Re:Canon Cat
by zozbot234 on Sunday February 21, 2021 @06:05PM
(#26218273)
> Sure, programs have functions that while you perform them put you in a special restricted environment, but it's not a mode. If there's a search-and-replace operation going on, you can see that on the screen.
That's how vi works, too. The 'i' command begins an insertion operation, wherein whatever you type after that command is inserted before the cursor. It's not a special mode, it's just how you provide input to that 'insertion' operation.
And the fact that the resulting program state and behavior is somewhat reminiscent of the "default" mode in other editors where all commands must be entered via menus or special keystrokes, etc. (e.g. emacs) is ultimately coincidental. That has nothing to do with the underlying principles of how 'vi' itself works.
That's how vi works, too. The 'i' command begins an insertion operation, wherein whatever you type after that command is inserted before the cursor. It's not a special mode, it's just how you provide input to that 'insertion' operation.
And the fact that the resulting program state and behavior is somewhat reminiscent of the "default" mode in other editors where all commands must be entered via menus or special keystrokes, etc. (e.g. emacs) is ultimately coincidental. That has nothing to do with the underlying principles of how 'vi' itself works.