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5540 lines
203 KiB
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5540 lines
203 KiB
Plaintext
\input texinfo @c -*- coding: latin-1; mode: texinfo; -*-
|
||
@c %**start of header
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||
@setfilename ../info/efaq
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@settitle GNU Emacs FAQ
|
||
@c %**end of header
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||
|
||
@setchapternewpage odd
|
||
|
||
@c This is used in many places
|
||
@set VER 21.3
|
||
|
||
@c The @ifinfo stuff only appears in the Info version
|
||
@ifinfo
|
||
@dircategory Emacs
|
||
@direntry
|
||
* Emacs FAQ: (efaq). Frequently Asked Questions about Emacs.
|
||
@end direntry
|
||
|
||
Copyright 2001, 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
|
||
Copyright 1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000 Reuven M. Lerner@*
|
||
Copyright 1992,1993 Steven Byrnes@*
|
||
Copyright 1990,1991,1992 Joseph Brian Wells@*
|
||
|
||
This list of frequently asked questions about GNU Emacs with answers
|
||
("FAQ") may be translated into other languages, transformed into other
|
||
formats (e.g. Texinfo, Info, WWW, WAIS), and updated with new information.
|
||
|
||
The same conditions apply to any derivative of the FAQ as apply to the FAQ
|
||
itself. Every copy of the FAQ must include this notice or an approved
|
||
translation, information on who is currently maintaining the FAQ and how to
|
||
contact them (including their e-mail address), and information on where the
|
||
latest version of the FAQ is archived (including FTP information).
|
||
|
||
The FAQ may be copied and redistributed under these conditions, except that
|
||
the FAQ may not be embedded in a larger literary work unless that work
|
||
itself allows free copying and redistribution.
|
||
|
||
[This version has been somewhat edited from the last-posted version
|
||
(as of August 1999) for inclusion in the Emacs distribution.]
|
||
|
||
@end ifinfo
|
||
|
||
@c The @titlepage stuff only appears in the printed version
|
||
@titlepage
|
||
@sp 10
|
||
@center @titlefont{GNU Emacs FAQ}
|
||
|
||
@c The following two commands start the copyright page.
|
||
@page
|
||
@vskip 0pt plus 1filll
|
||
Copyright @copyright{} 2001,2002 Free Software Foundation, inc.@*
|
||
Copyright @copyright{} 1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000 Reuven M. Lerner@*
|
||
Copyright @copyright{} 1992,1993 Steven Byrnes@*
|
||
Copyright @copyright{} 1990,1991,1992 Joseph Brian Wells@*
|
||
|
||
This list of frequently asked questions about GNU Emacs with answers
|
||
("FAQ") may be translated into other languages, transformed into other
|
||
formats (e.g. Texinfo, Info, WWW, WAIS), and updated with new information.
|
||
|
||
The same conditions apply to any derivative of the FAQ as apply to the FAQ
|
||
itself. Every copy of the FAQ must include this notice or an approved
|
||
translation, information on who is currently maintaining the FAQ and how to
|
||
contact them (including their e-mail address), and information on where the
|
||
latest version of the FAQ is archived (including FTP information).
|
||
|
||
The FAQ may be copied and redistributed under these conditions, except that
|
||
the FAQ may not be embedded in a larger literary work unless that work
|
||
itself allows free copying and redistribution.
|
||
|
||
[This version has been somewhat edited from the last-posted version
|
||
(as of August 1999) for inclusion in the Emacs distribution.]
|
||
@end titlepage
|
||
|
||
@node Top, FAQ notation, (dir), (dir)
|
||
|
||
This is the GNU Emacs FAQ, last updated on @today{}.
|
||
|
||
The FAQ is maintained as a Texinfo document, allowing us to create HTML,
|
||
Info, and TeX documents from a single source file, and is slowly but
|
||
surely being improved. Please bear with us as we improve on this
|
||
format. If you have any suggestions or questions, please contact
|
||
@email{emacs-faq@@lerner.co.il, the FAQ maintainers}.
|
||
|
||
@menu
|
||
* FAQ notation::
|
||
* General questions::
|
||
* Getting help::
|
||
* Status of Emacs::
|
||
* Common requests::
|
||
* Bugs and problems::
|
||
* Compiling and installing Emacs::
|
||
* Finding Emacs and related packages::
|
||
* Major packages and programs::
|
||
* Key bindings::
|
||
* Alternate character sets::
|
||
* Mail and news::
|
||
* Concept index::
|
||
@end menu
|
||
|
||
@c ------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
@node FAQ notation, General questions, Top, Top
|
||
@chapter FAQ notation
|
||
@cindex FAQ notation
|
||
|
||
This chapter describes notation used in the GNU Emacs FAQ, as well as in
|
||
the Emacs documentation. Consult this section if this is the first time
|
||
you are reading the FAQ, or if you are confused by notation or terms
|
||
used in the FAQ.
|
||
|
||
@menu
|
||
* Basic keys::
|
||
* Extended commands::
|
||
* On-line manual::
|
||
* File-name conventions::
|
||
* Common acronyms::
|
||
@end menu
|
||
|
||
@node Basic keys, Extended commands, FAQ notation, FAQ notation
|
||
@section What do these mean: @kbd{C-h}, @kbd{C-M-a}, @key{RET}, @kbd{@key{ESC} a}, etc.?
|
||
@cindex Basic keys
|
||
@cindex Control key, notation for
|
||
@cindex @key{Meta} key, notation for
|
||
@cindex Control-Meta characters, notation for
|
||
@cindex @kbd{C-h}, definition of
|
||
@cindex @kbd{C-M-h}, definition of
|
||
@cindex @key{DEL}, definition of
|
||
@cindex @key{ESC}, definition of
|
||
@cindex @key{LFD}, definition of
|
||
@cindex @key{RET}, definition of
|
||
@cindex @key{SPC}, definition of
|
||
@cindex @key{TAB}, definition of
|
||
@cindex Notation for keys
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@kbd{C-x}: press the @key{x} key while holding down the @key{Control} key
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@kbd{M-x}: press the @key{x} key while holding down the @key{Meta} key
|
||
(if your computer doesn't have a @key{Meta} key, @pxref{No Meta key})
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@kbd{M-C-x}: press the @key{x} key while holding down both @key{Control}
|
||
and @key{Meta}
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@kbd{C-M-x}: a synonym for the above
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@key{LFD}: Linefeed or Newline; same as @kbd{C-j}
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@key{RET}: @key{Return}, sometimes marked @key{Enter}; same as @kbd{C-m}
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@key{DEL}: @key{Delete}, usually @strong{not} the same as
|
||
@key{Backspace}; same as @kbd{C-?} (see @ref{Backspace invokes help}, if
|
||
deleting invokes Emacs help)
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@key{ESC}: Escape; same as @kbd{C-[}
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@key{TAB}: Tab; same as @kbd{C-i}
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@key{SPC}: Space bar
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
Key sequences longer than one key (and some single-key sequences) are
|
||
written inside quotes or on lines by themselves, like this:
|
||
|
||
@display
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||
@kbd{M-x frobnicate-while-foo RET}
|
||
@end display
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
Any real spaces in such a key sequence should be ignored; only @key{SPC}
|
||
really means press the space key.
|
||
|
||
The ASCII code sent by @kbd{C-x} (except for @kbd{C-?}) is the value
|
||
that would be sent by pressing just @key{x} minus 96 (or 64 for
|
||
upper-case @key{X}) and will be from 0 to 31. On Unix and GNU/Linux
|
||
terminals, the ASCII code sent by @kbd{M-x} is the sum of 128 and the
|
||
ASCII code that would be sent by pressing just @key{x}. Essentially,
|
||
@key{Control} turns off bits 5 and 6 and @key{Meta} turns on bit
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||
7@footnote{
|
||
DOS and Windows terminals don't set bit 7 when the @key{Meta} key is
|
||
pressed.}.
|
||
|
||
@kbd{C-?} (aka @key{DEL}) is ASCII code 127. It is a misnomer to call
|
||
@kbd{C-?} a ``control'' key, since 127 has both bits 5 and 6 turned ON.
|
||
Also, on very few keyboards does @kbd{C-?} generate ASCII code 127.
|
||
|
||
@inforef{Text Characters, Text Characters, emacs}, and @inforef{Keys,
|
||
Keys, emacs}, for more information. (@xref{On-line manual}, for more
|
||
information about Info.)
|
||
|
||
@node Extended commands, On-line manual, Basic keys, FAQ notation
|
||
@section What does @file{M-x @var{command}} mean?
|
||
@cindex Extended commands
|
||
@cindex Commands, extended
|
||
@cindex M-x, meaning of
|
||
|
||
@kbd{M-x @var{command}} means type @kbd{M-x}, then type the name of the
|
||
command, then type @key{RET}. (@xref{Basic keys}, if you're not sure
|
||
what @kbd{M-x} and @key{RET} mean.)
|
||
|
||
@kbd{M-x} (by default) invokes the command
|
||
@code{execute-extended-command}. This command allows you to run any
|
||
Emacs command if you can remember the command's name. If you can't
|
||
remember the command's name, you can type @key{TAB} and @key{SPC} for
|
||
completion, @key{?} for a list of possibilities, and @kbd{M-p} and
|
||
@kbd{M-n} (or up-arrow and down-arrow on terminals that have these
|
||
editing keys) to see previous commands entered. An Emacs @dfn{command}
|
||
is an @dfn{interactive} Emacs function.
|
||
|
||
@cindex @key{Do} key
|
||
Your system administrator may have bound other key sequences to invoke
|
||
@code{execute-extended-command}. A function key labeled @kbd{Do} is a
|
||
good candidate for this, on keyboards that have such a key.
|
||
|
||
If you need to run non-interactive Emacs functions, see @ref{Evaluating
|
||
Emacs Lisp code}.
|
||
|
||
@node On-line manual, File-name conventions, Extended commands, FAQ notation
|
||
@section How do I read topic XXX in the on-line manual?
|
||
@cindex On-line manual, reading topics in
|
||
@cindex Reading topics in the on-line manual
|
||
@cindex Finding topics in the on-line manual
|
||
@cindex Info, finding topics in
|
||
|
||
When we refer you to some @var{topic} in the on-line manual, you can
|
||
read this manual node inside Emacs (assuming nothing is broken) by
|
||
typing @kbd{C-h i m emacs @key{RET} m @var{topic} @key{RET}}.
|
||
|
||
This invokes Info, the GNU hypertext documentation browser. If you don't
|
||
already know how to use Info, type @key{?} from within Info.
|
||
|
||
If we refer to @var{topic}:@var{subtopic}, type @kbd{C-h i m emacs
|
||
@key{RET} m @var{topic} @key{RET} m @var{subtopic} @key{RET}}.
|
||
|
||
If these commands don't work as expected, your system administrator may
|
||
not have installed the Info files, or may have installed them
|
||
improperly. In this case you should complain.
|
||
|
||
@xref{Getting a printed manual}, if you would like a paper copy of the
|
||
Emacs manual.
|
||
|
||
@node File-name conventions, Common acronyms, On-line manual, FAQ notation
|
||
@section What are @file{etc/SERVICE}, @file{src/config.h}, and @file{lisp/default.el}?
|
||
@cindex File-name conventions
|
||
@cindex Conventions for file names
|
||
@cindex Directories and files that come with Emacs
|
||
|
||
These are files that come with Emacs. The Emacs distribution is divided
|
||
into subdirectories; the important ones are @file{etc}, @file{lisp}, and
|
||
@file{src}.
|
||
|
||
If you use Emacs, but don't know where it is kept on your system, start
|
||
Emacs, then type @kbd{C-h v data-directory @key{RET}}. The directory
|
||
name displayed by this will be the full pathname of the installed
|
||
@file{etc} directory. (This full path is recorded in the Emacs variable
|
||
@code{data-directory}, and @kbd{C-h v} displays the value and the
|
||
documentation of a variable.)
|
||
|
||
The location of your Info directory (i.e., where on-line documentation
|
||
is stored) is kept in the variable @code{Info-default-directory-list}. Use
|
||
@kbd{C-h v Info-default-directory-list @key{RET}} to see the value of
|
||
this variable, which will be a list of directory names. The last
|
||
directory in that list is probably where most Info files are stored. By
|
||
default, Info documentation is placed in @file{/usr/local/info}.
|
||
|
||
Some of these files are available individually via FTP or e-mail; see
|
||
@ref{Informational files for Emacs}. They all are available in the
|
||
source distribution. Many of the files in the @file{etc} directory are
|
||
also available via the Emacs @samp{Help} menu, or by typing @kbd{C-h ?}
|
||
(@kbd{M-x help-for-help}).
|
||
|
||
Your system administrator may have removed the @file{src} directory and
|
||
many files from the @file{etc} directory.
|
||
|
||
@node Common acronyms, , File-name conventions, FAQ notation
|
||
@section What are FSF, LPF, OSF, GNU, RMS, FTP, and GPL?
|
||
@cindex FSF, definition of
|
||
@cindex LPF, definition of
|
||
@cindex OSF, definition of
|
||
@cindex GNU, definition of
|
||
@cindex RMS, definition of
|
||
@cindex Stallman, Richard, acronym for
|
||
@cindex Richard Stallman, acronym for
|
||
@cindex FTP, definition of
|
||
@cindex GPL, definition of
|
||
@cindex Acronyms, definitions for
|
||
@cindex Common acronyms, definitions for
|
||
|
||
@table @asis
|
||
|
||
@item FSF
|
||
Free Software Foundation
|
||
|
||
@item LPF
|
||
League for Programming Freedom
|
||
|
||
@item OSF
|
||
Open Software Foundation
|
||
|
||
@item GNU
|
||
GNU's Not Unix
|
||
|
||
@item RMS
|
||
Richard Matthew Stallman
|
||
|
||
@item FTP
|
||
File Transfer Protocol
|
||
|
||
@item GPL
|
||
GNU General Public License
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
Avoid confusing the FSF, the LPF, and the OSF. The LPF opposes
|
||
look-and-feel copyrights and software patents. The FSF aims to make
|
||
high quality free software available for everyone. The OSF is a
|
||
consortium of computer vendors which develops commercial software for
|
||
Unix systems.
|
||
|
||
The word ``free'' in the title of the Free Software Foundation refers to
|
||
``freedom,'' not ``zero dollars.'' Anyone can charge any price for
|
||
GPL-covered software that they want to. However, in practice, the
|
||
freedom enforced by the GPL leads to low prices, because you can always
|
||
get the software for less money from someone else, since everyone has
|
||
the right to resell or give away GPL-covered software.
|
||
|
||
@c ------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
@node General questions, Getting help, FAQ notation, Top
|
||
@chapter General questions
|
||
@cindex General questions
|
||
|
||
This chapter contains general questions having to do with Emacs, the
|
||
Free Software Foundation, and related organizations.
|
||
|
||
@menu
|
||
* The LPF::
|
||
* Real meaning of copyleft::
|
||
* Guidelines for newsgroup postings::
|
||
* Newsgroup archives::
|
||
* Reporting bugs::
|
||
* Unsubscribing from Emacs lists::
|
||
* Contacting the FSF::
|
||
@end menu
|
||
|
||
@node The LPF, Real meaning of copyleft, General questions, General questions
|
||
@section What is the LPF?
|
||
@cindex LPF, description of
|
||
@cindex League for Programming Freedom
|
||
@cindex Software patents, opposition to
|
||
@cindex Patents for software, opposition to
|
||
|
||
The LPF opposes the expanding danger of software patents and
|
||
look-and-feel copyrights. To get more information, feel free to contact
|
||
the LPF via e-mail or otherwise. You may also contact
|
||
@email{jbw@@cs.bu.edu, Joe Wells}; he will be happy to talk to you
|
||
about the LPF.
|
||
|
||
You can find more information about the LPF in the file @file{etc/LPF}.
|
||
More papers describing the LPF's views are available on the Internet and
|
||
also from @uref{http://lpf.ai.mit.edu/, the LPF home page}.
|
||
|
||
@node Real meaning of copyleft, Guidelines for newsgroup postings, The LPF, General questions
|
||
@section What is the real legal meaning of the GNU copyleft?
|
||
@cindex Copyleft, real meaning of
|
||
@cindex GPL, real meaning of
|
||
@cindex General Public License, real meaning of
|
||
@cindex Discussion of the GPL
|
||
|
||
The real legal meaning of the GNU General Public License (copyleft) will
|
||
only be known if and when a judge rules on its validity and scope.
|
||
There has never been a copyright infringement case involving the GPL to
|
||
set any precedents. Please take any discussion regarding this issue to
|
||
the newsgroup @uref{news:gnu.misc.discuss}, which was created to hold the
|
||
extensive flame wars on the subject.
|
||
|
||
RMS writes:
|
||
|
||
@quotation
|
||
The legal meaning of the GNU copyleft is less important than the spirit,
|
||
which is that Emacs is a free software project and that work pertaining
|
||
to Emacs should also be free software. ``Free'' means that all users
|
||
have the freedom to study, share, change and improve Emacs. To make
|
||
sure everyone has this freedom, pass along source code when you
|
||
distribute any version of Emacs or a related program, and give the
|
||
recipients the same freedom that you enjoyed.
|
||
@end quotation
|
||
|
||
@node Guidelines for newsgroup postings, Newsgroup archives, Real meaning of copyleft, General questions
|
||
@section What are appropriate messages for @uref{news:gnu.emacs.help}, @uref{news:gnu.emacs.bug}, @uref{news:comp.emacs}, etc.?
|
||
@cindex Newsgroups, appropriate messages for
|
||
@cindex GNU newsgroups, appropriate messages for
|
||
@cindex Usenet groups, appropriate messages for
|
||
@cindex Mailing lists, appropriate messages for
|
||
@cindex Posting messages to newsgroups
|
||
|
||
@cindex GNU mailing lists
|
||
The file @file{etc/MAILINGLISTS} describes the purpose of each GNU
|
||
mailing list. (@xref{Informational files for Emacs}, if you want a copy
|
||
of the file.) For those lists which are gatewayed with newsgroups, it
|
||
lists both the newsgroup name and the mailing list address.
|
||
|
||
The newsgroup @uref{news:comp.emacs} is for discussion of Emacs programs
|
||
in general. This includes Emacs along with various other
|
||
implementations, such as XEmacs, JOVE, MicroEmacs, Freemacs, MG,
|
||
Unipress, CCA, and Epsilon.
|
||
|
||
Many people post Emacs questions to @uref{news:comp.emacs} because they
|
||
don't receive any of the @code{gnu.*} newsgroups. Arguments have been
|
||
made both for and against posting GNU-Emacs-specific material to
|
||
@uref{news:comp.emacs}. You have to decide for yourself.
|
||
|
||
Messages advocating ``non-free'' software are considered unacceptable on
|
||
any of the @code{gnu.*} newsgroups except for @uref{news:gnu.misc.discuss},
|
||
which was created to hold the extensive flame-wars on the subject.
|
||
``Non-free'' software includes any software for which the end user can't
|
||
freely modify the source code and exchange enhancements. Be careful to
|
||
remove the @code{gnu.*} groups from the @samp{Newsgroups:} line when
|
||
posting a followup that recommends such software.
|
||
|
||
@uref{news:gnu.emacs.bug} is a place where bug reports appear, but avoid
|
||
posting bug reports to this newsgroup directly (@pxref{Reporting bugs}).
|
||
|
||
@node Newsgroup archives, Reporting bugs, Guidelines for newsgroup postings, General questions
|
||
@section Where can I get old postings to @uref{news:gnu.emacs.help} and other GNU groups?
|
||
@cindex Archived postings from @code{gnu.emacs.help}
|
||
@cindex Usenet archives for GNU groups
|
||
@cindex Old Usenet postings for GNU groups
|
||
|
||
The FSF has maintained archives of all of the GNU mailing lists for many
|
||
years, although there may be some unintentional gaps in coverage. The
|
||
archive is not particularly well organized or easy to retrieve
|
||
individual postings from, but pretty much everything is there.
|
||
|
||
The archive is at @uref{ftp://ftp-mailing-list-archives.gnu.org}.
|
||
|
||
As of this writing, the archives are not yet working.
|
||
|
||
Web-based Usenet search services, such as
|
||
@uref{http://www.dejanews.com, DejaNews}, also archive the
|
||
@code{gnu.*} groups.
|
||
|
||
@node Reporting bugs, Unsubscribing from Emacs lists, Newsgroup archives, General questions
|
||
@section Where should I report bugs and other problems with Emacs?
|
||
@cindex Bug reporting
|
||
@cindex Good bug reports
|
||
@cindex How to submit a bug report
|
||
@cindex Reporting bugs
|
||
|
||
The correct way to report Emacs bugs is by e-mail to
|
||
@email{bug-gnu-emacs@@gnu.org}. Anything sent here also appears in the
|
||
newsgroup @uref{news:gnu.emacs.bug}, but please use e-mail instead of
|
||
news to submit the bug report. This ensures a reliable return address
|
||
so you can be contacted for further details.
|
||
|
||
Be sure to read the ``Bugs'' section of the Emacs manual before reporting
|
||
a bug to bug-gnu-emacs! The manual describes in detail how to submit a
|
||
useful bug report. (@xref{On-line manual}, if you don't know how to read the
|
||
manual.)
|
||
|
||
RMS says:
|
||
|
||
@quotation
|
||
Sending bug reports to @email{help-gnu-emacs@@gnu.org} (which has the
|
||
effect of posting on @uref{news:gnu.emacs.help}) is undesirable because
|
||
it takes the time of an unnecessarily large group of people, most of
|
||
whom are just users and have no idea how to fix these problem.
|
||
@email{bug-gnu-emacs@@gnu.org} reaches a much smaller group of people
|
||
who are more likely to know what to do and have expressed a wish to
|
||
receive more messages about Emacs than the others.
|
||
@end quotation
|
||
|
||
RMS says it is sometimes fine to post to @uref{news:gnu.emacs.help}:
|
||
|
||
@quotation
|
||
If you have reported a bug and you don't hear about a possible fix,
|
||
then after a suitable delay (such as a week) it is okay to post on
|
||
@code{gnu.emacs.help} asking if anyone can help you.
|
||
@end quotation
|
||
|
||
If you are unsure whether you have found a bug, consider the following
|
||
non-exhaustive list, courtesy of RMS:
|
||
|
||
@quotation
|
||
If Emacs crashes, that is a bug. If Emacs gets compilation errors
|
||
while building, that is a bug. If Emacs crashes while building, that
|
||
is a bug. If Lisp code does not do what the documentation says it
|
||
does, that is a bug.
