This version of NcFTP does not support GNU Readline (nor will future
versions).  It does include an integrated command line editor, "getline."
It has been enhanced by me to include a mini-VI emulation and support
for tab completion, so for most users, "getline" will serve as a capable
replacement.

So, why isn't Readline supported, even as a configurable option?

(1)  Readline's license was not compatible with NcFTP's, even though NcFTP
has been a free program since its genesis in 1991.  NcFTP's license has
been revised since then, but I don't want to re-integrate support for it.

(2)  The getline code is lean and mean, whereas Readline is rather
bloated.  (NcFTP is about 100k smaller when linked with getline!)

(3) Hardly anyone should miss Readline, since getline now supports
almost all the functionality NcFTP was using from Readline.

(4)  I didn't feel like bothering with Readline for the Win32 port.

SW: Addendum:

I have experienced a few problems with NcFTP's current getline and
have re-integrated Readline support from a previous ncftp version. 
It is a configure option and is disabled by default.  It can be
activated with the --enable-readline switch.  Readline is proven
technology and contains support for a multitude of different terminal
types.  What's more, it does not significantly contribute to the size
of the NcFTP binary if linked in as a shared library.

The latest version of this patch can be found at
ftp://ftp.cm.nu/pub/people/shane/ncftp/

 - Shane Wegner <shane@cm.nu> 2002-01-08
