annotate lisp/forms.el @ 4124:a91cdccf5458

* Makefile.in (src/Makefile): Propagate C_SWITCH_SYSTEM to the src directory's makefile. This allows the invocation of CPP which builds xmakefile to receive these switches. The SunSoft C preprocessor inserts spaces between tokens if it doesn't get the -Xs flag requested in src/s/sol2.h.

;;; forms.el -- Forms mode: edit a file as a form to fill in.
;;; Copyright (C) 1991, 1993 Free Software Foundation, Inc.

;; Author: Johan Vromans <[e-mail]>
;; Version: 2.0

;; This file is part of GNU Emacs.

;; GNU Emacs is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
;; it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
;; the Free Software Foundation; either version 2, or (at your option)
;; any later version.

;; GNU Emacs is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
;; but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
;; MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
;; GNU General Public License for more details.

;; You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
;; along with GNU Emacs; see the file COPYING.  If not, write to
;; the Free Software Foundation, 675 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.

;;; Commentary:

;;; Visit a file using a form.
;;;
;;; === Naming conventions
;;;
;;; The names of all variables and functions start with 'form-'.
;;; Names which start with 'form--' are intended for internal use, and
;;; should *NOT* be used from the outside.
;;;
;;; All variables are buffer-local, to enable multiple forms visits 
;;; simultaneously.
;;; Variable `forms--mode-setup' is local to *ALL* buffers, for it 
;;; controls if forms-mode has been enabled in a buffer.
;;;
;;; === How it works ===
;;;
;;; Forms mode means visiting a data file which is supposed to consist
;;; of records each containing a number of fields.  The records are
;;; separated by a newline, the fields are separated by a user-defined
;;; field separater (default: TAB).
;;; When shown, a record is transferred to an Emacs buffer and
;;; presented using a user-defined form.  One record is shown at a
;;; time.
;;;
;;; Forms mode is a composite mode.  It involves two files, and two
;;; buffers.
;;; The first file, called the control file, defines the name of the
;;; data file and the forms format.  This file buffer will be used to
;;; present the forms.
;;; The second file holds the actual data.  The buffer of this file
;;; will be buried, for it is never accessed directly.
;;;
;;; Forms mode is invoked using M-x forms-find-file control-file .
;;; Alternativily `forms-find-file-other-window' can be used.
;;;
;;; You may also visit the control file, and switch to forms mode by hand
;;; with M-x forms-mode .
;;;
;;; Automatic mode switching is supported if you specify 
;;; "-*- forms -*-" in the first line of the control file.
;;; 
;;; The control file is visited, evaluated using `eval-current-buffer',
;;; and should set at least the following variables:
;;;
;;;	forms-file				[string]
;;;			The name of the data file.
;;;
;;;	forms-number-of-fields			[integer]
;;;			The number of fields in each record.
;;;
;;;	forms-format-list			[list]
;;;			Formatting instructions.
;;;
;;; `forms-format-list' should be a list, each element containing
;;;
;;;   - a string, e.g. "hello".  The string is inserted in the forms
;;;	"as is".
;;;   
;;;   - an integer, denoting a field number.
;;;	The contents of this field are inserted at this point.
;;;     Fields are numbered starting with number one.
;;;   
;;;   - a function call, e.g. (insert "text").
;;;	This function call is dynamically evaluated and should return a
;;;     string.  It should *NOT* have side-effects on the forms being
;;;     constructed.  The current fields are available to the function
;;;     in the variable `forms-fields', they should *NOT* be modified.
;;;   
;;;   - a lisp symbol, that must evaluate to one of the above.
;;;
;;; Optional variables which may be set in the control file:
;;;
;;;	forms-field-sep				[string, default TAB]
;;;			The field separator used to separate the
;;;			fields in the data file.  It may be a string.
;;;
;;;	forms-read-only				[bool, default nil]
;;;			Non-nil means that the data file is visited
;;;			read-only (view mode) as opposed to edit mode.
;;;			If no write access to the data file is
;;;			possible, view mode is enforced. 
;;;
;;;	forms-multi-line			[string, default "^K"]
;;;			If non-null the records of the data file may
;;;			contain fields that can span multiple lines in
;;;			the form.
;;;			This variable denotes the separator character
;;;			to be used for this purpose.  Upon display, all
;;;			occurrencies of this character are translated
;;;			to newlines.  Upon storage they are translated
;;;			back to the separator character.
;;;
;;;	forms-forms-scroll			[bool, default t]
;;;			Non-nil means: rebind locally the commands that
;;;			perform `scroll-up' or `scroll-down' to use
;;;			`forms-next-field' resp. `forms-prev-field'.
;;;
;;;	forms-forms-jump			[bool, default t]
;;;			Non-nil means: rebind locally the commands that
;;;			perform `beginning-of-buffer' or `end-of-buffer'
;;;			to perform `forms-first-field' resp. `forms-last-field'.
;;;
;;;	forms-new-record-filter			[symbol, no default]
;;;			If defined: this should be the name of a 
;;;			function that is called when a new
;;;			record is created.  It can be used to fill in
;;;			the new record with default fields, for example.
;;;			Instead of the name of the function, it may
;;;			be the function itself.
;;;
;;;	forms-modified-record-filter		[symbol, no default]
;;;			If defined: this should be the name of a 
;;;			function that is called when a record has
;;;			been modified.  It is called after the fields
;;;			are parsed.  It can be used to register
;;;			modification dates, for example.
;;;			Instead of the name of the function, it may
;;;			be the function itself.
;;;
;;;	forms-use-text-properties		[bool, see text for default]
;;;			This variable controls if forms mode should use
;;;			text properties to protect the form text from being
;;;			modified (using text-property `read-only').
;;;			Also, the read-write fields are shown using a
;;;			distinct face, if possible.
;;;			This variable defaults to t if running Emacs 19
;;;			with text properties.
;;;			The default face to show read-write fields is
;;;			copied from face `region'.
;;;
;;;	forms-ro-face 				[symbol, default 'default]
;;;			This is the face that is used to show
;;;			read-only text on the screen.If used, this
;;;			variable should be set to a symbol that is a
;;;			valid face.
;;;			E.g.
;;;			  (make-face 'my-face)
;;;			  (setq forms-ro-face 'my-face)
;;;
;;;	forms-rw-face				[symbol, default 'region]
;;;			This is the face that is used to show
;;;			read-write text on the screen.
;;;
;;; After evaluating the control file, its buffer is cleared and used
;;; for further processing.
;;; The data file (as designated by `forms-file') is visited in a buffer
;;; `forms--file-buffer' which will not normally be shown.
;;; Great malfunctioning may be expected if this file/buffer is modified
;;; outside of this package while it is being visited!
;;;
;;; Normal operation is to transfer one line (record) from the data file,
;;; split it into fields (into `forms--the-record-list'), and display it
;;; using the specs in `forms-format-list'.
;;; A format routine `forms--format' is built upon startup to format 
;;; the records according to `forms-format-list'.
;;;
;;; When a form is changed the record is updated as soon as this form
;;; is left.  The contents of the form are parsed using information
;;; obtained from `forms-format-list', and the fields which are
;;; deduced from the form are modified.  Fields not shown on the forms
;;; retain their origional values.  The newly formed record then
;;; replaces the contents of the old record in `forms--file-buffer'.
;;; A parse routine `forms--parser' is built upon startup to parse
;;; the records.
;;;
;;; Two exit functions exist: `forms-exit' and `forms-exit-no-save'.
;;; `forms-exit' saves the data to the file, if modified.
;;; `forms-exit-no-save` does not.  However, if `forms-exit-no-save'
;;; is executed and the file buffer has been modified, Emacs will ask
;;; questions anyway.
;;;
;;; Other functions provided by forms mode are:
;;;
;;;	paging (forward, backward) by record
;;;	jumping (first, last, random number)
;;;	searching
;;;	creating and deleting records
;;;	reverting the form (NOT the file buffer)
;;;	switching edit <-> view mode v.v.
;;;	jumping from field to field
;;;
;;; As an documented side-effect: jumping to the last record in the
;;; file (using forms-last-record) will adjust forms--total-records if
;;; needed.
;;;
;;; Commands and keymaps:
;;;
;;; A local keymap `forms-mode-map' is used in the forms buffer.
;;; If the forms is in view mode, this keymap is used so all forms mode
;;; functions are accessible.
;;; If the forms is in edit mode, this map can be accessed with C-c prefix.
;;;
;;; Default bindings:
;;;
;;;	\C-c	forms-mode-map
;;;	TAB	forms-next-field
;;;	SPC 	forms-next-record
;;;	<	forms-first-record
;;;	>	forms-last-record
;;;	?	describe-mode
;;;	d	forms-delete-record
;;;	e	forms-edit-mode
;;;	i	forms-insert-record
;;;	j	forms-jump-record
;;;	n	forms-next-record
;;;	p	forms-prev-record
;;;	q	forms-exit
;;;	s	forms-search
;;;	v	forms-view-mode
;;;	x	forms-exit-no-save
;;;	DEL	forms-prev-record
;;;
;;; For convenience, TAB is always bound to `forms-next-field', so you
;;; don't need the C-c prefix for this command.
;;;
;;; As mentioned above (see `forms-forms-scroll' and `forms-forms-jump')
;;; the bindings of standard functions `scroll-up', `scroll-down',
;;; `beginning-of-buffer' and `end-of-buffer' are locally replaced with
;;; forms mode functions next/prev record and first/last
;;; record.
;;;
;;; `local-write-file hook' is defined to save the actual data file
;;; instead of the buffer data, `revert-file-hook' is defined to
;;; revert a forms to original.

