ctrl QB GotoBlockBeg
Ctrl BS StoreScrbuff | Ctrl QC EndFile
Ctrl C PageDown | Ctrl QD EndLine
|
Ctrl D CursorRight | Ctrl QE BegScreen
Ctrl E CursorUp | Ctrl QF Find
Ctrl F WordRight | Ctrl QI ToggleIndent
Ctrl G DelCh | Ctrl QK GotoBlockEnd
Ctrl H Backspace | Ctrl QL UndoCursorline
|
Ctrl I TabRt | Ctrl QP PrevPosition
Ctrl J GotoLine | Ctrl QR BegFile
*Ctrl KB MarkBlockBegin | Ctrl QS BegLine
Ctrl KC CopyBlock | Ctrl QT ToggleSmartTabs
Ctrl KD Exit | Ctrl QX EndScreen
|
Ctrl KE EditFile | Ctrl QY DelToEol
Ctrl KF ChangeFilename | Ctrl R PageUp
Ctrl KH UnmarkBlock | Ctrl S CursorLeft
Ctrl KK MarkBlockEnd | Ctrl T DelRtWord
Ctrl KN NextFile | Ctrl U UnKill
|
Ctrl KP PrevFile | Ctrl V ToggleInsert
Ctrl KQ PQuit | Ctrl W ScrollUp
Ctrl KR ReadBlock | Ctrl X CursorDown
Ctrl KS SaveFile | Ctrl Y DelLine
Ctrl KT ToggleTabsExpand | Ctrl Z ScrollDown
|
Ctrl KV MoveBlock |
Ctrl KW WriteBlock |
Ctrl KX File |
Ctrl KY DeleteBlock |
Ctrl KZ KillFile |
|
Ctrl L RepeatFind |
Ctrl M MacroRecord |
Ctrl N SplitLine |
*Ctrl OC CloseWindow |
Ctrl OG GrowWindow |
B-3
Ctrl OH HorizontalWindow |
Ctrl OL SetPrintLeftMargin |
Ctrl ON NextWindow |
Ctrl OO OneWindow |
Ctrl OP PrevWindow |
|
Ctrl OR SetRmargin |
Ctrl OS ShrinkWindow |
Ctrl OW ToggleWordwrap |
Ctrl OZ ZoomWindow |
* QEdit allows you to assign commands to "twokey" combinations. A
twokey consists of two distinct keystrokes, such as <Ctrl B>
immediately followed by <A>. Please note that keystrokes such as
<Ctrl A> and <Alt C> by themselves each count as only one
keystroke, just as <shift F1> is only one keystroke. You cannot
assign a QEdit command to a key which is already being used as the
first keystroke of a twokey.
B-4
+----------------+
| Alternate Keys |
+----------------+
Keystroke Default Command | Keystroke Default Command
--------- --------------- | --------- ---------------
Alt A DropAnchor | Alt 1
Alt B WrapPara | Alt 2
Alt C CopyBlock | Alt 3
Alt D DelLine | Alt 4
Alt E EditFile | Alt 5
|
Alt F MacroBegin MainMenu 'f' | Alt 6
Alt G DeleteBlock | Alt 7
Alt H QuickHelp | Alt 8
Alt I ToggleTabsOut | Alt 9
Alt J JoinLine | Alt 0
|
Alt K MarkColumn | Alt -
Alt L MarkLine | Alt =
Alt M MoveBlock |
Alt N NextFile |
Alt O ChangeFilename |
|
Alt P MacroBegin MainMenu 'p' |
Alt Q MacroBegin MainMenu 'q' |
Alt R ReadBlock |
Alt S SplitLine |
Alt T |
|
Alt U UnmarkBlock |
Alt V ToggleTabsExpand |
Alt W WriteBlock |
Alt X GExit |
Alt Y GSave |
|
Alt Z CopyOverBlock |
B-5
+------------------------+
| Enhanced Keyboard Keys |
+------------------------+
Keystroke Default Command | Keystroke Default Command
--------- --------------- | --------- ---------------
F11 | Alt F11
F12 | Alt F12
Shift F11 | Alt '
Shift F12 | Alt ,
Ctrl F11 | Alt .
|
Ctrl F12 | Alt /
Ctrl Center Cursor | Alt \
Ctrl Cursor Down | Alt ;
Ctrl Cursor Up | Alt [
Ctrl Del | Alt ]
|
Ctrl grey * | Alt `
Ctrl grey + | Alt Backspace
Ctrl grey - | Alt Enter
Ctrl grey / | Alt Escape
Ctrl Ins | Alt grey *
|
Ctrl Tab | Alt grey +
Center Cursor | Alt grey -
grey Enter | Alt grey /
Ctrl grey Enter | Alt grey Cursor Down
| Alt grey Cursor Left
|
| Alt grey Cursor Right
| Alt grey Cursor Up
| Alt grey Del
| Alt grey End
| Alt grey Home
|
| Alt grey Ins
| Alt grey PgDn
| Alt grey PgUp
| Alt grey Enter
| Alt Tab
A list of all configurable keys is also contained in the QCONFIG.DAT
file on the QEdit distribution diskette.
