◊ Forward Delete is a small extension that lets you use that mysterious key called forward delete, present on all Extended Keyboards. Press this key to delete the character at the right of the insertion point. It works with every application which uses TextEdit (if you do not know what TextEdit is, do not worry: it is simply that part of the Mac Operating System which manages basic text editing). Try it out with TeachText or in dialog boxes.
◊ Forward Delete can be used with any Mac under any System. Anyway, it is rather useless on a Mac not equipped with an Extended Keyboard.
◊ Forward Delete exists only because Apple programmers are leaving behind small but important details in the System. It took me one “man-morning” to write it. Since the introduction of the Extended Keyboard, Apple Computer, Inc. did not happen to find one free morning and modify TextEdit to support the keys in the new keyboard. Maybe in System 13.0 “the lucky one” they will manage to do it. (Perhaps now they are too busy in QuickTiming the System).
• TECHNICAL INFO FOR PROGRAMMERS
◊ I wrote Forward Delete in Assembler. I simply patch the _TEKey trap, checking if the key pressed is the forward delete one. If it is, I proceed doing the deletion, then exit without calling the original trap; if it is not, I leave the key to the standard _TEKey. Having intercepted _TEKey, there are no slow downs in the system at idle time. There is only an imperceptible delay when typing in a TextEdit field. Common word processors do not use TextEdit, so you will not be slowed down in your normal writing activity by the patch.
◊ The patch is obviously a “head patch”, so it should be safe.
• DISCLAIMER
◊ “No warranties at all, either express or implied…” “All trademarks are held by their respective owners…” and all that stuff.
This application should not do any damage, but if it does then you will be on your own. Let me know of any bugs you run into, anyway.
• VERSION HISTORY:
◊ 1.0d2 - Checks if enough memory is available to install the patch.
◊ 1.0d1 - It seems to work perfectly. Even with Balloon Help in the Finder.
For errors, suggestions, and others send mail to Fabrizio.Oddone%bbs@osra.sublink.org