;;; Code:

;;; Global variables and constants:

(provide 'forms)			;;; official
(provide 'forms-mode)			;;; for compatibility

(defconst forms-version "2.0"
  "Version of forms-mode implementation.")

(defvar forms-mode-hooks nil
  "Hook functions to be run upon entering Forms mode.")

;;; Mandatory variables - must be set by evaluating the control file.

(defvar forms-file nil
  "Name of the file holding the data.")

(defvar forms-format-list nil
  "List of formatting specifications.")

(defvar forms-number-of-fields nil
  "Number of fields per record.")

;;; Optional variables with default values.

(defvar forms-field-sep "\t"
  "Field separator character (default TAB).")

(defvar forms-read-only nil
  "Non-nil means: visit the file in view (read-only) mode.
(Defaults to the write access on the data file).")

(defvar forms-multi-line "\C-k"
  "If not nil: use this character to separate multi-line fields (default C-k).")

(defvar forms-forms-scroll t
  "*Non-nil means replace scroll-up/down commands in Forms mode.
The replacement commands performs forms-next/prev-record.")

(defvar forms-forms-jump t
  "*Non-nil means redefine beginning/end-of-buffer in Forms mode.
The replacement commands performs forms-first/last-record.")

(defvar forms-new-record-filter nil
  "The name of a function that is called when a new record is created.")

(defvar forms-modified-record-filter nil
  "The name of a function that is called when a record has been modified.")

(defvar forms-fields nil
  "List with fields of the current forms.  First field has number 1.
This variable is for use by the filter routines only. 
The contents may NOT be modified.")

(defvar forms-use-text-properties (fboundp 'set-text-properties)
  "*Non-nil means: use emacs-19 text properties.
Defaults to t if this emacs is capable of handling text properties.")

(defvar forms-ro-face 'default
  "The face (a symbol) that is used to display read-only text on the screen.")

(defvar forms-rw-face 'region
  "The face (a symbol) that is used to display read-write text on the screen.")

;;; Internal variables.

(defvar forms--file-buffer nil
  "Buffer which holds the file data")

(defvar forms--total-records 0
  "Total number of records in the data file.")

(defvar forms--current-record 0
  "Number of the record currently on the screen.")

(defvar forms-mode-map nil		; yes - this one is global
   "Keymap for form buffer.")

(defvar forms--markers nil
  "Field markers in the screen.")

(defvar forms--dyntexts nil
  "Dynamic texts (resulting from function calls) on the screen.")

(defvar forms--the-record-list nil 
   "List of strings of the current record, as parsed from the file.")

(defvar forms--search-regexp nil
  "Last regexp used by forms-search.")

(defvar forms--format nil
  "Formatting routine.")

(defvar forms--parser nil
  "Forms parser routine.")

(defvar forms--mode-setup nil
  "To keep track of forms-mode being set-up.")
(make-variable-buffer-local 'forms--mode-setup)

(defvar forms--new-record-filter nil
  "Set if a new record filter has been defined.")

(defvar forms--modified-record-filter nil
  "Set if a modified record filter has been defined.")

(defvar forms--dynamic-text nil
  "Array that holds dynamic texts to insert between fields.")

(defvar forms--elements nil
  "Array with the order in which the fields are displayed.")

(defvar forms--ro-face nil
  "Face used to represent read-only data on the screen.")

(defvar forms--rw-face nil
  "Face used to represent read-write data on the screen.")

;;;###autoload 
(defun forms-mode (&optional primary)
  "Major mode to visit files in a field-structured manner using a form.

Commands (prefix with C-c if not in read-only mode):
\\{forms-mode-map}"

  (interactive)				; no - 'primary' is not prefix arg

  ;; This is not a simple major mode, as usual.  Therefore, forms-mode
  ;; takes an optional argument `primary' which is used for the
  ;; initial set-up.  Normal use would leave `primary' to nil.
  ;; A global buffer-local variable `forms--mode-setup' has the same
  ;; effect but makes it possible to auto-invoke forms-mode using
  ;; `find-file'.
  ;; Note: although it seems logical to have `make-local-variable'
  ;; executed where the variable is first needed, I have deliberately
  ;; placed all calls in this function.

