Primary Commands vs Line Commands vs Edit-Line Commands

ISPF provides three types of commands for editing: primary commands, line commands, and edit-line commands. Understanding the differences between these command types and when to use each is essential for efficient ISPF editing. This tutorial explains each command type, where they're used, and when to choose one over the others.

Each command type serves different purposes and operates at different levels. Primary commands work on the entire file or large sections, line commands work on specific individual lines, and edit-line commands provide flexible line-level operations with command syntax. Knowing which type to use for different tasks makes editing more efficient and intuitive.

Primary Commands

Primary commands are entered on the command line and operate on the entire file or large sections of the file. They're the most powerful commands for file-wide operations.

What Are Primary Commands?

Primary commands are full command names entered on the command line (typically labeled "Command >>" at the top or bottom of the editor screen). They perform operations that affect the entire file or large portions of it.

Where to Enter Primary Commands

Primary commands are entered on the command line:

• Locate the command line, usually at the top or bottom of the editor screen
• The command line is typically labeled "Command >>" or similar
• Type the command name and any parameters
• Press Enter to execute the command

Common Primary Commands

Common primary commands include:

• FIND: Searches for text in the file
• CHANGE: Replaces text throughout the file
• SAVE: Saves all changes to the file
• CANCEL: Discards all changes and exits
• COPY: Copies blocks of lines
• MOVE: Moves blocks of lines
• BOUNDS: Sets column boundaries
• RESET: Resets the edit session

Primary Command Examples

Here are examples of primary commands:

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Command ===> FIND 'SEARCHTEXT'
 
Command ===> CHANGE 'OLD' 'NEW' ALL
 
Command ===> SAVE
 
Command ===> CANCEL

When to Use Primary Commands

Use primary commands when:

• You need to operate on the entire file (like SAVE or CANCEL)
• You're performing file-wide searches or replacements (FIND, CHANGE)
• You're working with large blocks of lines (COPY, MOVE)
• You're setting editor-wide options (BOUNDS, PROFILE)
• You need commands with complex parameters or options
• You're performing operations that affect the entire editing session

Line Commands

Line commands are single-character commands placed in the line number area that operate on specific individual lines. They provide quick, precise control over individual lines.

What Are Line Commands?

Line commands are single-character commands (like I, D, R, M, C) that you place in the line number area (the leftmost column, to the left of the line numbers). They perform operations on the specific line where you place them.

Where to Enter Line Commands

Line commands are entered in the line number area:

• Locate the line number area, which is the leftmost column of the editor display
• This area is to the left of the line numbers
• Place a single-character command in this area next to the line you want to operate on
• Press Enter to execute the command

Common Line Commands

Common line commands include:

• I: Insert a new line after this line
• D: Delete this line
• R: Repeat (copy) this line
• M: Move this line to another location
• C: Copy this line to another location
• A: After (insert after this line)
• B: Before (insert before this line)
• O: Overlay (replace) this line

Line Command Examples

Here's how line commands appear:

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     000001  This is line 1
I    000002  This is line 2
     000003  This is line 3
D    000004  This line will be deleted
     000005  This is line 5

In this example, "I" in the line number area will insert a line after line 2, and "D" will delete line 4.

When to Use Line Commands

Use line commands when:

• You need to operate on specific individual lines
• You're making precise, line-by-line edits
• You need quick, single-character commands for common operations
• You're inserting, deleting, or modifying specific lines
• You want visual indication of which lines will be affected
• You're working with a small number of lines

Edit-Line Commands

Edit-line commands combine aspects of line commands and primary commands, allowing you to perform operations on specific lines using command syntax.

What Are Edit-Line Commands?

Edit-line commands are commands that can be entered on specific lines in the editor, typically in a special command area associated with each line. They provide more flexibility than simple line commands for complex line operations.

Where to Enter Edit-Line Commands

Edit-line commands are typically entered:

• In a command area associated with a specific line
• Sometimes in the line number area with extended syntax
• In special command fields that appear for line operations
• The exact location depends on the ISPF version and configuration

Edit-Line Command Characteristics

Edit-line commands:

• Operate on specific lines (like line commands)
• Use command syntax (like primary commands)
• Provide more flexibility than single-character line commands
• Allow complex operations on individual lines
• May support parameters and options

When to Use Edit-Line Commands

Use edit-line commands when:

• You need line-specific operations with command syntax
• Simple line commands aren't sufficient for your needs
• You need parameters or options for line operations
• You're performing complex operations on specific lines
• You want the flexibility of commands with line-level precision

Comparing Command Types

Understanding the differences helps you choose the right command type for each task.

