Re: [9fans] tab completion and command history in rc

[John Floren <jfloren@moseslake-wa.com>]

Rian Hunter wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I'm very very new to Plan 9 and I'm very conscious of the fact that 
> things are done differently if not better than in the unix family. In 
> bash and in some versions of csh and sh there is tab-completion and 
> command history (you get these effects by pressing tab or up, 
> respectively, on the keyboard). Does that exist in rc, or is it done  in
> different way in Plan 9?
> 
> Also on my keyboard my directional buttons no longer work, so in a 
> terminal window running in rio it's very frustrating when I get to  the
> bottom of the window and have to use the mouse to scroll down or  press
> enter twice. Is there a way so that the command line always  stays in
> sight in the terminal window? or, are there other key  sequences I can
> use to simulate up down left and right (similar to  hjkl in vi or ctrl+n
> or ctrl+p in emacs/bash).
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Rian Hunter
> 
Ouch.  You seem to have unconsciously hit on some of the more hot-button
topics for Plan 9 users.  Tab completion is partly implemented; hit
"Ctrl-f".  However, as a quick foray onto #plan9 will tell you, nobody
seems to believe in tab completion, finding multiple "ls" commands and
copy-pasting to be faster.  As for command history, you are expected to
find the previous command in your rc window, edit it, copy it, paste it
to the prompt, and then run it.  This is obviously more efficient than
hitting the "up" arrow.
As for keeping the command line always in view, mid-click on the window
and select "scroll".  I really can't help you with regard to your
directional buttons.


John Floren
-- 
http://nuwen.net/~digi/cluster
Jealousy is all the fun you think they have.