  ;; Primary set-up: evaluate buffer and check if the mandatory
  ;; variables have been set.
  (if (or primary (not forms--mode-setup))
      (progn
	;;(message "forms: setting up...")
	(kill-all-local-variables)

	;; Make mandatory variables.
	(make-local-variable 'forms-file)
	(make-local-variable 'forms-number-of-fields)
	(make-local-variable 'forms-format-list)

	;; Make optional variables.
	(make-local-variable 'forms-field-sep)
        (make-local-variable 'forms-read-only)
        (make-local-variable 'forms-multi-line)
	(make-local-variable 'forms-forms-scroll)
	(make-local-variable 'forms-forms-jump)
	(make-local-variable 'forms-use-text-properties)
	(make-local-variable 'forms--new-record-filter)
	(make-local-variable 'forms--modified-record-filter)

	;; Make sure no filters exist.
	(fmakunbound 'forms-new-record-filter)
	(fmakunbound 'forms-modified-record-filter)

	;; If running Emacs 19 under X, setup faces to show read-only and 
	;; read-write fields.
	(if (fboundp 'make-face)
	    (progn
	      (make-local-variable 'forms-ro-face)
	      (make-local-variable 'forms-rw-face)))

	;; eval the buffer, should set variables
	;;(message "forms: processing control file...")
	(eval-current-buffer)

	;; check if the mandatory variables make sense.
	(or forms-file
	    (error "'forms-file' has not been set"))
	(or forms-number-of-fields
	    (error "'forms-number-of-fields' has not been set"))
	(or (> forms-number-of-fields 0)
	    (error "'forms-number-of-fields' must be > 0")
	(or (stringp forms-field-sep))
	    (error "'forms-field-sep' is not a string"))
	(if forms-multi-line
	    (if (and (stringp forms-multi-line)
		     (eq (length forms-multi-line) 1))
		(if (string= forms-multi-line forms-field-sep)
		    (error "'forms-multi-line' is equal to 'forms-field-sep'"))
	      (error "'forms-multi-line' must be nil or a one-character string")))
	(or (fboundp 'set-text-properties)
	    (setq forms-use-text-properties nil))
	    
	;; Validate and process forms-format-list.
	;;(message "forms: pre-processing format list...")
	(forms--process-format-list)

	;; Build the formatter and parser.
	;;(message "forms: building formatter...")
	(make-local-variable 'forms--format)
	(make-local-variable 'forms--markers)
	(make-local-variable 'forms--dyntexts)
	(make-local-variable 'forms--elements)
	;;(message "forms: building parser...")
	(forms--make-format)
	(make-local-variable 'forms--parser)
	(forms--make-parser)
	;;(message "forms: building parser... done.")

	;; Check if record filters are defined.
	(setq forms--new-record-filter 
	      (cond
	       ((fboundp 'forms-new-record-filter)
		(symbol-function 'forms-new-record-filter))
	       ((and (boundp 'forms-new-record-filter)
		     (fboundp forms-new-record-filter))
		forms-new-record-filter)))
	(fmakunbound 'forms-new-record-filter)
	(setq forms--modified-record-filter 
	      (cond
	       ((fboundp 'forms-modified-record-filter)
		(symbol-function 'forms-modified-record-filter))
	       ((and (boundp 'forms-modified-record-filter)
		     (fboundp forms-modified-record-filter))
		forms-modified-record-filter)))
	(fmakunbound 'forms-modified-record-filter)

	;; The filters acces the contents of the forms using `forms-fields'.
	(make-local-variable 'forms-fields)

	;; Dynamic text support.
	(make-local-variable 'forms--dynamic-text)

	;; Prevent accidental overwrite of the control file and autosave.
	(setq buffer-file-name nil)
	(auto-save-mode nil)

	;; Prepare this buffer for further processing.
	(setq buffer-read-only nil)
	(erase-buffer)

	;;(message "forms: setting up... done.")
	))

  ;; Copy desired faces to the actual variables used by the forms formatter.
  (if (fboundp 'make-face)
      (progn
	(make-local-variable 'forms--ro-face)
	(make-local-variable 'forms--rw-face)
	(if forms-read-only
	    (progn
	      (setq forms--ro-face forms-ro-face)
	      (setq forms--rw-face forms-ro-face))
	  (setq forms--ro-face forms-ro-face)
	  (setq forms--rw-face forms-rw-face))))

  ;; Make more local variables.
  (make-local-variable 'forms--file-buffer)
  (make-local-variable 'forms--total-records)
  (make-local-variable 'forms--current-record)
  (make-local-variable 'forms--the-record-list)
  (make-local-variable 'forms--search-regexp)

  ;; A bug in the current Emacs release prevents a keymap
  ;; which is buffer-local from being used by 'describe-mode'.
  ;; Hence we'll leave it global.
  ;;(make-local-variable 'forms-mode-map)
  (if forms-mode-map			; already defined
      nil
    ;;(message "forms: building keymap...")
    (setq forms-mode-map (make-keymap))
    (forms--mode-commands forms-mode-map)
    ;;(message "forms: building keymap... done.")
    )

  ;; find the data file
  (setq forms--file-buffer (find-file-noselect forms-file))

  ;; count the number of records, and set see if it may be modified
  (let (ro)
    (setq forms--total-records
	  (save-excursion
	    (prog1
		(progn
		  ;;(message "forms: counting records...")
		  (set-buffer forms--file-buffer)
		  (bury-buffer (current-buffer))
		  (setq ro buffer-read-only)
		  (count-lines (point-min) (point-max)))
	      ;;(message "forms: counting records... done.")
	      )))
    (if ro
	(setq forms-read-only t)))

  ;;(message "forms: proceeding setup...")
  ;; set the major mode indicator
  (setq major-mode 'forms-mode)
  (setq mode-name "Forms")
  (make-local-variable 'minor-mode-alist) ; needed?
  ;;(message "forms: proceeding setup (minor mode)...")
  (forms--set-minor-mode)
  ;;(message "forms: proceeding setup (keymaps)...")
  (forms--set-keymaps)
  (make-local-variable 'local-write-file-hooks)
  ;;(message "forms: proceeding setup (commands)...")
  (forms--change-commands)

  ;;(message "forms: proceeding setup (buffer)...")
  (set-buffer-modified-p nil)

  ;; We have our own revert function - use it
  (make-local-variable 'revert-buffer-function)
  (setq revert-buffer-function 'forms-revert-buffer)

  ;; setup the first (or current) record to show
  (if (< forms--current-record 1)
      (setq forms--current-record 1))
  (forms-jump-record forms--current-record)

  ;; user customising
  ;;(message "forms: proceeding setup (user hooks)...")
  (run-hooks 'forms-mode-hooks)
  ;;(message "forms: setting up... done.")

