Re: Generating to a Word File from Source Comments

On Thu, 5 Apr 2001 jfinney@omnia.co.za wrote:

> > "how do I create a file to the IFS in a basic WORD (.doc) format?"
> 
> Since the IFS stores in ASCII, all you need to do is to save the file you are
> writing to with an extension of ".doc".

The IFS can store a file in ASCII, but it can also store a file in EBCDIC
or whatever other character set you can dream up.  When writing the
document, you need to make sure you use ASCII if you want it to work in
word.

If you're just putting plain text into the document, I wouldn't call it
".doc".   Call me pedantic if you like, but if its a text document, it
should be a ".txt".   No point in lying about it!

I guess I'm assuming that the reason he wants it in Word format is because
he needs the extra features that plain text can't do, such as different
fonts, underlines, colors, sizes, etc.  Otherwise, why does it need to be
a word document at all?


> When one opens the file in Word, the converters (to install ALL of the
> convertors and filters written for MS Word, it is part of the custom option of
> the MSOFFICE setup program) will automatically invoke a wizard and the user
> needs to select "plain text" as the encoding method. Then save it as a Word
> document.
> 
> What Scott wrote about the MSWord being a proprietary format is correct. The
> above 0.02 ZAR will only work if a new IFS file is created each time (ie. not
> opened for edit unless the file which has been opened in Word already has not
> been saved in Word format).
> 
> Hope it helps
> 
> Regards
> John.

I agree with the rest of the things you said.  This method will work.


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