Text Editors for DOS [page 2 of 2]

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Most of the text editors on this page are advanced programmer's editors, but this page's intended audience is the inquisitive end-user/ home user rather than the programmer. Although these editors are tuned to programming chores their inherent flexibility also permits general and HTML text editing. "Learning curves" can be steep relative to the editor you currently use (e.g. MS-DOS EDIT, Windows Notepad), but exploring these editors' capabilities can be a very eye-opening and rewarding experience.


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 (2000), Charity-ware.

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

Find links to files at the VIM Home Page or use FTP search. Note that you'll need to download 2 files:

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.

* * * * * [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."

[Additional notes: Win32, Unix, and OS/2 ports are also available and support HTTP and FTP protocols (the DOS port does not)- thus Elvis can be used as web browser or ftp client (r/w). The DOS version does allow local hyperlink navigation in html display mode --rlg 11-05-00]

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.


JASSPA MicroEmacs

* * * * * [added 12-17-99]

Reveiwed 10-23-00 (release '99; 11-99)

JASSPA MicroEmacs is an independent, long-diverged fork of Danial Lawrence's UEMACS v3.8. In its default configuration, JASSPA won't fit well within many people's conception of EMACS (i.e., overwhelming). The latest releases demonstrate an attempt to accommodate GUI users within the console environment.

By default, JASSPA displays an interface distinguished by a text mode "gui" with pulldown menus, scroll bars, context-sensitive pop-up menus, and pop-up dialogs (e.g., directory browser, search/replace, set up, ...); some dialogs are re-sizable and some incorporate tabbed interfaces now typical of gui applications. Document scrollbar widgets exist for splitting windows both vertically and horizontally with the mouse- even the width of the vertical scrollbar can be adjusted (a welcome feature when running JASSPA in 50 line mode). Although JASSPA opens multiple documents, it does not implement overlapping, resizable windows (cf. Turbo Vision editors).

Navigating and editing within JASSPA should be relatively intuitive for a novice coming from a GUI. Text selection can be accomplished with the mouse (typical non-persistent stream marking; no column marking yet). Within text, a right button pop-up menu displays familiar buffer manipulation nomenclature like "cut, copy, paste" (rather than "kill, copy, yank"). The pop-up menu also has a cascading menu ("buffer...") where open documents and other buffers are listed and easily selected.

Of course, many of these default features can be tweaked to individual taste (or completely dispensed with) using the set-up dialogue or by editing config. files. JASSPA utilizes user profiles which can store different settings for individual users (e.g., personalized spelling dictionaries, personalized key bindings, screen colors, macro definitions, etc.).

DOS version is available only as 32-bit (DJGPP) binary. No Win9x LFN support? -use the Win32 binary. Requires a faster CPU (many basic operations slow on a 386/20).

A very brief list of other features:

Authors: Jon Naughton-Green and Steven Phillips. (1999) Home Page.

Files: Go to JASSPA home page for instructions on which files to download. DOS install requires about 3.75MB space w/ standard english dictionary. DOS exe size 365K. Remember to set MENAME ("username") and MEPATH (install dir) var.

Another JASSPA related page with good tips for Windows users: http://www.microemacs.de/meintro.htm


GNU Emacs for DOS

[updated 02-09-00].

The remarkable and remarkably complex UNIX-derived GNU Emacs is often considered the "king of editors" because it is completely extensible (e.g., capable of much more than editing), but it's also often considered overkill for many basic editing tasks. No pre-386 ports of GNU Emacs exist.

Choose from DJGPP (req. 386+ PC) versions: the "lean" v19.3 (1997) or the more recent v20.5 (02-00) which is much enhanced w/ multi-language support; note that the binary distribution alone requires nearly 40MB disk space. Novices to EMACS will find the default pulldown menu initially helpful; also look at the included sample config file _emacs.xmpl (rename to _emacs). Tutorial included.

Find the DJGPP binaries, docs, and source at Simtel.Net mirrors: ftp://gatekeeper.dec.com/pub/micro/pc/simtelnet/gnu/djgpp/v2gnu/em*.zip Also see the emacs.README for a brief feature summary of latest DJGPP port.


Other free Emacs style editors:


OTHER ADVANCED TEXT EDITORS


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

* * * * * [added 04-24-99 updated 02-27-01]

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 (2001). Home Page. Sugg. by Scott Nesbitt.

02-27-01: B0.99-13 (02-01) available.

download jed09913.zip (1.1MB)


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 interesting features that all may find useful. SETEdit seems destined to attract a large user base due to it's combination of advanced functions and familiar, Borland TurboVision multi-window interface. Linux version, source also available (GPL). Author: S.E. Tropea, Argentina. (2000)

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

Get edi0441i.zip (1.1 MB) from Home Page


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:

Development has stalled since 1999; some activity is noticeable on FTE's project page.

Author: Marko Macek, Slovenia (1998). Source files are available for v4.97 but as yet (6-99) no one has compiled MS-

download fted46b5.zip(367K)


FED- Folding text editor with a friendly interface.

* * * * [added 10-21-99 updated 05-12-01]

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

Remarks: Text marking restricted to streaming mode. EXE size=255K; requires 386, DPMI provider [best with a faster CPU (486+)]. Linux port available, source but no binaries for Win32 port.

05-12-01: v2.2 (05-01):"Tab size can be set differently for each file extension in fed.syn; [Source for] Windows port"

Author: Shawn Hargreaves, UK (2001). 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.) and text formatting features.

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): Get tde51w3b.zip (325K) from Home Page.
TDE version 5.1, pre-release DOS source (11-99): Get tde51w3s.zip (396K) from Home Page.

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 in real mode (up to 10MB default with option to increase this limit) -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 due to disk thrashing (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 following platforms: MS-DOS, Win 3.1, VAX VMS, VAX Ultrix, MIPS Ultrix, Alpha UNIX, Alpha VMS, HP UX, LINUX, SGI. Development by the author has ended but 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 04-19-01]

A small (16K) 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 (2001).

04-19-01: v2.9 (04-01) available.

download ae29.zip (39K)


DOS TEXT EDITORS: RELATED PROGRAMS


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

unrated [added 06-11-99 updated 05-04-01]

"Manfred's little box painter" is an intuitive text mode box and line drawing tool for DOS. Use solo or as a natural companion to the VDE text editor. Brief list of features:

05-04-01: New in v2.00 (05-01): Many changes, including implementation of a HEX editing mode.

Author: Manfred Jainz, Germany (2001), suggested by Robert Bull.

Get vbx200.zip (161K) here: http://www.geocities.com/rlcgreen/bin/


ASCII CHARTS, SCREEN RULERS, and related

See Screen Utils page


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