Text Editors for DOS [page 2 of 2]

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Most of the text editors on this page are programmer's editors. I'm not a programmer and don't have an intimate familiarity with most of them. However, it is clear that many of these editors can function superbly as "general" and HTML text editors. The trick to using these editors for non-programming chores usually involves reading the docs closer and tweaking the default configurations to suit your style. Exploring these editors' capabilities can be a very enlightening and rewarding experience for the inquisitive but GUI-habituated non-programmer.


VI - LIKE TEXT EDITORS

Also see Sven Guckes' vi editors page


Vim- Excellent Vi-like text editor for power users.

* * * * * [added 9-14-98 updated 07-02-00]

[H. Schwartz kindly submitted this review- written primarily for users new to the vim experience].

Vim is not just a powerful free editor, it is a whole anthropological phenomenon...

Vim is one of the several clones of the traditional editor vi (visual) included with virtually all Unix operating systems. Vim has a worldwide following, is ported to most operating systems (e.g., Unix, Macs, Dos, Windows, OS2), and comes complete with a web page and several ongoing listserv discussion groups.

Ease of use: When I was a trainer I could teach people to use Unix vi, at a reasonable level in an hour (by teaching a parsimonious subset of vi commands). Vim itself comes with a hypertext-like, comprehensive documentation system, a tutor for beginners, and a hypertext- like on-line help system. I say ``hypertext-like'' because it uses a ``tag'' mechanism to move between links that was designed 30 odd years ago. For those who care, there is documentation that has been translated into true html.

The Unix version of vim includes a version that lets users define custom, pull-down menus, and some of the vim in-crowd have developed free pull down menu systems that include all of vim's features. But, in general, vim (and vi) has no mac-like menu interface, no toolbars, and no keyboard help at the top or bottom of the screen. Vim includes a window system that gets ``windows'' jobs done. But vim's windows will seem simple, non-gui, and unfamiliar to users used to the windows of X-windows, Macs, or windows-95. In vim, 2 ``windows'' is simply the editing screen divided into 2 areas by a horizontal line. All versions of vim include full mouse support.

A major learning curve problem for vi clones is the use of three, different ``modes''. Vi was invented for early terminals that had no function keys, ``Alt'' key and so on. Consequently, it used ordinary letter keys to both execute editor commands and type text. One gets into edit command ``mode'' by hitting <Esc> one or more times. One gets back to typing mode by typing one of three commands: i (insert text), a (append text), R (replace or overtype text). The upside of this system is that letters for commands are quite mnemonic ( d = delete, r = replace, C = copy, M = move etc. etc.).

The third mode came into being because, the original vi was a replacement for the earlier line editor, ex. Instead of replacing ex entirely, vi retained the ex commands, and added new full screen oriented commands ``on top of it." One drops down from vi to the older ex editor in a similar way as one drops down to DOS from windows: Hit the colon (:) key in vi's command mode, and you drop down to ex, where one enters OS type commands at the screen's bottom.

Vim makes the mode easier for beginners by: 1) extending text entry mode to include quite a few basic editing operations, 2) defining a special key (control-O) that gives the illusion that one can execute most vi commands without changing modes, and 3) by indicating what mode one is in on the bottom of the screen. All in all, there is no doubt that vi is harder to learn than something like Multi-Edit for people used to the usual point and click window interfaces. But it is not anywhere near as hard to learn as popular prejudice claims.

POWER: Vim is designed to have a formidable set of features for programmers. In addition it has literally hundreds of commands, settings, and options many of which are unique and very convenient. A few:

  1. Immediately spell check or look up a word from a speller/dictionary of your choice.
  2. Formatting (center, left or right justify, etc.)
  3. Choice of colors for different objects (variable settings, text found during searches, ordinary text, etc.)
  4. Automatic completion or words, phrases and sentences that have already been typed once in the document (or that exist in a user defined dictionary or document). This is a big help to those with hand pain because of typing injuries.
  5. About 36 different memory buffers, each of which can be used to cut/paste a different block of text (most editors, and windows have only one such buffer). commands.
  6. Multiple file editing where each file automatically gets a hot key that can be used instead of the whole filename, for any command. The list of files can be viewed at any time.
  7. Go to any filename mentioned in the current text, and edit that file (by pressing a key command).
  8. Extensive abbreviation and macro mechanisms.
  9. Prints and shows digraphs
  10. Can edit binary and hex files
  11. Do editing operations on many types of objects, e.g., letters, words, phrases, paragraphs, pages, text blocks, columns (it can cut and paste several columns), user defined delimiters.
  12. Extensive system of backups, swap files and recovery from crashes.
  13. Can edit very large files.
  14. Multi-level undo and redo.
  15. A system of bookmarks that saves one or many bookmarks in several files, during, and at the end of an editing session. You can thus, easily open a file and go directly to your last editing place.
  16. Insert any file after the cursor in the current file being edited (with one command, no cutting and pasting).

