ISPF Edit-Line Commands

ISPF edit-line commands are advanced commands that combine the line-specific targeting of line commands with the power and flexibility of primary commands. Unlike simple single-character line commands (like I, D, R, M, C), edit-line commands use full command syntax and can perform complex operations on specific lines. They provide a bridge between the simplicity of line commands and the capabilities of primary commands, offering precise control over line-level operations.

Edit-line commands are entered in a special command area associated with each line, allowing you to perform operations on specific lines using command syntax. This makes them ideal for complex line manipulations that require parameters, options, or conditional logic. Understanding edit-line commands expands your editing capabilities and enables more sophisticated editing workflows in the ISPF editor.

What Are Edit-Line Commands?

Edit-line commands are commands that can be entered on specific lines in the ISPF editor, typically in a special command area associated with each line. They differ from both regular line commands and primary commands, combining aspects of both.

Edit-Line Commands vs. Regular Line Commands

Regular line commands are simple, single-character commands:

• Regular Line Commands: Single-character commands (I, D, R, M, C, A, B, O) placed in the line number area. They perform basic operations like insert, delete, repeat, move, and copy. They are simple and quick but limited in functionality.
• Edit-Line Commands: Full commands with syntax entered in a command area. They support parameters, options, and complex operations. They provide more power and flexibility but require more typing and understanding of command syntax.
• When to Use Each: Use regular line commands for simple, common operations. Use edit-line commands when you need more complex operations, parameters, or options that simple line commands cannot provide.

Edit-Line Commands vs. Primary Commands

Primary commands operate on the entire file or large sections:

• Primary Commands: Entered on the main command line, they operate on the entire file or large sections. Examples include FIND, CHANGE, SAVE, CANCEL, COPY, MOVE. They are powerful but operate globally or on large ranges.
• Edit-Line Commands: Entered on specific lines, they operate on those specific lines or small ranges. They use similar command syntax to primary commands but target specific lines. This provides precision with power.
• When to Use Each: Use primary commands for file-wide operations or large-scale changes. Use edit-line commands when you need to target specific lines with command-level power and flexibility.

Key Characteristics of Edit-Line Commands

Edit-line commands have several key characteristics:

• Line-Specific Targeting: Edit-line commands operate on specific lines where you enter them, or on ranges you specify. This provides precise control over which lines are affected.
• Command Syntax: Edit-line commands use full command syntax with parameters and options, similar to primary commands. This allows complex operations that simple line commands cannot perform.
• Flexibility: Edit-line commands support parameters, options, conditions, and complex operations. This flexibility makes them suitable for sophisticated editing tasks.
• Power: Edit-line commands can perform operations that combine multiple steps or require conditional logic, providing capabilities beyond simple line commands.

Where to Enter Edit-Line Commands

The location for entering edit-line commands depends on your ISPF version and editor configuration. Understanding where to enter them is essential for using edit-line commands effectively.

Command Area Location

Edit-line commands are typically entered in a special command area:

• Line-Associated Command Area: Many ISPF versions provide a command area associated with each line, which may appear as a column to the left of the line number area or as a separate field for each line. This area is where you enter edit-line commands for that specific line.
• Command Column: Some ISPF versions display a command column where you can enter commands for each line. This column is typically visible when edit-line command mode is enabled or when you're in a mode that supports edit-line commands.
• Line Command Field: Some versions may provide a command field that appears when you position the cursor on a line and enter a command. This field accepts edit-line commands for that line.
• Configuration Dependent: The exact location and method for entering edit-line commands varies by ISPF version and configuration. Check your ISPF documentation or use help (PF1) to determine how to enter edit-line commands in your environment.

Enabling Edit-Line Commands

Some ISPF versions may require enabling edit-line command mode:

• Editor Settings: Check editor settings (accessible through editor options or ISPF settings) to see if edit-line commands need to be enabled. Some versions have settings that control edit-line command availability.
• Mode Selection: Some ISPF versions may have different editor modes, and edit-line commands may only be available in certain modes. Check if your editor mode supports edit-line commands.
• Version-Specific: Edit-line command support and availability vary significantly by ISPF version. Newer versions may have more extensive support, while older versions may have limited or no support.
• Help Documentation: Use PF1 (Help) in the editor to access help about edit-line commands. Help should indicate if edit-line commands are available and how to use them in your ISPF version.

