Is there no way to type decimal ASCII codes?

Beekman · 06-12-2010, 07:41 AM

I have searched how to use the special characters on Linux (Ubuntu in my case)...
Are the only options to use a 'dead keys' keyboard setting or the ctrl shift unicodes?

I really can't work with the dead keys and I know all ASCII codes by heart, I'm not too happy that I have to learn all the hex unicodes now...

Isn't there any program or utility that enables me to keep using the ASCII codes as in DOS or Windows (ALT+xxx)?

pixellany · 06-12-2010, 07:57 AM

Depending on the context, you can often enter the hex code directly---e.g. in SED:

sed 's/\x65/XX/' filename

replaces the first "e" on each line with "XX"

<<Edit: It works the other way too>>

DavidMcCann · 06-12-2010, 10:58 AM

What is your actual problem? Are you using a Dutch keyboard, or something else? Which characters do you want that it lacks?

There is a section on typing special characters in the Wiki at this site. The Compose key is usually the best bet for diacritics you don't need ever day, as in the case of "Compose = o" if you suddenly need a Hungarian name with an "ő" in it.

The old DOS method will strike you as a relic from the past once you get used to the Linux ways.

Beekman · 06-12-2010, 11:34 AM

I have a Windows US-keyboard, so no compose-key...
The characters I want are é, è, ë, á, ï, etc...

I was hoping it was possible to use the ALT-keys, because at work I still have to work with Windows (and MacOsX) and I didn want to learn new ways to do the same

I'll try to find the wiki-page...

MTK358 · 06-12-2010, 11:35 AM

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...key-in-x-2885/

DavidMcCann · 06-13-2010, 05:13 PM

If you've seen the Wiki, you'll see that you can have a compose key: enter the menu (probably) under System - Preferences - Hardware - Keyboard and click on Layouts, Layout options, Compose key.