xedit
Edit text files using a graphical interface
SYNOPSIS
xedit [options...] [filename...]
PARAMETERS
-display
Specifies the X server display to connect to.
-geometry
Sets the initial size and position of the editor window (e.g., 80x25+100+100).
-iconic
Starts the editor window in an iconified (minimized) state.
-font
Defines the font to be used for displaying text in the editor.
-fg
Sets the foreground color of the text.
-bg
Sets the background color of the editor window.
-borderwidth
Specifies the width of the border around the text editing area.
-title
Sets the title string for the editor's window.
-name
Specifies the application name, used for resource lookups.
-xrm
Passes a specific X resource string to the application (e.g., 'Xedit*font: 8x13').
-selectMode
Controls how text selection works (e.g., char, word, line).
-editMode
Sets the default editing mode (e.g., insert, overwrite).
-printCommand
Specifies an external command to use for printing selected text.
-loadFromFile
Loads the specified file upon startup. Alternative to just providing a filename argument.
-saveToFile
Saves the editor's content to the specified file upon shutdown.
-Wl
Enables word wrapping at the left margin.
-Wr
Enables word wrapping at the right margin.
-C
Enables the feature to copy selection to the X clipboard (as opposed to primary selection).
DESCRIPTION
xedit is a basic, lightweight text editor specifically designed for the X Window System. It provides fundamental text editing capabilities within a graphical environment, often serving as a default or minimal editor for X11 distributions. While it lacks the advanced features, extensibility, and power of modern editors like Emacs or Vim, it is perfectly suited for quick edits of small configuration files, notes, or scripts. Its user interface is straightforward, typically featuring a text area, a basic menu bar, and common edit functions accessible via mouse and keyboard shortcuts, often resembling Emacs keybindings. xedit is built using the X Athena Widgets (Xaw) library, contributing to its simplicity and historical significance as a foundational X application. It primarily relies on X resources for customization, allowing users to configure aspects like fonts, colors, and default behaviors through .Xresources or .Xdefaults files.
CAVEATS
xedit is a very basic editor and lacks many features found in modern text editors, such as syntax highlighting, multiple buffers/tabs, advanced search and replace, or plugin support. It may not handle very large files efficiently and its user interface is minimal, relying heavily on traditional X Window System conventions and X resources for configuration. Its development has largely ceased, and it is primarily maintained for historical compatibility within X.Org.
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS
xedit often defaults to Emacs-like keybindings, providing a familiar experience for users accustomed to Emacs. Common shortcuts include Ctrl-A for beginning of line, Ctrl-E for end of line, Ctrl-K for cutting a line, Ctrl-Y for pasting, and standard X selection mechanisms (select with mouse, middle-click to paste).
X RESOURCES
Customization of xedit is primarily done through X resources. Users can define default fonts, colors, border widths, and other behaviors by setting resources in their .Xdefaults or .Xresources files, typically prefixed with Xedit* (e.g., Xedit*font: fixed).
HISTORY
xedit has been a fundamental component of the X Window System since its early days. It was developed as a simple, graphical text editor to demonstrate and provide basic functionality within the X environment. Being built upon the X Athena Widgets (Xaw) library, it reflects the architectural simplicity of early X applications. While it never evolved into a full-featured editor like Emacs or Vim, its enduring presence in X.Org distributions highlights its role as a stable, minimalist editor suitable for environments where larger dependencies are undesirable or for quick, casual text manipulation.
