This is my replacement for the TRIM utility which used to be supplied with ALL-IN-1. TRIM was primarily used by ALL-IN-1 to convert a directory listing into a command file to re-organize a forms library: but it has the potential to do a lot more. My version has some qualifiers and actions not found in the original, and may not exactly duplicate the functionality of the original (which was never documented). It will create a command file from a directory listing, but it can also do some or all of the following to a text file: Remove characters from the beginning or end of each line; Remove (and optionally replace) characters from within each line; Insert a prefix or suffix on each line; Insert a line at the beginning, or end, or both; Trim trailing blanks and tabs from each line; Remove blank lines; Remove a given number of lines from the beginning of a file; Include only a given number of lines from the file; Strip non-printing characters. One of my enhancements over the DEC version is that my version will process multiple files by using wild cards in the file specification. The source code is in the "C" programming language, and is compiled and linked as is any other program. Everything is in one source file. No privileges are needed (though the person running the program must obviously have read access to the file(s) being processed, and must be able to write the new file to the current directory). The program doesn't have to be installed. Users must also have Execute access to the executable image. There is a Command Language Definition (CLD) file which goes with the utility. Users must use the command SET COMMAND disk:[directory]TRIM to get the definition into their DCL tables: or the system manager must add it to the system DCL tables. The CLD file is not compiled or linked into the source code. There is a HELP file, which is designed to be placed in it's own HELP library. The library is created by: $ LIBRARY /CREATE /HELP trim.hlb trim.hlp You should put the library in SYS$HELP or some other directory where users have read access, and make sure the library has world read access. You may also want to define a logical name HLP$LIBRARY_nnn which points to this library so people can see it listed under "Additional help libraries available" within HELP, and can also enter the command HELP TRIM at the DCL prompt, especially if you don't put it in SYS$HELP. There are several examples of using TRIM in the help file. My favorite use is to insert a command at the beginning of all of the command files in SYS$STARTUP so they identify themselves during system startup: I find this helps significantly in tracking down system startup problems. $ TRIM SYS$STARTUP:*.COM /STAT - /PREPEND="$ WRITE SYS$OUTPUT F$ENVIRONMENT (""PROCEDURE"")" Comments and suggestions are welcome, but keep in mind that this is a purely volunteer effort; and, like all DECUS programs, comes without warranty of any kind.