*! version 1.8 28Dec2025

myedit - Smart Stata Ado File Editor

myedit is an intelligent command that locates and opens Stata ado files for editing.
It automatically identifies whether a command is built-in, from the official base library,
from SSC (Statistical Software Components), or from your personal ado directory.
It provides appropriate warnings and restoration instructions based on the source of the file.

Syntax

myedit command_name [.ado]

command_name can be specified with or without the .ado extension.

Also see

Related commands:

adoedit - Edit ado files with built-in editor

adotype - Display ado file type and location

doedit - Open do-file editor

Description

myedit enhances the standard doedit command by providing intelligent file location
and context-aware editing. It performs the following actions:

1. Checks if the command is a Stata built-in command (no ado file)

2. Searches for the ado file in Stata's search path

3. Identifies the source of the file (base, personal, or SSC)

4. Provides appropriate warnings and restoration instructions

5. Opens the file in Stata's built-in editor

The command is particularly useful for:

• Modifying personal ado files

• Examining SSC package implementations

• Learning from official Stata commands (with caution)

• Creating backups of custom modifications

Examples

Example 1: Edit a personal ado file

. myedit myfunction

Opens myfunction.ado from your personal ado directory with backup warning.

Example 2: Edit an SSC package file

. myedit estout

Opens estout.ado from SSC directory with reinstallation instructions.

Example 3: Edit a base ado file (with caution)

. myedit summarize

Shows that summarize is a built-in command (no ado file).

. myedit regress

Opens a copy of regress.ado from base directory with strong warnings.

The original file is preserved, and a copy named regress2.ado is opened for editing.

Example 4: Using with .ado extension

. myedit myprogram.ado

Same as myedit myprogram - the extension is automatically handled.

Remarks

File Sources and Warnings:

Base Directory: Contains official Stata commands. Editing these files is risky.

For base files, myedit automatically creates a copy with a "2" suffix inserted before the extension (e.g., regress2.ado) to prevent accidental modification of original files.

Always create backups before modification.

Personal Directory: Contains user-defined ado files.

These are safe to edit but backups are recommended.

SSC Directory: Contains community-contributed packages.

The command shows how to reinstall the original version if needed.

Large Files:

Files larger than 1MB trigger a warning as Stata's editor may not handle them well.
Consider using an external editor for such files.

Cross-Platform Compatibility:

myedit works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, handling path differences
between operating systems automatically.

Authors

Wu Lianghai

School of Business, Anhui University of Technology (AHUT)

Ma'anshan, China

Email: agd2010@yeah.net

Wu Hanyan

School of Economics and Management

Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA)

Nanjing, China

Email: 2325476320@qq.com

Chen Liwen

School of Business, Anhui University of Technology (AHUT)

Ma'anshan, China

Email: 2184844526@qq.com

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to Christopher F. Baum for his constructive suggestions that helped improve this program.

His advice ensured the safety of ado files from Stata's distribution base file library by implementing proper file copying mechanisms.

Version History:

Version 1.8 (28 Dec 2025): Fixed Chinese text in version history, updated date

Version 1.7 (25 Dec 2025): All comments translated to English; added acknowledgments section

Version 1.6 (25 Dec 2025): Fixed _request() issue, using sleep command for pause

Version 1.5 (25 Dec 2025): Fixed more command issue, added user interaction prompt

Version 1.4 (25 Dec 2025): Improved user interface and warnings

Version 1.3 (15 Nov 2024): Added cross-platform path handling

Version 1.2 (10 Aug 2024): Enhanced SSC package detection

Version 1.1 (05 May 2024): Added file size checking

Version 1.0 (01 Jan 2024): Initial release

Type help myedit to view this help file.

This help file was generated on 28 Dec 2025.