The Gypsy document editor from Xerox PARC: celebrating 50 years
16 days ago
- #document-editors
- #computing-history
- #user-interface
- Gypsy, a document editor, was developed at Xerox PARC in 1975, predating modern editors like Google Docs and Microsoft Word.
- Gypsy introduced modeless editing, eliminating the need to switch modes for different functions, simplifying user interaction.
- The editor pioneered click-drag text selection and modern cut, copy, and paste functionalities with a visual clipboard.
- Double-click to select a word was first documented in Gypsy, predating its popularization by Apple and Microsoft.
- Gypsy's influence is evident in modern document editors, though moded interfaces remain common in image editors, CAD, and audio software.
- The project was led by Larry Tesler and Tim Mott, who later had significant impacts in computing and digital media.