nano.texi

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@c %**start of header
@setfilename nano.info
@settitle nano Command Manual
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@c This file has the new style title page commands.
@c Run `makeinfo' rather than `texinfo-format-buffer'.
@smallbook
@set EDITION 0.1
@set VERSION 1.1.9
@set UPDATED 14 Jul 2002

@dircategory Editors
@direntry
* nano: (nano).                 Small and friendly text editor.
@end direntry

@c tex
@c \overfullrule=0pt
@c end tex

@titlepage
@title GNU @code{nano}
@subtitle a small and friendly text editor.
@subtitle version 1.1.9

@author Chris Allegretta
@page

This manual documents GNU @code{nano}, a small and friendly text
editor.

This manual is part of the GNU @code{nano} distribution.@*
@sp4
Copyright (C) 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Chris Allegretta.

Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of this
manual provided the copyright notice and this permission notice are
preserved on all copies.

@iftex
Permission is granted to process this file through TeX and print the
results, provided the printed document carries copying permission notice
identical to this one except for the removal of this paragraph (this
paragraph not being relevant to the printed manual).
@end iftex

Permission is granted to copy and distribute modified versions of this
manual under the conditions for verbatim copying, provided that the
entire resulting derived work is distributed under the terms of a
permission notice identical to this one.

Permission is granted to copy and distribute translations of this manual
into another language, under the above conditions for modified versions,
except that this permission notice may be stated in a translation
approved by the Foundation.

You may contact the author by:
e-mail: @email{chrisa@@asty.org}@*
@end titlepage

@node Top, Introduction, (dir), (dir)

This manual documents GNU @code{nano}, a small and friendly text
editor.

@menu
* Introduction::
* Editor Basics::
* Online Help::
* Feature Toggles::
* The File Browser::
* Pico Compatibility::
* Building and Configure Options::
@end menu

@node Introduction, Editor Basics, Top, Top
@chapter Introduction

GNU @code{nano} is a small and friendly text editor.  Besides basic text
editing, @code{nano} offers many extra features like an interactive
search and replace, goto line number, auto-indentation, feature toggles,
internationalization support, and filename tab completion.

@menu
* Overview::
* Command Line Options::
@end menu

@node Overview, Command Line Options, Introduction, Introduction
@section Overview

@code{nano} [GNU long option] [option] +LINE [ @var{ file ...} ]

The original goal for @code{nano} was a complete bug-for-bug compatible
emulation of Pico, but consistency is now a slightly higher priority. 
There is a flag to implement (nearly) complete Pico emulation, (option -p
or GNU long option --pico).  This can also be toggled from within
@code{nano} by typing Meta-P.  @xref{Pico Compatibility}, for more
info.

Email bug reports to @email{nano@@nano-editor.org}. 

@node Command Line Options, , Overview, Introduction
@section Command Line Options

@code{nano} takes the following options from the command line:

@table @code

@item -B, --backup
When saving a file, back up the previous version of it to the current
filename suffixed with a ~.

@item -D, --dos
Write file in DOS format.

@item -F, --multibuffer
Enable multiple file buffers, if available.

@item -I, --ignorercfiles
Don't look at /etc/nanorc or ~/.nanorc, if nanorc support is available.

@item -K, --keypad
Do not use the ncurses keypad() call unless necessary.  Try this flag if
you find that the arrow keys on the numeric keypad do not work for you
under @code{nano}.

@item -M, --mac
Write file in Mac format.

@item -N, --noconvert
Do not convert files from DOS/Mac format.

@item -Q [str], --quotestr [str]
Set the quoting string for justifying.  The default is "> ".

@item -R, --regexp
Turns on regular expression search and search/replace.

@item -S, --smooth
Enables smooth scrolling.

@item -T [num], --tabsize=[num]
Set the displayed tab length to [num] columns.

@item -V, --version 
Print the version number and copyright and quit.

@item -Y, --syntax=[str]
Specify a specific syntax highlighting from the .nanorc to use, if
available.

@item -c, --const
Constantly display the cursor position and line number on the statusbar.

@item -h, --help
Print the usage and exit.

@item -i, --autoindent
Automatically indent new lines to the same number of spaces and tabs as
the previous line.

@item -k, --cut
Makes ^K cut from the current cursor position to the end of the current
line.

@item -l, --nofollow
When writing files, if the given file is a symbolic link it is removed
and a new file is created.

@item -m, --mouse
Enables the use of the mouse to select text (currently only useful for
running under the X window system).

@item -o [dir], --operatingdir=[dir]
Set operating directory. Makes @code{nano} set up something similar to a
chroot.

@item -p, --pico
Emulate Pico as closely as possible, sacrificing consistency for correct
emulation.  @xref{Pico Compatibility}, for more info.

