mrwittma@phoenix.Princeton.EDU (Martin R. Wittmann) (04/26/89)
I don't know emacs, but I've been "inside" it and have browsed around in "Info"-mode on our VAX. "Info" seems like it could be a convenient context in which I could store both database-type data (names & addresses, etc.) and, more importantly to me, notes, text linked by ideas with easily followable cross-references, and various thoughts. In fact, it could be turned into a program development environment, with a different function on each "page", linked appropriately.... but I trust I'm not the first to gain this great insight. Consequently, I am considering getting & learning freemacs or micro emacs if they too can read and easily manipulate Info files (Is Info a standard part of emacs?). Of importance to me are: * speed (editing, searching, modifying files up to around 100kB) * ease of use (creating & maintaining links) * ease of switching between info and editing modes * flexibility -- e.g. allowing me to rearrange "pages" or text sections without having to re-cross-reference or link. * extensibility (once I learn emacs!) My PC rates a mere 1.8 on the Norton SI scale, so speed *may* be a problem. **More Questions: Can Info links jump to other files? If Info will not do this, are there other emacs utilities that would meet these goals? Any comments on the use of Info or other tools for these purposes will be greatly appreciated. This seems like such a universal and useful purpose for these machines, I hope we (generally: mankind; specifically: programmers, the computer pioneers) have created some excellent solutions! Also under consideration are tools MaxThink, Houdini, and AskSam. Any comments on the comparative advantages & disadvantages of these will be appreciated. Thanks for your help, martin wittmann (mrwittma@phoenix.princeton.edu)
nelson@sun.soe.clarkson.edu (Russ Nelson) (04/26/89)
Freemacs does indeed have an info mode. The code for info mode is in the file info.arc, stored separately from emacs15d.arc, the main Freemacs distribution file. info.uu (uuencoded arc) is available via the archive server at sun.soe.clarkson.edu. Freemacs distribution information was posted about two weeks ago -- if you missed it, send me mail. -russ -- --russ (nelson@clutx [.bitnet | .clarkson.edu]) Tobacco subsidies are Socialism for the rich.