This is the file readme.doc, in hedit02.zip
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HOSTEDIT        Version 0.2, 10/8/94                    David G. Boynton
							dboynton@clark.net

	HOSTEDIT is a script interpreter with extensions to read and write 
VGA Planets host files.  Currently, it can only read/write three of the host 
files: gen.hst, ship.hst, and shipxy.hst.  This is enough to allow creating, 
deleting, or modifying ships, and enabling or disabling any or all of the 
players.  Changes can be made interactively, or with stored files.
	The intended use of HOSTEDIT is for scenario editing, host bug
compensating, and custom "refereeing". Host extensions could also be
implemented, though that would be easier once the planet and starbase
commands are added.
	It can be used at any time, with one important proviso - if you 
modify ships that a .TRN file exists for, you may cause either a host crash
or a Tim Continuum "Visitation".
	The script language is an extension to the popular TCL toolkit
language. Script writers are encouraged to study the tcl language before
jumping into hostedit's extensions. A book is available entitled "Tcl and
the Tk Toolkit", by John K. Ousterhout, isbn 0-201-63337-X, published by
Addison-Wesley.  A summary of the more common tcl commands are listed in the
file "hostedit.doc".
	HOSTEDIT currently implements six commands in addition to the
standard tcl distribution. These commands are: player, ship, {shipobj},
mem, distance, and rand.  These command will be explained below the tcl
section in "hostedit.doc".


Change History

Version 0.1, 10/7/94

	- Initial release. Only supports "ship", "player", "mem", "rand",
	  "distance", and "{shipobj}" commands.

Version 0.2, 10/8/94
	
	- Added "planet" and "base" commands. These commands work just like
	  the "ship" command, with subcommands like "list", "get", etc. The
	  "get" subcommand to "planet" and "base" produce objects commands
	  in a similar way to "ship get".

	  Examples of working "planet" commands:

		planet list -player 1
		planet get 143
		planet143 defense 200 clans 100 save
		planet143 free

	  Examples of working "base" commands:

		base list -player 5
		base get 143
		base143 defense 200 engtech 10 fighters 60 save
		base143 free

	- Added an "enum -free" subcommand to "ship", which produces a list
	  of unused ship numbers. The new "planet" command also supports the
	  "enum -free" and "list -free" subcommands. The "base" command
	  supports "list -free" and "enum -free", but reports starbases that
	  exist over unowned planets.
	  
	- Tidied up the "{shipobj} load 'hulltype'" command. For example,

		ship get 123
		ship123 load virgo
		ship123 player 11 fuel 1 loc {2381 3100} fighters 100 save
		ship123 free

	  The load subcommand will do a partial search on the hullspec.dat
	  file, which must either be in the current directory, or the 
	  directory with the data files. It's usually safe just to use the
	  first word in the hull name, except for the "Little Joe" and
	  "Little Pest" class escorts. Using "load joe" and "load pest" are
	  safe in those instances.

	- I've verified that enough capability exists to use hostedit to set
	  up complex multi-ship and even planet/base combats. The main thing
	  that needs to be added is commands to change host config, eg.,
	  engine shield bonus.

	- Documentation & online help still suck.  Sorry.
