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Which text editor do you use for dos programming? (Developers)

posted by Rugxulo Homepage, Usono, 28.10.2013, 17:57

> I prefer WordStar version 6, non-document mode. WordStar is sensitive to
> file extensions for setting tab stops, and inserting spaces rather than an
> Ascii Tab character. Column editing mode, two windows, cut and paste
> between them- and use something since 1980 -CP/m days-, you just get "fast"
> with it.
There is ws-mode.el in GNU Emacs, but I don't know how well it works. Of course, you're entitled to use whatever text editor you want. There are many, including those that support column editing, multiple windows, cut and paste, etc.

> Older WordStar 4 uses very little memory, and I've called it from inside my
> DOS programs using the "EXEC" function call for editing data, exiting, and
> having my code read in the changes.
Well, yes, if you're low on RAM, maybe full Emacs isn't for you. I suggest "COPY CON" instead. ;-)

> Utility programs that come with WS6 allow it to be set up for larger
> screens, more columns and more rows. Save the changed "exe" off to disk and
> use when you want to.
Not sure how well big resolutions are supported by most text editors. I currently use 80x43 for this particular desktop. Even that has to sometimes be directly invoked to work correctly (e.g. FED).

> "Vetusware" has a full version of WordStar 6 available for download, it has
> long been abandoned.
Well ... that's probably not legal in most countries (including U.S.). Heck, it might even be illegal to link to such sites in some places. Sad but true, even if long discontinued, modern copyright forbids public use.

But, as mentioned, there are so many alternatives that it almost doesn't matter. Most hackers seem to prefer VIM (easily 2:1 vs. Emacs). I personally prefer TDE, even with its weaknesses, or maybe VILE or JED or MINED. But it really depends on what you're trying to do, what cpu/OS, and what features you can't live without.

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