Scope of Operation

Command types differ in scope:

• Primary Commands: Operate on the entire file or large sections
• Line Commands: Operate on specific individual lines
• Edit-Line Commands: Operate on specific lines with command flexibility

Command Syntax

Command types differ in syntax:

• Primary Commands: Full command names with parameters (e.g., "FIND 'text'")
• Line Commands: Single characters (e.g., "I", "D", "R")
• Edit-Line Commands: Command syntax for line operations

Entry Location

Command types are entered in different locations:

• Primary Commands: Command line (top or bottom of screen)
• Line Commands: Line number area (leftmost column)
• Edit-Line Commands: Line-specific command areas

Use Cases

Each command type is best for different tasks:

• Primary Commands: File-wide operations, searches, saves, global changes
• Line Commands: Quick line edits, insertions, deletions, simple line operations
• Edit-Line Commands: Complex line operations requiring command syntax

Choosing the Right Command Type

Choosing the right command type depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

Decision Guidelines

Use this decision process:

• File-wide operation? → Use a primary command
• Simple line operation? → Use a line command
• Complex line operation? → Consider an edit-line command
• Need parameters? → Use a primary command or edit-line command
• Quick single-line edit? → Use a line command

Examples of Choosing

Here are examples of choosing the right command type:

• Save all changes → Primary command SAVE (affects entire file)
• Delete one line → Line command D (simple line operation)
• Find text in file → Primary command FIND (file-wide search)
• Insert a line → Line command I (simple line operation)
• Change text globally → Primary command CHANGE (file-wide operation)
• Move a line → Line command M (simple line operation)

Using Commands Together

You can and should use different command types together in the same editing session.

Combining Command Types

Common combinations include:

• Use line commands to make specific line edits, then use primary command SAVE to save all changes
• Use primary command FIND to locate text, then use line commands to edit the found lines
• Use line commands for precise edits, then use primary commands for file-wide operations
• Use primary commands to set up the editor (BOUNDS), then use line commands for editing

Workflow Examples

Example workflow combining command types:

• 1. Use primary command FIND to locate text
• 2. Use line command D to delete the line containing the text
• 3. Use line command I to insert a new line
• 4. Use primary command SAVE to save all changes

Best Practices

Following best practices helps you use commands effectively:

• Use Line Commands for Precision: Use line commands when you need to operate on specific lines
• Use Primary Commands for Scope: Use primary commands when you need file-wide operations
• Combine Effectively: Use different command types together to accomplish complex tasks
• Learn Standard Commands: Learn the standard commands for each type so you can use them efficiently
• Check Command Line: Always check the command line location on your system
• Verify Line Number Area: Understand where the line number area is located
• Practice Both Types: Practice using both primary and line commands to become comfortable with each

Explain Like I'm 5: Command Types

Think of ISPF commands like different tools for working with a document:

• Primary Commands are like big tools that work on the whole document at once. Like a "Save Everything" button or a "Find All" tool that searches the whole document. You use them when you want to do something to the entire document.
• Line Commands are like tiny, precise tools that work on just one line at a time. Like a tiny eraser that only erases one line, or a tiny pencil that only writes on one line. You use them when you want to change just one specific line.
• Edit-Line Commands are like medium tools that work on one line but can do more complicated things. Like a tool that can do special things to one line, but with more options than the simple line tools.

So primary commands are for big jobs on the whole file, line commands are for tiny jobs on one line, and edit-line commands are for medium jobs on one line with more options!

Practice Exercises

Complete these exercises to reinforce your understanding of command types:

Exercise 1: Command Type Identification

As you use the ISPF editor, identify which type of command you're using for each operation. When you use a command, determine whether it's a primary command, line command, or edit-line command. Document your observations and build understanding of when each type is used.

Exercise 2: Primary Command Practice

Practice using primary commands: SAVE, CANCEL, FIND, CHANGE, and others. Enter them on the command line and observe their effects. Practice using parameters with primary commands. Become comfortable with primary command syntax and usage.

Exercise 3: Line Command Practice

Practice using line commands: I, D, R, M, C, and others. Place them in the line number area and observe their effects. Practice using line commands on different lines. Become comfortable with line command placement and execution.

Exercise 4: Command Combination

Practice combining command types in workflows. Use primary commands to set up operations, then use line commands for specific edits, then use primary commands to save. Create workflows that effectively combine different command types.

Exercise 5: Command Selection

For various editing tasks, determine which command type is most appropriate. Consider tasks like: deleting one line, saving all changes, finding text, inserting a line, changing text globally, moving a block of lines. Practice selecting the right command type for each task.

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