|
||
@end quotation
|
||
|
||
@node Unsubscribing from Emacs lists, Contacting the FSF, Reporting bugs, General questions
|
||
@section How do I unsubscribe from this mailing list?
|
||
@cindex Unsubscribing from GNU mailing lists
|
||
@cindex Removing yourself from GNU mailing lists
|
||
|
||
If you are receiving a GNU mailing list named @var{list}, you might be
|
||
able to unsubscribe from it by sending a request to the address
|
||
@email{@var{list}-request@@gnu.org}. However, this will not work if you are
|
||
not listed on the main mailing list, but instead receive the mail from a
|
||
distribution point. In that case, you will have to track down at which
|
||
distribution point you are listed. Inspecting the @samp{Received} headers
|
||
on the mail messages may help, along with liberal use of the @samp{EXPN} or
|
||
@samp{VRFY} sendmail commands through @samp{telnet @var{site-address}
|
||
smtp}. Ask your postmaster for help, if you cannot figure out these
|
||
details.
|
||
|
||
@node Contacting the FSF, , Unsubscribing from Emacs lists, General questions
|
||
@section What is the current address of the FSF?
|
||
@cindex Snail mail address of the FSF
|
||
@cindex Postal address of the FSF
|
||
@cindex Contracting the FSF
|
||
@cindex Free Software Foundation, contacting
|
||
|
||
@table @asis
|
||
|
||
@item E-mail
|
||
gnu@@gnu.org
|
||
|
||
@item Telephone
|
||
+1-617-542-5942
|
||
|
||
@item Fax
|
||
+1-617-542-2652
|
||
|
||
@item World Wide Web
|
||
@uref{http://www.gnu.org/}
|
||
|
||
@item Postal address
|
||
Free Software Foundation@*
|
||
59 Temple Place - Suite 330@*
|
||
Boston, MA 02111-1307@*
|
||
USA@*
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
@cindex Ordering GNU software
|
||
For details on how to order items directly from the FSF, see the
|
||
@uref{http://www.gnu.org/order/order.html, GNU Web site}, and also the
|
||
files @file{etc/ORDERS}, @file{ORDERS.EUROPE}, and @file{ORDERS.JAPAN}.
|
||
|
||
@c ------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
@node Getting help, Status of Emacs, General questions, Top
|
||
@chapter Getting help
|
||
@cindex Getting help
|
||
|
||
This chapter tells you how to get help with Emacs
|
||
|
||
@menu
|
||
* Basic editing::
|
||
* Learning how to do something::
|
||
* Getting a printed manual::
|
||
* Emacs Lisp documentation::
|
||
* Installing Texinfo documentation::
|
||
* Printing a Texinfo file::
|
||
* Viewing Info files outside of Emacs::
|
||
* Informational files for Emacs::
|
||
* Help installing Emacs::
|
||
* Obtaining the FAQ::
|
||
@end menu
|
||
|
||
@node Basic editing, Learning how to do something, Getting help, Getting help
|
||
@section I'm just starting Emacs; how do I do basic editing?
|
||
@cindex Basic editing with Emacs
|
||
@cindex Beginning editing
|
||
@cindex Tutorial, invoking the
|
||
@cindex Self-paced tutorial, invoking the
|
||
@cindex Help system, entering the
|
||
|
||
Type @kbd{C-h t} to invoke the self-paced tutorial. Just typing @kbd{C-h}
|
||
enters the help system.
|
||
|
||
Your system administrator may have changed @kbd{C-h} to act like
|
||
@key{DEL} to deal with local keyboards. You can use @kbd{M-x
|
||
help-for-help} instead to invoke help. To discover what key (if any)
|
||
invokes help on your system, type @kbd{M-x where-is @key{RET}
|
||
help-for-help @key{RET}}. This will print a comma-separated list of key
|
||
sequences in the echo area. Ignore the last character in each key
|
||
sequence listed. Each of the resulting key sequences invokes help.
|
||
|
||
Emacs help works best if it is invoked by a single key whose value
|
||
should be stored in the variable @code{help-char}.
|
||
|
||
There is also a WWW-based tutorial for Emacs 18, much of which is also
|
||
relevant for later versions of Emacs, available at
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://kufacts.cc.ukans.edu/cwis/writeups/misc/emacsguide.html}
|
||
|
||
@node Learning how to do something, Getting a printed manual, Basic editing, Getting help
|
||
@section How do I find out how to do something in Emacs?
|
||
@cindex Help for Emacs
|
||
@cindex Learning to do something in Emacs
|
||
@cindex Reference card for Emacs
|
||
@cindex Overview of help systems
|
||
|
||
There are several methods for finding out how to do things in Emacs.
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@cindex Reading the Emacs manual
|
||
@item
|
||
The complete text of the Emacs manual is available on-line via the Info
|
||
hypertext reader. Type @kbd{C-h i} to invoke Info. Typing @key{h}
|
||
immediately after entering Info will provide a short tutorial on how to
|
||
use it.
|
||
|
||
@cindex Lookup a subject in a manual
|
||
@cindex Index search in a manual
|
||
@item
|
||
To quickly locate the section of the manual which discusses a certain
|
||
issue, or describes a command or a variable, type @kbd{C-h i m emacs
|
||
@key{RET} i @var{topic} @key{RET}}, where @var{topic} is the name of the
|
||
topic, the command, or the variable which you are looking for. If this
|
||
does not land you on the right place in the manual, press @kbd{,}
|
||
(comma) repeatedly until you find what you need. (The @kbd{i} and
|
||
@kbd{,} keys invoke the index-searching functions, which look for the
|
||
@var{topic} you type in all the indices of the Emacs manual.)
|
||
|
||
@cindex Apropos
|
||
@item
|
||
You can list all of the commands whose names contain a certain word
|
||
(actually which match a regular expression) using @kbd{C-h a} (@kbd{M-x
|
||
command-apropos}).
|
||
|
||
@cindex Command description in the manual
|
||
@item
|
||
The command @kbd{C-h C-f} (@code{Info-goto-emacs-command-node}) prompts
|
||
for the name of a command, and then attempts to find the section in the
|
||
Emacs manual where that command is described.
|
||
|
||
@cindex Finding commands and variables
|
||
@item
|
||
You can list all of the functions and variables whose names contain a
|
||
certain word using @kbd{M-x apropos}.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
You can list all of the functions and variables whose documentation
|
||
matches a regular expression or a string, using @kbd{M-x
|
||
apropos-documentation}.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
You can order a hardcopy of the manual from the FSF. @xref{Getting a
|
||
printed manual}.
|
||
|
||
@cindex Reference cards, in other languages
|
||
@item
|
||
You can get a printed reference card listing commands and keys to
|
||
invoke them. You can order one from the FSF for $1 (or 10 for $5),
|
||
or you can print your own from the @file{etc/refcard.tex} or
|
||
@file{etc/refcard.ps} files in the Emacs distribution. Beginning with
|
||
version 21.1, the Emacs distribution comes with translations of the
|
||
reference card into several languages; look for files named
|
||
@file{etc/@var{lang}-refcard.*}, where @var{lang} is a two-letter code
|
||
of the language. For example, the German version of the reference card
|
||
is in the files @file{etc/de-refcard.tex} and @file{etc/de-refcard.ps}.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
There are many other commands in Emacs for getting help and
|
||
information. To get a list of these commands, type @samp{?} after
|
||
@kbd{C-h}.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node Getting a printed manual, Emacs Lisp documentation, Learning how to do something, Getting help
|
||
@section How do I get a printed copy of the Emacs manual?
|
||
@cindex Printed Emacs manual, obtaining
|
||
@cindex Manual, obtaining a printed or HTML copy of
|
||
@cindex Emacs manual, obtaining a printed or HTML copy of
|
||
|
||
You can order a printed copy of the Emacs manual from the FSF. For
|
||
details see the @uref{http://www.gnu.org/order/order.html, GNU Web site}
|
||
and the file @file{etc/ORDERS}.
|
||
|
||
@c The number 620 below is version-dependent!
|
||
The full Texinfo source for the manual also comes in the @file{man}
|
||
directory of the Emacs distribution, if you're daring enough to try to
|
||
print out this 620-page manual yourself (@pxref{Printing a Texinfo
|
||
file}).
|
||
|
||
If you absolutely have to print your own copy, and you don't have @TeX{},
|
||
you can get a PostScript version from
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.gnu.org/manual/emacs/ps/emacs.ps.gz}
|
||
|
||
@cindex HTML version of Emacs manual, obtaining
|
||
An HTML version of the manual is at
|
||
|
||
@uref{www.gnu.org/manual/emacs/index.html}
|
||
|
||
@xref{Learning how to do something}, for how to view the manual on-line.
|
||
|
||
@node Emacs Lisp documentation, Installing Texinfo documentation, Getting a printed manual, Getting help
|
||
@section Where can I get documentation on Emacs Lisp?
|
||
@cindex Documentation on Emacs Lisp
|
||
@cindex Function documentation
|
||
@cindex Variable documentation
|
||
@cindex Emacs Lisp Reference Manual
|
||
@cindex Reference manual for Emacs Lisp
|
||
|
||
Within Emacs, you can type @kbd{C-h f} to get the documentation for a
|
||
function, @kbd{C-h v} for a variable.
|
||
|
||
For more information, obtain the Emacs Lisp Reference Manual. Details
|
||
on ordering it from FSF are on the
|
||
@uref{http://www.gnu.org/order/order.html, GNU Web site} and in the file
|
||
@file{etc/ORDERS}.
|
||
|
||
The Emacs Lisp Reference Manual is also available on-line, in Info
|
||
format. Texinfo source for the manual (along with pregenerated Info
|
||
files) is available at
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.gnu.org/pub/gnu/emacs/elisp-manual-21-2.6.tar.gz}
|
||
|
||
and all mirrors of @samp{ftp.gnu.org} (for a list, @pxref{Current GNU
|
||
distributions}). @xref{Installing Texinfo documentation}, if you want
|
||
to install the Info files, or @ref{Printing a Texinfo file}, if you want
|
||
to use the Texinfo source to print the manual yourself.
|
||
|
||
An HTML version of the Emacs Lisp Reference Manual is available at
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.gnu.org/manual/elisp-manual-21-2.6/elisp.html}
|
||
|
||
@node Installing Texinfo documentation, Printing a Texinfo file, Emacs Lisp documentation, Getting help
|
||
@section How do I install a piece of Texinfo documentation?
|
||
@cindex Texinfo documentation, installing
|
||
@cindex Installing Texinfo documentation
|
||
@cindex New Texinfo files, installing
|
||
@cindex Documentation, installing new Texinfo files
|
||
@cindex Info files, how to install
|
||
|
||
First, you must turn the Texinfo files into Info files. You may do this
|
||
using the stand-alone @file{makeinfo} program, available as part of the latest
|
||
Texinfo package at
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.gnu.org/pub/gnu/texinfo/texinfo-4.0.tar.gz}
|
||
|
||
and all mirrors of @samp{ftp.gnu.org} (for a list, @pxref{Current GNU
|
||
distributions}).
|
||
|
||
For information about the Texinfo format, read the Texinfo manual which
|
||
comes with the Texinfo package. This manual also comes installed in
|
||
Info format, so you can read it on-line; type @kbd{C-h i m texinfo
|
||
@key{RET}}.
|
||
|
||
Alternatively, you could use the Emacs command @kbd{M-x
|
||
texinfo-format-buffer}, after visiting the Texinfo source file of the
|
||
manual you want to convert.
|
||
|
||
Neither @code{texinfo-format-buffer} nor @file{makeinfo} installs the
|
||
resulting Info files in Emacs's Info tree. To install Info files,
|
||
perform these steps:
|
||
|
||
@enumerate
|
||
@item
|
||
Move the files to the @file{info} directory in the installed Emacs
|
||
distribution. @xref{File-name conventions}, if you don't know where that
|
||
is.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Run the @code{install-info} command, which is part of the Texinfo
|
||
distribution, to update the main Info directory menu, like this:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
install-info --info-dir=@var{dir-path} @var{dir-path}/@var{file}
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
where @var{dir-path} is the full path to the directory where you copied
|
||
the produced Info file(s), and @var{file} is the name of the Info file
|
||
you produced and want to install.
|
||
|
||
If you don't have the @code{install-info} command installed, you can
|
||
edit the file @file{info/dir} in the installed Emacs distribution, and
|
||
add a line for the top level node in the Info package that you are
|
||
installing. Follow the examples already in this file. The format is:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
* Topic: (relative-pathname). Short description of topic.
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@end enumerate
|
||
|
||
If you want to install Info files and you don't have the necessary
|
||
privileges, you have several options:
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
@item
|
||
Info files don't actually need to be installed before being used. You
|
||
can feed a file name to the @code{Info-goto-node} command (invoked by
|
||
pressing @key{g} in Info mode) by typing the name of the file in
|
||
parentheses. This goes to the node named ``Top'' in that file. For
|
||
example, to view a Info file named @file{@var{info-file}} in your home
|
||
directory, you can type this:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
@kbd{C-h i g (~/@var{info-file}) @key{RET}}
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
You can create your own Info directory. You can tell Emacs where that
|
||
Info directory is by adding its pathname to the value of the variable
|
||
@code{Info-default-directory-list}. For example, to use a private Info
|
||
directory which is a subdirectory of your home directory named @file{Info},
|
||
you could put this in your @file{.emacs} file:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq Info-default-directory-list
|
||
(cons "~/Info" Info-default-directory-list))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
You will need a top-level Info file named @file{dir} in this directory
|
||
which has everything the system @file{dir} file has in it, except it should
|
||
list only entries for Info files in that directory. You might not need
|
||
it if all files in this directory were referenced by other @file{dir}
|
||
files. The node lists from all @file{dir} files in
|
||
@code{Info-default-directory-list} are merged by the Info system.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node Printing a Texinfo file, Viewing Info files outside of Emacs, Installing Texinfo documentation, Getting help
|
||
@section How do I print a Texinfo file?
|
||
@cindex Printing a Texinfo file
|
||
@cindex Texinfo file, printing
|
||
@cindex Printing documentation
|
||
|
||
You can't get nicely printed output from Info files; you must still have
|
||
the original Texinfo source file for the manual you want to print.
|
||
|
||
Assuming you have @TeX{} installed on your system, follow these steps:
|
||
|
||
@enumerate
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Make sure the first line of the Texinfo file looks like this:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
\input texinfo
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
You may need to change @samp{texinfo} to the full pathname of the
|
||
@file{texinfo.tex} file, which comes with Emacs as
|
||
@file{man/texinfo.tex} (or copy or link it into the current directory).
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Type @kbd{texi2dvi @var{texinfo-source}}, where @var{texinfo-source} is
|
||
the name of the Texinfo source file for which you want to produce a
|
||
printed copy.
|
||
|
||
The @samp{texi2dvi} script is part of the GNU Texinfo distribution
|
||
(@pxref{Installing Texinfo documentation}).
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Print the DVI file @file{@var{texinfo-source}.dvi} in the normal way for
|
||
printing DVI files at your site. For example, if you have a PostScript
|
||
printer, run the @code{dvips} program to print the DVI file on that
|
||
printer.
|
||
|
||
@end enumerate
|
||
|
||
To get more general instructions, retrieve the latest Texinfo package
|
||
(@pxref{Installing Texinfo documentation}).
|
||
|
||
@node Viewing Info files outside of Emacs, Informational files for Emacs, Printing a Texinfo file, Getting help
|
||
@section Can I view Info files without using Emacs?
|
||
@cindex Viewing Info files
|
||
@cindex Info file viewers
|
||
@cindex Alternative Info file viewers
|
||
|
||
Yes. Here are some alternative programs:
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@code{info}, a stand-alone version of the Info program, comes as part of
|
||
the Texinfo package. @xref{Installing Texinfo documentation}, for
|
||
details.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Xinfo, a stand-alone version of the Info program that runs under X
|
||
Window system. You can get it at
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.gnu.org/pub/gnu/xinfo/xinfo-1.01.01.tar.gz} and all
|
||
mirrors of @samp{ftp.gnu.org} (see @ref{Current GNU distributions}, for a
|
||
list of mirrors).
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Tkinfo, an Info viewer that runs under X Window system and uses Tcl/Tk.
|
||
You can get Tkinfo at
|
||
@uref{http://math-www.uni-paderborn.de/~axel/tkinfo/}.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node Informational files for Emacs, Help installing Emacs, Viewing Info files outside of Emacs, Getting help
|
||
@section What informational files are available for Emacs?
|
||
@cindex Informational files included with Emacs
|
||
@cindex Files included with Emacs
|
||
@cindex @file{COPYING}, description of file
|
||
@cindex @file{DISTRIB}, description of file
|
||
@cindex @file{FTP}, description of file
|
||
@cindex @file{GNU}, description of file
|
||
@cindex @file{INTERVIEW}, description of file
|
||
@cindex @file{LPF}, description of file
|
||
@cindex @file{MACHINES}, description of file
|
||
@cindex @file{MAILINGLISTS}, description of file
|
||
@cindex @file{NEWS}, description of file
|
||
@cindex @file{SERVICE}, description of file
|
||
@cindex @file{SUN-SUPPORT}, description of file
|
||
|
||
This isn't a frequently asked question, but it should be! A variety of
|
||
informational files about Emacs and relevant aspects of the GNU project
|
||
are available for you to read.
|
||
|
||
The following files are available in the @file{etc} directory of the
|
||
Emacs distribution (see @ref{File-name conventions}, if you're not sure
|
||
where that is).
|
||
|
||
@table @file
|
||
|
||
@item COPYING
|
||
Emacs General Public License
|
||
|
||
@item DISTRIB
|
||
Emacs Availability Information, including the popular "Free Software
|
||
Foundation Order Form"
|
||
|
||
@item FTP
|
||
How to get GNU Software by Internet FTP or by UUCP
|
||
|
||
@item GNU
|
||
The GNU Manifesto
|
||
|
||
@item INTERVIEW
|
||
Richard Stallman discusses his public-domain UNIX-compatible software
|
||
system with BYTE editors
|
||
|
||
@item LPF
|
||
Why you should join the League for Programming Freedom
|
||
|
||
@item MACHINES
|
||
Status of Emacs on Various Machines and Systems
|
||
|
||
@item MAILINGLISTS
|
||
GNU Project Electronic Mailing Lists
|
||
|
||
@item NEWS
|
||
Emacs news, a history of recent user-visible changes
|
||
|
||
@item SERVICE
|
||
GNU Service Directory
|
||
|
||
@item SUN-SUPPORT
|
||
including "Using Emacstool with GNU Emacs"
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
Latest versions of the above files also available at
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.gnu.org/pub/gnu/GNUinfo/}
|
||
|
||
More GNU information, including back issues of the @cite{GNU's
|
||
Bulletin}, are at
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.gnu.org/bulletins/bulletins.html} and
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.cs.pdx.edu/~trent/gnu/gnu.html}
|
||
|
||
@node Help installing Emacs, Obtaining the FAQ, Informational files for Emacs, Getting help
|
||
@section Where can I get help in installing Emacs?
|
||
@cindex Installation help
|
||
@cindex Help installing Emacs
|
||
|
||
@xref{Installing Emacs}, for some basic installation hints, and see
|
||
@ref{Problems building Emacs}, or @ref{Linking with -lX11 fails}, if you
|
||
have problems with the installation.
|
||
|
||
The file @file{etc/SERVICE} (see @ref{File-name conventions}, if you're
|
||
not sure where that is) lists companies and individuals willing to sell
|
||
you help in installing or using Emacs. An up-to-date version this file
|
||
is available on @samp{ftp.gnu.org} (@pxref{Informational files for
|
||
Emacs}).
|
||
|
||
@node Obtaining the FAQ, , Help installing Emacs, Getting help
|
||
@section Where can I get the latest version of this FAQ?
|
||
@cindex FAQ, obtaining the
|
||
@cindex Latest FAQ version, obtaining the
|
||
@cindex Retrieving the latest FAQ version
|
||
@cindex E-mail, retrieving the FAQ via
|
||
@cindex Web, reading the FAQ on the
|
||
|
||
The Emacs FAQ is available in several ways:
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Inside of Emacs itself. You can get it from selecting the @samp{Emacs
|
||
FAQ} option from the @samp{Help} menu of the Emacs menu bar at the top
|
||
of any Emacs frame, or by typing @kbd{C-h F} (@kbd{M-x view-emacs-FAQ}).
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Via USENET. If you can read news, the FAQ should be available in your
|
||
news spool, in both the @uref{news:gnu.emacs.help} and
|
||
@uref{news:comp.emacs} newsgroups. Every news reader should allow you
|
||
to read any news article that is still in the news spool, even if you
|
||
have read the article before. You may need to read the instructions for
|
||
your news reader to discover how to do this. In @file{rn}, this command
|
||
will do this for you at the article selection level:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
?GNU Emacs Frequently Asked Questions?rc:m
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
In Gnus, you should type @kbd{C-u C-x C-s} from the @file{*Summary*}
|
||
buffer or @kbd{C-u @key{SPC}} from the @file{*Newsgroup*} buffer to view
|
||
all articles in a newsgroup.
|
||
|
||
If the FAQ articles have expired and have been deleted from your news
|
||
spool, it might (or might not) do some good to complain to your news
|
||
administrator, because the most recent FAQ should not expire for a
|
||
while.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Via HTTP or FTP. You can always fetch the latest FAQ from
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.lerner.co.il/emacs/} and
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.lerner.co.il/pub/emacs/}
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
In the Emacs distribution. Since Emacs 18.56, the FAQ at the time
|
||
of release has been part of the Emacs distribution as either
|
||
@file{etc/FAQ} or @file{man/faq.texi} (@pxref{File-name conventions}).
