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Last update: 20 April,2001

								1003.2-92  #57

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	Interpretation Number:	XXXX
	Topic:			vi - terminate command or input mode
	Relevant Sections:	5.35.7.1.17

Interpretation Request: (Defect Report)
-----------------------


Reference: Page 637, Section 5.35.7.1.17,
	"Terminate command or input mode"

The current vi specification requires that the key sequence
``[0-9]*<escape>'' be treated as an error.  The historic vi
has no way for users to erase partial commands that consist
only of the preliminary number.

It would be helpful if the standard permitted the <escape> key
to cancel partial commands that only consist of the preliminary
number.  This is consistent with historic practice, and provides
a superior implementation.  There is at least one implementation
of vi that behaves this way.

Was it the intent of the POSIX 1003.2 standard to disallow a
superior implementation of this functionality?

(Keith Bostic			bostic@cs.berkeley.edu)





IEEE Interpretation for 1003.2-1992
-----------------------------------

The standard clearly states the behavior for <esc> and conforming 
implementations must conform to this.

Rationale for Interpretation:
-----------------------------
None.
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