Split is a program which performs the reverse of a text concatenation program; it splits huge text files up into more manageable chunks, saving the chunks as new text files whose names start with the original file name, followed by a numerical value which numbers the text files in order (so you can put them back together in order). The original file is NOT deleted, so this is probably an extremely safe program. To run Split just start it up, mouse click once to make the start-up screen go away, then hit the button marked "Split". The program will then put up a standard file-selection dialog box. Select the file you want to split up and away you go.
NOTE: the program will ask you ONLY ONCE before it overwrites existing files of the same name. In other words, lets say you just split up an enormous file called ZIPPO, resulting in 143 files named ZIPPO1 to ZIPPO143. Now you accidentally split ZIPPO again, not noticing that there are already 143 other files starting with ZIPPO. You will now be asked once if you want to overwrite existing files with the same name. Let's say you also spent 3.5 hours modifying ZIPPO123. Whoops.
I realize this is not very friendly, but the alternative is that you get asked 143 times whether you really, REALLy want to overwrite each of the 143 files.... hardly a time saver.
You can use the options menu to set both the size of the "chunks" that the file gets split up into, as well as the size of the buffer that the program uses to read and write from. Setting up a larger buffer size uses more memory while running the program, but also makes the program run faster... The new files will be an integer number of buffersizes large, but no larger than the original file size. In other words, if the buffersize is 512 characters, the file size is 200 characters, and the original document is 1000 characters long, you'll get 2 files, one with 512 characters, the other with 488 characters. If the buffersize is 200, the file size is 700, and the original document has 1000 characters in it, you'll get two files, one with 800 characters (the closest integer number of buffersizes to the requested file size), the other with 200 characters. Also, I have included a safety feature in that no matter what, you can't specify a buffer size or a file size of less than 100 characters. (If either was to become less than or equal to zero for some reason, the results would probably not be good).
Split is freeware, you can do anything you want with it except sell it or decompile it, I make no claims to its reliability or its functionality, use it at your own risk.
Shameless advertising:
After editing your split files, you might want to put them back together. Several programs are available which do this, I have written a shareware versions of one (10$) variously called "Text-merge2" or "Cat" which will search designated folder(s) for files whose names contain some string of characters that you specify and combine them into a new bigger file. Registered users also get a program called "Creator" which will turn 'TEXT" files (such as those made by Split) into your favorite type of word-processor file for easy loading. However, I won't be so manipulative as to say that these are the only programs which perform these tasks. (Ever notice how the recipes on the back of a Kraft mayonaise jar say you have to use Kraft cheese in their recipe? Like it will blow up if you use Cracker-Barrel cheese or something.)
Please send me your comments and questions about this program as well as notifying me of any bugs. I can be reached at erics@wmc5600.zool.umass.edu on internet and through CompuServe, where my user ID is 70661,255.
LEGAL STUFF:
This software is licensed to you, for your own use. This is copyrighted software. You are not obtaining title to the software or any copyright rights. You may not sublicense, rent, lease, sell, modify, translate, convert to other programming languages, decompile, or disassemble this software for any purpose.
THE AUTHOR DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES RELATING TO THIS SOFTWARE, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. NEITHER THE AUTHOR NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION OR DELIVERY OF THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH SOFTWARE EVEN IF THE AUTHOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIMS. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES EVER EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF THE CLAIM. THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE.
Some states may not allow the exclusion of the limit of liability for consequential or incidental damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state and county where the author claims residence and shall inure to the benefit of the author and any successors, administrators, heirs and assigns. Any action or proceeding brought by either party against the other arising out of or related to this agreement shall be brought only in a STATE or FEDERAL COURT of competent jurisdiction located in the state and county where the author claims residence. The parties hereby consent in personam jurisdiction of said courts.
