The MUD system uses a standardised input format for all its programs. This means you can use certain control characters wherever you are on the system, and be understood. The codes are based on the ones used by the VAX version of MUD, with some extensions.

^A toggles between overwrite and insert mode for editing the current line (the default is insert mode).

^B sends the cursor backwards one character without deletion.

^D brings up for editing an earlier line that begins with the same characters as the present one (if no match, it keeps the present one).

^E sends the cursor to the end of the current line.

^F sends the cursor forwards one character without deletion.

^G bong the gong.

^H delete the character to the left of the cursor.

^I pads out to the next tab stop (every 8 characters) with spaces.

^J deletes the word to the left of the cursor.

^K toggles between re-echoing input lines broken by output and not doing so.

^L repeats the previous command; like ^P^M.

^M new line, transmits the present one.

^N opposite of ^P, for when you ^P too often...

^O sends the cursor to the beginning of the current line.

^P brings up the previous line for editing. Repeated ^Ps bring up even earlier lines.

^R redisplay current line.

^T displays time and date.

^U deletes the whole line.

^V displays previous commands buffered for recovery by ^D, ^P or ^L.

^W sends the cursor left a word without deletion.

^X deletes from the cursor to the beginning of the line.

DEL delete the character to the right of (ie. above) the cursor.

^\, ^^, ^_ or ^] will give a brief summary of the above.

ESC can be followed by certain characters to change ANSI/VT52 settings. These will last only for the remainder of the current program/utility; for a permanent change, use eg. /A or /V at the MUD outer shell.

ESC ^A sets ANSI while using the current utility.

ESC ^H gives a brief summary of these ESC features.

ESC ^O sets both ANSI and VT52 off while using the current utility.

ESC ^V sets VT52 while using the current utility.

ESC ? reports the current ANSI and/or VT52 settings.