Re: even more(1) tells you how big the file is on the first screen

[David Kastrup]

Dan Jacobson <jidanni@dman.ddts.net> writes:

> You know, I think it's bad that no matter if we are looking
> a giant file, or a little file, the mode line has that "Top"
> item, instead of some indication of percent.  "Top" is more closed
> mouthed than an Army security officer. 
> ---1:---F1  some_file (Fundamental)--L1--Top--
> We have to move the cursor down to engage the percent mechanism.
> 
> RMS, I recall, was pleased, as top was top.  However, I want more for
> my money without budging a finger. I.e. we have just done M-x
> compile. Does the compile output end just below the screen where we
> thought it should, or does it go on for page upon page?

One could just say Top 15%.  However, there is a major drawback: for
compile buffers and their ilk, it would mean that even a buffer you
are not really interested in until it is finished will keep the mode
line busy and flashing.  On a tty, this might impact your editing.
Ok, if done smartly, it can flash only 100 times, but it might be
distracting.  Could be made configurable, though.

> I mean even the mere wimpy less(1) and even more(1) tell you what
> percent you are on right there on the first screen.

They don't have to track a moving target.

-- 
David Kastrup, Kriemhildstr. 15, 44793 Bochum