squeeze can also be used to create an associated table-i file independent from the table editors.

-fc

Use the c character (instead of TAB) as the field separation character. This option applies only when table-i is being created; otherwise it's ignored.

-n

Treat the first column of table as a unique record number and store the maximum value found in table-i, for automatic record numbering with j/ve. This option applies only when table-i is being created.

-c

don't compress rows which are blank. This option may be desired when blank rows are used as placeholders to maintain logical row numbers. It should be noted that it is not possible to create blank rows using j/ve, as the -c option applies only when squeeze is used as a standalone command.

$ cat inventory
Item    Amount  Cost    Value   Description
----    ------  ----    -----   -----------


3       5       80      400     clamps
4       23      19      437     plates
5       99      24      2376    cleaning cloth
6       89      147     13083   bunsen burners
7       5       175     875     scales
2       100     5.23    500     test tubes
$ inuse -d inventory
record  flag    offset
------  ----    ------
1       0       70
2       -8      76
3       3       101
4       4       119
5       5       138
6       6       166
7       7       196
8       2       215
$ squeeze inventory
file in use.... continue? y
$ inuse -d inventory
record  flag    offset
------  ----    ------
1       1       70
2       2       96
3       3       114
4       4       133
5       5       161
6       6       191
$ cat inventory
Item    Amount  Cost    Value   Description
----    ------  ----    -----   -----------
2       100     5.23    500     test tubes
3       5       80      400     clamps
4       23      19      437     plates
5       99      24      2376    cleaning cloth
6       89      147     13083   bunsen burners
7       5       175     875     scales