Atari XL Entering Other Commands from Macros, Special Macro Font, Keyboard Conventions for Macros

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The Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual

<CTRL+N>

Entered in a filename dialogue will enter name of current file

 

without device.

<CTRL+B>

When pressed in ANY input dialogue (unless preceded by

 

<CTRL+ESCAPE>), <CTRL+B> will place the contents of the

 

paste buffer (or as much of it as will fit) into the input line. Using

 

this method, if you previously captured text with the Ask for

 

Input command, it can be transferred into any LW command

 

which requires input. Similarly, you could cut text from the

 

document and feed it into an LW command. Note that if the

 

input dialogue is associated with a filing operation, the string

 

will appear in uppercase.

<CTRL+L>

Will insert the name of the last file loaded in any bank (see

 

“Linked Files”).

In order to make these new commands as flexible as possible, the device/path/name and path/name variables are now accessible from ANY input dialogue. Precede them with <CTRL+ESCAPE> to type them literally.

7.4.3 ENTERING OTHER COMMANDS FROM MACROS

While <ESCAPE> is used to start macros from the editor, from within a macro, <CTRL+X> does this job. This means that FROM MACROS, <ESCAPE> PERFORMS ITS USUAL JOB OF PRECEDING CONTROL CHARACTERS. If you want to enter any command code from within a macro as part of your text rather than as a command, just precede it with an <ESCAPE> character in the macro. Many LW commands are attached to <SHIFT+CTRL> key combinations. Obviously these have no ASCII equivalents, so how are these commands denoted in macros? Simple - from a macro, just think <INVERSE CTRL> instead of <SHIFT+CTRL>. So, to enter the<SHIFT+CTRL+F>ind string command from within a macro, you would type an:<INVERSE CTRL+F>instead, or:<SELECT+CTRL+F>This is why the special macro commands use only those characters that relate to illegal <CTRL+SHIFT> key presses.

When a macro is running, the only keys read from the keyboard are get key commands, confirm commands, text entered during accept line mode, and characters pressed during printing when page wait is on. The "Press a key" prompt after a file view/print operation requires a keystroke from the active macro to clear it and return to the editor.

7.4.4 THE SPECIAL MACRO FONT

The font MACRO.FNT/MACRO.F80 font on the distribution disk can be loaded by typing:

<SHIFT+CTRL+N> New font, typing MACRO <RETURN>. This works in both 80 and 40 column modes. These fonts define all the control keys as special, heavy characters instead of international characters in order to make editing macros a little easier.

7.4.5 KEYBOARD CONVENTIONS FOR MACROS

Understanding how the keys in LW work may seem complex at first, so before we step through some example macros, let's recap:

