A Multi-Representation, Bitmap Interface to the UNIX TM File System Constructed from Cooperating Processes

FM is a prototype file manager which can be used for such purposes as browsing, reorganizing, cleaning up, and modifying UNIX directories and files. It is comprised of two new programs, graphmod, along with Pike's sam text editor. The associated processes work together by means of another program which provides a novel type of interprocess communication. The overall design adheres to the UNIX tradition of building small, independent programs that can be simply integrated into larger systems. Graphmod provides a graphical interface for providing an instantaneous picture of all directories the user finds relevant at a particular time or for a particular task; dirmod allows the user to edit file attributed, such as permissions and owner, and to execute UNIX commands on specified files.