  ;; be helpful
  (forms--help)

  ;; initialization done
  (setq forms--mode-setup t))

(defun forms--process-format-list ()
  ;; Validate `forms-format-list' and set some global variables.
  ;; Symbols in the list are evaluated, and consecutive strings are
  ;; concatenated.
  ;; Array `forms--elements' is constructed that contains the order
  ;; of the fields on the display. This array is used by 
  ;; `forms--parser-using-text-properties' to extract the fields data
  ;; from the form on the screen.
  ;; Upon completion, `forms-format-list' is garanteed correct, so
  ;; `forms--make-format' and `forms--make-parser' do not need to perform
  ;; any checks.

  ;; Verify that `forms-format-list' is not nil.
  (or forms-format-list
      (error "'forms-format-list' has not been set"))
  ;; It must be a list.
  (or (listp forms-format-list)
      (error "'forms-format-list' is not a list"))

  ;; Assume every field is painted once.
  ;; `forms--elements' will grow if needed.
  (setq forms--elements (make-vector forms-number-of-fields nil))

  (let ((the-list forms-format-list)	; the list of format elements
	(this-item 0)			; element in list
	(prev-item nil)
	(field-num 0))			; highest field number 

    (setq forms-format-list nil)	; gonna rebuild

    (while the-list

      (let ((el (car-safe the-list))
	    (rem (cdr-safe the-list)))

	;; If it is a symbol, eval it first.
	(if (and (symbolp el)
		 (boundp el))
	    (setq el (eval el)))

	(cond

	 ;; Try string ...
	 ((stringp el)
	  (if (stringp prev-item)	; try to concatenate strings
	      (setq prev-item (concat prev-item el))
	    (if prev-item
		(setq forms-format-list
		      (append forms-format-list (list prev-item) nil)))
	    (setq prev-item el)))

	 ;; Try numeric ...
	 ((numberp el) 

	  ;; Validate range.
	  (if (or (<= el 0)
		  (> el forms-number-of-fields))
	      (error
	       "Forms error: field number %d out of range 1..%d"
	       el forms-number-of-fields))

	  ;; Store forms order.
	  (if (> field-num (length forms--elements))
	      (setq forms--elements (vconcat forms--elements (1- el)))
	    (aset forms--elements field-num (1- el)))
	  (setq field-num (1+ field-num))

	  ;; Make sure the field is preceded by something.
	  (if prev-item
	      (setq forms-format-list
		    (append forms-format-list (list prev-item) nil))
	    (setq forms-format-list
		  (append forms-format-list (list "\n") nil)))
	  (setq prev-item el))

	 ;; Try function ...
	 ((listp el)

	  ;; Validate.
	  (or (fboundp (car-safe el))
	      (error 
	       "Forms error: not a function: %s"
	       (prin1-to-string (car-safe el))))

	  ;; Shift.
	  (if prev-item
	      (setq forms-format-list
		    (append forms-format-list (list prev-item) nil)))
	  (setq prev-item el))

	 ;; else
	 (t
	  (error "Forms error: invalid element %s"
		 (prin1-to-string el))))

	;; Advance to next element of the list.
	(setq the-list rem)))

    ;; Append last item.
    (if prev-item
	(progn
	  (setq forms-format-list
		(append forms-format-list (list prev-item) nil))
	  ;; Append a newline if the last item is a field.
	  ;; This prevents pasrsing problems.
	  ;; Also it makes it possible to insert an empty last field.
	  (if (numberp prev-item)
	      (setq forms-format-list
		    (append forms-format-list (list "\n") nil))))))

  (forms--debug 'forms-format-list
		'forms--elements))

;; Special treatment for read-only segments.
;;
;; If text is inserted after a read-only segment, it inherits the
;; read-only properties.  This is not what we want.
;; The modification hook of the last character of the read-only segment
;; temporarily switches its properties to read-write, so the new
;; text gets the right properties.
;; The post-command-hook is used to restore the original properties.
;;
;; A character category `forms-electric' is used for the characters
;; that get the modification hook set.  Using a category, it is
;; possible to globally enable/disable the modification hook.  This is
;; necessary, since modifying a hook or setting text properties are
;; considered modifications and would trigger the hooks while building
;; the forms.

(defvar forms--ro-modification-start nil
  "Record start of modification command.")
(defvar forms--ro-properties nil
  "Original properties of the character being overridden.")

(defun forms--romh (begin end)
  "`modification-hook' function for forms-electric characters."

  ;; Note start location.
  (or forms--ro-modification-start
      (setq forms--ro-modification-start (point)))

  ;; Fetch current properties.
  (setq forms--ro-properties 
	(text-properties-at (1- forms--ro-modification-start)))

  ;; Disarm modification hook.
  (setplist 'forms--electric nil)

  ;; Replace them.
  (let ((inhibit-read-only t))
    (set-text-properties 
     (1- forms--ro-modification-start) forms--ro-modification-start
     (list 'face forms--rw-face)))

  ;; Re-arm electric.
  (setplist 'forms--electric '(modification-hooks (forms--romh)))

  ;; Enable `post-command-hook' to restore the properties.
  (setq post-command-hook
	(append (list 'forms--romh-post-command-hook) post-command-hook)))

(defun forms--romh-post-command-hook ()
  "`post-command-hook' function for forms--electric characters."

  ;; Disable `post-command-hook'.
  (setq post-command-hook
	(delq 'forms--romh-post-command-hook post-command-hook))

  ;; Disarm modification hook.
  (setplist 'forms--electric nil)

  ;; Restore properties.
  (if forms--ro-modification-start
      (let ((inhibit-read-only t))
	(set-text-properties 
	 (1- forms--ro-modification-start) forms--ro-modification-start
	 forms--ro-properties)))

  ;; Re-arm electric.
  (setplist 'forms--electric '(modification-hooks (forms--romh)))

  ;; Cleanup.
  (setq forms--ro-modification-start nil))

(defvar forms--marker)
(defvar forms--dyntext)

(defun forms--make-format ()
  "Generate `forms--format' using the information in `forms-format-list'."

  ;; The real work is done using a mapcar of `forms--make-format-elt' on
  ;; `forms-format-list'.
  ;; This function sets up the necessary environment, and decides
  ;; which function to mapcar.

  (let ((forms--marker 0)
	(forms--dyntext 0))
    (setq 
     forms--format
     (if forms-use-text-properties 
	 (` (lambda (arg)
	      (let ((inhibit-read-only t))
		(setplist 'forms--electric nil)
		(,@ (apply 'append
			   (mapcar 'forms--make-format-elt-using-text-properties
				   forms-format-list))))
	      (setplist 'forms--electric
			'(modification-hooks (forms--romh)))
	      (setq forms--ro-modification-start nil)))
       (` (lambda (arg)
	    (,@ (apply 'append
		       (mapcar 'forms--make-format-elt forms-format-list)))))))

    ;; We have tallied the number of markers and dynamic texts,
    ;; so we can allocate the arrays now.
    (setq forms--markers (make-vector forms--marker nil))
    (setq forms--dyntexts (make-vector forms--dyntext nil)))
  (forms--debug 'forms--format))

(defun forms--make-format-elt-using-text-properties (el)
  "Helper routine to generate format function."

