SAGE@LL.ARPA (07/29/86)
Urs Zurbuchen asked for information about a public-domain text editor for
CP/M with a rather impressive list of requirements. The only public-domain
editors I know of are rather simple beasts, and the only programs that come
close to Zurbuchen's list of requirements are two commercial programs, PMATE
and VEDIT. I am familiar with PMATE, the original editor of this type.
VEDIT is quite similar. Here is how it matches up to those requirements:
1. small and fast: PMATE is a little over 20K long (exact size depends on
user configuration choices, principally the size of the permanent macro
area. PMATE is particularly fast, since it gives proper priority to
keyboard input over its own screen output.
2. support for memory-mapped video: PMATE does this very nicely (that is how
I use it).
3. multiple file editing: PMATE has a total of 11 editing buffers, all of
which can contain text from files or macro commands. Commands allow text
to be transfered in various ways between the buffers.
4. arbitrary file size: The main text buffer in PMATE supports disk buffering
of files and thus can handle files of arbitrary length (limited by disk
space). Source, destination, and temporary files can each be on a
separate drive so that the longest file that can be edited is limited to
the full capacity of a drive.
5. key-to-command binding: Here PMATE really shines. First, PMATE not only
binds individual keys but recognizes sequences of keys and assigns them to
commands. Secondly, the commands to which key sequences are bound include
not only the built-in functions that PMATE comes with but also user-
written functions, written using the interpreted macro command language
(TECO-like). These user-written macros are stored in what is called the
permanent macro area (PMA). After the PMA has been updated, PMATE's clone
function is used to save a new version of the editor.
6. macros: PMATE has an unbelievably complete macro capability. There are
user variables and system variables that tell one almost everything about
the environment (current line and column, current buffer number, the value
of the character under the cursor, the next tab stop, the amount of memory
left, the absolute memory address of the cursor, and many, many more).
Fully structured iteration is supported (if-then-else, do-until, do-while,
repeat). I cannot begin to describe all the features here. Suffice it to
say that the hooks are present to do just about anything one can imagine.
Without access to any source code, I made a version of PMATE that is
ZCPR3-compatible (supports file access using the DU: -- drive/user --
format).
7. auto-indent: PMATE supports automatic indentation for writing in languages
such as C and Pascal. The macro languages give full support and control
to auto-indentation.
8. overlays: PMATE is complete in one COM file.
9. clean screen: PMATE shows only the information you really need to know --
the names of open files, the current editing buffer, the value of a
numerical argument returned by a macro, and the cursor position (line and
column).
If anyone wants more information about PMATE, I would welcome their
inquiries, since I am probably the most active supporter around of the 8-bit
version of PMATE (there are 16-bit versions, too). A special section (with
restricted access) of my remote access system, the Newton Z-Node
(617-965-7259, pw=DDT), is devoted to PMATE support. It includes a bulletin
board with suggestions and tips on exploiting PMATE's capabilities and an
extensive collection of macros.
Jay Sage (SAGE @ LL)
gardner@kodak.UUCP (dick gardner) (07/31/86)
This doesn't qualify as a Public Domain entry, but the price is
so low, it's almost stealing.
I have used the MIX editor that you've seen advertised everywhere
for $29 with great success.
My system: in case it's important, is a Lobo Max-80. It is a 5 Mhz
Z80-based system w/128k RAM, 2 serial ports, built-in 5" and 8" floppy
drivers, as well as SASI H.D. interface, Real Time Clock, etc.
It runs Radio Shack MIII programs (under LDOS) and also runs CPM 2.2
and CPM PLUS (3.0).
I won't clutter up the net with a lot of specs (unless someone requests
specific information), but this Editor made it possible for me to use
CPM effectively. Previously, I was not able to do very much in the way
of programming, lacking a decent editor.
Quickie, condensed specs: all of the commands are based on those that
Micropro's Wordstar uses. They are just about exactly the same. If you
don't like that, you can change all the key bindings. This thing does
windows, multiple files, long files, split screens, etc. You can set
up initialization files so that different versions are available.
It has a very nice Macro command facility.
Quite a bargain for $29 bucks!
Usual disclaimer: I have no vested interest in this company, am just
a satisfied user.
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Dick Gardner
Eastman Kodak Co.
Rochester, New York 14650
(716) 477-1002
UUCP: rochester!kodak!gardner
To err is human -- to really screw it up
you need a computer!
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amen@quequeg.UUCP (Bob Amen) (08/02/86)
In article <513@kodak.UUCP>, gardner@kodak.UUCP (dick gardner) writes: > This doesn't qualify as a Public Domain entry, but the price is > so low, it's almost stealing. > > I have used the MIX editor that you've seen advertised everywhere > for $29 with great success. > What sounds like an even greater deal is their current package price for both the editor and their C compiler...does anybody know whether their compiler is any good??? They claim its a complete C...how about code size and compile times. If anybody has any experience with their compiler I, for one, would like to heare about it. I'm currently looking for a decent C for my Z80 CP/M system that's not too costly. $55 sounds pretty good. Bob Amen UUCP: seismo!umcp-cs!aplcen!quequeg!amen USPS: Chesapeake Bay Institute 4800 Atwell Rd Shady Side, MD 20764-0037 Voice: (301)867-7550 (301)269-5373 (Balt.)
gardner@kodak.UUCP (dick gardner) (08/04/86)
Keywords:MIX C compiler, speed, size
I am not an expert on C compilers, but I did buy and use the MIX C and
found it to be adequate for the programs that I write. (Occasional)
The main concern about MIX C is that it compiles into psuedo-code, and
requires a run-time support package, which translates to a rather large
code size. The run-time package can exist separately or be included in
the program.
Included in the package are utilities to optimize for size and/or speed.
MIX C programs run noticeably slower than those that create assembler
source, naturally. A simple test of a software timing loop resulted in
code 1/4 the speed of Aztec C, for example. Keep in mind that the
cost is about 1/3.
It is a full-blown implementation of C, with some nice enhancements.
The tutorial/manual is excellent, with sensible examples, and clear
explanations.
All in all, the package is certainly worth $59.
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Dick Gardner
Eastman Kodak Co.
Rochester, New York 14650
(716) 477-1002
UUCP: rochester!kodak!gardner
To err is human -- to really screw it up
you need a computer!
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