CHAPTER 5

MACRO COMMANDS

AEDIT-86 macros are sequences of AEDIT-86 commands (sequences of keystrokes) that have been collected and given a name.

Macros are typically used for frequently executed command sequences. Instead of entering a series of commands, you can call a previously created macro to execute a command sequence automatically. Macros speed your work and reduce the typing errors associated with long command sequences.

A set of macros may be grouped in a macro file. When you "'get" such a macro file, all macros in that file are available for execution.

Macro files contain macro definitions and may contain configuration commands, SET commands, and comments.

AEDIT-86 enables you to create macros interactively using the MACRO Create command or directly using the MACRO Insert command. Typically, macros are defined interactively using MACRO Create, and corrected or changed using MACRO Insert.

Macros are stored in macro form. When you create a macro, letters and digits are entered as is. Function keys are stored in a special format: for example, the AEDIT- 86 command <DELR) is stored in its macro form. in this case, \XA. (Control codes are listed later in this chapter.)

5. 1 MACRO Command

The MACRO command is invoked by pressing M, which allows you to manipulate macros.

A Macro definition is a series of commands written in macro form. Macros can be defined in two ways: interactively. by using the MACRO Create command, or directly, by writing macros to your macro file using the MACRO Insert command, which inserts text in macro form automatically. To save interactively defined macros. you must write them to a separate macro file in macro form. The MACRO Get command is used to get a macro file, thus making the macros it contains available for execution.

5. 1. 1 Description

Press M; AEDIT-86 prompts-

Create Get Insert Lis t Save

To specify a subcommand, press the initial letter of that subcommand.

Create

The Create subcommand "creates" a macro interactively by accumulating a sequence of keystrokes. The macro is executed and created concurrently.

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Intel AEDIT-86 manual Chapter Macro Commands, Create Get Insert Lis t Save

AEDIT-86 specifications

The Intel AEDIT-86, also known as the Intel 8086, is a notable microprocessor that played a critical role in shaping the computing landscape. Released in 1978, it was Intel's first 16-bit microprocessor, setting the stage for the x86 architecture that continues to influence modern computing.

One of the main features of the AEDIT-86 is its 16-bit architecture, which allows it to process data in larger chunks compared to its 8-bit predecessors. This capability not only improves performance but also increases the amount of memory that can be addressed, allowing for a maximum of 1 MB of RAM. This was a significant advancement at the time, enabling more complex software and operating systems to run efficiently.

The AEDIT-86 is built on a 3-micron process technology, which was innovative for its time and contributed to its performance capabilities. The microprocessor operates at a clock speed of up to 5 MHz, which allowed it to execute more instructions per second than previous generations of processors. This speed, combined with its wide data bus (16 bits), enables the processor to handle a larger volume of information more quickly.

Intel incorporated several key technologies in the AEDIT-86, including segmentation. This feature divides the memory into different segments, making it easier for programs to access data and improving memory management. The AEDIT-86 also supports a minimum of four 64 KB segments, which enhances the organization and access of programs and data in memory.

Another significant aspect of the AEDIT-86 is its compatibility with the existing 8080 and 8085 instruction sets, which facilitated easier migration for developers and helped the processor gain traction in the market. This backward compatibility allowed existing software to be ported to the new platform with minimal modification.

Furthermore, the Intel AEDIT-86 introduced a powerful instruction set that includes both integer and string manipulation commands, paving the way for more versatile programming. The instruction set architecture (ISA) of the AEDIT-86 supports both high-level programming languages and low-level assembly language, offering flexibility for various applications.

In summary, the Intel AEDIT-86 is a groundbreaking microprocessor known for its 16-bit architecture, advanced segmentation technology, and compatibility with earlier instruction sets. Its introduction marked the beginning of the x86 architecture, which has influenced countless processors and computing systems that followed. The AEDIT-86's features and technologies were instrumental in the evolution of personal computing, laying the groundwork for future innovations in the industry.