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The EDT Editor,
Rebuilt for Modern Systems

Faithful DEC OpenVMS EDT for Linux and macOS: drop-in commands, ncurses screen mode, GOLD keypad, and extensions — migrated apps keep running without retraining.

Browse Commands

Screen Mode Keys

edit source.cob

$ edit source.cob

EDIT/EDT source.cob

1 IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.

* FIND "PROCEDURE"

4 PROCEDURE DIVISION.

* SUBSTITUTE/GLOBAL "SECTION" "BLOCK"

3 substitutions

* DEFINE MACRO TIDY AS "TOP; FIND TODO; SUBSTITUTE DONE"

* TIDY

Substituted

* EXIT

source.cob written — 312 lines

Capabilities

Everything EDT, and more

VX/EDT implements the full OpenVMS EDT command set plus modern extensions for case-insensitive search, global substitution, redo, paragraph fill, and direct printer output.

🖥️

Line & Screen Modes

Starts in EDT line mode with the familiar * prompt. CHANGE enters full ncurses screen mode with GOLD-key keypad emulation. Ctrl/Z returns to line mode at any time.

🔍

Stateful Search

FIND sets the active search string. FNDNXT repeats in the current direction. ADVANCE and BACKUP control direction. Case-sensitive or general search via SET SEARCH.

♻️

Unlimited Undo & Redo

100-level undo stack captures complete editor state — buffers, cursor, direction, selection, and delete buffers. Full redo stack is built on every undo; cleared on any new mutating command.

📋

Named Buffers

The PASTE buffer provides clipboard functionality. User-named buffers (FIND =TEMP) hold arbitrary text. COPY, MOVE, and CLEAR manage content between buffers.

⌨️

Key & Macro Definitions

Redefine any PF key, GOLD+key, or Ctrl key combination with DEFINE KEY. Chain commands into named macros with DEFINE MACRO. Loaded automatically from EDT.INI.

🛠️

Modern Extensions

Global substitute with /GLOBAL, per-match confirmation with /QUERY, paragraph reformat with FILL, line printer output with PRINT, overstrike mode, and horizontal scroll.

Reference

Line-Mode Command Reference

All commands are case-insensitive. Qualifiers (/QUERY, /GLOBAL, /NOTYPE, /BRIEF, /SAVE) may be appended to any command before or after its arguments.

Display TYPE

Command	Description
`TYPE` or `T`	Display current line
`TYPE n`	Display line n
`TYPE a THRU b`	Display lines a through b (also `a:b`)
`TYPE REST`	Display from cursor to end of buffer
`TYPE WHOLE` or `TYPE ALL`	Display entire buffer
`TYPE BEGIN THRU END`	Symbolic first/last line references
`TYPE .` or `TYPE CURRENT`	Display current line (dot notation)
`TYPE .../NOTYPE`	Execute silently — suppresses all output

Range tokens: BEGIN / FIRST / START = first line · END / LAST = last line · . / CURRENT = cursor line

Navigation

Command	Description
`n`	Move cursor to line n (bare number, 1-based, clamped to file length)
`TOP`	Move to first line of buffer
`BOTTOM`	Move to last line of buffer
`ADVANCE` or `ADV`	Set search / move direction forward
`BACKUP` or `BACK`	Set search / move direction backward

Search FIND · FNDNXT

Command	Description
`FIND text` or `F text`	Search forward for text and make it the active search string. Displays matched line.
`FIND "multi word string"`	Quoted string preserves spaces
`FIND =NAME`	Switch to named buffer NAME (creates it if it doesn't exist)
`FNDNXT`	Repeat last search in current direction; prints found line
`FIND NEXT`	Synonym for FNDNXT
`SET SEARCH EXACT`	Case-sensitive search (default)
`SET SEARCH GENERAL`	Case-insensitive search — `find todo` matches `TODO`

