Enhanced editing commands

Enhanced editing commands
 2.2.7 This page will introduce the enhanced editing mode that is available in the Cisco IOS user interface. This mode provides a set of editing key functions that allows a user to edit a command line as it is being typed.


The key sequences indicated in Figure can be used to move the cursor on the command line for corrections or changes. Although enhanced editing mode is automatically enabled with the current software release, it can be disabled if it interferes with the interaction of written scripts. To disable enhanced editing mode, type terminal no editing at the privileged EXEC mode prompt.

The editing command set provides a horizontal scrolling feature for commands that extend beyond a single line on the screen. When the cursor reaches the right margin, the command line shifts ten spaces to the left. The first ten characters of the line cannot be seen, but a user can scroll back and check the syntax at the beginning of the command. To scroll back, press Ctrl-B or the Left Arrow key repeatedly until the beginning of the command entry is reached. Ctrl-A will return a user directly to the beginning of the line.

In the example shown in Figure , the command entry extends beyond one line. When the cursor first reaches the end of the line, the line is shifted ten spaces to the left and redisplayed. The dollar sign ($) indicates that the line has been scrolled to the left. Each time the cursor reaches the end of the line, the line is again shifted ten spaces to the left.

Ctrl-Z is a command used to back out of configuration mode. This will return the user to the privileged EXEC mode prompt.

The next page will introduce the Cisco IOS command history feature.