  ;; The format routine `forms--format' will look like
  ;;
  ;; ;; preamble
  ;; (lambda (arg)
  ;;   (let ((inhibit-read-only t))
  ;;     (setplist 'forms--electric nil)
  ;;
  ;;     ;; a string, e.g. "text: "
  ;;     (set-text-properties 
  ;;      (point)
  ;;      (progn (insert "text: ") (point)) 
  ;;      (list 'face forms--ro-face 'read-only 1))
  ;;
  ;;     ;; a field, e.g. 6
  ;;     (let ((here (point)))
  ;;       (aset forms--markers 0 (point-marker))
  ;;       (insert (elt arg 5))
  ;;       (or (= (point) here)
  ;; 	  (set-text-properties 
  ;; 	   here (point)
  ;; 	   (list 'face forms--rw-face)))
  ;;       (if (get-text-property (1- here) 'read-only)
  ;; 	  (put-text-property 
  ;; 	   (1- here) here
  ;; 	   'category 'forms--electric)))
  ;;
  ;;     ;; another string, e.g. "\nmore text: "
  ;;     (set-text-properties
  ;;      (point)
  ;;      (progn (insert "\nmore text: ") (point))
  ;;      (list 'face forms--ro-face
  ;; 	   'read-only 2))
  ;;
  ;;     ;; a function, e.g. (tocol 40)
  ;;     (set-text-properties
  ;;      (point)
  ;;      (progn
  ;;        (insert (aset forms--dyntexts 0 (tocol 40)))
  ;;        (point))
  ;;      (list 'face forms--ro-face
  ;; 	   'read-only 2))
  ;;
  ;;     ;; wrap up
  ;;     (setplist 'forms--electric
  ;; 	      '(modification-hooks (forms--romh)))
  ;;     (setq forms--ro-modification-start nil)
  ;;     ))

  (cond
   ((stringp el)
    
    (` ((set-text-properties 
	 (point)			; start at point
	 (progn				; until after insertion
	   (insert (, el))
	   (point))
	 (list 'face forms--ro-face	; read-only appearance
	       'read-only (,@ (list (1+ forms--marker))))))))
   ((numberp el)
    (` ((let ((here (point)))
	  (aset forms--markers 
		(, (prog1 forms--marker
		     (setq forms--marker (1+ forms--marker))))
		(point-marker))
	  (insert (elt arg (, (1- el))))
	  (or (= (point) here)
	      (set-text-properties 
	       here (point)
	       (list 'face forms--rw-face)))
	  (if (get-text-property (1- here) 'read-only)
	      (put-text-property
	       (1- here) here
	       'category 'forms--electric))))))

   ((listp el)
    (` ((set-text-properties
	 (point)
	 (progn
	   (insert (aset forms--dyntexts 
			 (, (prog1 forms--dyntext
			      (setq forms--dyntext (1+ forms--dyntext))))
			 (, el)))
	   (point))
	 (list 'face forms--ro-face
	       'read-only 
	       (,@ (list (1+ forms--marker))))))))

   ;; end of cond
   ))

(defun forms--make-format-elt (el)
  "Helper routine to generate format function."

  ;; If we're not using text properties, the format routine
  ;; `forms--format' will look like
  ;;
  ;; (lambda (arg)
  ;;   ;; a string, e.g. "text: "
  ;;   (insert "text: ")
  ;;   ;; a field, e.g. 6
  ;;   (aset forms--markers 0 (point-marker))
  ;;   (insert (elt arg 5))
  ;;   ;; another string, e.g. "\nmore text: "
  ;;   (insert "\nmore text: ")
  ;;   ;; a function, e.g. (tocol 40)
  ;;   (insert (aset forms--dyntexts 0 (tocol 40)))
  ;;   ... )

  (cond 
   ((stringp el)
    (` ((insert (, el)))))
   ((numberp el)
    (prog1
	(` ((aset forms--markers (, forms--marker) (point-marker))
	    (insert (elt arg (, (1- el))))))
      (setq forms--marker (1+ forms--marker))))
   ((listp el)
    (prog1
	(` ((insert (aset forms--dyntexts (, forms--dyntext) (, el)))))
      (setq forms--dyntext (1+ forms--dyntext))))))

(defvar forms--field)
(defvar forms--recordv)
(defvar forms--seen-text)

(defun forms--make-parser ()
  "Generate `forms--parser' from the information in `forms-format-list'."

  ;; If we can use text properties, we simply set it to
  ;; `forms--parser-using-text-properties'.
  ;; Otherwise, the function is constructed using a mapcar of
  ;; `forms--make-parser-elt on `forms-format-list'.

  (setq
   forms--parser
   (if forms-use-text-properties
       (function forms--parser-using-text-properties)
     (let ((forms--field nil)
	   (forms--seen-text nil)
	   (forms--dyntext 0))

       ;; Note: we add a nil element to the list passed to `mapcar',
       ;; see `forms--make-parser-elt' for details.
       (` (lambda nil
	    (let (here)
	      (goto-char (point-min))
	      (,@ (apply 'append
			 (mapcar 
			  'forms--make-parser-elt 
			  (append forms-format-list (list nil)))))))))))

  (forms--debug 'forms--parser))

(defun forms--parser-using-text-properties ()
  "Extract field info from forms when using text properties."

  ;; Using text properties, we can simply jump to the markers, and
  ;; extract the information up to the following read-only segment.

  (let ((i 0)
	here there)
    (while (< i (length forms--markers))
      (goto-char (setq here (aref forms--markers i)))
      (if (get-text-property here 'read-only)
	  (aset forms--recordv (aref forms--elements i) nil)
	(if (setq there 
		  (next-single-property-change here 'read-only))
	    (aset forms--recordv (aref forms--elements i)
		  (buffer-substring here there))
	  (aset forms--recordv (aref forms--elements i)
		(buffer-substring here (point-max)))))
      (setq i (1+ i)))))

(defun forms--make-parser-elt (el)
  "Helper routine to generate forms parser function."

