update.processor

a dictionary-driven, full-screen editor and data processor.

UP can be used to view, create and manipulate items in files. UP facilitates editing of text, dictionaries and programs, as well as data files (Remember: everything in Pick is an item in a file.)

When used in conjunction with the Output processor (OP), UP operates as a document processor.

When used as a data processor, attribute-defining items in the file's dictionary are employed to verify and translate data as it is entered and retrieved.

B-tree indexes permit cruising from item to item on an attribute value sequence and from value to value in a remote file. See 'index, remote' and 'index, local'.

Pick/BASIC subroutines can be called from attribute-defining items and file-defining items allowing absolute control of all data entry using the Update processor and dictionaries.

When evoked, UP copies the specified item to a workspace and displays as much of the item on the screen as it can. (In most applications, each input 'screen' fits within a real screen.)

Any unprintable characters embedded within the item are displayed as a dot '.' on AP 6.1.0 and up.

Control keys are used to perform editing functions, but as long as the control key is not pressed, all characters are entered as typed.

An optional spelling checker beeps and rejects input if a character is typed that does not lead to a legal word. See 'spelling checker'.

UP commands begin with a control character formed by simultaneously pressing the '<ctrl>' ('control') key and one or more alpha keys. Some UP commands require more command characters, while others require text input. The second UP command can be entered as straight alpha or with '<ctrl>' depressed. On some terminals a '<ctrl>+s' leaves the terminal locked. To unlock the terminal, type '<ctrl>+q'. See 'commands, up'.

Until the item is saved, changes made using UP have no effect on the actual item in the file -- only UP workspace is changed. The item can be exited at any time without filing, by typing '<ctrl>+xe', and the item in the file is not changed.

Without any attribute-defining items specified, UP functions as a full-screen editor.

Value marks are indicated by line breaks with no attribute label.