Pico Compatibility

Nano does not completely emulate Pico by default. The following differences apply to the default mode and Pico Compatibility mode:

Displayed Shortcuts

By default, the following shortcuts are displayed in the Shortcut Lists: ^G ^O ^\ ^Y ^K ^C
^X ^R ^W ^V ^U ^T Related functions are listed above or below each other by default. The Justify function is not listed, instead the "Replace" function is displayed. Also, he "Read File" and "WriteOut" functions are aligned for consistency. In Pico Compatibility mode, the default Pico shortcuts are displayed: ^G ^O ^R ^Y ^K ^C
^X ^J ^W ^V ^U ^T

Previous String Text

By default, previously entered string for a function (search string, file name) will be placed on the statusbar, and is editable. This is done so there is consistency across all functions. For example: even if there is a previous replace string, it can always be deleted if one wishes to perform an empty string replace. In Pico Compatibility Mode, the previously entered text in a search or replace will appear in brackets, and is not editable. It is not a simple matter to do an empty string replace when a previous replace string exists, for example. When writing a file, the previous filename will be displayed in the editable text portion of the editor.

Interactive Replace and Spell Checker

It is worth noting that the nano replace function is interactive, i.e. it does not stop after one search string is found and automatically replace it. The nano implementation will stop at each search string found and query whether to replace this instance or not. The internal spell checker operates similarly. Note that these is no way to force these functions to behave in the Pico fashion.

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