[comp.editors] generic question for VI users

phil@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (Phil Howard KA9WGN) (02/21/91)

I am not a vi user and don't know how much vi users get into or depend on
the vi screen display mechanism.  This is what I want to know about.

During insert mode, what you see on the screen is not always an exact
representation of what is in the current buffer.  Pressing ESC (as I
understand this) will then make the display be as the buffer is (for
viewed portion.

One example of when the difference occurs is when the cursur is
positioned in the middle of text, you enter insert mode, type
several characters, then backspace over some of them.  They are
deleted from the buffer but not from the display.  ESC will then
update the display.

I am looking at integrating an editor into a coming project and want
to include keybindings to support several different editor bindings
(vi, emacs, xedit) but I don't feel it is worthwhile to have the display
show anything other than what is in the buffer at all times.

What I would like to know is if it would feel awkward to vi users for
the display to ALWAYS should the exact contents of the buffer through
all modes of operation.
-- 

--Phil Howard, KA9WGN-- | Individual CHOICE is fundamental to a free society
<phil@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu> | no matter what the particular issue is all about.