| Title: | AMIGA NOTES |
| Notice: | Join us in the *NEW* conference - HYDRA::AMIGA_V2 |
| Moderator: | HYDRA::MOORE |
| Created: | Sat Apr 26 1986 |
| Last Modified: | Wed Feb 05 1992 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 5378 |
| Total number of notes: | 38326 |
Now residing in NORSE""::AMIGA:[UPLOAD] is a nice fast, small editor
(approx. 81 blocks) with full mouse support found on a local BBS. Registered
users will be able to take advantage of Arexx support. The following is a
compilation of the QED_INTRO and QED_PLANS docs included in the ZOO archive
(in Stream_LF).
QED
AMIGA TEXT EDITOR
REV 1.0
Copyright 1989 by Darren M. Greenwald
All rights reserved
QED HIGHLIGHTS:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
QED is a very fast, full featured text editor for the Amiga written in
Manx C, and 68000 assembly language. QED offers a variety of options which
allow you to customize how each text editing window behaves. For example,
QED has a free-form text editing mode which allows you to place the cursor
anywhere on a line, and spaces are automatically inserted as needed. Or if
you prefer, QED can behave like a sequential file editor limiting cursor
positioning to the end of a line.
QED allows you to open multiple text editing windows with unique
characteristics. There is no built-in limit on the number of windows which
can be opened other then memory limitations, and there is no significant
performance penalty for opening multiple text editing windows other then
what is normal for the operating system when managing multiple windows.
Because of this multi-windowing capability, QED is much more efficient
then text editors which can only handle one file at a time, and require you
to run multiple copies of the text editor to edit multiple files. Each new
QED window requires roughly 3K of memory; 1K of which is allocated for an
initial text editing buffer. This figure does not include any additional
CHIP ram required by the operating system to preserve clipped portions of
windows.
QED dynamically allocates, and deallocates memory as needed. As you
enter text, QED will automatically attempt to allocate more memory if
needed. Even the file requester dynamically allocates, and deallocates
memory when reading directories.
QED will work with non-proportional system fonts of any size with the
understanding that fonts wider then Topaz 9, and/or taller then Topaz 11
may be too large for use on a 640x200 Workbench screen. This is because
QED adjusts the size of the pull-down menus, and requesters to use your
system font.
Text rendering is extremely fast due to my built-in blitter based
FastText rendering routine (copyright 1988-1989 by Darren M. Greenwald).
This routine speeds up rendering of non-proportional fonts of any height,
and from 4-16 pixels wide. At the time of this writing, this is the only
routine that I am aware of which can make this claim. All other existing
fast text rendering routines for the Amiga only speed up rendering of 8x8
pixel non-proportional fonts.
QED allows you to open windows to the full size of your Workbench
screen (e.g., larger screens using the MOREROWS utility), and decodes the
alpha-numeric keys using your system's keymap (dead keys too).
QED allows you to open, or insert very large files if needed, though
in actual use it is recommended you work with files of a "reasonable" size.
There is no built-in limits on file size, line length, or number of lines
per file other then what will fit into memory, however you should be aware
that performance may be degraded if working with extremes.
In most cases QED is extremely fast, however some time critical loops
were written to take advantage of the 68010's 3 word instruction cache, so
68010 users should experience even faster performance.
For example, QED has extremely fast search, and replace capabilities.
QED can search tens of thousands of characters per second, and replace
approximately one thousand strings per second. By comparison, many other
text editors for the Amiga require many minutes to replace one thousand
strings. Search speed is not affected by non-case sensitive searches
(which is a bit more complex then case-sensitive search mode).
Memory is also used in an efficient manner. Text is kept in memory in
sequential format; lines of text are not padded with unused space, and
memory is allocated in even 8K multiples to minimize memory fragmentation.
QED uses a complete Intuition interface including pull-down menus,
cursor positioning/scrolling via the mouse, input and message requesters,
and a file requester. Most of the pull-down menu selections, and
requesters also allow you to use a keyboard alternative.
Registered users will receive complete documentation describing the
alternative command line mode. The command line mode allows you to enter
advanced commands not possible using the pull-down menus, and is essential
if you want to customize QED, and write Arexx macros.
Many operations can be limited to a marked block such as SAVE AS,
PRINT, FORMAT, ERASE, and REPLACE. QED allows you to mark entire lines of
text, or if you prefer, from/to any row/column position. Mark mode is
completely transparent, and does not prevent you from editing text, or
accessing the pull-down menus.