There are 3 major features that are fairly unique to the vi family:

Reviewed by H. Schwartz (09-14-98).

16 and 32-bit versions are available for DOS. The 16-bit version does handle large files but excludes some vim-specific features present in the 32-bit version (autocommands, syntax highlighting, etc.) and it quickly runs out of memory when making big changes. Disabling undo helps. Recommended for pre-386 machines. The 32-bit version has Win9x LFN support and requires 386+ and DPMI provider (cwsdpmi included). Versions available for many other platforms (e.g., Win32)- see home page. Author: Bram Moolenaar et al., maintained by Sven Guckes (2000) Charity-ware.

07-02-00: v5.7 user release. See home page for version history.

Download 2 files (links are to a USA ftp site):

vim57rt.zip (required, 1.2MB)
and
vim57d32.zip (32-bit DOS version, 515K)
or
vim57d16.zip (16-bit DOS version, 285K)


ELVIS- Vi-like text editor for power users.

unrated [added 05-16-99 updated 10-20-99]

If VIM is getting too big for you- or your PC- try another great vi clone: ELVIS. Other OS's supported: UNIX, OS/2, Win9x/NT (incl. a GUI version).

Comments from a user: Elvis "is a good html editor, as long as you don't have many graphics to manage. It has plain text, html, and unix man page display modes. It shows html formatted, permits simple edits (moving blocks of lines etc.), and has options to show the source when the user moves the cursor over a link, etc....Its documentation is...better written and clearer [than VIM], and is...more oriented to ordinary users, rather than programmers (although containing many complex options)."

"An older v1.8 of elvis is much smaller (about 1/3 the size) than elvis v2 or vim.......it starts up quickly and takes up less memory. For beginners, it has a simple, built in text only menu that does the basic editing functions." Author: Steve Kirkendall, (1999) Distribution site. Sugg. by Howard Schwartz.

10-20-99: v2.1_4 (10-99) available ; see docs for version history.

Version2.x: First, download untardos.exe which you will need to unpack the following distribution file:

download elvis-2.1_4-msdos.tar.gz (525K)

or get the older and smaller v1.8 (1994):

download elv18exe.zip (220K)


EMACS- RELATED EDITORS

For a more informed, multi-platform presentation see: Craig A. Finseth's Emacs Implementations.



OTHER ADVANCED TEXT EDITORS


JED- Programmer's editor; supports EMACS, BRIEF and other modes.

* * * * * [added 04-24-99 updated 05-31-00]

Another excellent programmer's editor with many capabilities. EMACS and BRIEF veterans will be attracted to JED. But with the advent of v0.99 (1999), JED may also attract an additional group of users- it now sports a more "newbie-friendly" interface (e.g., displays an improved pulldown menu system by default). JED functions well as a text mode HTML or plain text editor e.g., to invoke the HTML mode start JED with command JED386 --html_mode and enter Ctrl-C to display a command bar of HTML commands. Loading the text_mode library puts the editor in a more traditional text editor mode (e.g., word wrap enabled). Win32 GUI and console binaries are now included with the DOS 386 exe. Brief list of features:

Notes: Requires 386+ PC and DPMI provider. Install: Need to set env. variables for proper operation and Win9x LFN support. Because of its flexible design, JED loads many functions/parameters from text-based library files on startup- this loading delay can be noticeable on slower 386's.

Author: John E. Davis (2000). Home Page. Sugg. by Scott Nesbitt.