@item -r [#cols], --fill=[#cols].
Wrap lines at column #cols.  By default this is the width of the screen,
less eight. If this value is negative, wrapping will occur at #cols from
the right of the screen, allowing it to vary along with the screen width
if the screen is resized.

@item -s [prog], --speller=[prog]
Invoke [prog] as the spell checker.  By default, @code{nano} uses its
own interactive spell checker that requires the @code{spell} program be
installed on your system.

@item -t, --tempfile
Do not ask whether or not to save the current contents of the file when
exiting, assume yes.  This is most useful when using @code{nano} as the
composer of a mailer program.

@anchor{Expert Mode}
@item -x, --nohelp
In Expert Mode, the Shortcut Lists will not appear at the bottom of the 
screen.  This affects the location of the statusbar as well, as in Expert
Mode it is located at the very bottom of the editor.

Note: When accessing the help system, Expert Mode is temporarily disabled
to display the help system navigation keys.

@item -v, --view
Do not allow the contents of the file to be altered.  Note that this
flag should NOT be used in place of correct file permissions to implement
a read-only file.

@item -w, --nowrap
Do not wrap long lines at any length. This option overrides any value for
-r.

@item -z, --suspend
Enable suspend ability of @code{nano} using the system's suspend
keystroke (usually ^Z).

@item -a, -b, -e, -f, -g, -j
Ignored, for compatibility with Pico.

@item +LINE
Start at line number LINE instead of the default of line 1.
@end table

@node Editor Basics, Online Help, Introduction, Top
@chapter Editor Basics
@menu
* Entering Text::
* Special Functions::
* The Titlebar::
* The Statusbar::
* Shortcut Lists::
@end menu

@node Entering Text, Special Functions, Editor Basics, Editor Basics
@section Entering Text

All key sequences in @code{nano} are entered using the keyboard.
@code{nano} is a "modeless" editor, all keys with the exception of
Control and Meta key sequences will enter text into the file being
edited.  

@node Special Functions, The Titlebar, Entering Text, Editor Basics
@section Special Functions

Special functions use the Control key (displayed in the help and
shortcut lists as ^) or the Meta key (displayed as M).
     
@itemize @bullet
     
@item
Control key sequences are entered by holding down the Control key and
pressing the desired letter.  
@item
Meta key sequences can be entered in a number of
possible ways: Pressing the Escape key, then releasing it and pressing
the desired key, or holding down the Alt key while pressing the desired 
key.  This varies from keyboard to keyboard, and certain commercial
operating systems "swallow" the Alt key so that it never reaches the
application. If your operating system does this, you should use the
Escape key to generate Meta key sequences.
@end itemize

@node The Titlebar, The Statusbar, Special Functions, Editor Basics
@section The Titlebar

The titlebar is the line displayed at the top of the editor.  There are
three sections: left, center and right. The section on the left displays
the version of @code{nano} being used.  The center section displays the
current file name, or "New Buffer" if the file has not yet been named.
The section on the right will display "Modified" if the file has been
modified since it was last saved or opened.

Special modes: When @code{nano} is in "File browser" mode, the center
section will display the current directory instead of the filename.
@xref{The File Browser}.

@node The Statusbar, Shortcut Lists, The Titlebar, Editor Basics
@section The Statusbar

The statusbar is located three lines from the bottom of the screen (or
the bottom line in Expert Mode.  @xref{Expert Mode}, for more info.

The Statusbar shows important and informational messages.  Any error
messages that occur from using the editor will appear on the statusbar.
Any questions that are asked of the user will be asked on the statusbar,
and any user input (search strings, file names, etc) will be input on
the statusbar.

@node Shortcut Lists, , The Statusbar, Editor Basics
@section Shortcut Lists

The Shortcut Lists are the two lines at the bottom of the screen which
show some of the more commonly used functions in the editor. The exact
functions which are displayed depend on whether Pico Compatibility Mode
mode is enabled. @xref{Pico Compatibility}, for more info.

@node Online Help, Feature Toggles, Editor Basics, Top
@chapter Online Help

The online help system in @code{nano} is available by pressing ^G.
It is fairly self explanatory, documenting the various parts of the 
editor and available keystrokes.  Navigation is via the ^Y (Page Up)
and ^V (Page Down) keys.  ^X exits the help system.


@node Feature Toggles, The File Browser, Online Help, Top
@chapter Feature Toggles

Toggles allow you to change certain aspects of the editor that
would normally be done via command line flags. They are invoked via
certain Meta key sequenced. @xref{Special Functions}, for more info.
The following global toggles are available:

@table @code

@item Backup File Toggle (Meta-B)
toggles the -B (--backup) command line flag.

@item DOS Format Toggle (Meta-D)
toggles the -D (--dos) command line flag.

@item Multiple Files Toggle (Meta-F)
toggles the  -F (--multibuffer) command line flag.

@item AutoIndent Toggle (Meta-I)
toggles the -i (--autoindent) command line flag.

