I frequently need to look at large text files, eg ftp index files, but I have found that the currently available text editors / word processors are not exactly suitable for the job. For example SimpleText won't read files bigger than 32K, and although Word can read large files, you could die of old age waiting to start it up, and it is very memory hungry.
Also, even if a file is less than 32K, SimpleText shows annoying squares down the left hand side of the window with MS-DOS text files, and doesn't recognise line endings in Unix text files at all.
TextBrowser is:
• Free
• Starts up quickly
• Doesn't need much memory
• Correctly reads Macintosh, MS-DOS, and Unix text files
• Is Apple Event aware
• Can display a file in Hexadecimal if necessary
• Can open the file with another application, eg ResEdit if requested
• Is Fat Binary - ie it runs 680x0 or Power Mac native
TextBrowser is not a word processor. It does not correctly display non-text, e.g. word processor, files. It can however display these files in Hexadecimal mode so you can still view and copy text imbedded in these documents. It does not display styled text or non-Roman alphabets. It will display in any font you like as long as it is Monaco.
To display a file, drag its icon onto TextBrowser's in the Finder, or Open it from TextBrowser's File menu. I find it useful to leave an alias to TextBrowser on the desktop. If drag and drop doesn't work, try rebuilding your Desktop File.
Text may be selected and copied in the usual way, and the "Find…" and "Find next" commands are self explanatory. Find-ing in this Alpha version is case sensitive ie "HELLO" will not match "hello".
TextBrowser does not open the resource forks of files, however you can set a "helper" application Preferences, which can be a resource editor like ResEdit or Resourcerer. This can be launched by selecting "Open using…" it from the File menu.
Planned improvements:
• Better Apple Event support
• Drag and Drop support
• Non case-sensitive Find
• Wildcard characters for find
• More efficient scrolling
• Autoscroll
I am happy to hear from you via email. Please send any comments, bug reports, or constructive criticism to me at "jlamb@gil.ipswichcity.qld.gov.au". The latest version of this program can be downloaded from my WWW Home Page at "http://gil.ipswichcity.qld.gov.au/~jlamb/".
TextBrowser is written in MetroWerks C using MetroWerks PowerPlant™ application framework.
Legal Stuff
TextBrowser is supplied on an "as is" basis and is used at the user's own risk. I take no responsibility for any damages either direct or consequential arising from the use of this software.
TextBrowser is copyright 1995 by John Lamb. Permission is granted to copy and distribute the program provided no fee is charged for the software, apart from reasonable costs of the copying and media, and provided also that this documentation accompanies all copies distributed and that the program is distributed intact.