05-31-00: B0.99-11 available.

download jedb09911.zip (1MB, beta)

or the older (1998)

download jed098-7.zip (560K)


SETEdit- (Set's Editor) A multi-window programmer's editor; mouse support, pulldown menus, large files.

unrated [added 9-13-98 updated 01-09-00]

Don't have much experience with this Borland inspired editor. Intended for programmers rather than word processors but includes some interesting features that all may find useful. This editor is currently undergoing active development (1999)-it seems destined to attract a large user base due to it's combination of advanced functions and familiar, Borland TurboVision interface. Linux version, source also available (GPL). Author: S.E. Tropea, Argentina. (2000)

01-09-00: latest version is v0.4.41 (1-00); See home page/ docs for version history.

http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Runway/6218/edi0441i.zip (1.1 MB)


FTE- Versatile power editor with an easy to use interface. Win9x LFN support.

unrated [added 4-4-98]

This looks like a superb editor in many respects; perhaps best suited to those who desire the versatility of a power editor but are more comfortable using a familiar point and click, pulldown menus interface. Designed for programming, but can perform general text editing as well. FTE is 32 bit and requires a DOS protected mode extender like CWSDPMI (not included). Win9x LFN's are supported. Programmers and HTML authors should be attracted to FTE (syntax highlighting for many languages, compiler execution, HTML "mode").

Some comments I've received from readers:

See FTE's home page for more info. Author: Marko Macek, Slovenia (1998). Source files are available for v4.97 but as yet (6-99) no one has compiled MS-DOS binaries but Win32 (text mode) binary is here: ften4913.zip (minimal package).

download fted46b5.zip(367K)


FED- Folding text editor with a friendly interface.

* * * * [added 10-21-99 updated 10-25-99]

Quick comments: I really like the simple and comfortable mouse-compatible interface of FED. This is a quick and powerful text editor but it doesn't overwhelm with "feature-itis." Although the interface may appeal to the EDIT/ PEDIT audience, FED is a more sophisticated programmer's editor. Some highlights:

Misc. notes: Appears that text marking is restricted to streaming mode (no support for columnar or line marking modes). Keyboard macros can't be saved for re-use? Directory browser (loading) a bit sluggish on a 386/20. EXE size=255K; requires 386, DPMI provider. Linux version available.

10-25-99: v2.15 released (10-99), see docs for version history.

Author: Shawn Hargreaves, UK (1999). FED Home Page.

download fed.zip (265K)


TDE- 32-bit and 16 bit multi-window text editors.

unrated [added 11-14-98 updated 01-25-00]

The Thomson Davis Editor is a surprisingly small but complete public domain programmer's editor which should appeal to a larger audience. Although some users may be initially disappointed by a lack of mouse support, this editor has a relatively gentle learning curve, and a host of interesting menu-accessible commands (e.g., qoute text for e-mail replies, add time stamp, ROT13 blocks, etc.).

01-25-00: New in v5.1 pre-releases (11-99): Many new functions, enhancements, fixes (see included update.txt).
New in v5.0 (12-98): : '"Ported" to djgpp...Now all available memory can be used, and long file names are available under Win95+....Syntax highlighting; Pipe and redirection capabilities; Shell; View DOS screen; Insert a file into current file; A cursor cross; Easy typing of graphic characters; Repeat a key; Border a box block; Pseudo-macros; Block indent and undent; Various corrections and enhancements.' See included history.doc for complete info.

v5.0, v5.1 Author: Jason Hood (1999) Home Page, based on earlier versions by Frank Davis, with contributed code by Douglas Thomson. Suggestion and comments-RHW320. Originally featured on Yves Bellefeuille's Best freeware for DOS list.

TDE version 5.1, pre-release DOS binaries (11-99): download tde51w3b.zip (325K)
TDE version 5.1, pre-release DOS source (11-99): download tde51w3s.zip (396K)

or get the last major release (v5.0, w/ source): download tde50.zip (672K)


ZED- Highly configurable 32-bit text editor.

unrated [added 06-28-99]

From a user: ZED is "just my kind of editor: techie, powerful, and configurable...I am hooked." The documentation is sparse which could make ZED's learning curve steeper than necessary (for starters, remember the F1 [help] and F10 [menu] keys).

Feature highlights:

Notes: EXE size 225K, requires a 386+ PC and a DPMI provider (included), no mouse support. GPL'd, source available.

