Can MP3 files be edited losslessly?

Hi,

We know compression exists within the very nature of MP3 files. However I have not been able to understand why software such as Cool Edit Pro needs to uncompress a file in order to edit it--and in so doing lose quality. Hence this makes the editing more often than useless does it not?
SO does an audio-editor software (or a plugin for one) exist that can actually edit MP3 files losslessly?

See my reply on your other MP3 question.

[Edit] One thing to add is MP3Gain, freeware software that can increase or decrease the (perceived) volume of MP3 files, without actually decoding and recoding. Works like a charm.

There are programs that can do a few things with mp3 files themselves, but only very basic things. Any changes of the types that you might want to do in CoolEdit are very unlikely to be possible without decoding the mp3.

Thanks to the both of you--truly appreciate it.
I know of and use mp3gain but was looking for editing tool/software to do so losslessly

mp3trim and mp3directcut will both do very basic lossless editing.  They're free and small downloads, so why not give them a try?  The free version of mp3trim has some limitatons, but I forget what they are.

Will give them a try
thanks