how@milhow1.UU.NET (Mike Howard) (05/18/89)
I would like a mode to edit/create/display fields of records where the records are new-line separated text containing tab-character separated fields. Something like the `/rdb' format: - each record is a regular line of text terminated by \n - each record contains ths same number of fields - fields are separated by \t - the fields in the first line are the field names - the second line is ersatz and contains fields filled with -'s the same length as the field names. - record 1 is line 3, record 2 is line 4, etc. It would be useful to: - load in a file and have the field names picked off the first line automatically - split the screen vertically with the field names on the left and the data on the right - one field per row. - character editing restricted to fields. ^N, ^P move between fields. ^V, M-V move between records. Any suggestions as to how to implement something like this? -- Mike Howard uunet!milhow1!how
jv@mh.nl (Johan Vromans) (05/19/89)
[I follow-up instead of mailing, for I think this maybe interesting
for others too.]
In article <265@milhow1.UU.NET> how@milhow1.UU.NET (Mike Howard) writes:
I would like a mode to edit/create/display fields of records where
the records are new-line separated text containing tab-character
separated fields. Something like the `/rdb' format:
- each record is a regular line of text terminated by \n
- each record contains ths same number of fields
- fields are separated by \t
/etc/etc/etc.
I'm currently finishing a major mode which I have called "forms mode".
It lets you view or edit files which have a record/field structure as
specified above, but transforms the records into a user-defined format
(form) on the screen. These forms can be browsed, or edited using the usual
commands. Upon completion of editing a form, it is analyzed, a new
record is constructed and placed in the file. It may be useful as an
alternative to rolodex-mode, or other record/field oriented file
browsers.
It could be useful as a start for what you want, Mike.
If anyone wants to give it a try, let me know and I'll sent a copy. I
think it's too early to post it, because it needs some additional
testing.
Johan
--
Johan Vromans jv@mh.nl via european backbone (mcvax)
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