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Contents Last Word Contents Configuring LW for Your Printer Configuring LWMacros Print Formatting Commands LW Command SummaryDOS Packages and LW Programmers Technical NotesOverview of the Last Word IntroductionAbout the Manual Starting LWLoading LW from Spartados Edit Screen Basic OperationLW LETTER.TXT SHIFT+CTRL+WLast Word 3.0 Reference Manual Saving and Loading Text Text BanksSHIFT+CTRL+? Filename exists Overwrite / ?Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual File Selector Basic ConfigurationCTRL+X Leaving the ProgramEditor Commands Cursor MovementText Entry Modes Delete ord, ine, entence, aragraph? Inserting and Deleting TextMoving and Copying with Text Blocks Hange, ll, To nd, kip? Finding and Replacing TextSearching with Wildcards FindTH SFind Change to Edited Text Indicator Additional Editor FeaturesCounting Words TabulationBookmarks Text and Document ModesCTRL+B User Options Editing Multiple FilesWildcards Y LoadREPORT.DOC/C Handling Large Files2DTHESIS.TXT2 Save AsDREPORT.DOC/ADisk Operations from the Editor Disk OperationsDisk Menu CTRL+JPec IewOpy Ock OrmatVail Subdirectory Features Additional CommandsCTRL+H SHIFT+CTRL+ DownPrinting with LW Editor Print CommandsPreviewing Text Keeping Track of PaginationStage 1 Commands Embedded CommandsL20Return L20r60helloReturnLast Word 3.0 Reference Manual Set the left margin. The default is Left header/footer margin, default 10. This works like Stage 2 Commands Creating Hanging Indents Other Print FeaturesInternational Characters SHIFT+CTRL+SPACEConfiguring the Print Formatter Configuring LW for Your Printer Printer DriversCreating a Printer Driver Print Toggles Control StringsInit Code 1,129 International on 27,82,12 International OFF 27,82,0Style 1,27,45,8 Style 2,27,83,2 Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual Loading Macros MacrosAutorun Macros Running MacrosWriting and Editing Macros Special Macro CommandsField. To actually get input from the user, you Must include Oad Ave OadRint Special Characters Disabling the Screen from MacrosEntering Other Commands from Macros Special Macro FontKeyboard Conventions for Macros Creating and Editing Macros Font Set Example MacrosTranspose Characters Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual Configuration Options in the Editor Configuring LWCFG Configuration Files Drive D1 Default DriveConfiguration Using a Supported DOS LW.SYS FileBanks 1,2,3,4 Extpages Reserve Configuration Using Other DOS PackagesBanked on Reserve ExtpagesSearch Path Banks 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12Path D8D1LW Using Multipe Text Buffers Custom FontsKeyboard Buffer Customising the Keyboard Keyboard TableKEY n,n Invalid Remapping Commands Using Macros KEY 10,97KEY 150,3 3 1200 XL Keys Memory Requirements DOS Packages and LWAtari DOS XE MemloSpartados DISK-BASED SpartadosLW files /Mc /Ppath /Q /X LW TEST.DOC /M% /PD1LWSpartados X Lwpath Environment Variable Spartados X Memory ConfigurationsKEY OFF LW.EXE KEY on SET LWPATH=D8D1\LWLast Word 3.0 Reference Manual LW Command Summary Editor CommandsCommand Function Macro Equivalent SHIFT+CTRL W See SET CommandInverse Ctrl W Ctrl YKEY Function Special KeysCommand Function Macro CommandsINV Ctrl INV CTRL+LCommand Function Default Value Print Formatting CommandsUP Arrow Down ArrowRight Arrow Left ArrowAssembly Language ADD-INS Programmers Technical NotesMemory Usage SEC Program DesignWHY LW Came Into Being Development and Testing12-74 12-75 Development Correspondence

XL specifications

The Atari XL series, launched in 1982, represented a significant evolution in home computing, building upon the foundation laid by the Atari 400 and 800 systems. This line of computers included popular models such as the Atari 600XL and 800XL, both of which combined affordability with robust capabilities, making them attractive options for home users, educators, and enthusiasts alike.

One of the standout features of the Atari XL series was its color display capabilities. The systems supported a resolution of 320x192 pixels with a vibrant palette of 128 colors, which enabled rich graphics for games and applications. This was complemented by the system's powerful Antic graphics chip that allowed for advanced video display modes, making the Atari XL series particularly popular for gaming and multimedia applications.

Another key technology driving the Atari XL series was its use of the 6502 processor, which delivered efficient performance and allowed for smooth multitasking. The systems typically came with 64KB of RAM, expandable to 128KB, providing ample memory for running multiple applications simultaneously, a notable feature in comparison to other microcomputers of the time.

The Atari XL series also introduced a new, user-friendly operating system known as Atari DOS. This improved disk management capabilities, making it easier for users to manage files and applications on floppy disks. The systems were equipped with built-in BASIC programming language, enabling users to dive into programming and coding, fostering a generation of hobbyists and developers.

Each model in the Atari XL series came with a distinctive keyboard design, offering both a chic and functional layout. The keyboards were known for their tactile feel, making them suitable for typing and coding over extended periods.

Additionally, the Atari XL computers were compatible with a wide range of peripherals, such as printers, modems, and disk drives, enhancing their versatility. Users could also take advantage of a rich library of software, including educational programs, productivity tools, and an ever-growing selection of games.

The Atari XL series not only boasted solid technology and capabilities but also garnered a devoted community. The systems contributed to a vibrant culture of gaming and computing in the early 1980s, which remains fondly remembered by enthusiasts today. With their combination of innovative technology, user-centric design, and a diverse software library, the Atari XL series played a crucial role in the evolution of home computing.
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