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Via the World Wide Web. A hypertext version is available at
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.lerner.co.il/emacs/}
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Via anonymous ftp and e-mail from @file{rtfm.mit.edu} (and its mirror in
|
||
Europe), the main repository for FAQs and other items posted to
|
||
news.answers. The Emacs FAQs are available at
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/comp.emacs/} and
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.uni-paderborn.de/pub/doc/FAQ/comp/emacs/}
|
||
|
||
If you do not have access to anonymous FTP, you can access the archives
|
||
using the @file{rtfm.mit.edu} mail server. The Emacs FAQ can be
|
||
retrieved by sending mail to @email{mail-server@@rtfm.mit.edu} with a
|
||
blank subject and containing
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
send usenet/news.answers/GNU-Emacs-FAQ/diffs
|
||
send usenet/news.answers/GNU-Emacs-FAQ/part1
|
||
send usenet/news.answers/GNU-Emacs-FAQ/part2
|
||
send usenet/news.answers/GNU-Emacs-FAQ/part3
|
||
send usenet/news.answers/GNU-Emacs-FAQ/part4
|
||
send usenet/news.answers/GNU-Emacs-FAQ/part5
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
For more information, send email to @email{mail-server@@rtfm.mit.edu}
|
||
with "help" and "index" in the body on separate lines.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
As the very last resort, you can e-mail a request to
|
||
@email{emacs-faq@@lerner.co.il}. Don't do this unless you have made a
|
||
good-faith effort to obtain the FAQ list via one of the methods listed
|
||
above.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@c ------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
@node Status of Emacs, Common requests, Getting help, Top
|
||
@chapter Status of Emacs
|
||
@cindex Status of Emacs
|
||
|
||
This chapter gives you basic information about Emacs, including its
|
||
latest version status.
|
||
|
||
@menu
|
||
* Origin of the term Emacs::
|
||
* Latest version of Emacs::
|
||
* New in Emacs 20::
|
||
* New in Emacs 21::
|
||
@end menu
|
||
|
||
@node Origin of the term Emacs, Latest version of Emacs, Status of Emacs, Status of Emacs
|
||
@section Where does the name ``Emacs'' come from?
|
||
@cindex Origin of the term ``Emacs''
|
||
@cindex Emacs name origin
|
||
@cindex TECO
|
||
@cindex Original version of Emacs
|
||
|
||
Emacs originally was an acronym for Editor MACroS. RMS says he ``picked
|
||
the name Emacs because @key{E} was not in use as an abbreviation on ITS at
|
||
the time.'' The first Emacs was a set of macros written in 1976 at MIT
|
||
by RMS for the editor TECO (Text Editor and COrrector, originally Tape
|
||
Editor and COrrector) under ITS on a PDP-10. RMS had already extended
|
||
TECO with a ``real-time'' full-screen mode with reprogrammable keys.
|
||
Emacs was started by @email{gls@@east.sun.com, Guy Steele} as a project
|
||
to unify the many divergent TECO command sets and key bindings at MIT,
|
||
and completed by RMS.
|
||
|
||
Many people have said that TECO code looks a lot like line noise; you
|
||
can read more at @uref{news:alt.lang.teco}. Someone has written a TECO
|
||
implementation in Emacs Lisp (to find it, see @ref{Packages that do not
|
||
come with Emacs}); it would be an interesting project to run the
|
||
original TECO Emacs inside of Emacs.
|
||
|
||
@cindex Why Emacs?
|
||
For some not-so-serious alternative reasons for Emacs to have that
|
||
name, check out the file @file{etc/JOKES} (@pxref{File-name
|
||
conventions}).
|
||
|
||
@node Latest version of Emacs, New in Emacs 20, Origin of the term Emacs, Status of Emacs
|
||
@section What is the latest version of Emacs?
|
||
@cindex Version, latest
|
||
@cindex Latest version of Emacs
|
||
|
||
Emacs @value{VER} is the current version as of this writing.
|
||
|
||
@node New in Emacs 20, New in Emacs 21, Latest version of Emacs, Status of Emacs
|
||
@section What is different about Emacs 20?
|
||
@cindex Differences between Emacs 19 and Emacs 20
|
||
@cindex Emacs 20, new features in
|
||
|
||
To find out what has changed in recent versions, type @kbd{C-h n}
|
||
(@kbd{M-x view-emacs-news}). The oldest changes are at the bottom of
|
||
the file, so you might want to read it starting there, rather than at
|
||
the top.
|
||
|
||
The differences between Emacs versions 18 and 19 was rather dramatic;
|
||
the introduction of frames, faces, and colors on windowing systems was
|
||
obvious to even the most casual user.
|
||
|
||
There are differences between Emacs versions 19 and 20 as well, but many
|
||
are more subtle or harder to find. Among the changes are the inclusion
|
||
of MULE code for languages that use non-Latin characters and for mixing
|
||
several languages in the same document; the ``Customize'' facility for
|
||
modifying variables without having to use Lisp; and automatic conversion
|
||
of files from Macintosh, Microsoft, and Unix platforms.
|
||
|
||
A number of older Lisp packages, such as Gnus, Supercite and the
|
||
calendar/diary, have been updated and enhanced to work with Emacs 20,
|
||
and are now included with the standard distribution.
|
||
|
||
|
||
@node New in Emacs 21, , New in Emacs 20, Status of Emacs
|
||
@section What is different about Emacs 21?
|
||
@cindex Differences between Emacs 20 and Emacs 21
|
||
@cindex Emacs 21, new features in
|
||
@cindex Recently introduced features
|
||
|
||
@cindex Variable-size fonts
|
||
@cindex Toolbar support
|
||
Emacs 21 features a thorough rewrite of the display engine. The new
|
||
display engine supports variable-size fonts, images, and can play sounds
|
||
on platforms which support that. As a result, the visual appearence of
|
||
Emacs, when it runs on a windowed display, is much more reminiscent of
|
||
modern GUI programs, and includes 3D widgets (used for the mode line and
|
||
the scroll bars), a configurable and extensible toolbar, tooltips
|
||
(a.k.a.@: balloon help), and other niceties.
|
||
|
||
@cindex Colors on text-only terminals
|
||
@cindex TTY colors
|
||
In addition, Emacs 21 supports faces on text-only terminals. This means
|
||
that you can now have colors when you run Emacs on a GNU/Linux console
|
||
and on @code{xterm} with @kbd{emacs -nw}.
|
||
|
||
@c ------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
@node Common requests, Bugs and problems, Status of Emacs, Top
|
||
@chapter Common requests
|
||
@cindex Common requests
|
||
|
||
@menu
|
||
* Setting up a customization file::
|
||
* Debugging a customization file::
|
||
* Colors on a TTY::
|
||
* Displaying the current line or column::
|
||
* Displaying the current file name in the titlebar::
|
||
* Turning on abbrevs by default::
|
||
* Turning on auto-fill by default::
|
||
* Associating modes with files::
|
||
* Working with unprintable characters::
|
||
* Highlighting a region::
|
||
* Controlling case sensitivity::
|
||
* Wrapping words automatically::
|
||
* Spell-checkers::
|
||
* Checking TeX and *roff documents::
|
||
* Changing load-path::
|
||
* Using an already running Emacs process::
|
||
* Compiler error messages::
|
||
* Indenting switch statements::
|
||
* Customizing C and C++ indentation::
|
||
* Horizontal scrolling::
|
||
* Overwrite mode::
|
||
* Turning off beeping::
|
||
* Turning the volume down::
|
||
* Automatic indentation::
|
||
* Matching parentheses::
|
||
* Hiding #ifdef lines::
|
||
* Repeating commands::
|
||
* Valid X resources::
|
||
* Evaluating Emacs Lisp code::
|
||
* Changing the length of a Tab::
|
||
* Inserting > at the beginning of each line::
|
||
* Underlining paragraphs::
|
||
* Repeating a command as many times as possible::
|
||
* Forcing the cursor to remain in the same column::
|
||
* Forcing Emacs to iconify itself::
|
||
* Using regular expressions::
|
||
* Replacing text across multiple files::
|
||
* Documentation for etags::
|
||
* Disabling backups::
|
||
* Disabling auto-save-mode::
|
||
* Going to a line by number::
|
||
* Modifying pull-down menus::
|
||
* Deleting menus and menu options::
|
||
* Turning on syntax highlighting::
|
||
* Scrolling only one line::
|
||
* Replacing highlighted text::
|
||
* Editing MS-DOS files::
|
||
* Filling paragraphs with a single space::
|
||
* Escape sequences in shell output::
|
||
@end menu
|
||
|
||
@node Setting up a customization file, Colors on a TTY, Common requests, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I set up a @file{.emacs} file properly?
|
||
@cindex @file{.emacs} file, setting up
|
||
@cindex Init file, setting up
|
||
@cindex Customization file, setting up
|
||
|
||
@inforef{Init File, Init File, emacs}
|
||
|
||
In general, new Emacs users should not have @file{.emacs} files, because
|
||
it causes confusing non-standard behavior. Then they send questions to
|
||
@email{help-gnu-emacs@@gnu.org} asking why Emacs isn't behaving as
|
||
documented.
|
||
|
||
Beginning with version 20.1, Emacs includes the new Customize
|
||
facility, which can be invoked using @kbd{M-x customize @key{RET}}.
|
||
This allows users who are unfamiliar with Emacs Lisp to modify their
|
||
@file{.emacs} files in a relatively straightforward way, using menus
|
||
rather than Lisp code. Not all packages support Customize as of this
|
||
writing, but the number is growing fairly steadily.
|
||
|
||
While Customize might indeed make it easier to configure Emacs,
|
||
consider taking a bit of time to learn Emacs Lisp and modifying your
|
||
@file{.emacs} directly. Simple configuration options are described
|
||
rather completely in @inforef{Init File, Init File, emacs}, for users
|
||
interested in performing frequently requested, basic tasks.
|
||
|
||
@node Colors on a TTY, Debugging a customization file, Setting up a customization file, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I get colors and syntax highlighting on a TTY?
|
||
@cindex Colors on a TTY
|
||
@cindex Syntax highlighting on a TTY
|
||
@cindex Console, colors
|
||
|
||
In Emacs 21.1 and later, colors and faces are supported in non-windowed mode,
|
||
i.e.@: on Unix and GNU/Linux text-only terminals and consoles, and when
|
||
invoked as @samp{emacs -nw} on X and MS-Windows. (Colors and faces were
|
||
supported in the MS-DOS port since Emacs 19.29.) Emacs automatically
|
||
detects color support at startup and uses it if available. If you think
|
||
that your terminal supports colors, but Emacs won't use them, check the
|
||
@code{termcap} entry for your display type for color-related
|
||
capabilities.
|
||
|
||
The command @kbd{M-x list-colors-display} pops up a window which
|
||
exhibits all the colors Emacs knows about on the current display.
|
||
|
||
Syntax highlighting is usually turned off by default; see @ref{Turning
|
||
on syntax highlighting}, for instructions how to turn it on.
|
||
|
||
@node Debugging a customization file, Displaying the current line or column, Colors on a TTY, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I debug a @file{.emacs} file?
|
||
@cindex Debugging @file{.emacs} file
|
||
@cindex @file{.emacs} debugging
|
||
@cindex Init file debugging
|
||
@cindex @samp{-debug-init} option
|
||
|
||
Start Emacs with the @samp{-debug-init} command-line option. This
|
||
enables the Emacs Lisp debugger before evaluating your @file{.emacs}
|
||
file, and places you in the debugger if something goes wrong. The top
|
||
line in the @file{trace-back} buffer will be the error message, and the
|
||
second or third line of that buffer will display the Lisp code from your
|
||
@file{.emacs} file that caused the problem.
|
||
|
||
You can also evaluate an individual function or argument to a function
|
||
in your @file{.emacs} file by moving the cursor to the end of the
|
||
function or argument and typing @kbd{C-x C-e} (@kbd{M-x
|
||
eval-last-sexp}).
|
||
|
||
Use @kbd{C-h v} (@kbd{M-x describe-variable}) to check the value of
|
||
variables which you are trying to set or use.
|
||
|
||
@node Displaying the current line or column, Displaying the current file name in the titlebar, Debugging a customization file, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I make Emacs display the current line (or column) number?
|
||
@cindex @code{line-number-mode}
|
||
@cindex Displaying the current line or column
|
||
@cindex Line number, displaying the current
|
||
@cindex Column, displaying the current
|
||
@cindex @code{mode-line-format}
|
||
|
||
To have Emacs automatically display the current line number of the point
|
||
in the mode line, do @kbd{M-x line-number-mode}. You can also put the
|
||
form
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq line-number-mode t)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
in your @file{.emacs} file to achieve this whenever you start Emacs.
|
||
(Line number display is on by default, unless your site-specific
|
||
initialization disables it.) Note that Emacs will not display the line
|
||
number if the buffer's size in bytes is larger than the value of the
|
||
variable @code{line-number-display-limit}.
|
||
|
||
As of Emacs 20, you can similarly display the current column with
|
||
@kbd{M-x column-number-mode}, or by putting the form
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq column-number-mode t)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
in your @file{.emacs} file.
|
||
|
||
The @code{"%c"} format specifier in the variable @code{mode-line-format}
|
||
will insert the current column's value into the mode line. See the
|
||
documentation for @code{mode-line-format} (using @kbd{C-h v
|
||
mode-line-format @key{RET}}) for more information on how to set and use
|
||
this variable.
|
||
|
||
Users of all Emacs versions can display the current column using the
|
||
@samp{column} package written by @email{abraham@@dina.kvl.dk, Per
|
||
Abrahamsen}. @xref{Packages that do not come with Emacs}, for
|
||
instructions on how to get it.
|
||
|
||
@cindex Set number capability in @code{vi} emulators
|
||
None of the @code{vi} emulation modes provide the ``set number''
|
||
capability of @code{vi} (as far as we know).
|
||
|
||
@node Displaying the current file name in the titlebar, Turning on abbrevs by default, Displaying the current line or column, Common requests
|
||
@section How can I modify the titlebar to contain the current file name?
|
||
@cindex Titlebar, displaying the current file name in
|
||
@cindex File name, displaying in the titlebar
|
||
@cindex @code{frame-title-format}
|
||
|
||
The contents of an Emacs frame's titlebar is controlled by the variable
|
||
@code{frame-title-format}, which has the same structure as the variable
|
||
@code{mode-line-format}. (Use @kbd{C-h v} or @kbd{M-x
|
||
describe-variable} to get information about one or both of these
|
||
variables.)
|
||
|
||
By default, the titlebar for a frame does contain the name of the buffer
|
||
currently being visited, except if there is a single frame. In such a
|
||
case, the titlebar contains Emacs invocation name and the name of the
|
||
machine at which Emacs was invoked. This is done by setting
|
||
@code{frame-title-format} to the default value of
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(multiple-frames "%b" ("" invocation-name "@@" system-name))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
To modify the behavior such that frame titlebars contain the buffer's
|
||
name regardless of the number of existing frames, include the following
|
||
in your @file{.emacs}:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq frame-title-format "%b")
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@node Turning on abbrevs by default, Turning on auto-fill by default, Displaying the current file name in the titlebar, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I turn on abbrevs by default just in mode @var{mymode}?
|
||
@cindex Abbrevs, turning on by default
|
||
|
||
Put this in your @file{.emacs} file:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(condition-case ()
|
||
(quietly-read-abbrev-file)
|
||
(file-error nil))
|
||
|
||
(add-hook '@var{mymode}-mode-hook
|
||
(lambda ()
|
||
(setq abbrev-mode t)))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@node Turning on auto-fill by default, Associating modes with files, Turning on abbrevs by default, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I turn on @code{auto-fill-mode} by default?
|
||
@cindex @code{auto-fill-mode}, activating automatically
|
||
@cindex Filling automatically
|
||
@cindex Automatic entry to @code{auto-fill-mode}
|
||
|
||
To turn on @code{auto-fill-mode} just once for one buffer, use @kbd{M-x
|
||
auto-fill-mode}.
|
||
|
||
To turn it on for every buffer in a certain mode, you must use the hook
|
||
for that mode. For example, to turn on @code{auto-fill} mode for all
|
||
text buffers, including the following in your @file{.emacs} file:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(add-hook 'text-mode-hook 'turn-on-auto-fill)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
If you want @code{auto-fill} mode on in all major modes, do this:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq-default auto-fill-function 'do-auto-fill)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@node Associating modes with files, Working with unprintable characters, Turning on auto-fill by default, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I make Emacs use a certain major mode for certain files?
|
||
@cindex Associating modes with files
|
||
@cindex File extensions and modes
|
||
@cindex @code{auto-mode-alist}, modifying
|
||
@cindex Modes, associating with file extensions
|
||
|
||
If you want to use a certain mode @var{foo} for all files whose names end
|
||
with the extension @file{.@var{bar}}, this will do it for you:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq auto-mode-alist (cons '("\\.@var{bar}\\'" . @var{foo}-mode) auto-mode-alist))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
Otherwise put this somewhere in the first line of any file you want to
|
||
edit in the mode @var{foo} (in the second line, if the first line begins
|
||
with @samp{#!}):
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
-*- @var{foo} -*-
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@cindex Major mode for shell scripts
|
||
Beginning with Emacs 19, the variable @code{interpreter-mode-alist}
|
||
specifies which mode to use when loading a shell script. (Emacs
|
||
determines which interpreter you're using by examining the first line of
|
||
the script.) This feature only applies when the file name doesn't
|
||
indicate which mode to use. Use @kbd{C-h v} (or @kbd{M-x
|
||
describe-variable}) on @code{interpreter-mode-alist} to learn more.
|
||
|
||
@node Working with unprintable characters, Highlighting a region, Associating modes with files, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I search for, delete, or replace unprintable (eight-bit or control) characters?
|
||
@cindex Unprintable characters, working with
|
||
@cindex Working with unprintable characters
|
||
@cindex Control characters, working with
|
||
@cindex Eight-bit characters, working with
|
||
@cindex Searching for unprintable characters
|
||
@cindex Regexps and unprintable characters
|
||
|
||
To search for a single character that appears in the buffer as, for
|
||
example, @samp{\237}, you can type @kbd{C-s C-q 2 3 7}. (This assumes
|
||
the value of @code{search-quote-char} is 17 (i.e., @kbd{C-q}).)
|
||
Searching for @strong{all} unprintable characters is best done with a
|
||
regular expression (@dfn{regexp}) search. The easiest regexp to use for
|
||
the unprintable chars is the complement of the regexp for the printable
|
||
chars.
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Regexp for the printable chars: @samp{[\t\n\r\f -~]}
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Regexp for the unprintable chars: @samp{[^\t\n\r\f -~]}
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
To type these special characters in an interactive argument to
|
||
@code{isearch-forward-regexp} or @code{re-search-forward}, you need to
|
||
use @kbd{C-q}. (@samp{\t}, @samp{\n}, @samp{\r}, and @samp{\f} stand
|
||
respectively for @key{TAB}, @key{LFD}, @key{RET}, and @kbd{C-l}.) So,
|
||
to search for unprintable characters using @code{re-search-forward}:
|
||
|
||
@kbd{M-x re-search-forward @key{RET} [^ @key{TAB} C-q @key{LFD} C-q @key{RET} C-q C-l @key{SPC} -~] @key{RET}}
|
||
|
||
Using @code{isearch-forward-regexp}:
|
||
|
||
@kbd{C-M-s [^ @key{TAB} @key{LFD} C-q @key{RET} C-q C-l @key{SPC} -~]}
|
||
|
||
To delete all unprintable characters, simply use replace-regexp:
|
||
|
||
@kbd{M-x replace-regexp @key{RET} [^ @key{TAB} C-q @key{LFD} C-q @key{RET} C-q C-l @key{SPC} -~] @key{RET} @key{RET}}
|
||
|
||
Replacing is similar to the above. To replace all unprintable
|
||
characters with a colon, use:
|
||
|
||
M-x replace-regexp @key{RET} [^ @key{TAB} C-q @key{LFD} C-q @key{RET} C-q C-l @key{SPC} -~] @key{RET} : @key{RET}
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
You don't need to quote @key{TAB} with either isearch or typing
|
||
something in the minibuffer.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node Highlighting a region, Controlling case sensitivity, Working with unprintable characters, Common requests
|
||
@section How can I highlight a region of text in Emacs?
|
||
@cindex Highlighting text
|
||
@cindex Text, highlighting
|
||
@cindex @code{transient-mark-mode}
|
||
@cindex Region, highlighting a
|
||
|
||
You can cause the region to be highlighted when the mark is active by
|
||
including
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(transient-mark-mode t)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
in your @file{.emacs} file. (Also see @ref{Turning on syntax
|
||
highlighting}.)
|
||
|
||
@node Controlling case sensitivity, Wrapping words automatically, Highlighting a region, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I control Emacs's case-sensitivity when searching/replacing?
|
||
@cindex @code{case-fold-search}
|
||
@cindex Case sensitivity of searches
|
||
@cindex Searching without case sensitivity
|
||
@cindex Ignoring case in searches
|
||
|
||
For searching, the value of the variable @code{case-fold-search}
|
||
determines whether they are case sensitive:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq case-fold-search nil) ; make searches case sensitive
|
||
(setq case-fold-search t) ; make searches case insensitive
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@cindex Case sensitivity in replacements
|
||
@cindex Replacing, and case sensitivity
|
||
@cindex @code{case-replace}
|
||
Similarly, for replacing, the variable @code{case-replace} determines
|
||
whether replacements preserve case.
|
||
|
||
To change the case sensitivity just for one major mode, use the major
|
||
mode's hook. For example:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(add-hook '@var{foo}-mode-hook
|
||
(lambda ()
|
||
(setq case-fold-search nil)))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@node Wrapping words automatically, Spell-checkers, Controlling case sensitivity, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I make Emacs wrap words for me?
|
||
@cindex Wrapping word automatically
|
||
@cindex Wrapping lines
|
||
@cindex Line wrap
|
||
@cindex @code{auto-fill-mode}, introduction to
|
||
@cindex Maximum line width, default value
|
||
@cindex @code{fill-column}, default value
|
||
|
||
Use @code{auto-fill-mode}, activated by typing @kbd{M-x auto-fill-mode}.
|
||
The default maximum line width is 70, determined by the variable
|
||
@code{fill-column}. To learn how to turn this on automatically, see
|
||
@ref{Turning on auto-fill by default}.
|
||
|
||
@node Spell-checkers, Checking TeX and *roff documents, Wrapping words automatically, Common requests
|
||
@section Where can I get a better spelling checker for Emacs?
|
||
@cindex Checking spelling
|
||
@cindex Spelling, checking text documents
|
||
|
||
Use Ispell. @xref{Ispell}.
|
||
|
||
@node Checking TeX and *roff documents, Changing load-path, Spell-checkers, Common requests
|
||
@section How can I spell-check @TeX{} or *roff documents?
|
||
@cindex Spelling, checking @TeX{} documents
|
||
@cindex @TeX{} documents, checking spelling in
|
||
|
||
Use Ispell. Ispell can handle @TeX{} and *roff documents.
|
||
@xref{Ispell}.
|
||
|
||
@node Changing load-path, Using an already running Emacs process, Checking TeX and *roff documents, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I change @code{load-path}?
|
||
@cindex @code{load-path}, modifying
|
||
@cindex Modifying @code{load-path}
|
||
@cindex Adding to @code{load-path}
|
||
|
||
In general, you should only add to the @code{load-path}. You can add
|
||
directory @var{/dir/subdir} to the load path like this:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq load-path (cons "/dir/subdir/" load-path))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
To do this relative to your home directory:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq load-path (cons "~/mysubdir/" load-path)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@node Using an already running Emacs process, Compiler error messages, Changing load-path, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I use an already running Emacs from another window?
|
||
@cindex @code{emacsclient}
|
||
@cindex Emacs server functions
|
||
@cindex Using an existing Emacs process
|
||
|
||
@code{emacsclient}, which comes with Emacs, is for editing a file using
|
||
an already running Emacs rather than starting up a new Emacs. It does
|
||
this by sending a request to the already running Emacs, which must be
|
||
expecting the request.
