Method and apparatus for extending the capability of a system editor using high-level language transforms

A computer-implemented method for extending editing capability of a system editor executing on a digital computer, the system editor having a core set of commands, the method comprising the steps of:

• creating, in a high level programming language, a library separate from the system editor and core set of commands, the library containing at least one new editing command and a namelist;
• and
• linking the system editor to the library to extend the editing capability of the system editor,
• wherein the step of linking further comprises the step of providing an interface in the system editor to access the new editing command with respect to a numerical position in the library,
• wherein the numerical position of the new editing command is determined by the namelist provided in the library,
• wherein the step of linking further comprises the step of providing a link file to allow access by the interface to a particular library;
• and
• the step of creating further includes the step of creating a plurality of different libraries of new and different editing commands, wherein each one of a plurality of users may have access to any combination of the plurality of different libraries by way of the link file.

A system editor to be implemented on a computer having enhanced editing capabilities, comprising:

• system editor means, having a core set of commands, for manipulating text in a file;
• a library, created in a high level programming language, containing at least one new editing command separate from the core set of commands;
• and
• linking means for providing access by the system editor to the new editing command in the library,
• wherein the high level programming language is one of ALGOL, C, COBOL, FORTRAN, and PASCAL.

A system editor to be implemented on a computer having enhanced editing capabilities, comprising:

• system editor means, having a core set of commands, for manipulating text in a file;
• a library, created in a high level programming language, containing at least one new editing command separate from the core set of commands and a namelist;
• and
• linking means for providing access by the system editor to the new editing command in the library,
• wherein the linking means includes an interface means in the system editor for accessing the new editing command with respect to a numerical position in the library,
• wherein the numerical position of the new editing command is determined by the namelist provided in the library
• wherein the linking means further includes a link file for allowing the interface means to access the commands in a particular library;
• and
• further including a plurality of different libraries containing new and different editing commands, wherein each one of a plurality of users may have access to any combination of the plurality of different libraries by way of declarations in the link file.