Apur-phy.166
fa.editor-p
utzoo!decvax!pur-ee!pur-phy!crl
Wed Dec 9 12:51:26 1981
Insert modes, etc.
I disagree with the statement that an explicit insert mode is preferable to
using control characters as commands. Having worked with EMACS for a year
previously, and then having to switch to VI has made me realize how much I
missed EMACS way of handling text insertion. Previously, when I mispelled
a word or decided to change one a couple back, I always went back, made the
correction, and then returned to my original point. In vi, due to the
habit of using ^H a lot to correct type-in, I almost always end up deleting
backwards with the backspace until I reach the point I want to change. It
just doesn't appeal to me to end the insert mode and then back up.
Watching others edit, I get the same impression. True, one might reply
that this is my (and my friends') problem, but it is a fact of life that
correcting a mistake with ^H is so natural on UNIX that it's hard to break
the habit. Also, at times I have forgotten that at some point I had left
insert mode and begin typing text, which vi took as commands. While this
is isn't likely to be disastrous, it is a pain sometimes to get back to the
starting point.
On a different but related point, I don't like to use an editor which
defaults to overwrite mode on insert, such as ned or e. However, since I
almost never use these, I admit that maybe I could get to like it, but
right now it seems that there is too much of a possibility of overwriting
text inadvertently.
Now for something completely different, I'm wondering if anyone can give me
information about an implementation of EMACS that would run on an 11/44
running 2.8bsd. I can get versions that would run (I think) overlaid, but
I'd like to avoid this, if possible. Please respond to me via mail, rather
than the net, unless others pipe up also wanting to know.
Charles LaBrec
pur-ee!purdue!pur-phy!crl
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