B-6
APPENDIX C. ERROR MESSAGES_________________________________________
This Appendix contains an alphabetical list of the error messages
that can be displayed by QEdit. Each message has a description and,
as required, a resolution. There is a separate list for QCONFIG
(the configuration program) error messages.
QEdit Error Messages
====================
Can't execute scrap macro when macro recording on: The ExecuteScrap
command cannot be used during macro recording.
Disk full: A disk full condition was encountered while trying to
save a file.
Resolution: Temporarily exit to DOS using the Shell command and
remove some files on the full disk, OR use the KillFile command to
remove the currently edited file from disk, OR use the
ChangeFilename command to direct the file to a different disk drive
designation.
Error creating file: The filename specified on the command line is
either an invalid DOS filename or there are no files matching the
wildcarded specification.
Resolution: Enter a valid DOS filename or valid wildcarded
designation on the command line when executing QEdit.
Error running program: DOS returned an error condition when
QEdit attempted to perform the DOS EXEC function to load and execute
a program and/or the DOS SHELL.
Resolution: Check these possible causes: there is not enough memory
to load the external program, OR the COMMAND.COM file is not
available, OR the COMSPEC environment variable is not set properly.
Refer to your DOS manual for more information on the COMSPEC
environment variable.
Error opening file: The file specified cannot be opened.
Resolution: Check for possible disk errors or failure.
Error reading file: The file specified cannot be read.
Resolution: Check for possible disk errors or failure.
C-1
Error renaming file: The file specified cannot be renamed.
Resolution: Check for possible disk errors or failure.
Error writing file: The file specified cannot be saved.
Resolution: Check for possible disk errors or failure.
File not found: The file specified in response to the MacroRead or
ReadBlock command could not be found on disk.
Resolution: Check for the correct name of the file to read.
Filename already in use in ring: The file specified in response to
the ChangeFilename command is already loaded into the editor.
Resolution: Enter a filename that is not already loaded into the
editor. If you are attempting to "jump" to another file in the
ring, use the EditFile command.
Invalid macro filesize: An attempt was made to load a macro file
using the MacroRead command, which is either too large or is not
a valid macro file.
Resolution: Check for the correct name of the macro file to read.
Key already defined: An attempt was made to assign a
macro to a key which already has a command assignment.
Resolution: Refer to Appendix B and select a key which does not
already have a command assignment.
Long lines split: An attempt was made to load a file whose line
length exceeded the QEdit limit of 512 characters.
Resolution: The file can still be edited, but be aware that all
lines exceeding 512 characters will be split into shorter lines.
Macro table full: There is no more room to record macros.
Resolution: Delete some unused macros.
Macro too long - Aborted: The macro being created during macro
recording has exceeded the maximum length.
Resolution: Keep macros to less than 250 consecutive "entries".
Note that during macro recording each QEdit command takes up 1 of
these entries and each keyboard character takes up 2 entries.
Match not found: No match was found for "(", "{", or "[" characters
when using the Match command.
Memory lost to sub-process: A memory-resident program (TSR) was
executed using the QEdit Dos or Shell command and has procured
memory that was in use by the editor.
Resolution: Immediately SAVE any files you are editing and re-boot
your system.
C-2
No files found: An invalid wildcarded filename was entered in
response to a QEdit "file(s) to edit" prompt.
Resolution: Check for the correct filename(s) to edit.
Not enough memory to load entire file: There is not enough memory
to load the requested file into the editor.
Resolution: Split the requested file into separate files.
Not enough memory: There is not enough memory to continue editing
the current file.
Resolution: Split the current file into separate files.
Printer error: An error was encountered while attempting to direct
an edit file to the printer.
Resolution: Check to see that the printer is powered on, online,
and properly connected to the computer.
Press any key to continue: The editor has displayed a message and
will not continue until instructed.
QCONFIG Error Messages
======================
invalid response - try again: An invalid parameter was entered in
response to a configuration option.
Resolution: Reread option and enter valid parameter.
ERROR!!! Help buffer overflow in help.txt at line #: The Help
file contains more than 1800 non-blank characters.
Resolution: Edit the Help file and reduce the number of non-blank
characters.
Help filename xxxxxxxx.xxx NOT found: The specified name of the
Help file can not be found on disk.
Resolution: Check for the correct name of the Help file.
Unexpected End Of File encountered at line #: There is a problem
with the format of the Help file - possibly corrupted.
Resolution: Load the Help file into QEdit and enter the SaveFile
command.
Line # too long: The specified line in the Help file exceeds the
maximum length of 80 characters.
Resolution: Edit the Help file and ensure that no lines exceed 80
characters in length.
