36 lines
1,008 B
Markdown
36 lines
1,008 B
Markdown
---
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title: "Gap Buffer"
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date: 2024-07-06T21:27:19+01:00
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draft: false # I don't care for draft mode, git has branches for that
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description: "As featured in GNU Emacs"
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tags:
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- algorithms
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- data structures
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- python
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categories:
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- programming
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series:
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- Cool algorithms
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favorite: false
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disable_feed: false
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---
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The [_Gap Buffer_][wiki] is a popular data structure for text editors to
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represent files and editable buffers. The most famous of them probably being
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[GNU Emacs][emacs].
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[wiki]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gap_buffer
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[emacs]: https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_node/elisp/Buffer-Gap.html
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<!--more-->
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## What does it do?
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A _Gap Buffer_ is simply a list of characters, similar to a normal string, with
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the added twist of splitting it into two side: the prefix and suffix, on either
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side of the cursor. In between them, a gap is left to allow for quick
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insertion at the cursor.
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Moving the cursor moves the gap around the buffer, the prefix and suffix getting
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shorter/longer as required.
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