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Setup:
|
||
|
||
Emacs must have executed the @code{server-start} function for
|
||
@samp{emacsclient} to work. This can be done either by a command line
|
||
option:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
emacs -f server-start
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
or by invoking @code{server-start} from @file{.emacs}:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(if (@var{some conditions are met}) (server-start))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
When this is done, Emacs starts a subprocess running a program called
|
||
@samp{emacsserver}. @samp{emacsserver} creates a Unix domain socket.
|
||
The socket is either named @file{.emacs_server}, in the user's home directory,
|
||
or @file{esrv-@var{userid}-@var{systemname}}, in the @file{/tmp}
|
||
directory, depending on how @samp{emacsserver} was compiled.
|
||
|
||
To get your news reader, mail reader, etc., to invoke
|
||
@samp{emacsclient}, try setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR}
|
||
(or sometimes @code{VISUAL}) to the value @samp{emacsclient}. You may
|
||
have to specify the full pathname of the @samp{emacsclient} program
|
||
instead. Examples:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
# csh commands:
|
||
setenv EDITOR emacsclient
|
||
|
||
# using full pathname
|
||
setenv EDITOR /usr/local/emacs/etc/emacsclient
|
||
|
||
# sh command:
|
||
EDITOR=emacsclient ; export EDITOR
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Normal use:
|
||
|
||
When @samp{emacsclient} is run, it connects to the @file{.emacs_server}
|
||
socket and passes its command line options to @samp{server}. When
|
||
@samp{server} receives these requests, it sends this information to the
|
||
the Emacs process, which at the next opportunity will visit the files
|
||
specified. (Line numbers can be specified just like with Emacs.) The
|
||
user will have to switch to the Emacs window by hand. When the user is
|
||
done editing a file, the user can type @kbd{C-x #} (or @kbd{M-x
|
||
server-edit}) to indicate this. If there is another buffer requested by
|
||
@code{emacsclient}, Emacs will switch to it; otherwise
|
||
@code{emacsclient} will exit, signaling the calling program to continue.
|
||
|
||
@samp{emacsclient} and @samp{server} must be running on machines which
|
||
share the same filesystem for this to work. The pathnames that
|
||
@samp{emacsclient} specifies should be correct for the filesystem that
|
||
the Emacs process sees. The Emacs process should not be suspended at
|
||
the time @samp{emacsclient} is invoked. On Unix and GNU/Linux systems,
|
||
@samp{emacsclient} should either be invoked from another X window, or
|
||
from a shell window inside Emacs itself, or from another interactive
|
||
session, e.g., by means of a @code{screen} program.
|
||
|
||
@cindex @code{gnuserv}
|
||
There is an enhanced version of @samp{emacsclient}/server called
|
||
@samp{gnuserv}, written by @email{ange@@hplb.hpl.hp.com, Andy Norman}
|
||
which is available in the Emacs Lisp Archive (@pxref{Packages that do
|
||
not come with Emacs}). @samp{gnuserv} uses Internet domain sockets, so
|
||
it can work across most network connections. It also supports the
|
||
execution of arbitrary Emacs Lisp forms and does not require the client
|
||
program to wait for completion.
|
||
|
||
The alpha version of an enhanced @samp{gnuserv} is available at
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.wellfleet.com/netman/psmith/emacs/gnuserv-2.1alpha.tar.gz}
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node Compiler error messages, Indenting switch statements, Using an already running Emacs process, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I make Emacs recognize my compiler's funny error messages?
|
||
@cindex Compiler error messages, recognizing
|
||
@cindex Recognizing non-standard compiler errors
|
||
@cindex Regexps for recognizing compiler errors
|
||
@cindex Errors, recognizing compiler
|
||
|
||
The variable @code{compilation-error-regexp-alist} helps control how
|
||
Emacs parses your compiler output. It is a list of triplets of the form:
|
||
@code{(@var{regexp} @var{file-idx} @var{line-idx})}, where @var{regexp},
|
||
@var{file-idx} and @var{line-idx} are strings. To help determine what
|
||
the constituent elements should be, load @file{compile.el} and then type
|
||
@kbd{C-h v compilation-error-regexp-alist @key{RET}} to see the current
|
||
value. A good idea is to look at @file{compile.el} itself as the
|
||
comments included for this variable are quite useful---the regular
|
||
expressions required for your compiler's output may be very close to one
|
||
already provided. Once you have determined the proper regexps, use the
|
||
following to inform Emacs of your changes:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq compilation-error-regexp-alist
|
||
(cons '(@var{regexp} @var{file-idx} @var{line-idx})
|
||
compilation-error-regexp-alist))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@node Indenting switch statements, Customizing C and C++ indentation, Compiler error messages, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I change the indentation for @code{switch}?
|
||
@cindex @code{switch}, indenting
|
||
@cindex Indenting of @code{switch}
|
||
|
||
Many people want to indent their @code{switch} statements like this:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
f()
|
||
@{
|
||
switch(x) @{
|
||
case A:
|
||
x1;
|
||
break;
|
||
case B:
|
||
x2;
|
||
break;
|
||
default:
|
||
x3;
|
||
@}
|
||
@}
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
The solution at first appears to be: set @code{c-indent-level} to 4 and
|
||
@code{c-label-offset} to -2. However, this will give you an indentation
|
||
spacing of four instead of two.
|
||
|
||
The @emph{real} solution is to use @code{cc-mode} (the default mode for
|
||
C programming in Emacs 20 and later) and add the following line to yoyr
|
||
@file{.emacs}:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(c-set-offset 'case-label '+)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
There appears to be no way to do this with the old @code{c-mode}.
|
||
|
||
@node Customizing C and C++ indentation, Horizontal scrolling, Indenting switch statements, Common requests
|
||
@section How to customize indentation in C, C@t{++}, and Java buffers?
|
||
@cindex Indentation, how to customize
|
||
@cindex Customize indentation
|
||
|
||
The Emacs @code{cc-mode} features an interactive procedure for
|
||
customizing the indentation style, which is fully explained in the
|
||
@cite{CC Mode} manual that is part of the Emacs distribution, see
|
||
@ref{Customizing Indentation, , Customization Indentation, ccmode,
|
||
The CC Mode Manual}. Here's a short summary of the procedure:
|
||
|
||
@enumerate
|
||
@item
|
||
Go to the beginning of the first line where you don't like the
|
||
indentation and type @kbd{C-c C-o}. Emacs will prompt you for the
|
||
syntactic symbol; type @key{RET} to accept the default it suggests.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Emacs now prompts for the offset of this syntactic symbol, showing the
|
||
default (the current definition) inside parentheses. You can choose
|
||
one of these:
|
||
|
||
@table @code
|
||
@item 0
|
||
No extra indentation.
|
||
@item +
|
||
Indent one basic offset.
|
||
@item -
|
||
Outdent one basic offset.
|
||
@item ++
|
||
Indent two basic offsets
|
||
@item --
|
||
Outdent two basic offsets.
|
||
@item *
|
||
Indent half basic offset.
|
||
@item /
|
||
Outdent half basic offset.
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
After choosing one of these symbols, type @kbd{C-c C-q} to reindent
|
||
the line or the block according to what you just specified.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
If you don't like the result, go back to step 1. Otherwise, add the
|
||
following line to your @file{.emacs}:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(c-set-offset '@var{syntactic-symbol} @var{offset})
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
where @var{syntactic-symbol} is the name Emacs shows in the minibuffer
|
||
when you type @kbd{C-c C-o} at the beginning of the line, and
|
||
@var{offset} is one of the indentation symbols listed above (@code{+},
|
||
@code{/}, @code{0}, etc.) that you've chosen during the interactive
|
||
procedure.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Go to the next line whose indentation is not to your liking and repeat
|
||
the process there.
|
||
@end enumerate
|
||
|
||
It is recommended to put all the resulting @code{(c-set-offset ...)}
|
||
customizations inside a C mode hook, like this:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(defun my-c-mode-hook ()
|
||
(c-set-offset ...)
|
||
(c-set-offset ...))
|
||
(add-hook 'c-mode-hook 'my-c-mode-hook)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
Using @code{c-mode-hook} avoids the need to put a @w{@code{(require
|
||
'cc-mode)}} into your @file{.emacs} file, because @code{c-set-offset}
|
||
might be unavailable when @code{cc-mode} is not loaded.
|
||
|
||
Note that @code{c-mode-hook} runs for C source files only; use
|
||
@code{c++-mode-hook} for C@t{++} sources, @code{java-mode-hook} for
|
||
Java sources, etc. If you want the same customizations to be in
|
||
effect in @emph{all} languages supported by @code{cc-mode}, use
|
||
@code{c-mode-common-hook}.
|
||
|
||
@node Horizontal scrolling, Overwrite mode, Customizing C and C++ indentation, Common requests
|
||
@section How can I make Emacs automatically scroll horizontally?
|
||
@cindex @code{hscroll-mode}
|
||
@cindex Horizontal scrolling
|
||
@cindex Scrolling horizontally
|
||
|
||
In Emacs 21 and later, this is on by default: if the variable
|
||
@code{truncate-lines} is non-@code{nil} in the current buffer, Emacs
|
||
automatically scrolls the display horizontally when point moves off the
|
||
left or right edge of the window.
|
||
|
||
In Emacs 20, use the @code{hscroll-mode}. Here is some information from
|
||
the documentation, available by typing @kbd{C-h f hscroll-mode @key{RET}}:
|
||
|
||
Automatically scroll horizontally when the point moves off the
|
||
left or right edge of the window.
|
||
|
||
@itemize @minus
|
||
@item
|
||
Type @kbd{M-x hscroll-mode} to enable it in the current buffer.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Type @kbd{M-x hscroll-global-mode} to enable it in every buffer.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@code{turn-on-hscroll} is useful in mode hooks as in:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(add-hook 'text-mode-hook 'turn-on-hscroll)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@code{hscroll-margin} controls how close the cursor can get to the
|
||
edge of the window.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@code{hscroll-step-percent} controls how far to jump once we decide to do so.
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node Overwrite mode, Turning off beeping, Horizontal scrolling, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I make Emacs "typeover" or "overwrite" instead of inserting?
|
||
@cindex @key{Insert}
|
||
@cindex @code{overwrite-mode}
|
||
@cindex Overwriting existing text
|
||
@cindex Toggling @code{overwrite-mode}
|
||
|
||
@kbd{M-x overwrite-mode} (a minor mode). This toggles
|
||
@code{overwrite-mode} on and off, so exiting from @code{overwrite-mode}
|
||
is as easy as another @kbd{M-x overwrite-mode}.
|
||
|
||
On some systems, @key{Insert} toggles @code{overwrite-mode} on and off.
|
||
|
||
@node Turning off beeping, Turning the volume down, Overwrite mode, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I stop Emacs from beeping on a terminal?
|
||
@cindex Beeping, turning off
|
||
@cindex Visible bell
|
||
@cindex Bell, visible
|
||
|
||
@email{martin@@cc.gatech.edu, Martin R. Frank} writes:
|
||
|
||
Tell Emacs to use the @dfn{visible bell} instead of the audible bell,
|
||
and set the visible bell to nothing.
|
||
|
||
That is, put the following in your @code{TERMCAP} environment variable
|
||
(assuming you have one):
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
... :vb=: ...
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
And evaluate the following Lisp form:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
(setq visible-bell t)
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@node Turning the volume down, Automatic indentation, Turning off beeping, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I turn down the bell volume in Emacs running under X?
|
||
@cindex Bell, volume of
|
||
@cindex Volume of bell
|
||
|
||
On X Window system, you can adjust the bell volume and duration for all
|
||
programs with the shell command @code{xset}.
|
||
|
||
Invoking @code{xset} without any arguments produces some basic
|
||
information, including the following:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
usage: xset [-display host:dpy] option ...
|
||
To turn bell off:
|
||
-b b off b 0
|
||
To set bell volume, pitch and duration:
|
||
b [vol [pitch [dur]]] b on
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@node Automatic indentation, Matching parentheses, Turning the volume down, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I tell Emacs to automatically indent a new line to the indentation of the previous line?
|
||
@cindex Indenting new lines
|
||
@cindex New lines, indenting of
|
||
@cindex Previous line, indenting according to
|
||
@cindex Text indentation
|
||
|
||
Such behavior is automatic in Emacs 20 and later. From the
|
||
@file{etc/NEWS} file for Emacs 20.2:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
** In Text mode, now only blank lines separate paragraphs. This makes
|
||
it possible to get the full benefit of Adaptive Fill mode in Text mode,
|
||
and other modes derived from it (such as Mail mode). @key{TAB} in Text
|
||
mode now runs the command @code{indent-relative}; this makes a practical
|
||
difference only when you use indented paragraphs.
|
||
|
||
As a result, the old Indented Text mode is now identical to Text mode,
|
||
and is an alias for it.
|
||
|
||
If you want spaces at the beginning of a line to start a paragraph, use
|
||
the new mode, Paragraph Indent Text mode.
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@cindex Prefixing lines
|
||
@cindex Fill prefix
|
||
If you have @code{auto-fill-mode} turned on (@pxref{Turning on auto-fill
|
||
by default}), you can tell Emacs to prefix every line with a certain
|
||
character sequence, the @dfn{fill prefix}. Type the prefix at the
|
||
beginning of a line, position point after it, and then type @kbd{C-x .}
|
||
(@code{set-fill-prefix}) to set the fill prefix. Thereafter,
|
||
auto-filling will automatically put the fill prefix at the beginning of
|
||
new lines, and @kbd{M-q} (@code{fill-paragraph}) will maintain any fill
|
||
prefix when refilling the paragraph.
|
||
|
||
If you have paragraphs with different levels of indentation, you will
|
||
have to set the fill prefix to the correct value each time you move to a
|
||
new paragraph. To avoid this hassle, try one of the many packages
|
||
available from the Emacs Lisp Archive (@pxref{Packages that do not come
|
||
with Emacs}.) Look up ``fill'' and ``indent'' in the Lisp Code
|
||
Directory for guidance.
|
||
|
||
@node Matching parentheses, Hiding #ifdef lines, Automatic indentation, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I show which parenthesis matches the one I'm looking at?
|
||
@cindex Parentheses, matching
|
||
@cindex @file{paren.el}
|
||
@cindex Highlighting matching parentheses
|
||
@cindex Pairs of parentheses, highlighting
|
||
@cindex Matching parentheses
|
||
|
||
As of version 19, Emacs comes with @file{paren.el}, which (when loaded)
|
||
will automatically highlight matching parentheses whenever point (i.e.,
|
||
the cursor) is located over one. To load @file{paren.el} automatically,
|
||
include the line
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(require 'paren)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
in your @file{.emacs} file. @email{shutkoa@@ugsolutions.com, Alan Shutko}
|
||
reports that as of version 20.1, you must also call @code{show-paren-mode} in
|
||
your @file{.emacs} file:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(show-paren-mode 1)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
Customize will let you turn on @code{show-paren-mode}. Use @kbd{M-x
|
||
customize-group @key{RET} paren-showing @key{RET}}. From within
|
||
Customize, you can also go directly to the ``paren-showing'' group.
|
||
|
||
Alternatives to paren include:
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
If you're looking at a right parenthesis (or brace or bracket) you can
|
||
delete it and reinsert it. Emacs will momentarily move the cursor to
|
||
the matching parenthesis.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@kbd{C-M-f} (@code{forward-sexp}) and @kbd{C-M-b} (@code{backward-sexp})
|
||
will skip over one set of balanced parentheses, so you can see which
|
||
parentheses match. (You can train it to skip over balanced brackets
|
||
and braces at the same time by modifying the syntax table.)
|
||
|
||
@cindex Show matching paren as in @code{vi}
|
||
@item
|
||
Here is some Emacs Lisp that will make the @key{%} key show the matching
|
||
parenthesis, like in @code{vi}. In addition, if the cursor isn't over a
|
||
parenthesis, it simply inserts a % like normal.
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
;; By an unknown contributor
|
||
|
||
(global-set-key "%" 'match-paren)
|
||
|
||
(defun match-paren (arg)
|
||
"Go to the matching paren if on a paren; otherwise insert %."
|
||
(interactive "p")
|
||
(cond ((looking-at "\\s\(") (forward-list 1) (backward-char 1))
|
||
((looking-at "\\s\)") (forward-char 1) (backward-list 1))
|
||
(t (self-insert-command (or arg 1)))))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node Hiding #ifdef lines, Repeating commands, Matching parentheses, Common requests
|
||
@section In C mode, can I show just the lines that will be left after @code{#ifdef} commands are handled by the compiler?
|
||
@cindex @code{#ifdef}, selective display of
|
||
@cindex @code{hide-ifdef-mode}
|
||
@cindex Hiding @code{#ifdef} text
|
||
@cindex Selectively displaying @code{#ifdef} code
|
||
|
||
@kbd{M-x hide-ifdef-mode}. (This is a minor mode.) You might also want
|
||
to try @file{cpp.el}, available at the Emacs Lisp Archive
|
||
(@pxref{Packages that do not come with Emacs}).
|
||
|
||
@node Repeating commands, Valid X resources, Hiding #ifdef lines, Common requests
|
||
@section Is there an equivalent to the @code{.} (dot) command of vi?
|
||
@cindex Repeating commands as with @code{vi}
|
||
@cindex Command, repeat last
|
||
@cindex @code{.}, equivalent to @code{vi} command
|
||
|
||
(@code{.} is the redo command in @code{vi}. It redoes the last
|
||
insertion/deletion.)
|
||
|
||
As of Emacs 20.3, there is indeed a @code{repeat} command (@kbd{C-x z})
|
||
that repeats the last command. If you preface it with a prefix
|
||
argument, the prefix arg is applied to the command.
|
||
|
||
You can also type @kbd{C-x @key{ESC} @key{ESC}}
|
||
(@code{repeat-complex-command}) to reinvoke commands that used the
|
||
minibuffer to get arguments. In @code{repeat-complex-command} you can
|
||
type @kbd{M-p} and @kbd{M-n} (and also up-arrow and down-arrow, if your
|
||
keyboard has these keys) to scan through all the different complex
|
||
commands you've typed.
|
||
|
||
To repeat a set of commands, use keyboard macros. (@inforef{Keyboard
|
||
Macros, Keyboard Macros, emacs}.)
|
||
|
||
If you're really desperate for the @code{.} command, use VIPER, a
|
||
@code{vi} emulation mode which comes with Emacs, and which appears to
|
||
support it. (@xref{VIPER}.)
|
||
|
||
@node Valid X resources, Evaluating Emacs Lisp code, Repeating commands, Common requests
|
||
@section What are the valid X resource settings (i.e., stuff in .Xdefaults)?
|
||
@cindex Resources, X
|
||
@cindex X resources
|
||
@cindex Setting X resources
|
||
|
||
@inforef{Resources X, Resources X, emacs}.
|
||
|
||
You can also use a resource editor, such as editres (for X11R5 and
|
||
onwards), to look at the resource names for the menu bar, assuming Emacs
|
||
was compiled with the X toolkit.
|
||
|
||
@node Evaluating Emacs Lisp code, Changing the length of a Tab, Valid X resources, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I execute ("evaluate") a piece of Emacs Lisp code?
|
||
@cindex Evaluating Lisp code
|
||
@cindex Lisp forms, evaluating
|
||
|
||
There are a number of ways to execute (@dfn{evaluate}, in Lisp lingo) an
|
||
Emacs Lisp @dfn{form}:
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
If you want it evaluated every time you run Emacs, put it in a file
|
||
named @file{.emacs} in your home directory. This is known as ``your
|
||
@file{.emacs} file,'' and contains all of your personal customizations.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
You can type the form in the @file{*scratch*} buffer, and then type
|
||
@key{LFD} (or @kbd{C-j}) after it. The result of evaluating the form
|
||
will be inserted in the buffer.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
In @code{emacs-lisp-mode}, typing @kbd{C-M-x} evaluates a top-level form
|
||
before or around point.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Typing @kbd{C-x C-e} in any buffer evaluates the Lisp form immediately
|
||
before point and prints its value in the echo area.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Typing @kbd{M-:} or @kbd{M-x eval-expression} allows you to type a Lisp
|
||
form in the minibuffer which will be evaluated once you press @key{RET}.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
You can use @kbd{M-x load-file} to have Emacs evaluate all the Lisp
|
||
forms in a file. (To do this from Lisp use the function @code{load}
|
||
instead.)
|
||
|
||
The functions @code{load-library}, @code{eval-region},
|
||
@code{eval-current-buffer}, @code{require}, and @code{autoload} are also
|
||
useful; see @ref{Emacs Lisp documentation}, if you want to learn more
|
||
about them.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node Changing the length of a Tab, Inserting > at the beginning of each line, Evaluating Emacs Lisp code, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I change Emacs's idea of the @key{TAB} character's length?
|
||
@cindex Tab length
|
||
@cindex Length of tab character
|
||
@cindex @code{default-tab-width}
|
||
|
||
Set the variable @code{default-tab-width}. For example, to set
|
||
@key{TAB} stops every 10 characters, insert the following in your
|
||
@file{.emacs} file:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq default-tab-width 10)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
Do not confuse variable @code{tab-width} with variable
|
||
@code{tab-stop-list}. The former is used for the display of literal
|
||
@key{TAB} characters. The latter controls what characters are inserted
|
||
when you press the @key{TAB} character in certain modes.