C-3
FATAL ERROR: macro too long at line #: The macro at the specified
line number in the Keyboard Definition file exceeds the maximum
length of 255 characters.
Resolution: Edit the Keyboard Definition file and ensure that no
macros exceed 255 characters in length.
FATAL ERROR: unrecognized command xxxx at line #: The Keyboard
Definition file contains an invalid command at the specified line
number.
Resolution: Edit the Keyboard Definition file and correct the
invalid command.
FATAL ERROR: macro table full at line #: There is no more room
left in the Keyboard Definition file for macros.
Resolution: Delete some unused macros.
FATAL ERROR: too many twokey definitions, aborted at line #: The
maximum number of twokey assignments in the Keyboard Definition file
has been exceeded.
Resolution: Edit the Keyboard Definition file and reduce the number
of twokey assignments. Generally, there can be 30 to 50 twokey
assignments, depending on the number of unique first keys. The more
unique first keys there are, the fewer twokey assignments can be
made.
FATAL ERROR: invalid second key code xx at line #: The Keyboard
Definition file contains an invalid second key (of a twokey
assignment) at the specified line number.
Resolution: Edit the Keyboard Definition file and correct the
invalid key.
FATAL ERROR: macro_begin not supported for twokey commands, line #:
Macros cannot be assigned to twokeys.
FATAL ERROR: return bound to twokey at line #: The Return command
cannot be assigned to a twokey.
FATAL ERROR: escape bound to twokey at line #: The Escape command
cannot be assigned to a twokey.
FATAL ERROR: undefined key xxxx encountered at line #: The
Keyboard Definition file contains an invalid configurable key at the
specified line number.
Resolution: Edit the Keyboard Definition file and correct the
invalid key.
FATAL ERROR: return command MUST be "bound" to a key: The Return
command is not assigned to any key in the Keyboard Definition file.
Resolution: Assign the Return command to some configurable key in
the Keyboard Definition file.
C-4
FATAL ERROR: escape command MUST be "bound" to a key: The Escape
command is not assigned to any key in the Keyboard Definition file.
Resolution: Assign the Escape command to some configurable key in
the Keyboard Definition file.
File xxxxxxxx.xxx not found: The specified name of the Keyboard
Definition file can not be found on disk.
Resolution: Check for the correct name of the Keyboard Definition
file.
FATAL ERROR: xxxxxxxx.xxx not found: The specified name of the
QEdit executable file cannot be found on disk.
Resolution: Check for the correct name of the QEdit executable file.
FATAL ERROR: patch area NOT found: There is a problem with the
QEdit executable file (Q.EXE or copy of same).
Resolution: Reload the QEdit (Q.EXE) and QCONFIG.EXE executable
files from the QEdit distribution disk.
FATAL ERROR: end of patch area NOT found. There is a problem with
the QEdit executable file (Q.EXE or copy of same).
Resolution: Reload the QEdit (Q.EXE) and QCONFIG.EXE executable
files from the QEdit distribution disk.
C-5
APPENDIX D. COMMONLY USED MACROS___________________________________
We have received many useful suggestions from QEdit users over the
years. Since the introduction of macros in version 2.00, we have
received ideas for some very helpful macros. Here is a short list
of some of the more useful (and simple) macros. (Appendix E
contains additional sample macros.)
- By default, QEdit's AddLine and DelLine commands do not change the
cursor position. Many would prefer that the cursor move to column
one when these commands are executed. A solution is to change the
QCONFIG.DAT file (and reload using QCONFIG.EXE) as follows:
Default QCONFIG.DAT file:
f2 AddLine
^y DelLine
Customized QCONFIG.DAT file:
f2 MacroBegin AddLine BegLine
^y MacroBegin DelLine BegLine
- By default, QEdit's CopyBlock and MoveBlock commands leave the
copied or moved block marked. Many would prefer for the block to
be unmarked. A solution is to change the QCONFIG.DAT file (and
reload using QCONFIG.EXE) as follows:
Default QCONFIG.DAT file:
@c CopyBlock
@m MoveBlock
Customized QCONFIG.DAT file:
@c MacroBegin CopyBlock UnmarkBlock
@m MacroBegin MoveBlock UnmarkBlock
D-1
- By default, QEdit's ReadBlock command inserts a file from disk at
the current cursor position. To have QEdit insert files on the
line immediately following the current cursor line, change the
QCONFIG.DAT file (and reload using QCONFIG.EXE) as follows:
Default QCONFIG.DAT file:
@r ReadBlock
Customized QCONFIG.DAT file:
@r MacroBegin EndLine SplitLine CursorDown BegLine ReadBlock
GotoBlockEnd JoinLine GotoBlockBeg
- By default, QEdit's DropAnchor command will end or extend a block
if executed after a Block has been initially or entirely marked.