Substitute SUBSTITUTE · SUBS

Command	Description
`SUBSTITUTE replacement`	Replace next occurrence of search string; advance to following match
`SUBSTITUTE`	Replace next match using PASTE buffer as replacement
`SUBSTITUTE ALL replacement`	Replace every occurrence in the entire buffer; prints count
`SUBSTITUTE/GLOBAL replacement`	Synonym for SUBSTITUTE ALL
`SUBSTITUTE/QUERY replacement`	Prompt `Y`/`N` before each replacement
`SUBSTITUTE/GLOBAL/QUERY repl`	Replace all, confirming each match interactively
`SUBSTITUTE NEXT`	Synonym for plain SUBSTITUTE (advance to next after replacing)

Insert & Fill

Command	Description
`INSERT text` or `I text`	Insert text at current cursor position
`INSERT "text with spaces"`	Quoted insertion preserves leading/trailing spaces
`FILL`	Reformat the paragraph at the cursor (or selected lines) to fit the current terminal width. Words are joined and rewrapped.
`SET OVERSTRIKE` / `SET OVERTYPE`	Switch to overwrite mode — typed characters replace rather than insert
`SET INSERT` / `SET NOOVERSTRIKE`	Return to insert mode (default)

Delete

Command	Description
`DELETE` or `D`	Delete current line
`DELETE n`	Delete line n
`DELETE a THRU b`	Delete a range of lines
`DELETE REST`	Delete from cursor to end of buffer
`DEL L` / `DL` / `DELETE LINE`	Delete current line (or selected range)
`DEL C` / `DC` / `DELETE CHARACTER`	Delete character at cursor; saved to character delete buffer
`DEL W` / `DW` / `DELETE WORD`	Delete word forward from cursor; saved to word delete buffer
`DEL EOL` / `DELETE EOL`	Delete from cursor to end of line; saved to PASTE buffer
`UND L` / `UNDELETE LINE`	Restore last deleted line
`UND C` / `UNDELETE CHARACTER`	Restore last deleted character
`UND W` / `UNDELETE WORD`	Restore last deleted word

Select, Cut & Paste

Command	Description
`SELECT` or `SEL`	Anchor the select range at the current line
`CUT`	Move current line (or selected range) to PASTE buffer
`APPEND`	Append current line (or selected range) to PASTE buffer without clearing it
`PASTE`	Insert contents of PASTE buffer at cursor
`REPLACE`	Replace current line (or selected range) with PASTE buffer
`RESET`	Cancel select range and reset direction to ADVANCE

Undo & Redo

Command	Description
`UNDO` or `U`	Restore editor state to before the last text-modifying command. Up to 100 levels. Pushes current state onto the redo stack.
`REDO`	Re-apply the last undone change. Cleared when any mutating command is executed.

Undo/Redo captures: buffer contents, all named buffers, cursor position, direction, select anchor, active search string, and all delete buffers.

Buffer Management

Command	Description
`SHOW BUFFER` / `SHOW BUFFERS`	List all buffers with line counts and modification flags
`FIND =NAME`	Switch to named buffer (created on first access). Special names: `=MAIN`, `=PASTE`
`COPY range TO =NAME`	Copy lines to a named buffer (non-destructive)
`COPY WHOLE TO =NAME`	Copy entire buffer
`MOVE range TO =NAME`	Move lines to a named buffer (removes from source)
`CLEAR NAME`	Clear and delete a named buffer
`CLEAR`	Clear the current buffer

File I/O

Command	Description
`INCLUDE filename`	Insert the contents of an external file at the cursor position
`WRITE filename`	Write the current buffer to filename
`WRITE file BUFFER NAME`	Write a named buffer to a file
`PRINT`	Send the entire buffer to the system printer (`lpr` / `lp`)
`PRINT range`	Print a specific range of lines