Common Edit-Line Commands

While edit-line command availability varies by ISPF version, some common patterns and commands exist. Understanding these helps you use edit-line commands effectively.

Insert Commands

Edit-line commands for inserting lines with specific content:

• INSERT text: Inserts a new line after the current line with the specified text. This is more powerful than the simple "I" line command because you can specify the content directly. For example, INSERT PROCEDURE DIVISION. inserts a line with that text.
• INSERT BEFORE text: Inserts a new line before the current line with the specified text. This provides control over insertion position and content.
• INSERT AFTER text: Inserts a new line after the current line with the specified text. Similar to INSERT but explicitly specifies after position.
• INSERT n text: Inserts n lines with the specified text. This allows inserting multiple lines with the same content efficiently.

Modify Commands

Edit-line commands for modifying line content:

• CHANGE old new: Changes text on the current line, replacing "old" with "new". This is similar to the primary CHANGE command but operates only on the specific line. For example, CHANGE PROCEDURE DATA changes "PROCEDURE" to "DATA" on that line.
• REPLACE text: Replaces the entire line content with the specified text. This is useful for completely replacing a line's content.
• MODIFY pattern replacement: Modifies the line using pattern matching, replacing patterns with replacement text. This supports more sophisticated text replacement.

Transform Commands

Edit-line commands for transforming line content:

• UPPERCASE: Converts the line to uppercase. This is useful for standardizing case in source code or data.
• LOWERCASE: Converts the line to lowercase. Useful for case standardization.
• TRANSLATE from to: Translates characters on the line, replacing characters in "from" with corresponding characters in "to". This enables character-level transformations.
• SHIFT LEFT n: Shifts the line content left by n columns. Useful for adjusting indentation or column alignment.
• SHIFT RIGHT n: Shifts the line content right by n columns. Useful for indentation adjustments.

Copy and Move Commands

Edit-line commands for copying and moving lines:

• COPY TO n: Copies the current line to line n. This provides precise control over copy destination.
• MOVE TO n: Moves the current line to line n. This relocates the line to a specific position.
• COPY AFTER n: Copies the current line after line n. This specifies insertion after a target line.
• COPY BEFORE n: Copies the current line before line n. This specifies insertion before a target line.

Note: The exact command names and syntax vary by ISPF version. Check your ISPF documentation or use help (PF1) to see what edit-line commands are available in your version.

Using Edit-Line Commands with Ranges

Many edit-line commands support ranges, allowing you to operate on multiple lines efficiently.

Range Syntax

Range syntax varies by command and ISPF version, but common patterns include:

• Line Number Ranges: Specify a starting line number and ending line number, such as 10:20 to indicate lines 10 through 20. This defines a range of lines to operate on.
• Relative Ranges: Use relative positioning, such as +5 to indicate 5 lines forward from the current line, or -3 to indicate 3 lines backward. This provides flexible range specification.
• Command-Specific Ranges: Some commands may have their own range syntax. For example, a CHANGE command might support CHANGE old new 10:20 to change text in lines 10 through 20.
• Current Line Ranges: Some commands operate on the current line and a specified number of following lines, such as CHANGE old new 5 to change text in the current line and the next 4 lines (5 lines total).

Range Examples

Here are examples of using ranges with edit-line commands:

• CHANGE PROCEDURE DATA 10:15: Changes "PROCEDURE" to "DATA" in lines 10 through 15. This performs a targeted change on a specific range of lines.
• UPPERCASE 20:30: Converts lines 20 through 30 to uppercase. This applies a transformation to a range of lines.
• COPY 5:10 TO 50: Copies lines 5 through 10 to after line 50. This copies a range of lines to a specific location.
• DELETE 15:20: Deletes lines 15 through 20. This removes a range of lines efficiently.

Note: Range syntax and support vary significantly by ISPF version. Check your documentation or help for specific range syntax in your version.

Edit-Line Command Syntax and Parameters

Edit-line commands use command syntax similar to primary commands, supporting parameters and options for flexible operation.