Some editors have a similar command, except that it acts as a
toggle. That is, if you are already marking a Block, and you
press DropAnchor again, the Block is unmarked and marking begins
again at the current cursor position. To implement, change the
QCONFIG.DAT file (and reload using QCONFIG.EXE) as follows:
Default QCONFIG.DAT file:
@a DropAnchor
Customized QCONFIG.DAT file:
@a MacroBegin UnmarkBlock DropAnchor
- A very useful QEdit command, GetPrev, will copy a character from
the line immediately above the cursor line, onto the cursor line.
Many times, it may be necessary to copy this character to several
succeeding lines in the same column. The GetPrev command, used in
a macro, makes this function easy. We will assign the macro to
the <Alt 1> key (@1 in QEdit's terminology).
@1 MacroBegin GetPrev CursorLeft CursorDown
- This macro will allow you to edit a sorted list of files of the
current directory.
@1 MacroBegin Dos "dir *.* | sort>filedir.tmp" Return Return
EditFile "filedir.tmp" Return DelLine DelLine DelLine DelLine
D-2
APPENDIX E. ADDENDUM_________________________________
Contents
========
About this Addendum and Version 2.1 ............. E-2
Upgrading from QEdit Version 2.07 or Later ...... E-3
Upgrading from QEdit Version 2.06 or Earlier .... E-4
New QEdit Commands .............................. E-5
QEdit Changes
Macro Pause .................................. E-8
Startup Macros ............................... E-9
Save-As-Filename ............................. E-10
Read-Only Files ............................. E-10
Invoking QEdit at a Specific Line Number ..... E-11
Dos and Shell Commands:
Swapping, [QE] Shell Indicator ............. E-11
Find, FindReplace Commands:
Local and Global Options ................... E-12
Conditional Logic for Macros:
Jump, JTrue, JFalse Commands ............... E-12
Configuration Program (QCONFIG) Changes ......... E-13
New Macros ...................................... E-14
E-1
About this Addendum and Version 2.1
===================================
This addendum documents all new features and changes since version
2.07 of QEdit. The following is a quick summary of the new features
and changes. Many of these are explained in more detail in this
addendum.
Especially for programmers we've added:
- swapping to disk or expanded memory to free up memory for
compiles when the DOS shell commands are executed (ToggleSwap
command, default configuration option)
- the ability to shift entire blocks using the tab left and right
commands (TabLt and TabRt)
- additional C mode file extensions (.cpp, .cxx, .hpp, .hxx)
- a "sticky" AutoIndent configuration option
- the availability of the CurrentFilename command at anytime
- a DOS command line option (-n) for jumping to a specific line
number
Especially for writers and nonprogrammers we've added:
- case-change (Flip, Lower, Upper commands)
- multiple line-drawing characters (ToggleBoxType command)
- top and bottom margins for printing (SetPrintBotMargin,
SetPrintTopMargin commands)
- line-centering (CenterLine command)
- block-fill (FillBlock command)
Especially for laptop users we've added:
- an optional large flashing block cursor (configuration option)
Especially for macro users we've added:
- the ability to load and/or execute macros from the DOS command
line
- macro pause (Pause command)
- macro repeat (RepeatCmd command)
- conditional logic (Jump, JTrue, JFalse commands)
E-2
For everybody we've added:
- sorting (Sort command)
- column block copy, move, delete, and print
- a "save-as-filename" feature with an option to append
- the ability to both increase and decrease the size of a window
using either of the window sizing commands (GrowWindow and
ShrinkWindow)
- the availability of the Paste command within prompt boxes
- new options for the Find and FindReplace commands to start a
search at the beginning of your file (g option) and limit a
search to a marked block (l option)
- the ability to cancel global search and replace and the new
RepeatCmd by pressing <Ctrl Break>
- an optional bell that sounds on warning messages & missed searches
- editing of Read-Only files
- Pop-Down style boxes for all "Yes/No" prompts
- the saving of all deleted characters to the Kill Buffer when
using the DelRtWord command
- the ability to search more than one line backward for a nonblank
line in Smart Tabs mode
Upgrading from QEdit Version 2.07 or Later
==========================================
If you are upgrading QEdit version 2.1 from version 2.07 or later
and you do not care to retain any changes you have made using the
configuration program (QCONFIG), then simply refer to the
"Installation" section for installation instructions.
If you wish to upgrade while retaining your configuration changes
then do the following:
1. Copy the QCONFIG.DAT that you currently use to a floppy disk
or some other safe location.
2. Make a backup copy of your QEdit version 2.1 distribution
diskette and file the original away in a safe location.
3. Insert the copy of the distribution diskette (from step 2)
into a floppy drive and execute the Update Program by
entering "<drive designation>:qupdate"
E-3
4. Enter responses to the Update Program prompts as they appear.
5. Upon successful completion the Update Program will display
"QEdit Advanced updated successfully."
6. Copy the QEdit version 2.1 software from the floppy diskette
to the directory that you use to run QEdit. For example:
Copy a:*.* \tools
7. Copy your QCONFIG.DAT file from step 1 to the directory that
you use to run QEdit. This should be the same directory to
which you copied the files in step 6.