A number of formatting tools are provided including simple word-wrap;
adustable right margins (unique for each window); adjustable tab size
(unique for each window); an extremely fast formatter which can format a
paragraph or marked block of text; auto-indent; and a tool to indent a line
or a range of lines to the next left/right tab position.
A number of editing tools are available including block mark, cut,
copy, and insert; line delete, delete to end of line, delete word, and
undelete; split line at cursor position, join lines, and insert a new line
with auto-indent; over-strike or insert mode.
A number of cursor positioning tools are available including up/down a
window page; next/previous word; end/beginning of line; end/beginning of
file; go to a line; mark and go to a spot.
And much more.... Please take the time to read through the user's
documentation as there are many features that you may miss if you don't
read this documentation.
QED may be freely distributed. It may not be distributed in any
commercial product, shareware product, or commercial publication without
permission. It is permissible to release QED as part of a public domain
collection, or on a telecommunication service as long as no "special
charge" is made for this program; "special charge" does not include
"reasonable" charges for replication of the media, or standard charges for
use of the system.
The intent of the above should be clear - I did the work, and while
you are allowed to freely distribute the program, you may not profit from
it.
If you are interested in releasing QED as part of commercial, or
shareware venture, I can be contacted at the address below. Many programs
could benefit from an integrated text editor, so it may also be possible to
arrange a customized version of QED tailored to interact easily with your
product.
Any archived files which the author distributes MUST be left intact.
If you do distribute this program, I insist that you distribute all the
files including any notices.
DISCLAIMER:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
In no way can the author be held responsible for any damages, loss of
anticipated profits, or any other perceived loss related to using this
program. The user assumes the entire risk, and responsibility when using
this program.
ABOUT SHAREWARE:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
QED is SHAREWARE. The registration fee is $20, and should be sent to:
Darren M. Greenwald
2511 W. Sunflower Av. #D-16
Santa Ana, CA 92704
Please include your name, address, and if you would like, a GEnie
E-MAIL address where you can be reached. The registration fee may be
increased in the future.
I can also be contacted on GEnie, E-MAIL address "DMG". You are also
invited to stop by the Amiga Programmer's RoundTable (PRO-AM) page 670.
I would like to think that $20 is a very reasonable fee for software of
this caliber. The SHAREWARE method of distribution is less expensive then
standard commercial distribution, and allows me to distribute updates
quickly, and inexpensively.
Registered owners will also receive:
1.) Documentation describing the built in command line language, and
advanced features which are only accessable via the command line
language (e.g. insert multiple lines).
2.) Documentation explaining how to write Arexx macros for use with QED.
3.) Documentation explaining how to configure QED via an Arexx
start-up macro.
4.) Documentation explaining how to create macros which are
automatically executed when a file is opened (based on the file
name's extension).
5.) Documentation explaining how to configure the keyboard, and
function keys to execute QED commands, DOS commands, and/or Arexx
macros.
6.) A disk containing the latest release of QED, and a number of
example macros.
These capabilities allow you to extend QED's features, and create a
customized working environment. If you don't already have Arexx, I highly
recommend you purchase it. Arexx is a copyrighted program by William S.
Hawes.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to send free software updates to
registered users due to the cost of mailing, however, software updates will
be made available to registered users for a nominal fee to cover mailing
and material costs.
QED UPDATES:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Obviously it will be necessary to fix any bugs, finish any features
not yet completed, and polish up those features which are functional. Yet
no matter how much work I do, chances are there will be some of you who
would like additional features, and options.
!!! I do want to hear from you, but I also want to stress the following !!!
My philosophy on software is that a "good" piece of software does what
it is meant to do in a quick, and efficient manner. This is
particularly true in the case of the Amiga in which programs do NOT have
to duplicate efforts. For example, there is little point in adding DOS
support features to any program when the CLI, and/or Workbench
environment are available, and if you dont like those, you can run your
favorite directory utility as a separate task.
Some programs are built around the "bigger is better" philosophy, and in
the process of trying to do everything possible, such programs become so
large, and clumsy that they end up being useless except as a demo
program to awe your friends.
The Amiga is "capable" of displaying IFF ILBM pictures, and
multiple fonts in a variety of styles. Of course the Amiga is also
capable of displaying dual-playfield graphics, HAM mode graphics,
digitized sound effects, etc., none of which has any place in a text
editor!
