VMS Help EDIT, /EDT, Qualifiers, /READ_ONLY  *Conan The Librarian (sorry for the slow response - running on an old VAX)

       /READ_ONLY
       /NOREAD_ONLY (default)

    Determines whether EDT keeps a journal and creates an output
    file. With the /NOREAD_ONLY qualifier, EDT maintains the journal
    and creates an output file when it processes the line mode
    command EXIT. Using the /READ_ONLY qualifier has the same effect
    as specifying both the /NOJOURNAL and /NOOUTPUT qualifiers.

    The following command line invokes EDT to edit a file named
    CALENDAR.DAT, but does not create a journal or an output file:

    $ EDIT/READ_ONLY CALENDAR.DAT

    Use the /READ_ONLY qualifier when you are searching a file and do
    not intend to make any changes to it. To modify the file, use the
    line mode command WRITE to save your changes. Remember, however,
    that you have no journal.