ex
The "ex" command line tool is a text editor that is primarily used in Unix-based operating systems such as Linux. It is often considered a predecessor to the more popular "vi" editor and has similar functionality.
"ex" is designed to be used in a terminal environment and is operated entirely through command line commands. It allows users to create, edit, and manipulate text files efficiently.
Some key features of the "ex" editor include:
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Line-based editing: "ex" operates on a line-by-line basis, allowing users to manipulate specific lines or ranges of lines within a text file.
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Command-driven interface: "ex" uses a series of single-letter commands to perform various tasks such as saving changes, searching for text, copying and pasting, undoing and redoing changes, and more.
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Scripting capabilities: "ex" can execute scripts (known as ex scripts) that contain a sequence of commands to automate tasks or apply changes to multiple files simultaneously.
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Compatibility with vi: "ex" and "vi" share a common codebase, which means that most commands and editing techniques used in "vi" can also be used in "ex". This makes it easy for users familiar with "vi" to transition to "ex".
Overall, "ex" provides a powerful and efficient method for editing text files directly from the command line, making it suitable for advanced users who prefer working in a terminal environment.