Display & Search Settings

Command	Description
`SET NUMBERS` / `SET NUMBER`	Enable line numbers in screen mode
`SET NONUMBERS` / `SET NONUMBER`	Disable line numbers
`SHOW NUMBERS`	Report current line-number setting
`SET SEARCH EXACT`	Case-sensitive search (default)
`SET SEARCH GENERAL`	Case-insensitive search
`SET MODE CHANGE`	Enter screen mode (synonym for CHANGE)
`SET MODE LINE`	Return to line mode (no-op if already in line mode)
`SET OVERSTRIKE`	Characters typed replace rather than insert
`SET INSERT`	Characters typed insert at cursor (default)

Macros & Key Definitions

Command	Description
`DEFINE KEY key AS "cmd"`	Bind a key to a line-mode command
`DEFINE KEY GOLD key AS "cmd"`	Bind a GOLD+key combination
`DEFINE KEY CONTROL x AS "cmd"`	Bind a Ctrl+key combination (also `CTRL`)
`DEFINE KEY PF3 AS "FNDNXT"`	Example: rebind PF3 (also PF1–PF4, F1–F4)
`DEFINE MACRO NAME AS "cmd; cmd; ..."`	Define a named macro — semicolons separate commands
`SHOW MACRO` / `SHOW MACROS`	List all defined macros
`SHOW MACRO NAME`	Show the definition of a specific macro
`MACRONAME`	Execute any defined macro by name at the `*` prompt

Exit

Command	Description
`EXIT` or `EX`	Save the file and exit (exit code 0)
`QUIT` or `Q`	Exit without saving (exit code 1)
`HELP` or `H`	Display line-mode command reference
`CHANGE` or `C`	Enter screen mode

Qualifiers

Command Qualifiers

Qualifiers may be placed anywhere in a command — on the verb or after the arguments — and multiple qualifiers can be combined.

Example: SUBSTITUTE/GLOBAL/QUERY "new text" or TYPE WHOLE/NOTYPE

/QUERY

Prompt Y/N before each SUBSTITUTE replacement

/GLOBAL

Apply SUBSTITUTE to all occurrences in the buffer

/NOTYPE

Suppress all output for this command

/BRIEF

Use terse output format (recognised, reserved for future use)

/SAVE

Auto-save the file after this command completes

Screen Mode

Keypad & Screen Mode Reference

Enter screen mode with CHANGE or C. Return to line mode with Ctrl/Z. The GOLD key is F1 / PF1 — on MacBook, use fnF1, or hold fn then tap F1.

PF Keys

Key	Action
`F1` / `PF1`	GOLD prefix — next key becomes GOLD+key
`F2` / `PF2`	HELP screen
`F3` / `PF3`	FNDNXT — repeat last search
`F4` / `PF4`	Delete current line
`GOLD`+`F2`	BOTTOM — jump to last line
`GOLD`+`F3`	FIND prompt — type new search string
`GOLD`+`F4`	Undelete line (UND L)

Cursor Movement

Key	Action
Arrow keys	Move one position in each direction
`Home`	Beginning of current line
`End`	End of current line
`GOLD`+`↑`	TOP — first line
`GOLD`+`↓`	BOTTOM — last line
`GOLD`+`←`	Shift current line left (delete leading space)
`GOLD`+`→`	Shift current line right (insert leading space)

Ctrl Keys

Key	Action
`Ctrl/A`	Toggle insert / overstrike mode
`Ctrl/B`	Move to beginning of line
`Ctrl/E`	Move to end of line
`Ctrl/F`	FNDNXT (repeat last search)
`Ctrl/K`	Delete to end of line (DEL EOL)
`Ctrl/T`	Toggle case of character at cursor
`Ctrl/U`	Delete to beginning of line (saved to PASTE)
`Ctrl/W` / `Ctrl/L` / `Ctrl/R`	Refresh / redraw screen
`Ctrl/Z`	Return to line command mode
`Backspace`	Delete character to the left
`Delete`	Delete character at cursor (DEL C)
`Return`	Split line / insert newline