Command Structure

Edit-line commands typically follow this structure:

• Command Name: The command name identifies the operation to perform, such as INSERT, CHANGE, COPY, MOVE, UPPERCASE, etc. Command names are typically keywords that describe the operation.
• Parameters: Parameters provide values needed for the operation, such as text to insert, text to change, line numbers, or ranges. Parameters are separated by spaces and may be quoted if they contain spaces.
• Options: Options modify command behavior, such as case sensitivity, direction, or scope. Options are typically keywords or flags that control how the command operates.
• Syntax Rules: Edit-line commands follow syntax rules similar to primary commands. Understanding syntax helps you use commands correctly and avoid errors.

Parameter Types

Edit-line commands accept various parameter types:

• Text Parameters: Text to insert, replace, or modify. Text parameters may need to be quoted if they contain spaces or special characters. For example, INSERT "PROCEDURE DIVISION." uses quotes for text with spaces.
• Line Number Parameters: Line numbers for targeting specific lines or defining ranges. Line numbers are typically integers. For example, COPY TO 50 uses line number 50 as a parameter.
• Range Parameters: Ranges specified as start:end or using relative notation. Ranges define multiple lines to operate on. For example, CHANGE old new 10:20 uses range 10:20.
• Pattern Parameters: Text patterns for matching, which may support wildcards or regular expressions depending on ISPF version. Patterns enable sophisticated text matching.

Common Options

Common options that modify command behavior:

• Case Sensitivity: Options to control whether text matching is case-sensitive or case-insensitive. This affects commands that search for or match text.
• Direction: Options to control search or operation direction (forward, backward, both). This affects commands that search or operate in a direction.
• Scope: Options to control operation scope (current line, range, all). This determines how many lines are affected.
• Confirmation: Options to require confirmation before performing operations, providing safety for destructive operations.

Practical Examples of Edit-Line Commands

Understanding practical examples helps you apply edit-line commands in real editing scenarios.

Example 1: Inserting Lines with Content

Instead of using "I" to insert a blank line and then typing content, you can use edit-line commands to insert lines with content directly:

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     000010  IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.
     000020  PROGRAM-ID. EXAMPLE.
INSERT PROCEDURE DIVISION.
     000030  DATA DIVISION.

Placing INSERT PROCEDURE DIVISION. in the edit-line command area for line 20 inserts a new line with that text after line 20.

Example 2: Changing Text on Specific Lines

You can change text on specific lines without affecting the entire file:

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     000010  PROCEDURE DIVISION.
CHANGE PROCEDURE DATA
     000020  DATA DIVISION.
     000030  WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.

Placing CHANGE PROCEDURE DATA in the edit-line command area for line 10 changes "PROCEDURE" to "DATA" only on that line.

Example 3: Transforming Case

You can transform the case of specific lines:

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     000010  procedure division.
UPPERCASE
     000020  data division.
     000030  working-storage section.

Placing UPPERCASE in the edit-line command area for line 10 converts that line to uppercase.

Example 4: Copying to Specific Locations

You can copy lines to specific line numbers:

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     000010  PROCEDURE DIVISION.
COPY TO 50
     000020  DATA DIVISION.
     000030  WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.

Placing COPY TO 50 in the edit-line command area for line 10 copies that line to line 50.

When to Use Edit-Line Commands

Understanding when to use edit-line commands helps you choose the right tool for each editing task.

Use Edit-Line Commands When:

Edit-line commands are appropriate when:

• You Need Complex Operations: When simple line commands cannot perform the operation you need, edit-line commands provide the additional power and flexibility required.
• You Need Parameters or Options: When you need to specify parameters, options, or conditions that simple line commands don't support, edit-line commands provide the necessary syntax.
• You Need to Insert with Content: When you want to insert lines with specific content directly, edit-line INSERT commands are more efficient than inserting blank lines and typing content.
• You Need Line-Specific Changes: When you need to change text on specific lines without affecting the entire file, edit-line CHANGE commands provide precise control.
• You Need Transformations: When you need to transform line content (case, translation, shifting), edit-line transform commands provide the necessary capabilities.
• You Need Conditional Logic: When operations require conditional logic or complex rules, edit-line commands may support these capabilities depending on your ISPF version.

Use Regular Line Commands When:

Regular line commands are sufficient when:

• Simple Operations: For basic operations like insert blank line, delete line, repeat line, regular line commands are simpler and faster.
• Quick Edits: For quick, common edits, single-character line commands are more efficient than typing full edit-line commands.
• No Parameters Needed: When you don't need parameters, options, or complex syntax, regular line commands are sufficient.
• Learning or Simple Tasks: When learning ISPF or performing simple tasks, regular line commands are easier to remember and use.