  ;; The parse routine will look like:
  ;;
  ;; (lambda nil
  ;;   (let (here)
  ;;     (goto-char (point-min))
  ;; 
  ;;	 ;;  "text: "
  ;;     (if (not (looking-at "text: "))
  ;; 	    (error "Parse error: cannot find \"text: \""))
  ;;     (forward-char 6)	; past "text: "
  ;; 
  ;;     ;;  6
  ;;	 ;;  "\nmore text: "
  ;;     (setq here (point))
  ;;     (if (not (search-forward "\nmore text: " nil t nil))
  ;; 	    (error "Parse error: cannot find \"\\nmore text: \""))
  ;;     (aset forms--recordv 5 (buffer-substring here (- (point) 12)))
  ;;
  ;;	 ;;  (tocol 40)
  ;;	(let ((forms--dyntext (car-safe forms--dynamic-text)))
  ;;	  (if (not (looking-at (regexp-quote forms--dyntext)))
  ;;	      (error "Parse error: not looking at \"%s\"" forms--dyntext))
  ;;	  (forward-char (length forms--dyntext))
  ;;	  (setq forms--dynamic-text (cdr-safe forms--dynamic-text)))
  ;;     ... 
  ;;     ;; final flush (due to terminator sentinel, see below)
  ;;	(aset forms--recordv 7 (buffer-substring (point) (point-max)))

  (cond
   ((stringp el)
    (prog1
	(if forms--field
	    (` ((setq here (point))
		(if (not (search-forward (, el) nil t nil))
		    (error "Parse error: cannot find \"%s\"" (, el)))
		(aset forms--recordv (, (1- forms--field))
		      (buffer-substring here
					(- (point) (, (length el)))))))
	  (` ((if (not (looking-at (, (regexp-quote el))))
		  (error "Parse error: not looking at \"%s\"" (, el)))
	      (forward-char (, (length el))))))
      (setq forms--seen-text t)
      (setq forms--field nil)))
   ((numberp el)
    (if forms--field
	(error "Cannot parse adjacent fields %d and %d"
	       forms--field el)
      (setq forms--field el)
      nil))
   ((null el)
    (if forms--field
	(` ((aset forms--recordv (, (1- forms--field))
		  (buffer-substring (point) (point-max)))))))
   ((listp el)
    (prog1
	(if forms--field
	    (` ((let ((here (point))
		      (forms--dyntext (aref forms--dyntexts (, forms--dyntext))))
		  (if (not (search-forward forms--dyntext nil t nil))
		      (error "Parse error: cannot find \"%s\"" forms--dyntext))
		  (aset forms--recordv (, (1- forms--field))
			(buffer-substring here
					  (- (point) (length forms--dyntext)))))))
	  (` ((let ((forms--dyntext (aref forms--dyntexts (, forms--dyntext))))
		(if (not (looking-at (regexp-quote forms--dyntext)))
		    (error "Parse error: not looking at \"%s\"" forms--dyntext))
		(forward-char (length forms--dyntext))))))
      (setq forms--dyntext (1+ forms--dyntext))
      (setq forms--seen-text t)
      (setq forms--field nil)))
   ))

(defun forms--set-minor-mode ()
  (setq minor-mode-alist
	(if forms-read-only
	    " View"
	  nil)))

(defun forms--set-keymaps ()
  "Set the keymaps used in this mode."

  (if forms-read-only
      (use-local-map forms-mode-map)
    (use-local-map (make-sparse-keymap))
    (define-key (current-local-map) "\C-c" forms-mode-map)
    (define-key (current-local-map) "\t"   'forms-next-field)))

(defun forms--mode-commands (map)
  "Fill map with all Forms mode commands."

  (define-key map "\t" 'forms-next-field)
  (define-key map " " 'forms-next-record)
  (define-key map "d" 'forms-delete-record)
  (define-key map "e" 'forms-edit-mode)
  (define-key map "i" 'forms-insert-record)
  (define-key map "j" 'forms-jump-record)
  (define-key map "n" 'forms-next-record)
  (define-key map "p" 'forms-prev-record)
  (define-key map "q" 'forms-exit)
  (define-key map "s" 'forms-search)
  (define-key map "v" 'forms-view-mode)
  (define-key map "x" 'forms-exit-no-save)
  (define-key map "<" 'forms-first-record)
  (define-key map ">" 'forms-last-record)
  (define-key map "?" 'describe-mode)
  (define-key map "\177" 'forms-prev-record)
  ;(define-key map "\C-c" map)
  ;(define-key map "\e" 'ESC-prefix)
  ;(define-key map "\C-x" ctl-x-map)
  ;(define-key map "\C-u" 'universal-argument)
  ;(define-key map "\C-h" help-map)
  )

;;; Changed functions

(defun forms--change-commands ()
  "Localize some commands for Forms mode."

  ;; scroll-down -> forms-prev-record
  ;; scroll-up -> forms-next-record
  (if forms-forms-scroll
      (progn
	(substitute-key-definition 'scroll-up 'forms-next-record
				   (current-local-map)
				   (current-global-map))
	(substitute-key-definition 'scroll-down 'forms-prev-record
				   (current-local-map)
				   (current-global-map))))
  ;;
  ;; beginning-of-buffer -> forms-first-record
  ;; end-of-buffer -> forms-end-record
  (if forms-forms-jump
      (progn
	(substitute-key-definition 'beginning-of-buffer 'forms-first-record
				   (current-local-map)
				   (current-global-map))
	(substitute-key-definition 'end-of-buffer 'forms-last-record
				   (current-local-map)
				   (current-global-map))))
  ;;
  ;; save-buffer -> forms--save-buffer
  (add-hook 'local-write-file-hooks
	    (function
	     (lambda (nil)
	       (forms--checkmod)
	       (save-excursion
		 (set-buffer forms--file-buffer)
		 (save-buffer))
	       t))))

(defun forms--help ()
  "Initial help for Forms mode."
  ;; We should use
  ;;(message (substitute-command-keys (concat
  ;;"\\[forms-next-record]:next"
  ;;"   \\[forms-prev-record]:prev"
  ;;"   \\[forms-first-record]:first"
  ;;"   \\[forms-last-record]:last"
  ;;"   \\[describe-mode]:help"
  ;;"   \\[forms-exit]:exit")))
  ;; but it's too slow ....
  (if forms-read-only
      (message "SPC:next   DEL:prev   <:first   >:last   ?:help   q:exit")
    (message "C-c n:next   C-c p:prev   C-c <:first   C-c >:last   C-c ?:help   C-c q:exit")))

(defun forms--trans (subj arg rep)
  "Translate in SUBJ all chars ARG into char REP.  ARG and REP should
 be single-char strings."
  (let ((i 0)
	(x (length subj))
	(re (regexp-quote arg))
	(k (string-to-char rep)))
    (while (setq i (string-match re subj i))
      (aset subj i k)
      (setq i (1+ i)))))

(defun forms--exit (query &optional save)
  "Internal exit from forms mode function."

  (let ((buf (buffer-name forms--file-buffer)))
    (forms--checkmod)
    (if (and save
	     (buffer-modified-p forms--file-buffer))
	(save-excursion
	  (set-buffer forms--file-buffer)
	  (save-buffer)))
    (save-excursion
      (set-buffer forms--file-buffer)
      (delete-auto-save-file-if-necessary)
      (kill-buffer (current-buffer)))
    (if (get-buffer buf)	; not killed???
      (if save
	  (progn
	    (beep)
	    (message "Problem saving buffers?")))
      (delete-auto-save-file-if-necessary)
      (kill-buffer (current-buffer)))))

(defun forms--get-record ()
  "Fetch the current record from the file buffer."