8. Edit and add to the QCONFIG.DAT file (using QEdit of course)
any new QEdit commands added since the version you were using.
Refer to the "New QEdit Commands" section of Appendix E for a
complete list of new commands. Now run QCONFIG to install
these new commands. For more information on the QCONFIG.DAT
file and running QCONFIG please refer to Chapter 2.
Upgrading from QEdit Version 2.06 or Earlier
============================================
If you are upgrading QEdit version 2.1 from version 2.06 or earlier
and you do not care to retain any changes you have made using the
configuration program (QCONFIG), then simply refer to the
"Installation" section for installation instructions.
The only configuration changes that can be retained from version
2.06 or earlier are the key assignments made in the QCONFIG.DAT
file. If you wish to upgrade while retaining these changes then do
the following:
1. Copy the QCONFIG.DAT that you currently use to a floppy disk
or some other safe location.
2. Make a backup copy of your QEdit version 2.1 distribution
diskette and file the original away in a safe location.
3. Copy the QEdit version 2.1 software from the floppy diskette
from step 2 to the directory that you use to run QEdit. For
example: Copy a:*.* \tools
4. Copy your QCONFIG.DAT file from step 1 to the directory that
you use to run QEdit. This should be the same directory to
which you copied the files in step 3.
5. Edit and add to the QCONFIG.DAT file (using QEdit of course)
any new QEdit commands added since the version you were using.
Refer to the "New QEdit Commands" section of Appendix E for a
complete list of new commands. Now run QCONFIG to install
these new commands. For more information on the QCONFIG.DAT
file and running QCONFIG please refer to Chapter 2.
E-4
New QEdit Commands
==================
This section contains a description of each of the new QEdit
commands. Where appropriate, the default key assignments are
provided. To assign commands which do not have a default assignment
or to change existing key assignments, refer to the "Keyboard
Configuration" section of Chapter 2 for instructions.
AltWordSet
----------------------------------------
Instructs QEdit to recognize an expanded set of characters as "word"
characters.
The default word set contains the following characters: 0 through 9,
upper and lower case A through Z, and the underline character. The
AltWordSet command causes additional characters to be considered
"word" characters. These additional characters are: ! # $ % & ` '
( ) - . / \ @ { } ~ : ^
The AltWordSet command will affect the operation of these commands:
DelLtWord <Ctrl Backspace>
DelRtWord <Ctrl T>
MarkWord <Ctrl KT>
WordLeft <Ctrl Cursor Left>
WordRight <Ctrl Cursor Right>
The default word set can be re-installed by executing the
DefaultWordSet command.
CenterLine <Ctrl OT>
----------------------------------------
Centers the current cursor line based on column 1 and the right
margin. Use the SetRmargin <Ctrl OR> command to change the right
margin.
With the cursor inside of a line block, you can execute this command
to center several lines at once. With the cursor inside of a column
block, you can center lines based on the left and right block
boundaries.
DefaultWordSet
----------------------------------------
Re-installs the default word set. Refer to the AltWordSet command
for more information about word sets.
EndPara
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor immediately following the last nonblank
character of the current paragraph.
E-5
FillBlock <Ctrl KL>
----------------------------------------
Fills an entire marked block with any ASCII character. You will be
prompted to enter the desired character. FillBlock is recommended
for use with column and word blocks only because it will fill other
type blocks with characters beyond column 80.
Flip <Alt 3>
----------------------------------------
Reverses the case (upper to lower and lower to upper) of all
characters in a marked block. The cursor must be within the marked
block. If the cursor is outside of the marked block or if no block
is marked, the case of the character at the current cursor position
is reversed.
GotoColumn
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor at the requested column. The editor will
prompt for the desired column number.
Lower <Alt 2>
----------------------------------------
Changes all characters in a marked block to lower case. The cursor
must be within the marked block. If the cursor is outside of the
marked block or if no block is marked, the character at the current
cursor position is changed to lower case.
MarkWord <Ctrl KT>
----------------------------------------
This command is used to mark a word block. Executing this command
will mark the word at the current cursor position. If there is no
word at the current cursor position, then no action is taken.
NewFile
----------------------------------------
Executes the Exit <Ctrl KD> command followed by the EditFile <Alt E>
command. Refer to Chapter 3 for more information regarding the Exit
and EditFile commands.
NextPara
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor on the first character of the next paragraph.
Pause
----------------------------------------
Temporarily suspends execution of a macro until either <Enter> or
<Escape> is pressed. Refer to the "QEdit Changes" section of
Appendix E for more information.
E-6
PrevPara
----------------------------------------
Positions the cursor on the first character of the previous
paragraph.
RepeatCmd <Ctrl QQ>
----------------------------------------
Repeats the last character, command, or macro entered from the
keyboard up to 9,999 times. You will be prompted for the number of
times to repeat.
