WG15 Defect Report Ref: 9945-2-57
Topic: vi - terminate command or input mode


This is an approved interpretation of 9945-2:1993.

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Last update: 1997-05-20


								9945-2-57

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	Topic:			vi - terminate command or input mode
	Relevant Sections:	5.35.7.1.17

Defect Report:
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Reference: Page 637, Section 5.35.7.1.17,
	"Terminate command or input mode"

The current vi specification requires that the key sequence
``[0-9]*<escape>'' be treated as an error.  The historic vi
has no way for users to erase partial commands that consist
only of the preliminary number.

It would be helpful if the standard permitted the <escape> key
to cancel partial commands that only consist of the preliminary
number.  This is consistent with historic practice, and provides
a superior implementation.  There is at least one implementation
of vi that behaves this way.

Was it the intent of the POSIX 9945-2 standard to disallow a
superior implementation of this functionality?

(Keith Bostic			bostic@cs.berkeley.edu)





WG15 response for 9945-2:1993
-----------------------------------

The standard clearly states the behavior for <esc> and conforming 
implementations must conform to this.

Rationale for Interpretation:
-----------------------------
None.
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