And while it would be possible to embelish QED with a variety of real
cute gadgets, and amazing sound effects, the thrill would quickly wear
off. Then you could cherish the joy of watching your system ram being
eaten, your disk space clobbered, and best of all the thrill of waiting
forever while the program is loaded.
If you make a request for a feature, be prepared to explain WHY you
need it. There is no point in my wasting time on a feature that you
don't really need, and have no idea on how you plan to use it.
Please don't request features because "some other program does it".
Once again, if you don't need the feature, don't ask. I want QED to
remain as small, fast, and as functional as possible.
Requests for emulations of other text editors will most likely be denied.
If you already have an editor which behaves in a certain manner, and
you like it, there is NO point in my writing additional code to emulate
another program which you already have.
Chances are I will be more willing to listen to you if you have paid
the registration fee.
QED
AMIGA TEXT EDITOR
REV 1.0
Copyright 1989 by Darren M. Greenwald
All rights reserved
Things to be done as of 4/17/89
-------------------------------
Rev Beta 0.10
The Print command is still not functional. Ideally this will be done as a
background task. Also a print marked block option will be implied if mark
mode is on, similar to the SAVE AS menu selection.
Installation of a public Arexx message port needs to be added.
Ability to specify any ASCII text file to be sent preceeding any block
sends to Brian Jackson's ACK terminal program. This capability would allow
you to create a command file which the NET/BBS would expect/recognize
(e.g., the GEnie unprompted upload command).
Window sizing, and text insert commands need to be added to the command
line language.
A INFO command needs to be added to the command language allowing you to
return info to Arexx such as the current line number, character under
cursor, column position, file name, path name, etc.
Add a save always keyword option to the command line language so files
would be saved even if no changes have been made.
I may be adding Workbench support in the future - create icon files,
and read WB arguments.
Add a method for determining what combination of CR's, and LF's will be
treated as end of line characters when a file is opened, or saved.
Currently only LF's are recognized as end of lines, and saved.
| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2581.1 | QED: bad memory routines? | MSBIS1::LANDINGHAM | Guy M.,BXB1-1/F11,293-5297 | Thu Oct 19 1989 11:23 | 11 |
I gave QED a try last night, using multiple windows to edit
different modules of a project. After a while, the C
compiler (Lattice) wouldn't load due to "insufficient free
store". This was with 3 windows open each with containing a
relatively small (< 3K) source file. Avail showed the
largest block of memory (fast) available was about 125K. I
rebooted and tried avail again...this time over 800K (1 Meg
A1000). So it looks like QED was not only fragmenting memory
but not returning it on exit.
Anyone else use QED?
| |||||
| 2581.2 | STAR::ROBINSON | Thu Oct 19 1989 13:20 | 8 | ||
>Anyone else use QED? I have been using QED without any problems, but have not really beat on it. I'll be on the lookout for memory problems. Thanks for the warning. I guess I'll also be keepin the my eyes open for another PD/shareware small/fast editor... Dave | |||||
| 2581.3 | QED105.LZH on TAPE | TOOK::DROBINSON | Mon Jul 08 1991 15:25 | 165 | |
This is the intro file from the QED version 1.05 archive. Even
though this header says version 1.0, I think the file has been
updated. The newest version (that I have seen) of QED is 1.05,
uploaded to TAPE::AMIGA:[UPLOAD]QED105.LZH.
Synopsis: Fast, small, menus or commands, simple to setup, flexible,
can be made resident (fully reentrant), good replacement for ED on a
floppy-based system. For this, you may consider the older, smaller
versions to be better.
This version is considered a "crippled" version to entice you
to pay $30 shareware for a full featured version. Older
versions and this so-called crippled version have worked very
nicely for me. Read the other docs in the archive to get the
story on shareware version features.
Dave
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QED
Version 1.0
Preliminary Docs
5/8/90
Copyright 1988-1990 by Darren M. Greenwald
All rights reserved
======================================================================
INTRODUCTION TO QED
======================================================================
QED is a fast, and easy-to-use text-editor suitable for a variety of
text editing purposes. Unlike other programs of this type, QED is not
meant strictly for programmers. QED also offers a variety of text
formatting tools, and can be configured to behave in a variety of ways.
