Re: [docs] winedev: Update code columns limit (resend)

[max]

On 07/23/2011 07:05 PM, James McKenzie wrote:
> On 7/23/11 3:33 PM, Andrew Eikum wrote:
> > On 07/23/2011 05:02 PM, Francois Gouget wrote:
> > > On Mon, 4 Jul 2011, André Hentschel wrote:
> > > [...]
> > > > -
> > > >    Code is usually limited to 80 columns. This helps prevent
> > > > -
> > > >    mailers mangling patches by line wrap. Also it generally
> > > > -
> > > >    Code is usually limited to 100 columns. It generally
> > >
> > > I'd prefer to keep the 80 columns recommandation.
> >
> > +1
> >
> > I have never seen a terminal emulator that defaults to anything other 
> > than 80 columns.
>
> This limit exists because of the old Hollerith cards.  You can set the 
> width of your terminal session to whatever you want as a default.
>
> James

The size of a Hollerith card is based on the size of a dollar bill at 
the time the standard
was set.  Dollars have shrunk in more than one sense since that time...

Much more to the point is the number of characters that can fit on a 
(more or less)
standard piece of paper.  US standard paper is 8 1/2 inches wide and 
typewriter pitch
was something like 10 characters per inch; with no margins, you get an 
85 character
line.  Throw in 1/4 inch margins and you are down to 80.  Similar 
calculations for A4
yield similar numbers.

Other standard widths exist. 120 and 132 column formats have their 
traditional
supporters.  72 columns is the usual text width on punched cards with 8 
columns
reserved for a sequence number field.  (If you have ever dropped a 2000+ 
card
program or data deck, you become a strong believer in sequence numbers!)

So much for history.

My personal preference is for an 80 column standard.  That is large 
enough to allow a
reasonable number of 4 column tab stops, and I can get two pages up on a 
good screen
with some slack for scroll bars, boarders and other useful decorations.  
Wider and conflicts
arise with the less expensive kinds of equipment.   I've lived with the 
80 column for more
then 3 decades.  It chafes a little at times, but ANY standard will 
irritate.

Max

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