ISPF Editor: Move Line Command

The Move Line Command?

The M (move) line command is used with the B (before) or A (after) line commands. Unlike the copy command, which leaves the original in place, move does a CTRL+X, and places it somewhere else. Move a single line using M, or multiple lines using MM (block). Note, that if you get ENTER happy, and forget to specifiy where you want to move the line to, a MOVE/COPY pending message at the top right of your screen. If you see this message, you can either type B or A in the prefix area of the line you want to move your data to, and then press Enter to complete the action.

What we’ll be working with

Like with our copy example, let’s say we have a list of tasks. Now, I don’t know if you’re a fortunate person who never has to rearrage your tasks, but I’m not! So, let’s look at how we can re-arrange our chaotic days.

000100 TODO: DROP KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL
000200 TODO: GO GROCERY SHOPPING
000300 TODO: GO TO THE GYM
000400 TODO: PLAY LOTS OF DOOM
000500 TODO: TAKE A NAP
000600 TODO: PICK KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL

So, you can see we have a lot of to do, and I see one task that needs to be removed. Who has time for a nap? Why not check out how to remove that item using the delete line command instead?

000100 TODO: DROP KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL
000200 TODO: GO GROCERY SHOPPING
000300 TODO: GO TO THE GYM
000400 TODO: PLAY LOTS OF DOOM
000500 TODO: PICK KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL

There, that’s more realistic! Sp, let’s say we want to move the GO GROCERY SHOPPING task to the end of the list. We can do that with the M and A line commands.

How to Move One or More Lines

1. First, type M in the prefix area of the GO GROCERY SHOPPING todo (e.g., 000100). Remember that if you needed to move 2 todo’s, we could type a number after the C (e.g., C2).
2. I see you! Don’t press Enter yet!
3. Next, type A (for after) in the prefix area of last line (e.g., 000500). Remember, if you also use B (for before) to move it above.
4. Finally, press Enter to execute the command.

This will pick the first line and move it the last task in the list, which moves the gym task up, resulting in:

Example: Move an item after another.

000100 TODO: DROP KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL
M00200 TODO: GO GROCERY SHOPPING
000300 TODO: GO TO THE GYM
000400 TODO: PLAY LOTS OF DOOM
A00500 TODO: PICK KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL

Example: After the move, the grocery shopping task is now at the end of the list.

000100 TODO: DROP KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL 
000300 TODO: GO TO THE GYM       
000400 TODO: PLAY LOTS OF DOOM       
000500 TODO: PICK KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL
000600 TODO: GO GROCERY SHOPPING   <-- moved here -->  

How to Move a Block of Lines

Using the same todo list, let’s say we want to move the GO TO THE GYM and PLAY LOTS OF DOOM tasks to the end of the list. We can do that with the MM and A line commands.

1. First, type MM in the prefix area of first tasks we want to move (e.g., 000300).
2. Next, type MM in the prefix area of last one (e.g., 000400).
3. Then, type A (for after) in the prefix area of the last task (e.g., 000600).
4. Now you can press the Enter key.

Example: Copy a block of lines after the last task.

000100 TODO: DROP KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL 
MM0300 TODO: GO TO THE GYM       
MM0400 TODO: PLAY LOTS OF DOOM       
000500 TODO: PICK KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL
A00600 TODO: GO GROCERY SHOPPING 

Example: After the move, the gym and doom tasks are now at the end of the list.

000100 TODO: DROP KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL 
000400 TODO: PICK KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL
000500 TODO: GO GROCERY SHOPPING     
000600 TODO: GO TO THE GYM           <-- moved here -->
000700 TODO: PLAY LOTS OF DOOM       <-- moved here-->

Summary

In this #kilobit, you learned how to move one or more lines in the ISPF editor using the MOVE line command. Until next time, may the code be with you.