The beginner can start using QED immediately, however underneath the easy
to use interface lies a powerful command mode language, ARexx interfacing,
macro capabilities, keyboard definitions, and much more.
QED is not a word-processor. You use a word-processor when you are
concerned with the printed result, but you use a text editor when the
contents of the file is whats important. QED never inserts any mysterious
control codes in a file unless you put them there! And files created
within QED can be used by any program which can read ASCII files. This
includes compilers, telecommunication services, ARexx, the CLI batch file
mechanism, etc.
Word-processors are typically paragraph oriented, while text editors
are typically line oriented. Word-processors terminate each paragraph with
an end-of-paragraph marker, while text editors terminate each line of text
with an end-of-line marker.
HIGHLIGHTS OF SPECIAL FEATURES
o Easy to use
o An Amiga oriented program in every sense
o 68000, 68010, 68020, and 68030 compatable
o Compatable with Amiga O.S. 1.3, or 2.0
o Fast response, and efficient memory utilization
o Full Intuition interface. Mouse, and keyboard supported
o Option to use the ARP file requester
o Unlimited multiple text editing windows
o Edit files of virtually any size, number of lines, or line length
o Binary files may be opened, edited, and saved
o Fast reading, and writing of files
o Automatic memory management, and reallocation as text is inserted
o Automatically adjusts everything to use your system font
o Non-proportional system fonts of virtually any size may be used
o Automatically adjusts to your system's Workbench screen size
o Keyboard decoding using your system's keymap
o Dead-keys are supported
o Full CLI, and Workbench support
o Multiple files can be automatically opened from the CLI, or Workbench
o Can be made resident, and is fully reentrant
o Many powerful text editing tools
o Full support for the Amiga IFF clipboard.device
o Block, and Column cut, copy, insert, and save
o Many text formatting tools
o Fast search, and replace forward, backwards, prompted, global, etc.
o Fast global search, and replace in block, or in column
o Character case toggle (single, in block, or in column)
o Bracket, brace, and parenthesis match search for C programmers
o Unique settings for text editing windows
o Optional simple word-wrap
o Insert, or overstrike modes
o Left, and right margin settings
o Variable size soft, or hard tabs
o Tab insert, or move cursor to tab stop
o Margin locking to simplify text entry within margins
o End-of-line limited, or free-form cursor movement
o Optional Auto-Indent
o Variable pen, paper, and border colors
o Variable horizontal scrolling rate
o Option to detab output to files, or printer
o Option to create backup files
o Option to create icons when saving files
o Option to save files in append mode
o Full ARexx support
o Nameable ARexx ports
o Powerful command mode with full line editing, and history
o Over 100 powerful commands with many options
o Can be run as a hidden background process
o Send a variety of information back to ARexx
o Fully documented error codes
o QED's own macro mechanism
o Macro recorder
o User callable custom requesters
o Assign any command(s), or macro to any of over 350 keypress combinations
o Quick user defineable function keys menu
o Assign any command(s), or macro to single, or double mouse clicks
o Multiple commands per line
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
Writing a manual is always one of the most difficult aspects of
putting together a piece of software. The problem is trying to document
features in such a way that the information is clear to the less
experienced user, yet useful to the professional, and technical person.
Writing the documentation for QED has been a particularly difficult
task. At first glance it appears to be a relatively simple text editor,
which is intentional.
Then upon closer inspection you will notice that many of the menu
items are context sensitive. For example, "Save As..." under the "Project"
menu can be used to save a file, save a marked block of text, or save a
marked column of text. It turns out that many of the features in the menu
items can be limited to a marked block of text, and in some cases, to a
marked column.
It is doubtful that all of the features available from the pull-down
menus could have fit if separate items were listed for all the possible
combinations. So instead of cluttering the menus with hundreds of items,
and keyboard combinations, I felt a cleaner appearance was preferrable,
and easier for you to learn.
If we look a little closer, it turns out that QED is not a menu
driven program at all, but a command driven program with a powerful command
set, and macro capabilities.
The bottom line is that while the program has been designed to be easy
to use, there is much more to the program then is apparent from the
pull-down menus. As a consequence, some of the information in this manual
is meant for the technical user, and cannot realistically be simplified
into terminology which can be understood by the new user.
It is strongly recommended that you read through most of the manual
before making use of the program. This manual assumes you are familiar
with using the Amiga, and Amiga terminology. If not, you should at least
read the user's manual which was shipped with your computer system.
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