Repeating will automatically terminate if any command fails. For
example, if you are repeating a search and get a "Not Found" then
repeating will stop. Also, you can enter <Ctrl Break> at anytime
from the keyboard to cancel repeating.
RepeatCmd is very handy for use within macros in the QCONFIG.DAT
file. For example, to cursor down 10 times within a macro you would
enter: "CursorDown 10" (without the quotes). For more information on
macros refer to the "Keyboard Configuration" section of Chapter 2.
SetPrintBotMargin <Alt P><O> or <Esc><P><O>
----------------------------------------
Sets the number of lines that will be left blank at the bottom of
each page during printing.
SetPrintTopMargin <Alt P><T> or <Esc><P><T>
----------------------------------------
Sets the number of lines that will be left blank at the top of each
page during printing.
Sort <Shift F3>
----------------------------------------
Sorts a range of lines in ascending order. The sort key is
determined by a marked column block. The length of the column block
determines the range of lines to be sorted. For more information
about column blocks refer to the MarkColumn command in chapter 3.
This command can only be used with a single, nonzoomed window on the
screen.
ToggleBoxType <Alt F1>
----------------------------------------
This command prompts the User to select from different line drawing
styles for use with Box Drawing mode. The options are: Single,
Double Top, Double Side, Double, and Eraser.
E-7
ToggleSwap <Esc><O><S>
----------------------------------------
Toggles (ON and OFF) swapping to expanded memory or disk when the
Shell <F9> and Dos <Alt F9> commands are executed. (You can specify
a default for swapping using the configuration program. Refer to
the "Configuration Program (QCONFIG) Changes" section of Appendix E
for more information.)
If ON, QEdit will swap itself out of DOS memory and to expanded
memory or disk when a shell command is executed. This will leave a
small 2K kernel of QEdit in DOS memory, freeing up the rest of DOS
memory for running other applications out of the shell such as
compilers or spreadsheets.
While you are in a shell, QEdit will maintain a file with a ".SWP"
file extension in your root directory. It is very important that
you do not delete this file while in the shell.
Upper <Alt 1>
----------------------------------------
Changes all characters in a marked block to upper case. The cursor
must be within the marked block. If the cursor is outside of the
marked block or if no block is marked, the character at the current
cursor position is changed to upper case.
QEdit Changes
=============
This section contains new QEdit features and changes which require a
detailed explanation. For a summary of all new features and changes
refer to the "About this Addendum and Version 2.1" section of
Appendix E.
Macro Pause
-----------
A new command, Pause, has been added for use within macros. The
Pause command allows you to suspend execution of a macro, make
entries from the keyboard, and then continue execution of the macro.
To use the Pause command you place "Pause" at the appropriate
position within a macro in the QCONFIG.DAT file. (For more
information about creating macros refer to the "Keyboard
Configuration" section of Chapter 2.)
When you execute a macro containing a Pause command from within
QEdit, its execution will be suspended when the Pause command is
encountered. A "P" will appear on the Status Line. At this point
the User can enter text from the keyboard. Pressing <Enter> will
resume execution of the macro. Pressing <Escape> will terminate
execution of the suspended macro entirely.
E-8
Please note that the <Enter> entered from the keyboard to resume
execution of a suspended macro is "eaten" by the Pause command; or,
in other words, the <Enter> does not become part of the macro.
Some examples of using the Pause command within macros can be found
in the "New Macros" section of Appendix E.
Startup Macros
--------------
QEdit has a new feature which allows you to load and/or execute
macros from the DOS command line. Previously, any macro created
within QEdit and saved using the MacroWrite <Esc><M><W> command had
to be manually reloaded using the MacroRead <Esc><M><R> command for
each new editing session. (You may want to review the "Macros"
section of Chapter 1 before proceeding.)
To load a macro from the DOS command line type "-l" (this is a dash
character and the letter "l") followed by a macro filename when you
execute QEdit. For example, from the DOS prompt type:
q <filename to edit> -l<macro filename>
To execute a macro from the DOS command line type "-e" followed by a
macro filename when you execute QEdit. It will automatically
execute the first macro in the macro file after the file to be
edited has been loaded. For example, from the DOS prompt type:
q <filename to edit> -e<macro filename>
Here are some additional notes regarding the use of Startup Macros.
- The macro file to be loaded and/or executed must be created using
the MacroWrite <Esc><M><W> command.
- A "/" character can be used instead of the "-" character, as in
"/l" and "/e".
- You must supply a filename to be edited on the DOS command line to
use this feature.
- When using the execute ("-e") option, only the first macro in the
macrofile is executed. Also, the macro is executed only after the
file to be edited has been loaded.
- You can both load and execute a macro at the same time. For
example, from the DOS prompt:
q <edit filename> -e<macro filename> -l<macro filename>
E-9
Here is an example of using Startup Macros.
Suppose you have two macro files created using the MacroWrite
<Esc><M><W> command. The macro files are called first.mac and
second.mac.