|
||
|
||
@node Inserting > at the beginning of each line, Underlining paragraphs, Changing the length of a Tab, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I insert @samp{>} at the beginning of every line?
|
||
@cindex Prefix character, inserting in mail/news replies
|
||
@cindex Replies to mail/news, inserting a prefix character
|
||
@cindex @code{mail-yank-prefix}
|
||
@cindex Mail replies, inserting a prefix character
|
||
@cindex News replies, inserting a prefix character
|
||
|
||
To do this to an entire buffer, type @kbd{M-< M-x replace-regexp
|
||
@key{RET} ^ @key{RET} > @key{RET}}.
|
||
|
||
To do this to a region, use @code{string-insert-rectangle}.
|
||
Set the mark (@kbd{C-@key{SPC}}) at the beginning of the first line you
|
||
want to prefix, move the cursor to last line to be prefixed, and type
|
||
@kbd{M-x string-insert-rectangle @key{RET}}. To do this for the whole
|
||
buffer, type @kbd{C-x h M-x string-insert-rectangle @key{RET}}.
|
||
|
||
If you are trying to prefix a yanked mail message with @samp{>}, you
|
||
might want to set the variable @code{mail-yank-prefix}. Better yet, use
|
||
the Supercite package (@pxref{Supercite}), which provides flexible
|
||
citation for yanked mail and news messages; it is included in Emacs
|
||
since version 19.20. @xref{Changing the included text prefix}, for
|
||
additional information.
|
||
|
||
@node Underlining paragraphs, Repeating a command as many times as possible, Inserting > at the beginning of each line, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I insert "_^H" before each character in a region to get an underlined paragraph?
|
||
@cindex Underlining a region of text
|
||
@cindex @code{underline-region}
|
||
|
||
Mark the region and then type @kbd{M-x underline-region @key{RET}}.
|
||
|
||
@node Repeating a command as many times as possible, Forcing the cursor to remain in the same column, Underlining paragraphs, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I repeat a command as many times as possible?
|
||
@cindex Repeating commands many times
|
||
@cindex Commands, repeating many times
|
||
|
||
Use @kbd{C-x (} and @kbd{C-x )} to make a keyboard macro that invokes
|
||
the command and then type @kbd{M-0 C-x e}.
|
||
|
||
Any messages your command prints in the echo area will be suppressed.
|
||
|
||
If you need to repeat a command a small number of times, you can use
|
||
@kbd{C-x z}, see @ref{Repeating commands}.
|
||
|
||
@node Forcing the cursor to remain in the same column, Forcing Emacs to iconify itself, Repeating a command as many times as possible, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I make Emacs behave like this: when I go up or down, the cursor should stay in the same column even if the line is too short?
|
||
@cindex @code{picture-mode}
|
||
@cindex Remaining in the same column, regardless of contents
|
||
@cindex Vertical movement in empty documents
|
||
|
||
@kbd{M-x picture-mode}.
|
||
|
||
@node Forcing Emacs to iconify itself, Using regular expressions, Forcing the cursor to remain in the same column, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I tell Emacs to iconify itself?
|
||
@cindex Iconification under the X Window System
|
||
@cindex X Window System and iconification
|
||
@cindex Suspending Emacs
|
||
|
||
@kbd{C-z} iconifies Emacs when running under X and suspends Emacs
|
||
otherwise. @inforef{Misc X, Misc X, emacs}.
|
||
|
||
@node Using regular expressions, Replacing text across multiple files, Forcing Emacs to iconify itself, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I use regexps (regular expressions) in Emacs?
|
||
@cindex Regexps
|
||
@cindex Regular expressions
|
||
@cindex Differences between Unix and Emacs regexps
|
||
@cindex Unix regeps, differences from Emacs
|
||
@cindex Text strings, putting regexps in
|
||
|
||
@inforef{Regexps, Regexps, emacs}.
|
||
|
||
The @code{or} operator is @samp{\|}, not @samp{|}, and the grouping operators
|
||
are @samp{\(} and @samp{\)}. Also, the string syntax for a backslash is
|
||
@samp{\\}. To specify a regular expression like @samp{xxx\(foo\|bar\)}
|
||
in a Lisp string, use @samp{xxx\\(foo\\|bar\\)}.
|
||
|
||
Note the doubled backslashes!
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Unlike in Unix @file{grep}, @file{sed}, etc., a complement character set
|
||
(@samp{[^...]}) can match a newline character (@key{LFD} a.k.a.@:
|
||
@kbd{C-j} a.k.a.@: @samp{\n}), unless newline is mentioned as one of the
|
||
characters not to match.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
The character syntax regexps (e.g., @samp{\sw}) are not
|
||
meaningful inside character set regexps (e.g., @samp{[aeiou]}). (This
|
||
is actually typical for regexp syntax.)
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node Replacing text across multiple files, Documentation for etags, Using regular expressions, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I perform a replace operation across more than one file?
|
||
@cindex Replacing strings across files
|
||
@cindex Multiple files, replacing across
|
||
@cindex Files, replacing strings across multiple
|
||
|
||
The ``tags'' feature of Emacs includes the command
|
||
@code{tags-query-replace} which performs a query-replace across all the
|
||
files mentioned in the @file{TAGS} file. @inforef{Tags Search, Tags Search,
|
||
emacs}.
|
||
|
||
As of Emacs 19.29, Dired mode (@kbd{M-x dired @key{RET}}, or @kbd{C-x
|
||
d}) supports the command @code{dired-do-query-replace}, which allows
|
||
users to replace regular expressions in multiple files.
|
||
|
||
@node Documentation for etags, Disabling backups, Replacing text across multiple files, Common requests
|
||
@section Where is the documentation for @code{etags}?
|
||
@cindex Documentation for @code{etags}
|
||
@cindex @code{etags}, documentation for
|
||
|
||
The @code{etags} man page should be in the same place as the
|
||
@code{emacs} man page.
|
||
|
||
Quick command-line switch descriptions are also available. For example,
|
||
@samp{etags -H}.
|
||
|
||
@node Disabling backups, Disabling auto-save-mode, Documentation for etags, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I disable backup files?
|
||
@cindex Backups, disabling
|
||
@cindex Disabling backups
|
||
|
||
You probably don't want to do this, since backups are useful, especially
|
||
when something goes wrong.
|
||
|
||
To avoid seeing backup files (and other "uninteresting" files) in Dired,
|
||
load @code{dired-x} by adding the following to your @file{.emacs} file:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(add-hook 'dired-load-hook
|
||
(lambda ()
|
||
(load "dired-x")))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
With @code{dired-x} loaded, @kbd{M-o} toggles omitting in each dired buffer.
|
||
You can make omitting the default for new dired buffers by putting the
|
||
following in your @file{.emacs}:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(add-hook 'dired-mode-hook 'dired-omit-toggle)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
If you're tired of seeing backup files whenever you do an @samp{ls} at
|
||
the Unix shell, try GNU @code{ls} with the @samp{-B} option. GNU
|
||
@code{ls} is part of the GNU Fileutils package, available from
|
||
@samp{ftp.gnu.org} and its mirrors (@pxref{Current GNU distributions}).
|
||
|
||
To disable or change the way backups are made, @inforef{Backup Names, ,
|
||
emacs}.
|
||
|
||
@cindex Backup files in a single directory
|
||
Beginning with Emacs 21.1, you can control where Emacs puts backup files
|
||
by customizing the variable @code{backup-directory-alist}. This
|
||
variable's value specifies that files whose names match specific patters
|
||
should have their backups put in certain directories. A typical use is
|
||
to add the element @code{("." . @var{dir})} to force Emacs to put
|
||
@strong{all} backup files in the directory @file{dir}.
|
||
|
||
@node Disabling auto-save-mode, Going to a line by number, Disabling backups, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I disable @code{auto-save-mode}?
|
||
@cindex Disabling @code{auto-save-mode}
|
||
@cindex Auto-saving
|
||
@cindex Saving at frequent intervals
|
||
|
||
You probably don't want to do this, since auto-saving is useful,
|
||
especially when Emacs or your computer crashes while you are editing a
|
||
document.
|
||
|
||
Instead, you might want to change the variable
|
||
@code{auto-save-interval}, which specifies how many keystrokes Emacs
|
||
waits before auto-saving. Increasing this value forces Emacs to wait
|
||
longer between auto-saves, which might annoy you less.
|
||
|
||
You might also want to look into Sebastian Kremer's @code{auto-save}
|
||
package, available from the Lisp Code Archive (@pxref{Packages that do not come
|
||
with Emacs}). This
|
||
package also allows you to place all auto-save files in one directory,
|
||
such as @file{/tmp}.
|
||
|
||
To disable or change how @code{auto-save-mode} works, @inforef{Auto
|
||
Save, , emacs}.
|
||
|
||
@node Going to a line by number, Modifying pull-down menus, Disabling auto-save-mode, Common requests
|
||
@section How can I go to a certain line given its number?
|
||
@cindex Going to a line by number
|
||
@cindex Compilation error messages
|
||
@cindex Recompilation
|
||
|
||
Are you sure you indeed need to go to a line by its number? Perhaps all
|
||
you want is to display a line in your source file for which a compiler
|
||
printed an error message? If so, compiling from within Emacs using the
|
||
@kbd{M-x compile} and @kbd{M-x recompile} commands is a much more
|
||
effective way of doing that. Emacs automatically intercepts the compile
|
||
error messages, inserts them into a special buffer called
|
||
@code{*compilation*}, and lets you visit the locus of each message in
|
||
the source. Type @kbd{C-x `} to step through the offending lines one by
|
||
one. Click @kbd{Mouse-2} or press @key{RET} on a message text in the
|
||
@code{*compilation*} buffer to go to the line whose number is mentioned
|
||
in that message.
|
||
|
||
But if you indeed need to go to a certain text line, type @kbd{M-x
|
||
goto-line @key{RET}}. Emacs will prompt you for the number of the line
|
||
and go to that line.
|
||
|
||
You can do this faster by invoking @code{goto-line} with a numeric
|
||
argument that is the line's number. For example, @kbd{C-u 286 M-x
|
||
goto-line @key{RET}} will jump to line number 286 in the current
|
||
buffer.
|
||
|
||
If you need to use this command frequently, you might consider binding
|
||
it to a key. The following snippet, if added to your @file{~/.emacs}
|
||
file, will bind the sequence @kbd{C-x g} to @code{goto-line}:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(global-set-key "\C-xg" 'goto-line)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
|
||
@node Modifying pull-down menus, Deleting menus and menu options, Going to a line by number, Common requests
|
||
@section How can I create or modify new pull-down menu options?
|
||
@cindex Pull-down menus, creating or modifying
|
||
@cindex Menus, creating or modifying
|
||
@cindex Creating new menu options
|
||
@cindex Modifying pull-down menus
|
||
@cindex Menus and keymaps
|
||
@cindex Keymaps and menus
|
||
|
||
Each menu title (e.g., @samp{File}, @samp{Edit}, @samp{Buffers})
|
||
represents a local or global keymap. Selecting a menu title with the
|
||
mouse displays that keymap's non-nil contents in the form of a menu.
|
||
|
||
So to add a menu option to an existing menu, all you have to do is add a
|
||
new definition to the appropriate keymap. Adding a @samp{Forward Word}
|
||
item to the @samp{Edit} menu thus requires the following Lisp code:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(define-key global-map
|
||
[menu-bar edit forward]
|
||
'("Forward word" . forward-word))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
The first line adds the entry to the global keymap, which includes
|
||
global menu bar entries. Replacing the reference to @code{global-map}
|
||
with a local keymap would add this menu option only within a particular
|
||
mode.
|
||
|
||
The second line describes the path from the menu-bar to the new entry.
|
||
Placing this menu entry underneath the @samp{File} menu would mean
|
||
changing the word @code{edit} in the second line to @code{file}.
|
||
|
||
The third line is a cons cell whose first element is the title that will
|
||
be displayed, and whose second element is the function that will be
|
||
called when that menu option is invoked.
|
||
|
||
To add a new menu, rather than a new option to an existing menu, we must
|
||
define an entirely new keymap:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(define-key global-map [menu-bar words]
|
||
(cons "Words" (make-sparse-keymap "Words")))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
The above code creates a new sparse keymap, gives it the name
|
||
@samp{Words}, and attaches it to the global menu bar. Adding the
|
||
@samp{Forward Word} item to this new menu would thus require the
|
||
following code:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(define-key global-map
|
||
[menu-bar words forward]
|
||
'("Forward word" . forward-word))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
Note that because of the way keymaps work, menu options are displayed
|
||
with the more recently defined items at the top. Thus if you were to
|
||
define menu options @samp{foo}, @samp{bar}, and @samp{baz} (in that
|
||
order), the menu option @samp{baz} would appear at the top, and
|
||
@samp{foo} would be at the bottom.
|
||
|
||
One way to avoid this problem is to use the function @code{define-key-after},
|
||
which works the same as @code{define-key}, but lets you modify where items
|
||
appear. The following Lisp code would insert the @samp{Forward Word}
|
||
item in the @samp{Edit} menu immediately following the @samp{Undo} item:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(define-key-after
|
||
(lookup-key global-map [menu-bar edit])
|
||
[forward]
|
||
'("Forward word" . forward-word)
|
||
'undo)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
Note how the second and third arguments to @code{define-key-after} are
|
||
different from those of @code{define-key}, and that we have added a new
|
||
(final) argument, the function after which our new key should be
|
||
defined.
|
||
|
||
To move a menu option from one position to another, simply evaluate
|
||
@code{define-key-after} with the appropriate final argument.
|
||
|
||
More detailed information---and more examples of how to create and
|
||
modify menu options---are in the @cite{Emacs Lisp Reference Manual}, under
|
||
``Menu Keymaps''. (@xref{Emacs Lisp documentation}, for information on
|
||
this manual.)
|
||
|
||
@node Deleting menus and menu options, Turning on syntax highlighting, Modifying pull-down menus, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I delete menus and menu options?
|
||
@cindex Deleting menus and menu options
|
||
@cindex Menus, deleting
|
||
|
||
The simplest way to remove a menu is to set its keymap to @samp{nil}.
|
||
For example, to delete the @samp{Words} menu (@pxref{Modifying pull-down
|
||
menus}), use:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(define-key global-map [menu-bar words] nil)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
Similarly, removing a menu option requires redefining a keymap entry to
|
||
@code{nil}. For example, to delete the @samp{Forward word} menu option
|
||
from the @samp{Edit} menu (we added it in @ref{Modifying pull-down
|
||
menus}), use:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(define-key global-map [menu-bar edit forward] nil)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@node Turning on syntax highlighting, Scrolling only one line, Deleting menus and menu options, Common requests
|
||
@section How do I turn on syntax highlighting?
|
||
@cindex Syntax highlighting
|
||
@cindex @code{font-lock-mode}
|
||
@cindex Highlighting based on syntax
|
||
@cindex Colorizing text
|
||
@cindex FAQ, @code{font-lock-mode}
|
||
|
||
@code{font-lock-mode} is the standard way to have Emacs perform syntax
|
||
highlighting in the current buffer. With @code{font-lock-mode} turned
|
||
on, different types of text will appear in different colors. For
|
||
instance, if you turn on @code{font-lock-mode} in a programming mode,
|
||
variables will appear in one face, keywords in a second, and comments in
|
||
a third.
|
||
|
||
@cindex hilit19 is deprecated
|
||
Earlier versions of Emacs supported hilit19, a similar package. Use of
|
||
hilit19 is now considered non-standard, although @file{hilit19.el} comes
|
||
with the stock Emacs distribution. It is no longer maintained.
|
||
|
||
To turn @code{font-lock-mode} on within an existing buffer, use @kbd{M-x
|
||
font-lock-mode @key{RET}}.
|
||
|
||
To automatically invoke @code{font-lock-mode} when a particular major
|
||
mode is invoked, set the major mode's hook. For example, to fontify all
|
||
@code{c-mode} buffers, add the following to your @file{.emacs} file:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(add-hook 'c-mode-hook 'turn-on-font-lock)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
To automatically invoke @code{font-lock-mode} for all major modes, you
|
||
can turn on @code{global-font-lock-mode} by including the following line
|
||
in your @file{.emacs} file:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(global-font-lock-mode 1)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
This instructs Emacs to turn on font-lock mode in those buffers for
|
||
which a font-lock mode definition has been provided (in the variable
|
||
@code{font-lock-global-modes}). If you edit a file in
|
||
@code{pie-ala-mode}, and no font-lock definitions have been provided for
|
||
@code{pie-ala} files, then the above setting will have no effect on that
|
||
particular buffer.
|
||
|
||
Highlighting a buffer with @code{font-lock-mode} can take quite a while,
|
||
and cause an annoying delay in display, so several features exist to
|
||
work around this.
|
||
|
||
@cindex Just-In-Time syntax highlighting
|
||
In Emacs 21 and later, turning on @code{font-lock-mode} automatically
|
||
activates the new @dfn{Just-In-Time fontification} provided by
|
||
@code{jit-lock-mode}. @code{jit-lock-mode} defers the fontification of
|
||
portions of buffer until you actually need to see them, and can also
|
||
fontify while Emacs is idle. This makes display of the visible portion
|
||
of a buffer almost instantaneous. For details about customizing
|
||
@code{jit-lock-mode}, type @kbd{C-h f jit-lock-mode @key{RET}}.
|
||
|
||
@cindex Levels of syntax highlighting
|
||
@cindex Decoration level, in @code{font-lock-mode}
|
||
In versions of Emacs before 21, different levels of decoration are
|
||
available, from slight to gaudy. More decoration means you need to wait
|
||
more time for a buffer to be fontified (or a faster machine). To
|
||
control how decorated your buffers should become, set the value of
|
||
@code{font-lock-maximum-decoration} in your @file{.emacs} file, with a
|
||
@code{nil} value indicating default (usually minimum) decoration, and a
|
||
@code{t} value indicating the maximum decoration. For the gaudiest
|
||
possible look, then, include the line
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq font-lock-maximum-decoration t)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
in your @file{.emacs} file. You can also set this variable such that
|
||
different modes are highlighted in a different ways; for more
|
||
information, see the documentation for
|
||
@code{font-lock-maximum-decoration} with @kbd{C-h v} (or @kbd{M-x
|
||
describe-variable @key{RET}}).
|
||
|
||
@cindex Lazy font-lock
|
||
You might also want to investigate @code{fast-lock-mode} and
|
||
@code{lazy-lock-mode}, versions of @code{font-lock-mode} that speed up
|
||
highlighting. These are the alternatives for @code{jit-lock-mode} in
|
||
versions of Emacs before 21.1. The advantage of @code{lazy-lock-mode}
|
||
is that it only fontifies buffers when certain conditions are met, such
|
||
as after a certain amount of idle time, or after you have finished
|
||
scrolling through text. See the documentation for @code{lazy-lock-mode}
|
||
by typing @kbd{C-h f @code{lazy-lock-mode}} (@kbd{M-x describe-function
|
||
@key{RET} lazy-lock-mode @key{RET}}).
|
||
|
||
Also see the documentation for the function @code{font-lock-mode},
|
||
available by typing @kbd{C-h f font-lock-mode} (@kbd{M-x
|
||
describe-function @key{RET} font-lock-mode @key{RET}}).
|
||
|
||
For more information on font-lock mode, take a look at the
|
||
@code{font-lock-mode} FAQ, maintained by
|
||
@email{jari.aalto@@ntc.nokia.com, Jari Aalto} at
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://cs.uta.fi/pub/ssjaaa/ema-font.gui}
|
||
|
||
To print buffers with the faces (i.e., colors and fonts) intact, use
|
||
@kbd{M-x ps-print-buffer-with-faces} or @kbd{M-x
|
||
ps-print-region-with-faces}. You will need a way to send text to a
|
||
PostScript printer, or a PostScript interpreter such as Ghostscript;
|
||
consult the documentation of the variables @code{ps-printer-name},
|
||
@code{ps-lpr-command}, and @code{ps-lpr-switches} for more details.
|
||
|
||
@node Scrolling only one line, Replacing highlighted text, Turning on syntax highlighting, Common requests
|
||
@section How can I force Emacs to scroll only one line when I move past the bottom of the screen?
|
||
@cindex Scrolling only one line
|
||
@cindex Reducing the increment when scrollng
|
||
|
||
Place the following Lisp form in your @file{.emacs} file:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq scroll-step 1)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@inforef{Scrolling, Scrolling, emacs}.
|
||
|
||
@node Replacing highlighted text, Editing MS-DOS files, Scrolling only one line, Common requests
|
||
@section How can I replace highlighted text with what I type?
|
||
@cindex @code{delete-selection-mode}
|
||
@cindex Replacing highlighted text
|
||
@cindex Highlighing and replacing text
|
||
|
||
Use @code{delete-selection-mode}, which you can start automatically by
|
||
placing the following Lisp form in your @file{.emacs} file:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(delete-selection-mode t)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
According to the documentation string for @code{delete-selection-mode}
|
||
(which you can read using @kbd{M-x describe-function @key{RET}
|
||
delete-selection-mode @key{RET}}):
|
||
|
||
@quotation
|
||
When ON, typed text replaces the selection if the selection is active.
|
||
When OFF, typed text is just inserted at point.
|
||
@end quotation
|
||
|
||
This mode also allows you to delete (not kill) the highlighted region by
|
||
pressing @key{DEL}.
|
||
|
||
@node Editing MS-DOS files, Filling paragraphs with a single space, Replacing highlighted text, Common requests
|
||
@section How can I edit MS-DOS files using Emacs?
|
||
@cindex Editing MS-DOS files
|
||
@cindex MS-DOS files, editing
|
||
@cindex Microsoft files, editing
|
||
@cindex Windows files, editing
|
||
|
||
As of Emacs 20, detection and handling of MS-DOS (and Windows) files is
|
||
performed transparently. You can open MS-DOS files on a Unix system,
|
||
edit it, and save it without having to worry about the file format.
|
||
|
||
When editing an MS-DOS style file, the mode line will indicate that it
|
||
is a DOS file. On Unix and GNU/Linux systems, and also on a Macintosh,
|
||
the string @samp{(DOS)} will appear near the left edge of the mode line;
|
||
on DOS and Windows, where the DOS end-of-line (EOL) format is the
|
||
default, a backslash (@samp{\}) will appear in the mode line.
|
||
|
||
If you are running a version of Emacs before 20.1, get @code{crypt++}
|
||
from the Emacs Lisp Archive (@pxref{Packages that do not come with
|
||
Emacs}). Among other things, @code{crypt++} transparently modifies
|
||
MS-DOS files as they are loaded and saved, allowing you to ignore the
|
||
different conventions that Unix and MS-DOS have for delineating the end
|
||
of a line.
|
||
|
||
@node Filling paragraphs with a single space, Escape sequences in shell output, Editing MS-DOS files, Common requests
|
||
@section How can I tell Emacs to fill paragraphs with a single space after each period?
|
||
@cindex One space following periods
|
||
@cindex Single space following periods
|
||
@cindex Periods, one space following
|
||
|
||
@email{ulm@@vsnhd1.cern.ch, Ulrich Mueller} suggests adding the
|
||
following two lines to your @file{.emacs} file:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq sentence-end "[.?!][]\"')@}]*\\($\\|[ \t]\\)[ \t\n]*")
|
||
(setq sentence-end-double-space nil)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@node Escape sequences in shell output, , Filling paragraphs with a single space, Common requests
|
||
@section Why do I get these strange escape sequences when I run
|
||
@code{ls} from the Shell mode?
|
||
@cindex Escape sequences in @code{ls} output
|
||
@cindex @code{ls} in Shell mode
|
||
|
||
This happens because @code{ls} is aliased to @samp{ls --color} in your
|
||
shell init file. You have two alternatives to solve this:
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
@item
|
||
Make the alias conditioned on the @code{EMACS} variable in the
|
||
environment. When Emacs runs a subsidiary shell, it exports the
|
||
@code{EMACS} variable with the value @code{t} to that shell. You can
|
||
unalias @code{ls} when that happens, thus limiting the alias to your
|
||
interactive sessions.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Install the @code{ansi-color} package (bundled with Emacs 21.1 and
|
||
later), which converts these ANSI escape sequences into colors.
