ed

ed [options] [file]

The standard text editor. If the named file does not exist, ed creates it; otherwise, the existing file is opened for editing. As a line editor, ed is generally no longer used because vi and ex have superseded it. Some utilities, such as diff, continue to make use of ed command syntax. Encryption (with -x) can be used only in the United States.

Options

-C

Same as -x, but assume file began in encrypted form.

-p string

Set string as the prompt for commands (default is *). The P command turns the prompt display on and off.

-s

Suppress character counts, diagnostics, and the ! prompt for shell commands. Earlier versions of ed used plain -; this is still accepted.

-x

Supply a key to encrypt or decrypt file using crypt.