Friday, July 15, 2005
Tip of the Day: Selecting Different-Shaped Blocks of Text
Product: R:BASE Editor 7.5 for Windows
Build: 7.5.2.10715 and higher
Whilst most text editor users are familiar with selecting
normal blocks of text. For example a multi-line block will
start at some character on a given line and continues down
to some other line, not including the character the cursor
is before, and extending to the end of each line in-between.
This is called a non-inclusive block.
Another type of block is called an inclusive block, where
the marked block includes the character that the cursor is
before.
The third type is a line block, where entire lines are
highlighted, regardless of where the cursor started or
stopped.
The last type of supported block is a column block. This
type of block does not extend to the end of each marked
line. Instead, whilst it can extend across a variable
number of rows, it also extends across a variable number
of columns, giving a rectangular marked block.
The latest update of R:BASE Editor 7.5 (Build: 7.5.2.10715)
includes the following String Block options:
R:BASE Editor|Editor Settings ...|String|Block Options
. Only Stream Block are Enabled
. Only Columnar Blocks are Enabled
. Both Stream and Columnar Blocks are Disabled
. Both Stream and Columnar Blocks are Enabled (Default)
You can select a columnar block by doing whatever operation
you normally use for a non-inclusive block whilst the [Alt]
key is held down. So, if you normally use the cursor keys
with the Shift key down, holding down Alt+Shift will mark
a columnar block. If you use the mouse, then holding down
the [Alt] key whilst doing it will also mark a columnar
block.
Enjoy and make sure to have fun!
Very Best R:egards,
Razzak.