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@c ------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
@node Bugs and problems, Compiling and installing Emacs, Common requests, Top
|
||
@chapter Bugs and problems
|
||
@cindex Bugs and problems
|
||
|
||
The Emacs manual lists some common kinds of trouble users could get
|
||
into, see @ref{Lossage, , Dealing with Emacs Trouble, emacs, The GNU
|
||
Emacs Manual}, so you might look there if the problem you encounter
|
||
isn't described in this chapter. If you decide you've discovered a bug,
|
||
see @ref{Bugs, , Reporting Bugs, emacs, The GNU Emacs Manual}, for
|
||
instructions how to do that.
|
||
|
||
The file @file{etc/PROBLEMS} in the Emacs distribution lists various
|
||
known problems with building and using Emacs on specific platforms;
|
||
type @kbd{C-h P} to read it.
|
||
|
||
@menu
|
||
* Problems with very large files::
|
||
* ^M in the shell buffer::
|
||
* Shell process exits abnormally::
|
||
* Problems with Shell Mode on MS-Windows::
|
||
* Termcap/Terminfo entries for Emacs::
|
||
* Spontaneous entry into isearch-mode::
|
||
* Problems talking to certain hosts::
|
||
* Errors with init files::
|
||
* Emacs ignores X resources::
|
||
* Emacs ignores frame parameters::
|
||
* Emacs takes a long time to visit files::
|
||
* Editing files with $ in the name::
|
||
* Shell mode loses the current directory::
|
||
* Security risks with Emacs::
|
||
* Dired claims that no file is on this line::
|
||
@end menu
|
||
|
||
@node Problems with very large files, ^M in the shell buffer, Bugs and problems, Bugs and problems
|
||
@section Does Emacs have problems with files larger than 8 megabytes?
|
||
@cindex Very large files, opening
|
||
@cindex Large files, opening
|
||
@cindex Opening very large files
|
||
@cindex Maximum file size
|
||
@cindex Files, maximum size
|
||
|
||
Old versions (i.e., anything before 19.29) of Emacs had problems editing
|
||
files larger than 8 megabytes. As of version 19.29, the maximum buffer
|
||
size is at least 2^27-1, or 134,217,727 bytes, or 132 MBytes. Emacs 20
|
||
can be compiled on some 64-bit systems in a way that enlarges the buffer
|
||
size up to 576,460,752,303,423,487 bytes, or 549,755,813 GBytes.
|
||
|
||
If you are using a version of Emacs older than 19.29 and cannot upgrade,
|
||
you will have to recompile. @email{lnz@@lucid.com, Leonard N. Zubkoff}
|
||
suggests putting the following two lines in @file{src/config.h} before
|
||
compiling Emacs to allow for 26-bit integers and pointers (and thus file
|
||
sizes of up to 33,554,431 bytes):
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
#define VALBITS 26
|
||
#define GCTYPEBITS 5
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
This method may result in "ILLEGAL DATATYPE" and other random errors on
|
||
some machines.
|
||
|
||
@email{daveg@@csvax.cs.caltech.edu, David Gillespie} explains how this
|
||
problems crops up; while his numbers are true only for pre-19.29
|
||
versions of Emacs, the theory remains the same with current versions.
|
||
|
||
@quotation
|
||
Emacs is largely written in a dialect of Lisp; Lisp is a freely-typed
|
||
language in the sense that you can put any value of any type into any
|
||
variable, or return it from a function, and so on. So each value
|
||
must carry a @dfn{tag} along with it identifying what kind of thing it
|
||
is, e.g., integer, pointer to a list, pointer to an editing buffer, and
|
||
so on. Emacs uses standard 32-bit integers for data objects, taking the
|
||
top 8 bits for the tag and the bottom 24 bits for the value. So
|
||
integers (and pointers) are somewhat restricted compared to true C
|
||
integers and pointers.
|
||
@end quotation
|
||
|
||
@node ^M in the shell buffer, Shell process exits abnormally, Problems with very large files, Bugs and problems
|
||
@section How do I get rid of @samp{^M} or echoed commands in my shell buffer?
|
||
@cindex Shell buffer, echoed commands and @samp{^M} in
|
||
@cindex Echoed commands in @code{shell-mode}
|
||
|
||
Try typing @kbd{M-x shell-strip-ctrl-m @key{RET}} while in @code{shell-mode} to
|
||
make them go away. If that doesn't work, you have several options:
|
||
|
||
For @code{tcsh}, put this in your @file{.cshrc} (or @file{.tcshrc})
|
||
file:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
if ($?EMACS) then
|
||
if ("$EMACS" == t) then
|
||
if ($?tcsh) unset edit
|
||
stty nl
|
||
endif
|
||
endif
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
Or put this in your @file{.emacs_tcsh} file:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
unset edit
|
||
stty nl
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
Alternatively, use @code{csh} in your shell buffers instead of
|
||
@code{tcsh}. One way is:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq explicit-shell-file-name "/bin/csh")
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
and another is to do this in your @file{.cshrc} (or @file{.tcshrc})
|
||
file:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
setenv ESHELL /bin/csh
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
(You must start Emacs over again with the environment variable properly
|
||
set for this to take effect.)
|
||
|
||
You can also set the @code{ESHELL} environment variable in Emacs Lisp
|
||
with the following Lisp form,
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setenv "ESHELL" "/bin/csh")
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
The above solutions try to prevent the shell from producing the
|
||
@samp{^M} characters in the first place. If this is not possible
|
||
(e.g., if you use a Windows shell), you can get Emacs to remove these
|
||
characters from the buffer by adding this to your @file{.emacs} init
|
||
file:
|
||
|
||
@smalllisp
|
||
(add-hook 'comint-output-filter-functions 'shell-strip-ctrl-m)
|
||
@end smalllisp
|
||
|
||
On a related note: If your shell is echoing your input line in the shell
|
||
buffer, you might want to try the following command in your shell
|
||
start-up file:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
stty -icrnl -onlcr -echo susp ^Z
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@node Shell process exits abnormally, Problems with Shell Mode on MS-Windows, ^M in the shell buffer, Bugs and problems
|
||
@section Why do I get "Process shell exited abnormally with code 1"?
|
||
@cindex Abnormal exits from @code{shell-mode}
|
||
@cindex @code{shell-mode} exits
|
||
@cindex Process shell exited
|
||
|
||
The most likely reason for this message is that the @samp{env} program
|
||
is not properly installed. Compile this program for your architecture,
|
||
and install it with @samp{a+x} permission in the architecture-dependent
|
||
Emacs program directory. (You can find what this directory is at your
|
||
site by inspecting the value of the variable @code{exec-directory} by
|
||
typing @kbd{C-h v exec-directory @key{RET}}.)
|
||
|
||
You should also check for other programs named @samp{env} in your path
|
||
(e.g., SunOS has a program named @file{/usr/bin/env}). We don't
|
||
understand why this can cause a failure and don't know a general
|
||
solution for working around the problem in this case.
|
||
|
||
The @samp{make clean} command will remove @samp{env} and other vital
|
||
programs, so be careful when using it.
|
||
|
||
It has been reported that this sometimes happened when Emacs was started
|
||
as an X client from an xterm window (i.e., had a controlling tty) but the
|
||
xterm was later terminated.
|
||
|
||
See also @samp{PROBLEMS} (in the @file{etc} subdirectory of the
|
||
top-level directory when you unpack the Emacs source) for other
|
||
possible causes of this message.
|
||
|
||
@node Problems with Shell Mode on MS-Windows, Termcap/Terminfo entries for Emacs, Shell process exits abnormally, Bugs and problems
|
||
@section Why do I get an error message when I try to run @kbd{M-x shell}?
|
||
|
||
@cindex Shell Mode, and MS-Windows
|
||
@cindex @code{explicit-shell-file-name}
|
||
On MS-Windows, this might happen because Emacs tries to look for the
|
||
shell in a wrong place. The default file name @file{/bin/sh} is
|
||
usually incorrect for non-Unix systems. If you know where your shell
|
||
executable is, set the variable @code{explicit-shell-file-name} in
|
||
your @file{.emacs} file to point to its full file name, like this:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq explicit-shell-file-name "d:/shells/bash.exe")
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
If you don't know what shell does Emacs use, try the @kbd{M-!}
|
||
command; if that works, put the following line into your
|
||
@file{.emacs}:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq explicit-shell-file-name shell-file-name)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@cindex Antivirus programs, and Shell Mode
|
||
Some people have trouble with Shell Mode because of intrusive
|
||
antivirus software; disabling the resident antivirus program solves
|
||
the problems in those cases.
|
||
|
||
@node Termcap/Terminfo entries for Emacs, Spontaneous entry into isearch-mode, Problems with Shell Mode on MS-Windows, Bugs and problems
|
||
@section Where is the termcap/terminfo entry for terminal type "emacs"?
|
||
@cindex Termcap
|
||
@cindex Terminfo
|
||
@cindex Emacs entries for termcap/terminfo
|
||
|
||
The termcap entry for terminal type @samp{emacs} is ordinarily put in
|
||
the @samp{TERMCAP} environment variable of subshells. It may help in
|
||
certain situations (e.g., using rlogin from shell buffer) to add an
|
||
entry for @samp{emacs} to the system-wide termcap file. Here is a
|
||
correct termcap entry for @samp{emacs}:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
emacs:tc=unknown:
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
To make a terminfo entry for @samp{emacs}, use @code{tic} or
|
||
@code{captoinfo}. You need to generate
|
||
@file{/usr/lib/terminfo/e/emacs}. It may work to simply copy
|
||
@file{/usr/lib/terminfo/d/dumb} to @file{/usr/lib/terminfo/e/emacs}.
|
||
|
||
Having a termcap/terminfo entry will not enable the use of full screen
|
||
programs in shell buffers. Use @kbd{M-x terminal-emulator} for that
|
||
instead.
|
||
|
||
A workaround to the problem of missing termcap/terminfo entries is to
|
||
change terminal type @samp{emacs} to type @samp{dumb} or @samp{unknown}
|
||
in your shell start up file. @code{csh} users could put this in their
|
||
@file{.cshrc} files:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
if ("$term" == emacs) set term=dumb
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@node Spontaneous entry into isearch-mode, Problems talking to certain hosts, Termcap/Terminfo entries for Emacs, Bugs and problems
|
||
@section Why does Emacs spontaneously start displaying "I-search:" and beeping?
|
||
@cindex Spontaneous entry into isearch-mode
|
||
@cindex isearch-mode, spontaneous entry into
|
||
@cindex Beeping without obvious reason
|
||
|
||
Your terminal (or something between your terminal and the computer) is
|
||
sending @kbd{C-s} and @kbd{C-q} for flow control, and Emacs is receiving
|
||
these characters and interpreting them as commands. (The @kbd{C-s}
|
||
character normally invokes the @code{isearch-forward} command.) For
|
||
possible solutions, see @ref{Handling C-s and C-q with flow control}.
|
||
|
||
@node Problems talking to certain hosts, Errors with init files, Spontaneous entry into isearch-mode, Bugs and problems
|
||
@section Why can't Emacs talk to certain hosts (or certain hostnames)?
|
||
@cindex Hosts, Emacs cannot talk to
|
||
@cindex @code{gethostbyname}, problematic version
|
||
|
||
The problem may be that Emacs is linked with a wimpier version of
|
||
@code{gethostbyname} than the rest of the programs on the machine. This
|
||
is often manifested as a message on startup of ``X server not responding.
|
||
Check your @samp{DISPLAY} environment variable.'' or a message of
|
||
``Unknown host'' from @code{open-network-stream}.
|
||
|
||
On a Sun, this may be because Emacs had to be linked with the static C
|
||
library. The version of @code{gethostbyname} in the static C library
|
||
may only look in @file{/etc/hosts} and the NIS (YP) maps, while the
|
||
version in the dynamic C library may be smart enough to check DNS in
|
||
addition to or instead of NIS. On a Motorola Delta running System V
|
||
R3.6, the version of @code{gethostbyname} in the standard library works,
|
||
but the one that works with NIS doesn't (the one you get with -linet).
|
||
Other operating systems have similar problems.
|
||
|
||
Try these options:
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Explicitly add the host you want to communicate with to @file{/etc/hosts}.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Relink Emacs with this line in @file{src/config.h}:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
#define LIBS_SYSTEM -lresolv
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Replace @code{gethostbyname} and friends in @file{libc.a} with more
|
||
useful versions such as the ones in @file{libresolv.a}. Then relink
|
||
Emacs.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
If you are actually running NIS, make sure that @code{ypbind} is
|
||
properly told to do DNS lookups with the correct command line switch.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node Errors with init files, Emacs ignores X resources, Problems talking to certain hosts, Bugs and problems
|
||
@section Why does Emacs say "Error in init file"?
|
||
@cindex Error in @file{.emacs}
|
||
@cindex Error in init file
|
||
@cindex Init file, errors in
|
||
@cindex @file{.emacs} file, errors in
|
||
@cindex Debugging @file{.emacs} file
|
||
|
||
An error occurred while loading either your @file{.emacs} file or the
|
||
system-wide file @file{lisp/default.el}. Emacs 21.1 and later pops the
|
||
@file{*Messages*} buffer, and puts there some additional information
|
||
about the error, to provide some hints for debugging.
|
||
|
||
For information on how to debug your @file{.emacs} file, see
|
||
@ref{Debugging a customization file}.
|
||
|
||
It may be the case that you need to load some package first, or use a
|
||
hook that will be evaluated after the package is loaded. A common case
|
||
of this is explained in @ref{Terminal setup code works after Emacs has
|
||
begun}.
|
||
|
||
@node Emacs ignores X resources, Emacs ignores frame parameters, Errors with init files, Bugs and problems
|
||
@section Why does Emacs ignore my X resources (my .Xdefaults file)?
|
||
@cindex X resources being ignored
|
||
@cindex Ignored X resources
|
||
@cindex @file{.Xdefaults}
|
||
|
||
As of version 19, Emacs searches for X resources in the files specified
|
||
by the following environment variables:
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item @code{XFILESEARCHPATH}
|
||
@item @code{XUSERFILESEARCHPATH}
|
||
@item @code{XAPPLRESDIR}
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
This emulates the functionality provided by programs written using the
|
||
Xt toolkit.
|
||
|
||
@code{XFILESEARCHPATH} and @code{XUSERFILESEARCHPATH} should be a list
|
||
of file names separated by colons. @code{XAPPLRESDIR} should be a list
|
||
of directory names separated by colons.
|
||
|
||
Emacs searches for X resources:
|
||
|
||
@enumerate
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
specified on the command line, with the @samp{-xrm RESOURCESTRING} option,
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
then in the value of the @samp{XENVIRONMENT} environment variable,
|
||
|
||
@itemize @minus
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
or if that is unset, in the file named
|
||
@file{~/.Xdefaults-@var{hostname}} if it exists (where @var{hostname} is
|
||
the name of the machine Emacs is running on),
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
then in the screen-specific and server-wide resource properties provided
|
||
by the server,
|
||
|
||
@itemize @minus
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
or if those properties are unset, in the file named @file{~/.Xdefaults}
|
||
if it exists,
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
then in the files listed in @samp{XUSERFILESEARCHPATH},
|
||
|
||
@itemize @minus
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
or in files named @file{@var{lang}/Emacs} in directories listed in
|
||
@samp{XAPPLRESDIR} (where @var{lang} is the value of the @code{LANG}
|
||
environment variable), if the @samp{LANG} environment variable is set,
|
||
@item
|
||
or in files named Emacs in the directories listed in @samp{XAPPLRESDIR}
|
||
@item
|
||
or in @file{~/@var{lang}/Emacs} (if the @code{LANG} environment variable
|
||
is set),
|
||
@item
|
||
or in @file{~/Emacs},
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
then in the files listed in @code{XFILESEARCHPATH}.
|
||
|
||
@end enumerate
|
||
|
||
@node Emacs ignores frame parameters, Emacs takes a long time to visit files, Emacs ignores X resources, Bugs and problems
|
||
@section Why don't my customizations of the frame parameters work?
|
||
@cindex Frame parameters
|
||
|
||
This probably happens because you have set the frame parameters in the
|
||
variable @code{initial-frame-alist}. That variable holds parameters
|
||
used only for the first frame created when Emacs starts. To customize
|
||
the parameters of all frames, change the variable
|
||
@code{default-frame-alist} instead.
|
||
|
||
These two variables exist because many users customize the initial frame
|
||
in a special way. For example, you could determine the position and
|
||
size of the initial frame, but would like to control the geometry of the
|
||
other frames by individually positioning each one of them.
|
||
|
||
|
||
@node Emacs takes a long time to visit files, Editing files with $ in the name, Emacs ignores frame parameters, Bugs and problems
|
||
@section Why does Emacs take 20 seconds to visit a file?
|
||
@cindex Visiting files takes a long time
|
||
@cindex Delay when visiting files
|
||
@cindex Files, take a long time to visit
|
||
|
||
Old versions of Emacs (i.e., versions before Emacs 20.x) often
|
||
encountered this when the master lock file, @file{!!!SuperLock!!!}, has
|
||
been left in the lock directory somehow. Delete it.
|
||
|
||
@email{meuer@@geom.umn.edu, Mark Meuer} says that NeXT NFS has a bug
|
||
where an exclusive create succeeds but returns an error status. This
|
||
can cause the same problem. Since Emacs's file locking doesn't work
|
||
over NFS anyway, the best solution is to recompile Emacs with
|
||
@code{CLASH_DETECTION} undefined.
|
||
|
||
@node Editing files with $ in the name, Shell mode loses the current directory, Emacs takes a long time to visit files, Bugs and problems
|
||
@section How do I edit a file with a @samp{$} in its name?
|
||
@cindex Editing files with @samp{$} in the name
|
||
@cindex @samp{$} in file names
|
||
@cindex File names containing @samp{$}, editing
|
||
|
||
When entering a file name in the minibuffer, Emacs will attempt to expand
|
||
a @samp{$} followed by a word as an environment variable. To suppress
|
||
this behavior, type @kbd{$$} instead.
|
||
|
||
@node Shell mode loses the current directory, Security risks with Emacs, Editing files with $ in the name, Bugs and problems
|
||
@section Why does shell mode lose track of the shell's current directory?
|
||
@cindex Current directory and @code{shell-mode}
|
||
@cindex @code{shell-mode} and current directory
|
||
@cindex Directory, current in @code{shell-mode}
|
||
|
||
Emacs has no way of knowing when the shell actually changes its
|
||
directory. This is an intrinsic limitation of Unix. So it tries to
|
||
guess by recognizing @samp{cd} commands. If you type @kbd{cd} followed
|
||
by a directory name with a variable reference (@kbd{cd $HOME/bin}) or
|
||
with a shell metacharacter (@kbd{cd ../lib*}), Emacs will fail to
|
||
correctly guess the shell's new current directory. A huge variety of
|
||
fixes and enhancements to shell mode for this problem have been written
|
||
to handle this problem. Check the Lisp Code Directory (@pxref{Finding a
|
||
package with particular functionality}).
|
||
|
||
You can tell Emacs the shell's current directory with the command
|
||
@kbd{M-x dirs}.
|
||
|
||
@node Security risks with Emacs, Dired claims that no file is on this line, Shell mode loses the current directory, Bugs and problems
|
||
@section Are there any security risks in Emacs?
|
||
@cindex Security with Emacs
|
||
@cindex @samp{movemail} and security
|
||
@cindex @code{file-local-variable} and security
|
||
@cindex Synthetic X events and security
|
||
@cindex X events and security
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
The @file{movemail} incident. (No, this is not a risk.)
|
||
|
||
In his book @cite{The Cuckoo's Egg}, Cliff Stoll describes this in
|
||
chapter 4. The site at LBL had installed the @file{/etc/movemail}
|
||
program setuid root. (As of version 19, @file{movemail} is in your
|
||
architecture-specific directory; type @kbd{C-h v exec-directory
|
||
@key{RET}} to see what it is.) Since @code{movemail} had not been
|
||
designed for this situation, a security hole was created and users could
|
||
get root privileges.
|
||
|
||
@code{movemail} has since been changed so that this security hole will
|
||
not exist, even if it is installed setuid root. However,
|
||
@code{movemail} no longer needs to be installed setuid root, which
|
||
should eliminate this particular risk.
|
||
|
||
We have heard unverified reports that the 1988 Internet worm took
|
||
advantage of this configuration problem.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
The @code{file-local-variable} feature. (Yes, a risk, but easy to
|
||
change.)