  ;; This function is executed in the context of the `forms--file-buffer'.

  (or (bolp)
      (beginning-of-line nil))
  (let ((here (point)))
    (prog2
     (end-of-line)
     (buffer-substring here (point))
     (goto-char here))))

(defun forms--show-record (the-record)
  "Format THE-RECORD and display it in the current buffer."

  ;; Split the-record.
  (let (the-result
	(start-pos 0)
	found-pos
	(field-sep-length (length forms-field-sep)))
    (if forms-multi-line
	(forms--trans the-record forms-multi-line "\n"))
    ;; Add an extra separator (makes splitting easy).
    (setq the-record (concat the-record forms-field-sep))
    (while (setq found-pos (string-match forms-field-sep the-record start-pos))
      (let ((ent (substring the-record start-pos found-pos)))
	(setq the-result
	      (append the-result (list ent)))
	(setq start-pos (+ field-sep-length found-pos))))
    (setq forms--the-record-list the-result))

  (setq buffer-read-only nil)
  (if forms-use-text-properties
      (let ((inhibit-read-only t))
	(setplist 'forms--electric nil)
	(set-text-properties (point-min) (point-max) nil)))
  (erase-buffer)

  ;; Verify the number of fields, extend forms--the-record-list if needed.
  (if (= (length forms--the-record-list) forms-number-of-fields)
      nil
    (beep)
    (message "Record has %d fields instead of %d."
	     (length forms--the-record-list) forms-number-of-fields)
    (if (< (length forms--the-record-list) forms-number-of-fields)
	(setq forms--the-record-list 
	      (append forms--the-record-list
		      (make-list 
		       (- forms-number-of-fields 
			  (length forms--the-record-list))
		       "")))))

  ;; Call the formatter function.
  (setq forms-fields (append (list nil) forms--the-record-list nil))
  (funcall forms--format forms--the-record-list)

  ;; Prepare.
  (goto-char (point-min))
  (set-buffer-modified-p nil)
  (setq buffer-read-only forms-read-only)
  (setq mode-line-process
	(concat " " forms--current-record "/" forms--total-records)))

(defun forms--parse-form ()
  "Parse contents of form into list of strings."
  ;; The contents of the form are parsed, and a new list of strings
  ;; is constructed.
  ;; A vector with the strings from the original record is 
  ;; constructed, which is updated with the new contents.  Therefore
  ;; fields which were not in the form are not modified.
  ;; Finally, the vector is transformed into a list for further processing.

  (let (forms--recordv)

    ;; Build the vector.
    (setq forms--recordv (vconcat forms--the-record-list))

    ;; Parse the form and update the vector.
    (let ((forms--dynamic-text forms--dynamic-text))
      (funcall forms--parser))

    (if forms--modified-record-filter
	;; As a service to the user, we add a zeroth element so she
	;; can use the same indices as in the forms definition.
	(let ((the-fields (vconcat [nil] forms--recordv)))
	  (setq the-fields (funcall forms--modified-record-filter the-fields))
	  (cdr (append the-fields nil)))

      ;; Transform to a list and return.
      (append forms--recordv nil))))

(defun forms--update ()
  "Update current record with contents of form.
As a side effect: sets `forms--the-record-list'."

  (if forms-read-only
      (progn
	(message "Read-only buffer!")
	(beep))

    (let (the-record)
      ;; Build new record.
      (setq forms--the-record-list (forms--parse-form))
      (setq the-record
	    (mapconcat 'identity forms--the-record-list forms-field-sep))

      ;; Handle multi-line fields, if allowed.
      (if forms-multi-line
	  (forms--trans the-record "\n" forms-multi-line))

      ;; A final sanity check before updating.
      (if (string-match "\n" the-record)
	  (progn
	    (message "Multi-line fields in this record - update refused!")
	    (beep))

	(save-excursion
	  (set-buffer forms--file-buffer)
	  ;; Insert something before kill-line is called.  See kill-line
	  ;; doc.  Bugfix provided by Ignatios Souvatzis.
	  (insert "*")
	  (beginning-of-line)
	  (kill-line nil)
	  (insert the-record)
	  (beginning-of-line))))))

(defun forms--checkmod ()
  "Check if this form has been modified, and call forms--update if so."
  (if (buffer-modified-p nil)
      (let ((here (point)))
	(forms--update)
	(set-buffer-modified-p nil)
	(goto-char here))))

;;; Start and exit

;;;###autoload
(defun forms-find-file (fn)
  "Visit a file in Forms mode."
  (interactive "fForms file: ")
  (find-file-read-only fn)
  (or forms--mode-setup (forms-mode t)))

;;;###autoload
(defun forms-find-file-other-window (fn)
  "Visit a file in Forms mode in other window."
  (interactive "fFbrowse file in other window: ")
  (find-file-other-window fn)
  (eval-current-buffer)
  (or forms--mode-setup (forms-mode t)))

(defun forms-exit (query)
  "Normal exit from Forms mode.  Modified buffers are saved."
  (interactive "P")
  (forms--exit query t))

(defun forms-exit-no-save (query)
  "Exit from Forms mode without saving buffers."
  (interactive "P")
  (forms--exit query nil))

;;; Navigating commands

(defun forms-next-record (arg)
  "Advance to the ARGth following record."
  (interactive "P")
  (forms-jump-record (+ forms--current-record (prefix-numeric-value arg)) t))

(defun forms-prev-record (arg)
  "Advance to the ARGth previous record."
  (interactive "P")
  (forms-jump-record (- forms--current-record (prefix-numeric-value arg)) t))

(defun forms-jump-record (arg &optional relative)
  "Jump to a random record."
  (interactive "NRecord number: ")

  ;; Verify that the record number is within range.
  (if (or (> arg forms--total-records)
	  (<= arg 0))
    (progn
      (beep)
      ;; Don't give the message if just paging.
      (if (not relative)
	  (message "Record number %d out of range 1..%d"
		   arg forms--total-records))
      )

    ;; Flush.
    (forms--checkmod)

    ;; Calculate displacement.
    (let ((disp (- arg forms--current-record))
	  (cur forms--current-record))

      ;; `forms--show-record' needs it now.
      (setq forms--current-record arg)

      ;; Get the record and show it.
      (forms--show-record
       (save-excursion
	 (set-buffer forms--file-buffer)
	 (beginning-of-line)

	 ;; Move, and adjust the amount if needed (shouldn't happen).
	 (if relative
	     (if (zerop disp)
		 nil
	       (setq cur (+ cur disp (- (forward-line disp)))))
	   (setq cur (+ cur disp (- (goto-line arg)))))

	 (forms--get-record)))

      ;; This shouldn't happen.
      (if (/= forms--current-record cur)
	  (progn
	    (setq forms--current-record cur)
	    (beep)
	    (message "Stuck at record %d." cur))))))

