Editing ANSI Escape Sequence Programs

After using ANSIPLUS for a while, the user will find it desirable to create short programs for frequently used video modes, color selections or definitions, key reassignments, etc. The ANSICOM.exe utility program provides this facility: with it, the user can create and edit small executable ".com" files or small printable text files that contain ANSI escape sequences. ANSICOM is executed with the following command:

ANSICOM <filename>

• If no file name is supplied, you will be presented with a menu of ".com" files to select from.

 
• If a file name is supplied, and it does not include a file type, a file type of ".com" is assumed.

 
• When an existing ".com" file is edited, it is first checked for program code that outputs the ANSI escape sequences. If this is not found, ANSICOM will refuse to edit the file.

 
• If the file to be edited is not a ".com" file, then it is assumed to be a non-executable printable text file. >

 
• If the named file is not found (including a search of the system PATH), ANSICOM will ask if a new file is to be created.

Once the file has been properly identified, a full-screen editing display is presented, and you can go to work. Use the F1 key for context sensitive help.

The ANSICOM full screen editing display automatically parses the user’s entries and identifies the kinds of ANSIPLUS escape sequences entered, including incomplete escape sequences. ANSICOM will not allow the user to save a file containing an incomplete escape sequence. Beyond that, it is the user’s responsibility to be sure that the escape sequences entered will do what he wants.

© Copyright 2000-2007, Kristofer Sweger. All rights reserved.	Rev. 10/16/07