|
||
|
||
There is an Emacs feature that allows the setting of local values for
|
||
variables when editing a file by including specially formatted text near
|
||
the end of the file. This feature also includes the ability to have
|
||
arbitrary Emacs Lisp code evaluated when the file is visited.
|
||
Obviously, there is a potential for Trojan horses to exploit this
|
||
feature.
|
||
|
||
Emacs 18 allowed this feature by default; users could disable it by
|
||
setting the variable @code{inhibit-local-variables} to a non-nil value.
|
||
|
||
As of Emacs 19, Emacs has a list of local variables that create a
|
||
security risk. If a file tries to set one of them, it asks the user to
|
||
confirm whether the variables should be set. You can also tell Emacs
|
||
whether to allow the evaluation of Emacs Lisp code found at the bottom
|
||
of files by setting the variable @code{enable-local-eval}.
|
||
|
||
For more information, @inforef{File Variables, File Variables, emacs}.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Synthetic X events. (Yes, a risk; use @samp{MIT-MAGIC-COOKIE-1} or
|
||
better.)
|
||
|
||
Emacs accepts synthetic X events generated by the @code{SendEvent}
|
||
request as though they were regular events. As a result, if you are
|
||
using the trivial host-based authentication, other users who can open X
|
||
connections to your X workstation can make your Emacs process do
|
||
anything, including run other processes with your privileges.
|
||
|
||
The only fix for this is to prevent other users from being able to open
|
||
X connections. The standard way to prevent this is to use a real
|
||
authentication mechanism, such as @samp{MIT-MAGIC-COOKIE-1}. If using
|
||
the @code{xauth} program has any effect, then you are probably using
|
||
@samp{MIT-MAGIC-COOKIE-1}. Your site may be using a superior
|
||
authentication method; ask your system administrator.
|
||
|
||
If real authentication is not a possibility, you may be satisfied by
|
||
just allowing hosts access for brief intervals while you start your X
|
||
programs, then removing the access. This reduces the risk somewhat by
|
||
narrowing the time window when hostile users would have access, but
|
||
@emph{does not eliminate the risk}.
|
||
|
||
On most computers running Unix and X, you enable and disable
|
||
access using the @code{xhost} command. To allow all hosts access to
|
||
your X server, use
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
xhost +
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
at the shell prompt, which (on an HP machine, at least) produces the
|
||
following message:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
access control disabled, clients can connect from any host
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
To deny all hosts access to your X server (except those explicitly
|
||
allowed by name), use
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
xhost -
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
On the test HP computer, this command generated the following message:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
access control enabled, only authorized clients can connect
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node Dired claims that no file is on this line, , Security risks with Emacs, Bugs and problems
|
||
@section Dired says, "no file on this line" when I try to do something.
|
||
@cindex Dired does not see a file
|
||
|
||
@c FIXME: I think this is fixed in Emacs 21, but I didn't have time to
|
||
@c check.
|
||
Chances are you're using a localized version of Unix that doesn't use US
|
||
date format in dired listings. You can check this by looking at dired
|
||
listings or by typing @kbd{ls -l} to a shell and looking at the dates that
|
||
come out.
|
||
|
||
Dired uses a regular expression to find the beginning of a file name.
|
||
In a long Unix-style directory listing (@samp{ls -l}), the file name
|
||
starts after the date. The regexp has thus been written to look for the
|
||
date, the format of which can vary on non-US systems.
|
||
|
||
There are two approaches to solving this. The first one involves
|
||
setting things up so that @samp{ls -l} outputs US date format. This can
|
||
be done by setting the locale. See your OS manual for more information.
|
||
|
||
The second approach involves changing the regular expression used by
|
||
dired, @code{dired-move-to-filename-regexp}.
|
||
|
||
@c ------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
@node Compiling and installing Emacs, Finding Emacs and related packages, Bugs and problems, Top
|
||
@chapter Compiling and installing Emacs
|
||
@cindex Compiling and installing Emacs
|
||
|
||
@menu
|
||
* Installing Emacs::
|
||
* Updating Emacs::
|
||
* Problems building Emacs::
|
||
* Linking with -lX11 fails::
|
||
@end menu
|
||
|
||
@node Installing Emacs, Updating Emacs, Compiling and installing Emacs, Compiling and installing Emacs
|
||
@section How do I install Emacs?
|
||
@cindex Installing Emacs
|
||
@cindex Unix systems, installing Emacs on
|
||
@cindex Downloading and installing Emacs
|
||
@cindex Retrieving and installing Emacs
|
||
@cindex Building Emacs from source
|
||
@cindex Source code, building Emacs from
|
||
@cindex Unpacking and installing Emacs
|
||
|
||
This answer is meant for users of Unix and Unix-like systems. Users of
|
||
other operating systems should see the series of questions beginning
|
||
with @ref{Emacs for MS-DOS}, which describe where to get non-Unix source
|
||
and binaries, and how to install Emacs on those systems.
|
||
|
||
For Unix and Unix-like systems, the easiest way is often to compile it
|
||
from scratch. You will need:
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Emacs sources. @xref{Current GNU distributions}, for a list of ftp sites
|
||
that make them available. On @file{ftp.gnu.org}, the main GNU
|
||
distribution site, sources are available as
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.gnu.org/pub/gnu/emacs/emacs-@value{VER}.tar.gz}
|
||
|
||
The above will obviously change as new versions of Emacs come out. For
|
||
instance, when Emacs 21.42 is released, it will most probably be
|
||
available as
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.gnu.org/pub/gnu/emacs/emacs-21.42.tar.gz}
|
||
|
||
Again, you should use one of the GNU mirror sites (see @ref{Current GNU
|
||
distributions}, and adjust the URL accordingly) so as to reduce load on
|
||
@file{ftp.gnu.org}.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@code{gzip}, the GNU compression utility. You can get @code{gzip} via
|
||
anonymous ftp at mirrors of @file{ftp.gnu.org} sites; it should compile
|
||
and install without much trouble on most systems. Once you have
|
||
retrieved the Emacs sources, you will probably be able to uncompress
|
||
them with the command
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
gunzip --verbose emacs-@value{VER}.tar.gz
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
changing the Emacs version (@value{VER}), as necessary. Once
|
||
@code{gunzip} has finished doing its job, a file by the name of
|
||
@file{emacs-@value{VER}.tar} should be in your build directory.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@code{tar}, the @dfn{tape archiving} program, which moves multiple files
|
||
into and out of archive files, or @dfn{tarfiles}. All of the files
|
||
comprising the Emacs source come in a single tarfile, and must be
|
||
extracted using @code{tar} before you can build Emacs. Typically, the
|
||
extraction command would look like
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
tar -xvvf emacs-@value{VER}.tar
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
The @samp{x} indicates that we want to extract files from this tarfile,
|
||
the two @samp{v}s force verbose output, and the @samp{f} tells
|
||
@code{tar} to use a disk file, rather than one on the tape drive.
|
||
|
||
If you're using GNU @code{tar} (available at mirrors of
|
||
@file{ftp.gnu.org}), you can combine this step and the previous one by
|
||
using the command
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
tar -zxvvf emacs-@value{VER}.tar.gz
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
The additional @samp{z} at the beginning of the options list tells GNU
|
||
@code{tar} to uncompress the file with @code{gunzip} before extracting
|
||
the tarfile's components.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
At this point, the Emacs sources (all 70+ megabytes of them) should be
|
||
sitting in a directory called @file{emacs-@value{VER}}. On most common
|
||
Unix and Unix-like systems, you should be able to compile Emacs (with X
|
||
Window system support) with the following commands:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
cd emacs-@value{VER} # change directory to emacs-@value{VER}
|
||
./configure # configure Emacs for your particular system
|
||
make # use Makefile to build components, then Emacs
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
If the @code{make} completes successfully, the odds are fairly good that
|
||
the build has gone well. (@xref{Problems building Emacs}, if you weren't
|
||
successful.)
|
||
|
||
By default, Emacs is installed in the following directories:
|
||
|
||
@table @file
|
||
@item /usr/local/bin
|
||
binaries.
|
||
|
||
@item /usr/local/share/emacs/@value{VER}
|
||
Lisp code and support files.
|
||
|
||
@item /usr/local/info
|
||
Info documentation.
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
To install files in those default directories, become the superuser and
|
||
type
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
make install
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
Note that @samp{make install} will overwrite @file{/usr/local/bin/emacs}
|
||
and any Emacs Info files that might be in @file{/usr/local/info}.
|
||
|
||
Much more verbose instructions (with many more hints and suggestions)
|
||
come with the Emacs sources, in the file @file{INSTALL}.
|
||
|
||
@node Updating Emacs, Problems building Emacs, Installing Emacs, Compiling and installing Emacs
|
||
@section How do I update Emacs to the latest version?
|
||
@cindex Updating Emacs
|
||
|
||
@xref{Installing Emacs}, and follow the instructions there for
|
||
installation.
|
||
|
||
Most files are placed in version-specific directories. Emacs
|
||
@value{VER}, for instance, places files in
|
||
@file{/usr/local/share/emacs/@value{VER}}.
|
||
|
||
Upgrading should overwrite only, @file{/usr/local/bin/emacs} (the Emacs
|
||
binary) and documentation in @file{/usr/local/info}. Back up these
|
||
files before you upgrade, and you shouldn't have too much trouble.
|
||
|
||
@node Problems building Emacs, Linking with -lX11 fails, Updating Emacs, Compiling and installing Emacs
|
||
@section What should I do if I have trouble building Emacs?
|
||
@cindex Problems building Emacs
|
||
@cindex Errors when building Emacs
|
||
|
||
First look in the file @file{etc/PROBLEMS} (where you unpack the Emacs
|
||
source) to see if there is already a solution for your problem. Next,
|
||
look for other questions in this FAQ that have to do with Emacs
|
||
installation and compilation problems.
|
||
|
||
If you'd like to have someone look at your problem and help solve it,
|
||
see @ref{Help installing Emacs}.
|
||
|
||
If you cannot find a solution in the documentation, send a message to
|
||
@email{bug-gnu-emacs@@gnu.org}.
|
||
|
||
Please don't post it to @uref{news:gnu.emacs.help} or send e-mail to
|
||
@email{help-gnu-emacs@@gnu.org}. For further guidelines, see
|
||
@ref{Guidelines for newsgroup postings} and @ref{Reporting bugs}.
|
||
|
||
@node Linking with -lX11 fails, , Problems building Emacs, Compiling and installing Emacs
|
||
@section Why does linking Emacs with -lX11 fail?
|
||
@cindex Linking with -lX11 fails
|
||
@cindex lX11, linking fails with
|
||
|
||
Emacs needs to be linked with the static version of the X11 library,
|
||
@file{libX11.a}. This may be missing.
|
||
|
||
On OpenWindows, you may need to use @code{add_services} to add the
|
||
"OpenWindows Programmers" optional software category from the CD-ROM.
|
||
|
||
On HP-UX 8.0, you may need to run @code{update} again to load the
|
||
X11-PRG ``fileset''. This may be missing even if you specified ``all
|
||
filesets'' the first time. If @file{libcurses.a} is missing, you may
|
||
need to load the ``Berkeley Development Option.''
|
||
|
||
@email{zoo@@armadillo.com, David Zuhn} says that MIT X builds shared
|
||
libraries by default, and only shared libraries, on those platforms that
|
||
support them. These shared libraries can't be used when undumping
|
||
@code{temacs} (the last stage of the Emacs build process). To get
|
||
regular libraries in addition to shared libraries, add this to
|
||
@file{site.cf}:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
#define ForceNormalLib YES
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
Other systems may have similar problems. You can always define
|
||
@code{CANNOT_DUMP} and link with the shared libraries instead.
|
||
|
||
@cindex X Menus don't work
|
||
To get the Xmenu stuff to work, you need to find a copy of MIT's
|
||
@file{liboldX.a}.
|
||
|
||
@c ------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
@node Finding Emacs and related packages, Major packages and programs, Compiling and installing Emacs, Top
|
||
@chapter Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@cindex Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
|
||
@menu
|
||
* Finding Emacs on the Internet::
|
||
* Finding a package with particular functionality::
|
||
* Packages that do not come with Emacs::
|
||
* Submitting to the Emacs Lisp Archive::
|
||
* Current GNU distributions::
|
||
* Difference between Emacs and XEmacs::
|
||
* Emacs for MS-DOS::
|
||
* Emacs for Windows::
|
||
* Emacs for OS/2::
|
||
* Emacs for Atari ST::
|
||
* Emacs for the Amiga ::
|
||
* Emacs for NeXTSTEP::
|
||
* Emacs for Apple computers::
|
||
* Emacs for VMS and DECwindows::
|
||
* Modes for various languages::
|
||
* Translating names to IP addresses::
|
||
@end menu
|
||
|
||
@node Finding Emacs on the Internet, Finding a package with particular functionality, Finding Emacs and related packages, Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section Where can I get Emacs on the net (or by snail mail)?
|
||
@cindex Finding Emacs on the Internet
|
||
@cindex Snail mail, ordering Emacs via
|
||
@cindex Postal service, ordering Emacs via
|
||
@cindex Distribution, retrieving Emacs
|
||
@cindex Internet, retreiving from
|
||
|
||
Look in the files @file{etc/DISTRIB} and @file{etc/FTP} for information
|
||
on nearby archive sites and @file{etc/ORDERS} for mail orders. If you
|
||
don't already have Emacs, see @ref{Informational files for Emacs}, for how
|
||
to get these files.
|
||
|
||
@xref{Installing Emacs}, for information on how to obtain and build the latest
|
||
version of Emacs, and see @ref{Current GNU distributions}, for a list of
|
||
archive sites that make GNU software available.
|
||
|
||
@node Finding a package with particular functionality, Packages that do not come with Emacs, Finding Emacs on the Internet, Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section How do I find a Emacs Lisp package that does XXX?
|
||
@cindex Package, finding
|
||
@cindex Finding an Emacs Lisp package
|
||
@cindex Functionality, finding a particular package
|
||
|
||
First of all, you should check to make sure that the package isn't
|
||
already available. For example, typing @kbd{M-x apropos @key{RET}
|
||
wordstar @key{RET}} lists all functions and variables containing the
|
||
string @samp{wordstar}.
|
||
|
||
It is also possible that the package is on your system, but has not been
|
||
loaded. To see which packages are available for loading, look through
|
||
your computer's lisp directory (@pxref{File-name conventions}). The Lisp
|
||
source to most packages contains a short description of how they
|
||
should be loaded, invoked, and configured---so before you use or
|
||
modify a Lisp package, see if the author has provided any hints in the
|
||
source code.
|
||
|
||
If a package does not come with Emacs, check the Lisp Code Directory.
|
||
The LCD was originally maintained by @email{brennan@@hal.com, Dave
|
||
Brennan}, but was recently taken over by @email{toby@@world.std.com,
|
||
toby knudsen}, who maintains @uref{http://www.emacs.org}. The LCD is
|
||
currently being reorganized and updated, but you can meanwhile find many
|
||
packages at @uref{ftp://ftp.emacs.org/pub}.
|
||
|
||
For now, you can search through the LCD with @file{lispdir.el}, which is
|
||
in the process of being updated. Download it from the LCD, in the
|
||
@file{emacs-lisp-attic/misc} directory, and then evaluate the following
|
||
Lisp form (@pxref{Evaluating Emacs Lisp code}):
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq lisp-code-directory
|
||
"/anonymous@@ftp.emacs.org:pub/emacs-lisp-attic/emacs-lisp/LCD-datafile.gz"
|
||
elisp-archive-host "ftp.emacs.org"
|
||
elisp-archive-directory "/pub/emacs-lisp-attic/emacs-lisp/")
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
Once you have installed @file{lispdir.el}, you can use @kbd{M-x
|
||
lisp-dir-apropos} to search the listing. For example, @kbd{M-x
|
||
lisp-dir-apropos @key{RET} ange-ftp @key{RET}} produces this output:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
GNU Emacs Lisp Code Directory Apropos --- "ange-ftp"
|
||
"~/" refers to archive.cis.ohio-state.edu:pub/elisp-archive/
|
||
|
||
ange-ftp (4.18) 15-Jul-1992
|
||
Andy Norman, <ange@@hplb.hpl.hp.com>
|
||
~/packages/ange-ftp.tar.Z
|
||
transparent FTP Support for GNU Emacs
|
||
auto-save (1.19) 01-May-1992
|
||
Sebastian Kremer, <sk@@thp.uni-koeln.de>
|
||
~/misc/auto-save.el.Z
|
||
Safer autosaving with support for ange-ftp and /tmp
|
||
ftp-quik (1.0) 28-Jul-1993
|
||
Terrence Brannon, <tb06@@pl122f.eecs.lehigh.edu>
|
||
~/modes/ftp-quik.el.Z
|
||
Quik access to dired'ing of ange-ftp and normal paths
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@node Packages that do not come with Emacs, Submitting to the Emacs Lisp Archive, Finding a package with particular functionality, Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section Where can I get Emacs Lisp packages that don't come with Emacs?
|
||
@cindex Unbundled packages
|
||
@cindex Finding other packages
|
||
@cindex Lisp packages that do not come with Emacs
|
||
@cindex Packages, those that do not come with Emacs
|
||
@cindex Emacs Lisp Archive, description of
|
||
@cindex Archive, description of the Emacs Lisp
|
||
|
||
First, check the Lisp Code Directory to find the name of the package you
|
||
are looking for (@pxref{Finding a package with particular
|
||
functionality}). Next, check local archives and the Emacs Lisp Archive
|
||
to find a copy of the relevant files. If you still haven't found it,
|
||
you can send e-mail to the author asking for a copy. If you find Emacs
|
||
Lisp code that doesn't appear in the LCD, please submit a copy to the
|
||
LCD (@pxref{Submitting to the Emacs Lisp Archive}).
|
||
|
||
You can access the Emacs Lisp Archive at
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://archive.cis.ohio-state.edu/pub/emacs-lisp/}
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
or at
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/emacs-lisp}
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
Retrieve and read the file @file{README} first.
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
The archive maintainers do not have time to answer individual
|
||
requests for packages or the list of packages in the archive. If you
|
||
cannot use FTP or UUCP to access the archive yourself, try to find a
|
||
friend who can, but please don't ask the maintainers.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Any files with names ending in @file{.Z}, @file{.z}, or @file{.gz} are
|
||
compressed, so you should use "binary" mode in FTP to retrieve them.
|
||
You should also use binary mode whenever you retrieve any files with
|
||
names ending in @file{.elc}.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node Submitting to the Emacs Lisp Archive, Current GNU distributions, Packages that do not come with Emacs, Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section How do I submit code to the Emacs Lisp Archive?
|
||
@cindex Submitting code to the Emacs Lisp Archive
|
||
@cindex Emacs Lisp Archive, submissions to
|
||
@cindex Lisp Archive, submissions to
|
||
@cindex Archive, submitting to the Emacs Lisp
|
||
|
||
Guidelines and procedures for submission to the archive can be found in
|
||
the file @file{GUIDELINES} in the archive directory (@pxref{Packages that
|
||
do not come with Emacs}). It covers documentation, copyrights,
|
||
packaging, submission, and the Lisp Code Directory Record. Anonymous
|
||
FTP uploads are not permitted. Instead, all submissions are mailed to
|
||
@email{elisp-archive@@cis.ohio-state.edu}. The @file{lispdir.el}
|
||
package has a function named @code{submit-lcd-entry} which will help you
|
||
with this.
|
||
|
||
@node Current GNU distributions, Difference between Emacs and XEmacs, Submitting to the Emacs Lisp Archive, Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section Where can I get other up-to-date GNU stuff?
|
||
@cindex Current GNU distributions
|
||
@cindex Sources for current GNU distributions
|
||
@cindex Stuff, current GNU
|
||
@cindex Up-to-date GNU stuff
|
||
@cindex Finding current GNU software
|
||
@cindex Official GNU software sites
|
||
|
||
The most up-to-date official GNU software is normally kept at
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.gnu.org/pub/gnu}
|
||
|
||
Read the files @file{etc/DISTRIB} and @file{etc/FTP} for more
|
||
information.
|
||
|
||
A list of sites mirroring @samp{ftp.gnu.org} can be found at
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.gnu.org/order/ftp.html}
|
||
|
||
@node Difference between Emacs and XEmacs, Emacs for MS-DOS, Current GNU distributions, Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section What is the difference between Emacs and XEmacs (formerly "Lucid Emacs")?
|
||
@cindex XEmacs
|
||
@cindex Difference Emacs and XEmacs
|
||
@cindex Lucid Emacs
|
||
@cindex Epoch
|
||
|
||
First of all, they're both GNU Emacs. XEmacs is just as much a later
|
||
version of GNU Emacs as the FSF-distributed version. This FAQ refers to
|
||
the latest version to be distributed by the FSF as ``Emacs,'' partly
|
||
because the XEmacs maintainers now refer to their product using the
|
||
``XEmacs'' name, and partly because there isn't any accurate way to
|
||
differentiate between the two without getting mired in paragraphs of
|
||
legalese and history.
|
||
|
||
XEmacs, which began life as Lucid Emacs, is based on an early version of
|
||
Emacs 19 and Epoch, an X-aware version of Emacs 18.
|
||
|
||
Emacs (i.e., the version distributed by the FSF) has a larger installed
|
||
base and now always contains the MULE multilingual facilities.
|
||
XEmacs can do some clever tricks with X and MS-Windows, such as
|
||
putting arbitrary graphics in a buffer. Similar facilities have been
|
||
implemented for Emacs as part of a new redisplay implementation for
|
||
Emacs 21, and are available in the latest Emacs releases.
|
||
Emacs and XEmacs each come with
|
||
Lisp packages that are lacking in the other; RMS says that the FSF would
|
||
include more packages that come with XEmacs, but that the XEmacs
|
||
maintainers don't always keep track of the authors of contributed code,
|
||
which makes it impossible for the FSF to have certain legal papers
|
||
signed. (Without these legal papers, the FSF will not distribute Lisp
|
||
packages with Emacs.) The two versions have some
|
||
significant differences at the Lisp programming level.
|
||
|
||
Many XEmacs features have found their way into recent versions of Emacs,
|
||
and more features can be expected in the future, but there are still many
|
||
differences between the two.
|
||
|
||
The latest stable branch of XEmacs as of this writing is 21.1; you can
|
||
get it at
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.xemacs.org/pub/xemacs/xemacs-21.1.14.tar.gz}
|
||
|
||
More information about XEmacs, including a list of frequently asked
|
||
questions (FAQ), is available at
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.xemacs.org/}
|
||
|
||
@node Emacs for MS-DOS, Emacs for Windows, Difference between Emacs and XEmacs, Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section Where can I get Emacs for my PC running MS-DOS?
|
||
@cindex MS-DOS, Emacs for
|
||
@cindex DOS, Emacs for
|
||
@cindex Compiling Emacs for DOS
|
||
@cindex Emacs for MS-DOS
|
||
@cindex Tools needed to compile Emacs under DOS
|
||
|
||
A pre-built binary distribution of Emacs is available from the
|
||
SimTel.NET archives. This version apparently works under MS-DOS and
|
||
Windows (3.X, 9X, ME, NT, and 2000) and supports long file names under
|
||
Windows 9X, Windows ME, and Windows 2000. More information is available
|
||
from
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.simtel.net/pub/gnu/djgpp/v2gnu/emacs.README}
|
||
|
||
The binary itself is available in the files @file{em*.zip} in the
|
||
directory
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.simtel.net/pub/gnu/djgpp/v2gnu/}
|
||
|
||
If you prefer to compile Emacs for yourself, you can do so with the
|
||
current distribution directly. You will need a 386 (or
|
||
better) processor, and to be running MS-DOS 3.0 or later. According to
|
||
@email{eliz@@is.elta.co.il, Eli Zaretskii} and
|
||
@email{hankedr@@dms.auburn.edu, Darrel Hankerson}, you will need the
|
||
following:
|
||
|
||
@table @emph
|
||
|
||
@item Compiler
|
||
DJGPP version 1.12 maint 1 or later. Djgpp 2.0 or later is
|
||
recommended, since 1.x is very old an unmaintained. Djgpp 2 supports
|
||
long file names on Windows 9X/ME/2K.
|
||
|
||
You can get the latest release of DJGPP by retrieving all of
|
||
the files in
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.simtel.net/pub/gnu/djgpp/v2*}
|
||
|
||
@item Unpacking program
|
||
The easiest way is to use @code{djtar} which comes with DJGPP v2.x,
|
||
because it can open gzip'ed tarfiles (i.e., those ending with
|
||
@file{.tar.gz}) in one step. @code{Djtar} comes in
|
||
@file{djdev@var{nnn}.zip} archive (where @var{nnn} is the DJGPP version
|
||
number), from the URL mentioned above.
|
||
|
||
@strong{Warning!} Do @strong{not} use the popular WinZip program to
|
||
unpack the Emacs distribution! WinZip is known to corrupt some of the
|
||
files by converting them to the DOS CR-LF format, it doesn't always
|
||
preserve the directory structure recorded in the compressed Emacs
|
||
archive, and commits other atrocities. Some of these problems could
|
||
actually prevent Emacs from building successfully!
|
||
|
||
@item make, mv, sed, and rm
|
||
All of these utilities are available at
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.simtel.net/pub/gnu/djgpp/v2gnu}
|
||
|
||
16-bit utilities can be found in GNUish, at
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.simtel.net/pub/gnu/gnuish}
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
(@code{mv} and @code{rm} are in the Fileutils package, @code{sed} and
|
||
@code{make} are each one in a separate package named after them.)