Numeric Keypad

Key	Normal
`Kp 0`	LINE — move to next/previous line start
`Kp 1`	WORD — move one word in current direction
`Kp 2`	EOL — move to end of line
`Kp 3`	CHAR — move one character
`Kp 4`	Set direction ADVANCE
`Kp 5`	Set direction BACKUP
`Kp 6`	CUT to PASTE buffer
`Kp 7`	PAGE — page down one screen
`Kp 8`	SECTION — move 16 lines
`Kp 9`	APPEND to PASTE buffer
`Kp .`	SELECT — set range anchor
`Kp -`	DEL W — delete word forward
`Kp ,`	DEL C — delete character at cursor

GOLD + Keypad

Key	Action
`GOLD`+`Kp 0`	Open line (insert blank line above)
`GOLD`+`Kp 1`	Toggle case of character at cursor
`GOLD`+`Kp 2`	DEL EOL — delete to end of line
`GOLD`+`Kp 3`	Insert literal text (prompt)
`GOLD`+`Kp 4`	BOTTOM
`GOLD`+`Kp 5`	TOP
`GOLD`+`Kp 6`	PASTE — insert PASTE buffer at cursor
`GOLD`+`Kp 7`	Command prompt — enter any line-mode command
`GOLD`+`Kp 8`	FILL — reformat paragraph to terminal width
`GOLD`+`Kp 9`	REPLACE line(s) with PASTE buffer
`GOLD`+`Kp .`	RESET — cancel select, reset direction
`GOLD`+`Kp -`	UND W — undelete word
`GOLD`+`Kp ,`	UND C — undelete character

GOLD + Letter Keys

Key	Action
`GOLD`+`Q`	QUIT without saving
`GOLD`+`N`	Toggle line numbers on/off

Additional GOLD+letter bindings can be defined with DEFINE KEY GOLD x AS "command" in EDT.INI or at the * prompt.

Configuration

Startup & Configuration

VX/EDT reads a personal configuration file at startup and accepts a command file on the command line for non-interactive batch use.

Invocation

Syntax	Description
`edit file.txt`	Open file in interactive line mode
`edit file -command cmds.edt`	Run commands from file, then enter interactive mode
`edit file -command=cmds.edt`	Alternate `=` syntax

EDT.INI Startup File

Location (checked in order)
`$EDT_INI` environment variable path
`$HOME/EDT.INI`
`$HOME/edt.ini`

Lines beginning with !, #, or ; are comments and are silently ignored — in both EDT.INI and -command files.

Example EDT.INI

~/EDT.INI

! EDT personal configuration
SET SEARCH GENERAL
SET NUMBERS

DEFINE KEY GOLD Q AS "QUIT"
DEFINE KEY GOLD E AS "EXIT"
DEFINE KEY GOLD F AS "FIND"
DEFINE KEY GOLD S AS "SUBSTITUTE"
DEFINE KEY CONTROL P AS "PASTE"

DEFINE MACRO HEADER AS "TOP; INSERT // Generated"
DEFINE MACRO TIDY AS "SET NUMBERS; TYPE WHOLE"
DEFINE MACRO FIXALL AS "TOP; FIND TODO; SUBSTITUTE/GLOBAL DONE"

VX_TTY — Xcode / Debugger I/O Redirect

Environment Variable	Description
`VX_TTY=/dev/ttys003`	Redirect all editor I/O (line mode prompts, screen mode ncurses rendering) to the specified terminal device. Allows running VX/EDT under Xcode or lldb while displaying in a separate Terminal window.

To use: open a Terminal window, run tty to get its device path (e.g. /dev/ttys003), then set VX_TTY=/dev/ttys003 in your Xcode scheme's Environment Variables. Also set TERM=xterm-256color.

Build

Building VX/EDT

Single-file C++17 source. Requires ncurses (standard on macOS and most Linux distributions).

macOS / Clang

clang++ -std=c++17 -Wall -O2 \
  edt.cpp -lncurses -o edt

Linux / GCC

g++ -std=c++17 -Wall -O2 \
  edt.cpp -lncurses -o edt

✅

Requirements

C++17 or later
ncurses or ncursesw
POSIX — macOS 12+, Linux glibc 2.17+
No external runtime dependencies
lpr or lp for PRINT command (optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about how Sector7 can facilitate your application migration? Explore our FAQs for expert insights.

