zile

Start a buffer for temporary notes, which won't be saved

$ zile

$ zile [path/to/file]

$ <Ctrl x><Ctrl s>

$ <Ctrl x><Ctrl c>

$ zile +[line_number] [path/to/file]

$ <Ctrl x><u>

zile [OPTION]... [FILE]...

Example usage:
zile myfile.txt
zile -q script.sh
zile +10 config.ini

-h, --help
    Displays a help message and exits.

-v, --version
    Outputs the version information and exits.

-q, --no-init-file
    Prevents loading the user's ~/.zile initialization file.

-f FUNCTION, --function=FUNCTION
    Executes the specified FUNCTION upon startup.

-l FILE, --load=FILE
    Loads and executes the commands from FILE at startup.

-x, --no-splash
    Suppresses the display of the splash screen on startup.

-r, --read-only
    Opens files in read-only mode, preventing accidental modifications.

+LINE
    Opens the file and positions the cursor at the specified LINE number.

+LINE:COLUMN
    Opens the file and positions the cursor at the specified LINE and COLUMN number.

zile (Zile Is Lossy Emacs) is a compact and efficient text editor designed to mimic the core functionalities and keybindings of GNU Emacs, but with a significantly smaller footprint. It provides a familiar Emacs-like editing experience for users who require a lightweight editor, particularly in resource-constrained environments or when a full Emacs installation is impractical.

While not a complete replacement for GNU Emacs, zile excels at basic to intermediate text editing tasks, offering features like syntax highlighting, buffer management, and Emacs-style keyboard shortcuts. Its design prioritizes speed and simplicity, making it an excellent choice for quick edits, script development, or use on embedded systems and minimal installations. It's a testament to providing powerful editing capabilities without the overhead of a larger suite.

zile is designed as a lightweight Emacs clone, which means it implements a subset of GNU Emacs features. Users accustomed to the full GNU Emacs might find certain advanced functionalities, extensive Emacs Lisp capabilities, or specific modes missing or simplified. It's primarily suited for command-line environments and basic to intermediate text editing, rather than as a full-fledged IDE replacement.

zile strives to be highly compatible with GNU Emacs keybindings, allowing users familiar with Emacs to quickly adapt. Common commands like C-x C-s (save), C-x C-f (open file), C-g (cancel), and cursor movement keys (C-f, C-b, C-n, C-p) function as expected. This design choice minimizes the learning curve for Emacs users and maximizes productivity in a lightweight environment.

Although not supporting full Emacs Lisp, zile offers a simple, built-in scripting language that allows for customization and basic extensibility. Users can write simple functions and macros in their ~/.zile initialization file to tailor the editor to their preferences or automate repetitive tasks, enhancing its utility beyond basic editing.

zile emerged as part of the GNU project, with its initial release aimed at providing a smaller, faster, and simpler alternative to the increasingly feature-rich and resource-intensive GNU Emacs. Its development focused on retaining the essential Emacs editing paradigms and keybindings while shedding less frequently used or highly complex features.

This philosophy allowed zile to serve as a valuable tool for system administrators, developers on minimal systems, or anyone preferring a quick-loading, terminal-based Emacs experience without the overhead of a full Emacs installation. It represents a commitment to versatility within the GNU ecosystem.

emacs(1), vi(1), nano(1)