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Opening a document, saving a document

 

To open an existing document in Pico, you can type pico filename at the Unix prompt. Replace filename with the name of the file you wish to edit, for instance pico myfile.txt. Alternatively, you can start Pico by just typing pico and then reading in the file to edit by typing ^R followed by the name of the file. After ^R, typing ^T will display a listing of the files in the current directory. You can use the arrow keys to move the cursor onto the file you wish to open, then press S to select the file, which will be opened for editing.

To save a file after making changes, use the write-out command, ^O. You will be prompted for a filename, the default being the name of the file you opened. You can alter this if you want to save the file under a different name: backspace over the original name and type a new one.

If you are done with Pico, and want to save the file under its original name, you can just use the exit command, ^X. If you have made any changes to the file you will be prompted for a save on the way out. Type y (for ``yes'') and the file will be saved.

Quick summary:
^R Read in a file
^O Write out a file
^X Exit Pine, saving file on the way