05-14-00: Notes- Latest version is 1.05 but only Unix source is available (no DOS binaries for 1.05).

Author: Sandro Serafini, Italy (1998). Zed Home Page.

download zedds103.zip (v1.03, 195K)


THE (The Hessling Editor)- xedit (VM/CMS) and kedit (DOS)-like editor with support for REXX language macros.

unrated [added 07-22-99 updated 01-18-00]

"THE was originally written to be used by people already familiar with the above [xedit, kedit] editors. For this reason, there is limited information on using THE. Greater emphasis is placed on reference materials, such as command syntax and configuration." Run the command THE -p DEMO.THE to see a demo of the editor's capabilities. Multi-platform support (various Unix's, QNX, OS/2, DOS, Win95/NT, HP-UX). Author: M. Hessling, Australia (2000). Distributed under GPL, source available. Home Page.

01-18-00: latest release is v3.0 (01-00)

download the30djg.zip (390K, DJGPP, 386+ PC)
download thedoc27.zip (625K, Postscript and HTML docs)

Other DOS packages available:
download the30vcp.zip (420K, DOS VCP version)
download thedos24.zip (228K, real mode-only version)


SEDT- Multi-platform text editor (emulates VAX EDT).

unrated [added 07-24-00]

A professional text editor (developed c. 1985-94) which behaves identically on all supported platforms. SEDT has a rich feature set (see SEDTMAN.REF), and should run on old and new PC's alike. Developed primarily for users familiar with the DEC EDT editor.

"SEDT is completely programmable and comes with two key mapping schemes: one that emulates the Digital EDT editor's keypad mode, and another that gives full editor functionality from the typewriter keyboard, without keypad or function keys. Among the many features, block mode cut and paste and the ability to record keystroke macros and program keys on the fly have proven the most popular....SEDT is also extremely fast." DOS version loads large files, regular expression search /replace.

Notes: Minimum PC hardware requirements: PC/XT 8088 (??). Rare: Can edit large files (up to 10MB) in real mode -no extended memory needed (appears to use EMS when available, and/or disk as virtual memory). Loading and working with big (2MB) files was at times very slow on 386/20 (tested without using EMS). Two executables are included with the DOS package (SEDT.EXE and TSEDIT.EXE). TSEDT has a Borland Turbo Vision interface. Formerly shareware: "There is no longer a license fee for SEDT and no future versions are planned. You are free to copy SEDT, use it, and port it to any platform." The docs haven't been modified to reflect freeware status.

SEDT is available for the folllowing platforms: MS-DOS, Win 3.1, VAX VMS, VAX Ultrix, MIPS Ultrix, Alpha UNIX, Alpha VMS, HP UX, LINUX, SGI. DOS and Unix sources available. See home page for links to binaries and source kits.

Author: Anker Berg-Sonne (1994). Home Page.

download seddos.exe (602K)


AE- Assembly language editor.

unrated [added 11-30-99 updated 04-08-00]

A small (14K) TED-like editor specially adapted to writing/ formatting assembly code. Many automated formatting and markup functions. Word-Star key bindings. Max editable file size 64K. Requires 286+ PC. Author: Mark D. Pickerill (2000).

download ae28.zip (39K)


DOS TEXT EDITORS: RELATED PROGRAMS


VBX- Full-screen, character mode box drawing program.

unrated [added 06-11-99 updated 08-07-00]

"Manfred's little box painter" is an intuitive text mode box and line drawing tool for DOS. Brief list of features:

08-07-00: New in v1.06 (08-00): The main new functionality in VBX 1.06 is the possibility to move marked objects across nonblank text. This is accomplished by a new "shadow"-concept, which preserves text underneath a marked area. The shadow is a dual plane of the size of the currently marked object. When pasting from the paste buffer, the target area is marked and any text previously in the target area will be saved in the shadow. If there is not enough blank space where you want to move a marked object, you may now insert the appropriate number of blank lines with Ctl-Ins commands - without unmarking the object - and then go on moving...Select characters from extended ASCII table is now also reachable from edit mode by the new command Alt-S.

Author: Manfred Jainz, Germany (2000), suggested by Robert Bull.

download vbx106.zip (142K)


ASCII CHARTS, SCREEN RULERS, and related

See Screen Utils page


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