Free Code Assessment

What is VX/EDT and when would I use it?

VX/EDT is Sector7’s faithful reimplementation of the DEC OpenVMS EDT editor for Linux and macOS. It preserves familiar line-mode commands, ncurses screen mode, GOLD-key keypad behaviour, and common qualifiers so teams moving off OpenVMS can keep the same editing workflow on POSIX systems.

For the broader platform picture—languages, runtimes, and production cutover—see Sector7’s overview of OpenVMS to Linux and UNIX migration and the technical tools directory.

Do OpenVMS EDT line-mode commands work the same way in VX/EDT?

Yes. VX/EDT is built around a drop-in compatible command set: navigation, FIND / FNDNXT, SUBSTITUTE with qualifiers such as /GLOBAL and /QUERY, buffer operations, INCLUDE / WRITE, and the usual range syntax (THRU, WHOLE, REST, and so on). Commands remain case-insensitive, matching OpenVMS EDT expectations.

Enter full-screen editing with CHANGE or C; return to the asterisk prompt with Ctrl/Z. The on-page command reference summarises behaviour for quick lookup.

How does the GOLD key work on a PC or Mac keyboard?

On OpenVMS terminals, GOLD is typically F1 / PF1. VX/EDT follows the same model: press GOLD, then the second key (for example GOLD+F2 for BOTTOM, or GOLD plus keypad keys in screen mode).

On laptops without a dedicated function row, use Fn with F1 as needed. The Screen Mode section on this page lists PF keys, cursor GOLD combinations, Ctrl keys, and GOLD+keypad bindings for day-to-day reference.

Where does VX/EDT read EDT.INI from?

At startup VX/EDT checks, in order: the path in the $EDT_INI environment variable (if set), then $HOME/EDT.INI, then $HOME/edt.ini. Lines beginning with !, #, or ; are treated as comments—in both EDT.INI and -command script files.

Use DEFINE KEY and DEFINE MACRO entries to persist PF-key, GOLD, and Ctrl bindings across sessions. The Startup & Configuration section documents invocation flags and a sample EDT.INI.

Can VX/EDT run from a command file or non-interactive workflow?

Yes. Launch with edit <file> -command <script> (or the -command=<script> form) to execute a sequence of EDT commands—useful for scripted edits, repeatable migration steps, or CI-style checks alongside other tooling.

For larger automation and assessment across a codebase, many teams pair editor workflows with LegacyScan and Sector7’s broader toolset bundles.

How do undo and redo work in VX/EDT?

UNDO (U) restores the editor to the state before the last text-changing command, with up to 100 levels of history. Each undo pushes the current state onto a redo stack so REDO can re-apply the last undone change.

Captured state includes buffer contents, named buffers, cursor position, direction, selection anchor, active search string, and delete buffers—mirroring the depth teams expect from OpenVMS EDT-style editing.

What is required to build VX/EDT from source?

VX/EDT ships as a single-file C++17 source module linked against ncurses (available by default on macOS and typical Linux distributions). A POSIX toolchain—clang++ or g++—is sufficient; there are no additional runtime dependencies beyond the OS curses library.

The optional PRINT command expects a working lpr or lp line-printer interface when used. Exact compiler examples appear in the Building VX/EDT section on this page.

Where can I get help with a larger OpenVMS migration beyond the editor?

VX/EDT removes a common friction point—keeping the EDT editing experience on modern platforms—but most production moves also involve languages, system services, databases, and operational cutover. Sector7 has delivered large-scale OpenVMS migrations since the 1980s using proprietary converters and proven methodology.

Explore migration services (including the assessment process and zero code freeze approach), browse the VX/TOOLS technical catalog, and contact us to discuss scope, timelines, and tooling fit.

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The EDT Editor,Rebuilt for Modern Systems