Deferred Mode

This mode of operation is referred to by several different names such as the Command Mode, Deferred Mode or the Command Line. Command Mode lets you write small programs that edit text. These programs are called "macros." Commands can be combined in many ways to perform almost any conceivable editing task. Groups of characters can be searched out, deleted, new characters inserted, and the operation can be repeated throughout the text. As stated before, the Esc character is used to move from Immediate Mode to Command Mode. It is also used to separate certain commands on the command line. Typing two Esc’s at the end of the Command Line executes it. This is a little confusing, so we’ll go through it step-by-step.

Starting in Immediate Mode, with no commands on the Command Line, typing Esc puts you into Command Mode. You can also click directly on the Command Line. When you do this, a cursor and a special character “[“ appear on the Command Line indicating that you are in Command Mode. Typing another Esc executes the empty Command Line and puts you back into Immediate Mode. Typing a third Esc takes you back into Command Mode. As you see, Esc takes you back and forth between Immediate Mode and Command Mode.

Here is a list of the topics concerning Command Mode: