[SOLVED] join text lines

moshebagelfresser · 04-19-2017, 04:29 AM

Often I need to remove what is known as hard returns at the end of a line of text. The idea is join a line of text with the line above it.

I've not found an easy way to do this with a linux word processor, or text editor. Unfortunately, I have to use Textpad32 with Playonlinux. In Textpad32 selecting a paragraph then pressing Ctrl+Shift+J connects lines. Or to use Stripmail.

Does anyone know of a Linux programme that will do the job as easy instead of resorting to Windows programmes?

syg00 · 04-19-2017, 04:40 AM

As always, there are a bunch of ways of doing this. As (almost) always, we have insufficient information to work with. Select lines only - all lines (entire document on one line), all of a paragraph, all paragraphs, or only a subset ... ?.

sed. awk, perl, no doubt python ... we can offer more with some representative data and the required output.

moshebagelfresser · 04-19-2017, 04:45 AM

Lets say, I would like to join lines to appear as continuous line with wordwraping

the cat sat on the mat the cat sat on the mat the cat sat on the mat.

From
the cat sat on the mat
the cat sat on the mat
the cat sat on the mat.

syg00 · 04-19-2017, 04:52 AM

I see nothing in your initial post to indicate change of case was required. paste will trivially handle that, but not the case change. Maybe lower-case the lot then fix the first character.

moshebagelfresser · 04-19-2017, 06:21 AM

I have just installed a graphical Linux programme called Editra v0.7.20. In the Edit Menu, there is a Line Edit option Join Lines. If it works then this is just what I need.

pan64 · 04-19-2017, 06:44 AM

in vi you only need to press J (shift-j) to join lines.

chrism01 · 04-21-2017, 05:09 AM

... continuing with vi/vim

Code:

# all lines                                                                      
:%s/\n//

# or line range eg
:2,6s/\n//