Now suppose you want to edit a file called work.tmp and at the same
time, from the DOS command line, load the macro file called
first.mac and execute the macro file called second.mac. Then from
the DOS command line you would enter:
q work.tmp -lfirst.mac -esecond.mac
Save-As-Filename
----------------
A new feature allows you to save your current file under a different
name. To do so, execute the WriteBlock <Alt W> command with no
marked blocks in the file. QEdit will prompt with:
+----------------------------------------------+
|File to write: |
| |
+----------------------------------------------+
Enter the new filename. If the filename you specify already exists,
QEdit will prompt with:
+======= Choose ========+
| Overlay existing file |
| Append to file |
+=======================+
Select the option you desire or press Escape to abort.
If there is a marked block in the file, the WriteBlock command will,
as before, write the currently marked block to the named file.
Read-Only Files
---------------
Read-Only files can now be loaded and edited. However, they cannot
be saved. If you attempt to save a Read-Only file the following
message will appear:
+============================================+
|File is marked as READONLY - Press <Esc> |
+============================================+
This message will also appear when you initially load the file.
To save a Read-Only file, simply save it under a different name
using the WriteBlock <Alt W> command (be sure there are no marked
blocks in the file), or change the filename using the ChangeFilename
<Alt O> command and then save the file under the new name.
E-10
Invoking QEdit at a Specific Line Number
----------------------------------------
A new DOS command line option (-n) allows you to specify a line
number in a file on which to position the cursor when the file is
loaded into QEdit. From the DOS prompt type:
q <filename to edit> -n<specific line number>
For example, to load file1 at line number 125, from the DOS command
line you would enter:
q file1 -n125
Dos and Shell Commands: Swapping, [QE] Shell Indicator
-------------------------------------------------------
The QEdit Dos and Shell commands can now optionally swap QEdit out
to disk or expanded memory leaving only a 2k kernel in memory. This
allows much more memory for running memory-hungry programs (such as
compilers) from within QEdit. You can set this option by default
using the configuration program (Advanced Options), or you can
toggle it on and off using the ToggleSwap command. (Refer to the
"Configuration Program (QCONFIG) Changes" section of Appendix E, and
to the ToggleSwap command under the "New QEdit Advanced Commands"
section of Appendix E.)
While in a shell with swapping on, QEdit will maintain a file with a
".SWP" file extension in your root directory. It is very important
that you do not delete this file while in the shell.
Once in the shell, QEdit will optionally append "[QE]" to the DOS
prompt string, provided that:
1) You have defined the prompt environment variable.
2) There is enough space left in the environment.
3) You have set the "Change DOS PROMPT during a Shell" option to
[Y]es. (Refer to Advanced Options of the "Configuration
Program (QCONFIG) Changes" section of Appendix E.)
If you have NOT defined the prompt environment variable, then we
suggest you do so. It is helpful with DOS command line operations
in general. A suggested prompt is (this should go in your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file):
set prompt=$p $t $g
If you do have a prompt string defined, but you do not get the
"[QE]" prompt in the QEdit shell, add the following to your
AUTOEXEC.BAT:
set x=x
E-11
Find, FindReplace Commands: Local and Global Options
-----------------------------------------------------
Two options, local and global, have been added to the Find and
FindReplace commands:
[G] = Global search. Begins searching from the beginning of the
file, or from the beginning of the marked block if the [L]
option is also selected.
[L] = Local search. Limits the search to the currently marked
block. If the cursor is outside the marked block, or the
[G] option is also selected, the search starts at the
beginning of the marked block. Otherwise, the search starts
at the current cursor position inside the marked block.
You can press <Ctrl Break> to halt a global FindReplace.
Conditional Logic for Macros: Jump, JTrue, JFalse Commands
-----------------------------------------------------------
Three commands have been added for use within QEdit macros: Jump,
JTrue, and JFalse. Placement of one of these commands following
another QEdit command in a macro allows for branching or looping
during macro execution.
All QEdit commands set an internal QEdit result code of "true" upon
successful execution, or "false" if execution is unsuccessful or no
action occurs. The Jump command makes an unconditional jump. The
JTrue command makes a jump only when a result code of "true" is
returned; JFalse makes a jump only for a result code of "false".
Labels can be defined for branching, in the format "label:". The
maximum label length is 15 characters.
For example, here is a macro to delete from the cursor position to
the beginning of the line, assigned to the f10 key:
f10 MacroBegin
begin:
CursorLeft
JFalse done:
DelCh
Jump begin:
done:
NOTE: As with all macros, this MUST all occur on ONE LINE in your
QCONFIG.DAT file.
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Configuration Program (QCONFIG) Changes
=======================================
This section contains a list of new options which have been added to
the configuration program (QCONFIG). The configuration program
prompt, the default value, and a description are given for each
option.
