[PLUG] how to create a comma-delimited list?

[Michael Rasmussen]

> From: Matt Alexander [mailto:m at netpro.to]
> 
> I have a list of items like this:
> 
> bob
> sam
> joe
> mark
> sally
> marge
> 
> And I'd like to convert it to this:
> 
> bob,sam,joe,mark,sally,marge
> 
> Is there a way to do this within vi?

Assuming that the list is not the only thing in your file and you eyeball
the number of lines involved you can:

(with cursor on the line with bob)
5Js/ /, /g

or if you'd rather not guess:

:set nu
[ see what the line number is for first and last list item]
:1,5j #substitute real line numbers
:s/ /, /g

^^ Though it breaks on items with embedded spaces so perhaps you'd rather:
:1,5s/$/,/
:1,5j

  
There's a couple of vi-isms to do what you want.

I expect Heinlein will weigh in with a more powerful method.

--  
  Michael Rasmussen - Network Engineer, Columbia Management
  voice:  971-925-6723  cell:  503-807-1447  rasmussenm at columbiafunds.com
  <mailto:rasmussenm at columbiafunds.com> http://www.columbiafunds.com

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