TreeSpec

TreeSpec is a tool for moving quickly around the directory tree. Key \ (backslash) and the prompt line displays the present path. Delete this and enter a different path (the drive name is compulsory, and XTree will automatically add :\) and the highlight bar jumps straight to it. Indeed, as soon as you enter the first letter of the directory name, the bar will go straight to the first directory with that initial. When you have arrived at the desired directory, Return will anchor the bar.

One way to use TreeSpec to, e.g., jump to the WordStar directory on the current drive, is first to hit Home while in the directory window, then key W. This will probably take you to Windows. Now key O and you are at WordStar (provided you don't have a Women directory!). Then hit return. Total four key strokes.

History is particularly useful with TreeSpec. \ followed by the up-arrow takes you to the TreeSpec History, which offers the last 13 paths selected. Use the arrow keys to move to your choice and hit Return twice.

The TreeSpec help screen says that Ctrl-\ will toggle between the two most recent choices, but this does not work on my computer. (No, not even XTree is perfect.) And the help screen is wrong also in saying that TreeSpec can be called only from the Directory window. It works equally well from the File window.

TreeSpec will work across drives. If you delete the current drive letter and enter another, the new drive will be logged to first level.

Tom Ruben

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