Introduction


SPFLite is often used to edit data which is in a tabular format, or columns. If a TABS line is established for the file type, it can assist in moving the cursor between the various columns.  But normal TABS processing only looks after moving the cursor. When editing the data it is all too easy when inserting or deleting characters to shift and mis-align data in columns to the right.


Tab Bounds Mode


Tab Bounds Mode is designed to assist editing of columnar data by using the tabs defined in the TABS line to define the columns and allow editing of data in a column without disturbing data in columns to the right.


It is entirely optional, and if Tab Bounds Mode is never turned on, there is no difference to normal editing activities.


To turn it on, enter the (TabBNDS) keyboard primitive, which you must of course, assign to whatever key combination you prefer. When activated, it will be indicated in the StatusBar INS/OVR box. This box normally contains OVR, INS or DIN, When Tab Bounds Mode is on it will show TAB OVR, TAB INS or TAB DIN. The (TabBNDS) key is a toggle, repeated presses will alternate between ON and OFF.


TabBNDS mode will also be automatically reset by the following KB functions: (SetINS) (SetOVR) (SetDIN) and (Clearinsert)


When active, the following changes are made to normal KB functions.


(Tab) (BackTab)

No change to either, they will perform as usual.

(Delete) (DataDelete) (DataBackspace)

These functions will perform their normal functions within the boundaries of the current column in which the cursor is located.

(EraseEOL)

The erase will be to the end of the current column in which the cursor is located.

Typing in TABOVR mode

In TABOVR mode there is no change to normal typing, the Tab boundaries have no effect.


Typing in TABINS or TABDIN mode 

Characters typed are entered at the cursor location, and following characters in the column are pushed right as long as there are trailing blanks in the column. If the last position in a column is non-blank, you cannot enter any more characters in these modes, as this would impact the following column(s). If you attempt to do this, it will be rejected with a BEEP signal (either audible or visible, or both depending on your options) See (TabRelease) for more info.


Note: If ALL following columns are blank, the column boundaries are ignored.

(TabRelease)

If you have entered more characters in insert mode and received the BEEP, warning you of a column overflow, you can correct it by removing characters from the column (if possible), or enter a (TabRelease) key, which will suspend Tab Bounds mode for the remainder of this line. Once the cursor moves away from this line normal Tab Bounds Mode processing resumes.

(TabShift)

(TabShift) - which you must of course assign to a key, will shift the data from the cursor location to the next Tab boundary. If possible, because some columns to the right are blank, other data to the right will be kept in place wherever possible.





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