@item Cut To End Toggle (Meta-K)
toggles the -k (--cut) command line flag.

@item Mouse Toggle (Meta-M)
toggles the -m (--mouse) command line flag.

@item Mac Format Toggle (Meta-O)
toggles the -M (--mac) command line flag.

@item Pico Mode Toggle (Meta-P)
toggles the -p (--pico) command line flag.
@xref{Pico Compatibility}, for more info.

@item Smooth Scrolling Toggle (Meta-S)
toggles the -s (--smooth) command line flag.

@item AutoWrap Toggle (Meta-W)
toggles the -w (--nowrap) command line flag.

@item Expert/Nohelp Toggle (Meta-X)
toggles the -x (--nohelp) command line flag.

@item Suspend Toggle (Meta-Z)
toggles the -z (--suspend) command line flag.

@item Open Previous File Toggle (Meta-<)
changes buffer to previously loaded file.

@item Open Next File Toggle (Meta->)
changes buffer to next loaded file.


@end table

@node The File Browser, Pico Compatibility, Feature Toggles, Top
@chapter The File Browser

When reading or writing files, pressing ^T will invoke the file browser.
Here, one can navigate directories in a graphical manner in order to
find the desired file.

Basic movement in the file browser is accomplished with he arrow keys
and page up/down.  The behavior of the enter (or 's') key varies by what
is currently selected.  If the currently selected object is a directory,
the file browser will enter and display the contents of the directory. 
If the object is a file, this filename and path are copied to the
statusbar and the file browser is exited.

@node Pico Compatibility, Building and Configure Options, The File Browser, Top
@chapter Pico Compatibility

nano does not completely emulate Pico by default.  The following
differences apply to the default mode and Pico Compatibility mode:

@table @code
@item Displayed Shortcuts
By default, the following shortcuts are displayed in the Shortcut Lists:

^G ^O ^\ ^Y ^K ^C@*
^X ^R ^W ^V ^U ^T

Related functions are listed above or below each other by default.  The
Justify function is not listed, instead the "Replace" function is
displayed. Also, he "Read File" and "WriteOut" functions are aligned for
consistency.

In Pico Compatibility mode, the default Pico shortcuts are displayed:

^G ^O ^R ^Y ^K ^C@*
^X ^J ^W ^V ^U ^T   

@item Previous String Text
By default, previously entered string for a function (search string,
file name) will be placed on the statusbar, and is editable.  This is
done so there is consistency across all functions.  For example: even if
there is a previous replace string, it can always be deleted if one
wishes to perform an empty string replace.

In Pico Compatibility Mode, the previously entered text in a search or
replace will appear in brackets, and is not editable.  It is not a
simple matter to do an empty string replace when a previous replace
string exists, for example.  When writing a file, the previous filename
will be displayed in the editable text portion of the editor.

@item Interactive Replace and Spell Checker
It is worth noting that the @code{nano} replace function is interactive,
i.e. it does not stop after one search string is found and automatically 
replace it.  The @code{nano} implementation will stop at each search
string found and query whether to replace this instance or not.  The 
internal spell checker operates similarly.  Note that these is no way 
to force these functions to behave in the Pico fashion.
@end table

@node Building and Configure Options, , Pico Compatibility, Top
@chapter Building and Configure Options

Building @code{nano} from source is fairly straightforward if you are familiar
with compiling programs with autoconf support:

tar xvfz nano-x.y.z.tar.gz (where x.y.z is the version of @code{nano})
cd nano-x.y.z/
./configure
make
make install

if you are looking to optimize @code{nano} for size, you may want to
consider the following command line options:


@table @code

@item --disable-tabcomp
Disable the tab completion code when reading or writing files.

@item --disable-justify
Disable the justify (^J)/unjustify (^U) functions in the editor.

@item --disable-speller
Disables spell checker ability.

@item --disable-help
Disables the help function (^G).  Disabling this option makes the binary
much smaller, but makes it difficult for new users to learn more than
very basic things about using the editor.

@item --disable-browser
Disables the mini file browser (^O) when reading or writing files.

@item --enable-tiny
This options disables all the above.  It also disables some of the larger
internals of the editor, like the marker code (^^) and the cut to line
(-k) option which it depends on to work properly.  It also disables the
function toggles and mouse support.

@item --disable-wrapping
Disables all word wrapping in the editor.  This also eliminates the -w
command line flag, as nonwrapping is then the default behavior.

@item --disable-mouse
Disables all mouse functionality.  This also disables the -m command
line flag which enables the mouse functions.

@item --disable-operatingdir
Disables setting of operating directory. This also disables the -o
command line flag.

@item --disable-nls
Disables Native Language support. This will make the available GNU
@code{nano} translations unusable.

@item --with-slang
Compiling GNU @code{nano} with Slang is supported, and will make the
binary notably smaller than if compiled with ncurses or other curses
libraries.

@end table

@contents
@bye