(defun forms-first-record ()
  "Jump to first record."
  (interactive)
  (forms-jump-record 1))

(defun forms-last-record ()
  "Jump to last record.
As a side effect: re-calculates the number of records in the data file."
  (interactive)
  (let
      ((numrec 
	(save-excursion
	  (set-buffer forms--file-buffer)
	  (count-lines (point-min) (point-max)))))
    (if (= numrec forms--total-records)
	nil
      (beep)
      (setq forms--total-records numrec)
      (message "Number of records reset to %d." forms--total-records)))
  (forms-jump-record forms--total-records))

;;; Other commands

(defun forms-view-mode ()
  "Visit buffer read-only."
  (interactive)
  (if forms-read-only
      nil
    (forms--checkmod)			; sync
    (setq forms-read-only t)
    (forms-mode)))

(defun forms-edit-mode ()
  "Make form suitable for editing, if possible."
  (interactive)
  (let ((ro forms-read-only))
    (if (save-excursion
	  (set-buffer forms--file-buffer)
	  buffer-read-only)
	(progn
	  (setq forms-read-only t)
	  (message "No write access to \"%s\"" forms-file)
	  (beep))
      (setq forms-read-only nil))
    (if (equal ro forms-read-only)
	nil
      (forms-mode))))

;; Sample:
;; (defun my-new-record-filter (the-fields)
;;   ;; numbers are relative to 1
;;   (aset the-fields 4 (current-time-string))
;;   (aset the-fields 6 (user-login-name))
;;   the-list)
;; (setq forms-new-record-filter 'my-new-record-filter)

(defun forms-insert-record (arg)
  "Create a new record before the current one.
With ARG: store the record after the current one.
If a function `forms-new-record-filter' is defined, or 
`forms-new-record-filter' contains the name of a function, 
it is called to fill (some of) the fields with default values."
 ; The above doc is not true, but for documentary purposes only

  (interactive "P")

  (let ((ln (if arg (1+ forms--current-record) forms--current-record))
        the-list the-record)

    (forms--checkmod)
    (if forms--new-record-filter
	;; As a service to the user, we add a zeroth element so she
	;; can use the same indices as in the forms definition.
	(let ((the-fields (make-vector (1+ forms-number-of-fields) "")))
	  (setq the-fields (funcall forms--new-record-filter the-fields))
	  (setq the-list (cdr (append the-fields nil))))
      (setq the-list (make-list forms-number-of-fields "")))

    (setq the-record
	  (mapconcat
	  'identity
	  the-list
	  forms-field-sep))

    (save-excursion
      (set-buffer forms--file-buffer)
      (goto-line ln)
      (open-line 1)
      (insert the-record)
      (beginning-of-line))
    
    (setq forms--current-record ln))

  (setq forms--total-records (1+ forms--total-records))
  (forms-jump-record forms--current-record))

(defun forms-delete-record (arg)
  "Deletes a record.  With a prefix argument: don't ask."
  (interactive "P")
  (forms--checkmod)
  (if (or arg
	  (y-or-n-p "Really delete this record? "))
      (let ((ln forms--current-record))
	(save-excursion
	  (set-buffer forms--file-buffer)
	  (goto-line ln)
	  (kill-line 1))
	(setq forms--total-records (1- forms--total-records))
	(if (> forms--current-record forms--total-records)
	    (setq forms--current-record forms--total-records))
	(forms-jump-record forms--current-record)))
  (message ""))

(defun forms-search (regexp)
  "Search REGEXP in file buffer."
  (interactive 
   (list (read-string (concat "Search for" 
				  (if forms--search-regexp
				   (concat " ("
					   forms--search-regexp
					   ")"))
				  ": "))))
  (if (equal "" regexp)
      (setq regexp forms--search-regexp))
  (forms--checkmod)

  (let (the-line the-record here
		 (fld-sep forms-field-sep))
    (if (save-excursion
	  (set-buffer forms--file-buffer)
	  (setq here (point))
	  (end-of-line)
	  (if (null (re-search-forward regexp nil t))
	      (progn
		(goto-char here)
		(message (concat "\"" regexp "\" not found."))
		nil)
	    (setq the-record (forms--get-record))
	    (setq the-line (1+ (count-lines (point-min) (point))))))
	(progn
	  (setq forms--current-record the-line)
	  (forms--show-record the-record)
	  (re-search-forward regexp nil t))))
  (setq forms--search-regexp regexp))

(defun forms-revert-buffer (&optional arg noconfirm)
  "Reverts current form to un-modified."
  (interactive "P")
  (if (or noconfirm
	  (yes-or-no-p "Revert form to unmodified? "))
      (progn
	(set-buffer-modified-p nil)
	(forms-jump-record forms--current-record))))

(defun forms-next-field (arg)
  "Jump to ARG-th next field."
  (interactive "p")

  (let ((i 0)
	(here (point))
	there
	(cnt 0))

    (if (zerop arg)
	(setq cnt 1)
      (setq cnt (+ cnt arg)))

    (if (catch 'done
	  (while (< i (length forms--markers))
	    (if (or (null (setq there (aref forms--markers i)))
		    (<= there here))
		nil
	      (if (<= (setq cnt (1- cnt)) 0)
		  (progn
		    (goto-char there)
		    (throw 'done t))))
	    (setq i (1+ i))))
	nil
      (goto-char (aref forms--markers 0)))))

;;;
;;; Special service
;;;
(defun forms-enumerate (the-fields)
  "Take a quoted list of symbols, and set their values to sequential numbers.
The first symbol gets number 1, the second 2 and so on.
It returns the higest number.

Usage: (setq forms-number-of-fields
             (forms-enumerate
              '(field1 field2 field2 ...)))"

  (let ((the-index 0))
    (while the-fields
      (setq the-index (1+ the-index))
      (let ((el (car-safe the-fields)))
	(setq the-fields (cdr-safe the-fields))
	(set el the-index)))
    the-index))

;;; Debugging

(defvar forms--debug nil
  "*Enables forms-mode debugging if not nil.")

(defun forms--debug (&rest args)
  "Internal debugging routine."
  (if forms--debug
      (let ((ret nil))
	(while args
	  (let ((el (car-safe args)))
	    (setq args (cdr-safe args))
	    (if (stringp el)
		(setq ret (concat ret el))
	      (setq ret (concat ret (prin1-to-string el) " = "))
	      (if (boundp el)
		  (let ((vel (eval el)))
		    (setq ret (concat ret (prin1-to-string vel) "\n")))
		(setq ret (concat ret "<unbound>" "\n")))
	      (if (fboundp el)
		  (setq ret (concat ret (prin1-to-string (symbol-function el)) 
				    "\n"))))))
	(save-excursion
	  (set-buffer (get-buffer-create "*forms-mode debug*"))
	  (if (zerop (buffer-size))
	      (emacs-lisp-mode))
	  (goto-char (point-max))
	  (insert ret)))))

;;; forms.el ends here.