Use Primary Commands When:

Primary commands are appropriate when:

• File-Wide Operations: When you need to operate on the entire file or large sections, primary commands are more efficient than edit-line commands on many lines.
• Global Changes: When you need to make changes throughout the file, primary commands like CHANGE with ALL option are more efficient.
• Search Operations: When searching for text across the file, primary FIND commands are more appropriate than edit-line commands.
• File Management: When performing file-level operations like SAVE, CANCEL, or file-wide COPY/MOVE, primary commands are the appropriate choice.

Best Practices for Edit-Line Commands

Following best practices helps you use edit-line commands effectively and avoid errors:

• Check Availability: Verify that edit-line commands are available in your ISPF version and that they're enabled if required. Use help (PF1) to check available commands and syntax.
• Learn Syntax: Learn the syntax for edit-line commands you use frequently. Understanding syntax helps you use commands correctly and efficiently.
• Use Help: Use PF1 (Help) to access help about edit-line commands. Help provides command syntax, parameter descriptions, and usage examples.
• Test Commands: Test edit-line commands on non-critical files or use CANCEL if you make mistakes. Testing helps you understand command behavior before using them on important files.
• Choose the Right Tool: Use regular line commands for simple operations, edit-line commands for complex line operations, and primary commands for file-wide operations. Choosing the right tool makes editing more efficient.
• Understand Ranges: Learn range syntax for commands that support ranges. Ranges enable efficient operation on multiple lines.
• Quote Text with Spaces: When entering text parameters that contain spaces, use quotes to ensure they're treated as single parameters. This prevents syntax errors.
• Verify Results: After executing edit-line commands, verify the results to ensure they performed as expected. This helps catch errors early.
• Use CANCEL if Needed: If edit-line commands produce unexpected results, use CANCEL to discard changes and try again. CANCEL is your safety net for mistakes.
• Document Complex Commands: For complex edit-line commands you use frequently, document them for future reference. This helps you remember syntax and usage.

Explain Like I'm 5: Edit-Line Commands

Think of edit-line commands like having a smart helper for each line in your file:

• Regular Line Commands are like simple buttons—you press "I" to insert, "D" to delete, "R" to repeat. They're quick and easy but can only do simple things.
• Edit-Line Commands are like having a smart helper that can do more complex things. Instead of just pressing a button, you can tell the helper exactly what to do with words. For example, you can say "INSERT this exact text" or "CHANGE this word to that word" or "MAKE THIS LINE UPPERCASE".
• Primary Commands are like having a boss that controls the whole file. The boss can do big things to the entire file at once, like "FIND this word everywhere" or "SAVE the whole file".
• Edit-Line Commands are in between—they're like having a smart helper for each line that can do complex things, but only to that specific line (or a few lines you tell it about).

So if you want to do something simple to a line, use a regular line command (press a button). If you want to do something complex to a line, use an edit-line command (tell the helper what to do). If you want to do something to the whole file, use a primary command (tell the boss what to do)!

Practice Exercises

Complete these exercises to reinforce your understanding of edit-line commands:

Exercise 1: Inserting Lines with Content

Practice using edit-line INSERT commands: insert lines with specific content using INSERT commands, compare this to using regular "I" line commands and typing content, and practice inserting multiple lines with content. Document the differences and when each method is more efficient.

Exercise 2: Changing Text on Specific Lines

Practice using edit-line CHANGE commands: change text on specific lines using CHANGE commands, compare this to using primary CHANGE commands, and practice changing text on ranges of lines. Understand when line-specific changes are more appropriate than file-wide changes.

Exercise 3: Transforming Lines

Practice using transform commands: use UPPERCASE, LOWERCASE, and other transform commands on specific lines, practice transforming ranges of lines, and compare results. Understand how transforms work and when they're useful.

Exercise 4: Copying and Moving with Edit-Line Commands

Practice using COPY and MOVE edit-line commands: copy lines to specific line numbers, move lines to specific positions, compare this to using regular line commands with A/B markers, and practice copying and moving ranges. Understand when edit-line commands provide advantages over regular line commands.

Exercise 5: Comparing Command Types

Practice comparing command types: perform the same operation using regular line commands, edit-line commands, and primary commands where applicable. Document the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each approach. This helps you choose the right tool for each task.

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