Under Advanced Options:
- Swap to Expanded memory or DISK on Dos and Shell commands (Y/N)?[Y]:
Select <Y> if you want QEdit to swap itself out of DOS memory
and to expanded memory or disk whenever the shell commands are
executed. This will leave a small 2K kernel of QEdit in DOS
memory, freeing up the rest of DOS memory for running other
applications out of the shell such as compilers or spreadsheets.
- Drive for disk swapping on the Dos/Shell commands [A..Z] [C] :
If you selected <Y> for the previous option then specify here
the disk drive designation to be used for swapping. Enter an
asterisk (*) if you want QEdit to default to your current drive
for swapping.
- Do you want a large flashing cursor (Y/N)? [N] :
If you want to use a large flashing block cursor then set this
option to <Y>. This option is great for laptop users.
- Get num rows on screen from BIOS data area (100% IBM PC only)
(Y/N)? [N] :
FOR NON EGA/VGA SYSTEMS ONLY; set this option to <Y> if you want
QEdit to automatically detect the number of rows on your screen.
Setting this option to <Y>, to automatically detect the number
of rows on your screen, only works if you have an IBM PC-AT or
100% compatible. For example, setting this option to <Y> does
NOT work on AT&T 6300's.
- Number of rows on screen (NOT NEEDED with EGA/VGA) [25..255] [25]:
FOR NON EGA/VGA SYSTEMS ONLY; if you set the previous option to
<N>, then you must provide the number of rows on your screen here.
You should set this option to 25 unless you have a special card
and monitor (such as a Genius Video System) that allow you to
display more than 25 rows.
- Should the editor restore the starting drive/dir on program exit
(Y/N)? [Y] :
Set this option to <Y> if you want to return to the original DOS
drive and directory on program exit regardless of which drives
and directories you have accessed with the QEdit directory
picker or Shell command.
- Should the editor change the DOS PROMPT during a shell (Y/N)? [N]:
Set this option to <Y> if you want the following to be appended
to the DOS prompt during a QEdit Shell: [QE]
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- Should [TabRt]/[TabLt] be allowed to shift an entire block (Y/N)?
[N] :
Set this option to <Y> if you want the TabRt and TabLt commands
to shift entire marked blocks when the cursor is within the
marked block.
The following Advanced Option has been deleted:
"Do you want to invoke the editor at a specified line number"
has been replaced with the "-n" DOS command-line option.
Under General Options:
- Do you want the editor to use "sticky" AutoIndent (Y/N)? [N] :
If you want QEdit to search more than one line backward for a
nonblank line to use for autoindenting, then set this option to
<Y>. AutoIndent mode must be set ON for this option to work.
Refer to the "Modes" section of Chapter 1 for more information
on AutoIndent mode.
- Do you want a beep on warning messages and missed searches (Y/N)?
[N] :
Select <Y> if you want the bell to sound on any QEdit warning
message and whenever there is no match resulting from a Find or
FindReplace command.
Under Printer Options:
- Default top margin for printing [0..100] :
This is the number of lines that will be left blank at the top
of each page during printing.
- Default bottom margin for printing [0..100] :
This is the number of lines that will be left blank at the
bottom of each page during printing.
New Macros
==========
New features added since version 2.07, such as the Pause command and
the ability to use the Paste command inside dialogue boxes, make
several new and interesting macros possible. The following are some
sample macros, utilizing these new features, which you might find
useful.
The macros in this section can be assigned to any key you desire in
the Keyboard Definition file. For more information about creating
macros refer to the "Keyboard Configuration" section of Chapter 2.
E-14
- For example, suppose you wanted to create a "find" command that
always searched forward, ignored case, and didn't prompt you for
options. In the QCONFIG.DAT file, assign to whatever key you like
(f7 in this example):
f7 MacroBegin Find Pause Return 'i' Return
If you wanted to get really fancy, you could let <f7> be your
find-forward, and <shift f7> be your find-backward:
#f7 MacroBegin Find Pause Return 'ib' Return
- A macro to take the filename at the current cursor position and
load that file into the editor (In QEdit this macro has been
assigned by default to <Ctrl ]>.):
MacroBegin AltWordSet MarkWord Copy EditFile Paste Return
DefaultWordSet
This macro does the following:
AltWordSet - sets the proper word set for filenames
MarkWord - marks the filename at the current cursor position
Copy - copies the filename into the scrap buffer
EditFile - initiates the EditFile command
Paste - inserts the copied filename into the prompt box
Return - terminates the EditFile prompt
DefaultWordSet - restores the normal word set
- A macro to initiate a Find on the word at the current cursor
position (In QEdit this macro has been assigned by default to
<Alt =>.):
MacroBegin MarkWord Copy Find Paste Return Return
This macro does the following:
MarkWord - marks the word at the current cursor position
Copy - copies the word into the scrap buffer
Find - initiates the Find command
Paste - inserts the copied word into the prompt box
Return - terminates the search string prompt box
Return - terminates the Find options prompt box
E-15