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
The files @file{INSTALL} (near its end) and @file{etc/PROBLEMS} in the
|
||
directory of the Emacs sources contains some additional information
|
||
regarding Emacs under MS-DOS.
|
||
|
||
For a list of other MS-DOS implementations of Emacs (and Emacs
|
||
look-alikes), consult the list of "Emacs implementations and literature,"
|
||
available at
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/comp.emacs/}
|
||
|
||
Note that while many of these programs look similar to Emacs, they often
|
||
lack certain features, such as the Emacs Lisp extension language.
|
||
|
||
@node Emacs for Windows, Emacs for OS/2, Emacs for MS-DOS, Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section Where can I get Emacs for Microsoft Windows
|
||
@cindex FAQ for NT Emacs
|
||
@cindex Emacs for MS-Windows
|
||
@cindex Microsoft Windows, Emacs for
|
||
@cindex Windows 9X, ME, NT, 2K, and CE, Emacs for
|
||
|
||
For information on Emacs for Windows 95 and NT, read the FAQ produced by
|
||
@email{voelker@@cs.washington.edu, Geoff Voelker}, available at
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/windows/ntemacs.html}
|
||
|
||
@xref{Emacs for MS-DOS}, for Windows 3.1.
|
||
|
||
A port of Emacs 20.7 for Windows CE, based on NTEmacs, is available at
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.rainer-keuchel.de/software.html}
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
This port was done by @email{coyxc@@rainer-keuchel.de, Rainer Keuchel},
|
||
and supports all Emacs features except async subprocesses and menus.
|
||
You will need MSVC 6.0 and a Windows CE SDK to build this port.
|
||
|
||
@node Emacs for OS/2, Emacs for Atari ST, Emacs for Windows, Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section Where can I get Emacs for my PC running OS/2?
|
||
@cindex OS/2, Emacs for
|
||
|
||
Emacs 20.6 is ported for emx on OS/2 2.0 or 2.1, and is available at
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/apps/editors/emacs/e206*.zip}
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
and also at
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://archiv.leo.org/pub/comp/os/os2/leo/gnu/emacs%2d20/}
|
||
|
||
Instructions for installation, basic setup, and other useful information
|
||
for OS/2 users of Emacs can be found at
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~oheiabbd/emacs/emacs206-os2.html}
|
||
|
||
@node Emacs for Atari ST, Emacs for the Amiga , Emacs for OS/2, Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section Where can I get Emacs for my Atari ST?
|
||
@cindex Atari ST, Emacs for
|
||
@cindex TOS, Emacs for
|
||
|
||
Roland Sch<63>uble reports that Emacs 18.58 running on plain TOS and MiNT
|
||
is available at
|
||
@uref{ftp://atari.archive.umich.edu/Editors/Emacs-18-58/1858b-d3.zoo}.
|
||
|
||
@node Emacs for the Amiga , Emacs for NeXTSTEP, Emacs for Atari ST, Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section Where can I get Emacs for my Amiga?
|
||
@cindex Amiga, Emacs for
|
||
|
||
The files you need are available at
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.wustl.edu/pub/aminet/util/gnu/}
|
||
|
||
@email{dgilbert@@gamiga.guelphnet.dweomer.org, David Gilbert} has released a
|
||
beta version of Emacs 19.25 for the Amiga. You can get the binary at
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.wustl.edu/pub/aminet/util/gnu/a2.0bEmacs-bin.lha}
|
||
|
||
@node Emacs for NeXTSTEP, Emacs for Apple computers, Emacs for the Amiga , Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section Where can I get Emacs for NeXTSTEP?
|
||
@cindex NeXTSTEP, Emacs for
|
||
|
||
Emacs.app is a NeXTSTEP version of Emacs 19.34 which supports colors,
|
||
menus, and multiple frames. You can get it from
|
||
|
||
@uref{ftp://next-ftp.peak.org/pub/next/apps/emacs/Emacs_for_NeXTstep.4.20a1.NIHS.b.tar.gz}
|
||
|
||
@node Emacs for Apple computers, Emacs for VMS and DECwindows, Emacs for NeXTSTEP, Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section Where can I get Emacs for my Apple computer?
|
||
@cindex Apple computers, Emacs for
|
||
@cindex Macintosh, Emacs for
|
||
|
||
An unofficial port of GNU Emacs 18.59 to the Macintosh is available at a
|
||
number of ftp sites, the home being
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.cs.cornell.edu/pub/parmet/Emacs-1.17.sit.bin}.
|
||
|
||
A port of Emacs 20.4 is available at
|
||
@uref{http://www.cs.hku.hk/~choi/emacs/index.html}.
|
||
|
||
Beginning with version 21.1, the Macintosh is supported in the official
|
||
Emacs distribution; see the files @file{mac/README} and
|
||
@file{mac/INSTALL} in the Emacs distribution for build instructions.
|
||
|
||
Apple's forthcoming "OS X" is based largely on NeXTSTEP and OpenStep.
|
||
@xref{Emacs for NeXTSTEP}, for more details about that version.
|
||
|
||
@node Emacs for VMS and DECwindows, Modes for various languages, Emacs for Apple computers, Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section Where do I get Emacs that runs on VMS under DECwindows?
|
||
@cindex DECwindows, Emacs for
|
||
@cindex VMS, Emacs for
|
||
|
||
Up-to-date information about GNU software (including Emacs) for VMS is
|
||
available at @uref{http://vms.gnu.org/}.
|
||
|
||
@node Modes for various languages, Translating names to IP addresses, Emacs for VMS and DECwindows, Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section Where can I get modes for Lex, Yacc/Bison, Bourne shell, csh, C@t{++}, Objective-C, Pascal, Java, and Awk?
|
||
@cindex Awk, mode for
|
||
@cindex @code{awk-mode}
|
||
@cindex Bison, mode for
|
||
@cindex Bourne Shell, mode for
|
||
@cindex C@t{++}, mode for
|
||
@cindex Java, mode for
|
||
@cindex Lex mode
|
||
@cindex Objective-C, mode for
|
||
@cindex @code{pascal-mode}
|
||
@cindex Shell mode
|
||
@cindex Yacc mode
|
||
@cindex @file{csh} mode
|
||
@cindex @code{sh-mode}
|
||
@cindex @code{cc-mode}
|
||
|
||
Most of these modes are now available in standard Emacs distribution.
|
||
To get additional modes, look in the Lisp Code Directory (@pxref{Finding
|
||
a package with particular functionality}). For C@t{++}, if you use
|
||
@code{lisp-dir-apropos}, you must specify the pattern with something
|
||
like @kbd{M-x lisp-dir-apropos @key{RET} c\+\+ @key{RET}}.@footnote{
|
||
The backslashes in @samp{\+\+} are required because @kbd{M-x
|
||
lisp-dir-apropos} expects a regular expression as its argument
|
||
(@pxref{Using regular expressions}), and @samp{+} has a special meaning
|
||
in regular expressions.}
|
||
|
||
Barry Warsaw's @code{cc-mode} now works for C, C@t{++}, Objective-C, and
|
||
Java code. You can get the latest version from the Emacs Lisp Archive;
|
||
@pxref{Packages that do not come with Emacs} for details. A FAQ for
|
||
@code{cc-mode} is available at
|
||
@uref{http://www.python.org/emacs/cc-mode/}.
|
||
|
||
@node Translating names to IP addresses, , Modes for various languages, Finding Emacs and related packages
|
||
@section What is the IP address of XXX.YYY.ZZZ?
|
||
@cindex Translating names to IP addresses
|
||
@cindex IP addresses from names
|
||
@cindex Using BIND to translate addresses
|
||
@cindex DNS and IP addresses
|
||
|
||
If you are on a Unix machine, try using the @samp{nslookup} command,
|
||
included in the Berkeley BIND package. For example, to find the IP
|
||
address of @samp{ftp.gnu.org}, you would type @code{nslookup
|
||
ftp.gnu.org}.
|
||
|
||
Your computer should then provide the IP address of that machine.
|
||
|
||
If your site's nameserver is deficient, you can use IP addresses to FTP
|
||
files. You can get this information by e-mail:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
To: dns@@[134.214.84.25] (to grasp.insa-lyon.fr)
|
||
Body: ip XXX.YYY.ZZZ (or "help" for more information
|
||
and options - no quotes)
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
or:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
To: resolve@@[147.31.254.130] (to laverne.cs.widener.edu)
|
||
Body: site XXX.YYY.ZZZ
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@c ------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
@node Major packages and programs, Key bindings, Finding Emacs and related packages, Top
|
||
@chapter Major packages and programs
|
||
@cindex Major packages and programs
|
||
|
||
@menu
|
||
* VM::
|
||
* Supercite::
|
||
* Calc::
|
||
* VIPER::
|
||
* AUC-TeX::
|
||
* BBDB::
|
||
* Ispell::
|
||
* w3-mode::
|
||
* EDB::
|
||
* Mailcrypt::
|
||
* JDE::
|
||
* Patch::
|
||
@end menu
|
||
|
||
@node VM, Supercite, Major packages and programs, Major packages and programs
|
||
@section VM (View Mail) --- another mail reader within Emacs, with MIME support
|
||
@cindex VM
|
||
@cindex Alternative mail software
|
||
@cindex View Mail
|
||
@cindex E-mail reader, VM
|
||
|
||
@table @b
|
||
|
||
@item Author
|
||
@email{kyle@@uunet.uu.net, Kyle Jones}
|
||
|
||
@item Latest version
|
||
6.72
|
||
|
||
@item Distribution
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.wonderworks.com/pub/vm/vm.tar.gz}
|
||
|
||
@item Informational newsgroup/mailing list
|
||
@uref{news:gnu.emacs.vm.info}@*
|
||
Subscription requests to @email{info-vm-request@@uunet.uu.net}@*
|
||
Submissions to @email{info-vm@@uunet.uu.net}
|
||
|
||
@item Bug reports newsgroup/mailing list
|
||
@uref{news:gnu.emacs.vm.bug}@*
|
||
Subscription requests to @email{bug-vm-request@@uunet.uu.net}@*
|
||
Submissions to @email{bug-vm@@uunet.uu.net}
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
VM 6 works with Emacs 20.4, and may cause problems with Emacs 20.3 and
|
||
below. (But note that many people seem to use Emacs 20.3 with VM 6,
|
||
without any problems.) Risk-averse users might wish to try VM 5.97,
|
||
available from @uref{ftp://ftp.wonderworks.com/pub/vm/, the same FTP
|
||
site}.
|
||
|
||
@node Supercite, Calc, VM, Major packages and programs
|
||
@section Supercite --- mail and news citation package within Emacs
|
||
@cindex Supercite
|
||
@cindex Superyank
|
||
@cindex Mail and news citations
|
||
@cindex News and mail citations
|
||
@cindex Citations in mail and news
|
||
|
||
@table @b
|
||
|
||
@item Author
|
||
@email{bwarsaw@@cen.com, Barry Warsaw}
|
||
|
||
@item Latest version
|
||
3.54 (comes bundled with Emacs 20)
|
||
|
||
@item Distribution
|
||
@uref{http://www.python.org/emacs/supercite.tar.gz}
|
||
|
||
@item Mailing list
|
||
Subscription requests to @email{supercite-request@@python.org}@*
|
||
Submissions @email{supercite@@python.org}
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
Superyank is an old version of Supercite.
|
||
|
||
@node Calc, VIPER, Supercite, Major packages and programs
|
||
@section Calc --- poor man's Mathematica within Emacs
|
||
@cindex Programmable calculator
|
||
@cindex Calc
|
||
@cindex Mathematical package
|
||
|
||
@table @b
|
||
|
||
@item Author
|
||
@email{daveg@@csvax.cs.caltech.edu, Dave Gillespie}
|
||
|
||
@item Latest version
|
||
2.02f
|
||
|
||
@item Distribution
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.gnu.org/pub/gnu/calc/calc-2.02f.tar.gz}
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
Note that Calc 2.02f needs patching to work with Emacs 21 and later.
|
||
|
||
@cindex @code{calculator}, a package
|
||
Emacs 21.1 and later comes with a package called @file{calculator.el}.
|
||
It doesn't support all the mathematical wizardry offered by Calc, such
|
||
as matrices, special functions, and statistics, but is more than
|
||
adequate as a replacement for @code{xcalc} and similar programs.
|
||
|
||
@node VIPER, AUC-TeX, Calc, Major packages and programs
|
||
@section VIPER --- @code{vi} emulation for Emacs
|
||
@cindex @code{vi} emulation
|
||
@cindex VIPER
|
||
@cindex Emulation of @code{vi}
|
||
|
||
Since Emacs 19.29, the preferred @code{vi} emulation in Emacs is VIPER
|
||
(@kbd{M-x viper-mode @key{RET}}), which comes with Emacs. It extends
|
||
and supersedes VIP (including VIP 4.3) and provides @code{vi} emulation
|
||
at several levels, from one that closely follows @code{vi} to one that
|
||
departs from @code{vi} in several significant ways.
|
||
|
||
For Emacs 19.28 and earlier, the following version of VIP is generally
|
||
better than the one distributed with Emacs:
|
||
|
||
@table @b
|
||
@item Author
|
||
@email{sane@@cs.uiuc.edu, Aamod Sane}
|
||
|
||
@item Latest version
|
||
4.3
|
||
|
||
@item Distribution
|
||
@uref{ftp://archive.cis.ohio-state.edu/pub/emacs-lisp/modes/vip-mode.tar.Z}
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
@node AUC-TeX, BBDB, VIPER, Major packages and programs
|
||
@section AUC TeX --- enhanced LaTeX mode with debugging facilities
|
||
@cindex Mode for @TeX{}
|
||
@cindex @TeX{} mode
|
||
@cindex AUC-TeX mode for editing @TeX{}
|
||
@cindex Writing and debugging @TeX{}
|
||
|
||
@table @b
|
||
|
||
@item Authors
|
||
@email{krab@@iesd.auc.dk, Kresten Krab Thorup} and@*
|
||
@email{abraham@@dina.kvl.dk, Per Abrahamsen}
|
||
|
||
@item Latest version
|
||
9.9p
|
||
|
||
@item Distribution
|
||
@uref{ftp://sunsite.auc.dk/packages/auctex/auctex.tar.gz}
|
||
|
||
@item Web site
|
||
@uref{http://sunsite.auc.dk/auctex/}
|
||
|
||
@item Mailing list:
|
||
Subscription requests to @email{auc-tex-request@@iesd.auc.dk}@*
|
||
Submissions to @email{auc-tex@@iesd.auc.dk}@*
|
||
Development team is at @email{auc-tex_mgr@@iesd.auc.dk}
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
@node BBDB, Ispell, AUC-TeX, Major packages and programs
|
||
@section BBDB --- personal Info Rolodex integrated with mail/news readers
|
||
@cindex BBDB
|
||
@cindex Rolodex-like functionality
|
||
@cindex Integrated contact database
|
||
@cindex Contact database
|
||
@cindex Big Brother Database
|
||
@cindex Address book
|
||
|
||
@table @b
|
||
|
||
@item Maintainer
|
||
@email{simmonmt@@acm.org, Matt Simmons}
|
||
|
||
@item Latest version
|
||
2.00
|
||
|
||
@item Distribution
|
||
@uref{http://www.netcom.com/~simmonmt/bbdb/index.html}
|
||
|
||
@item Mailing lists
|
||
Subscription requests to @email{info-bbdb-request@@xemacs.org}@*
|
||
Submissions to @email{info-bbdb@@xemacs.org}@*
|
||
Release announcements: @email{bbdb-announce-request@@xemacs.org}
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
@node Ispell, w3-mode, BBDB, Major packages and programs
|
||
@section Ispell --- spell checker in C with interface for Emacs
|
||
@cindex Spell-checker
|
||
@cindex Checking spelling
|
||
@cindex Ispell
|
||
|
||
@table @b
|
||
|
||
@item Author
|
||
@email{geoff@@itcorp.com, Geoff Kuenning}
|
||
|
||
@item Latest version
|
||
3.1.20
|
||
|
||
@item Distribution
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.cs.ucla.edu/pub/ispell/ispell-3.1.20.tar.gz}@*
|
||
|
||
@item Web site
|
||
@uref{http://fmg-www.cs.ucla.edu/geoff/ispell.html}
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Do not ask Geoff to send you the latest version of Ispell. He does not
|
||
have free e-mail.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
This Ispell program is distinct from GNU Ispell 4.0. GNU Ispell 4.0 is
|
||
no longer a supported product.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node w3-mode, EDB, Ispell, Major packages and programs
|
||
@section w3-mode --- A World Wide Web browser inside of Emacs
|
||
@cindex WWW browser
|
||
@cindex Web browser
|
||
@cindex HTML browser in Emacs
|
||
@cindex @code{w3-mode}
|
||
|
||
@table @b
|
||
|
||
@item Author
|
||
@email{wmperry@@spry.com, Bill Perry}
|
||
|
||
@item Latest version
|
||
4.0pre.39
|
||
|
||
@item Distribution
|
||
@uref{ftp://ftp.cs.indiana.edu/pub/elisp/w3/w3.tar.gz}
|
||
|
||
@item Mailing lists
|
||
Receive announcements from @email{w3-announce-request@@indiana.edu}@*
|
||
Become a beta tester at @email{w3-beta-request@@indiana.edu}@*
|
||
Help to develop @code{w3-mode} at @email{w3-dev@@indiana.edu}
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
@node EDB, Mailcrypt, w3-mode, Major packages and programs
|
||
@section EDB --- Database program for Emacs; replaces forms editing modes
|
||
@cindex EDB
|
||
@cindex Database
|
||
@cindex Forms mode
|
||
|
||
@table @b
|
||
@item Author
|
||
@email{mernst@@theory.lcs.mit.edu, Michael Ernst}
|
||
|
||
@item Latest version
|
||
1.21
|
||
|
||
@item Distribution
|
||
@uref{ftp://theory.lcs.mit.edu/pub/emacs/edb}
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
@node Mailcrypt, JDE, EDB, Major packages and programs
|
||
@section Mailcrypt --- PGP interface within Emacs mail and news
|
||
@cindex PGP
|
||
@cindex GPG
|
||
@cindex Interface to PGP from Emacs mail and news
|
||
@cindex News, interface to PGP from
|
||
@cindex Mail, interface to PGP from
|
||
@cindex Encryption software, interface to
|
||
|
||
@table @b
|
||
|
||
@item Authors
|
||
@email{patl@@lcs.mit.edu, Patrick J. LoPresti} and
|
||
@email{jin@@atype.com, Jin S. Choi}
|
||
|
||
@item Maintainer
|
||
@email{lbudney@@pobox.com, Len Budney}
|
||
|
||
@item Latest version
|
||
3.5.3
|
||
|
||
@item Distribution
|
||
@uref{http://www.nb.net/~lbudney/linux/software/mailcrypt/mailcrypt-3.5.3.tar.gz}
|
||
|
||
@item Web site
|
||
@uref{http://www.nb.net/~lbudney/linux/software/mailcrypt.html}
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
@node JDE, Patch, Mailcrypt, Major packages and programs
|
||
@section JDE --- Integrated development environment for Java
|
||
@cindex Java development environment
|
||
@cindex Integrated Java development environment
|
||
@cindex JDE
|
||
|
||
@table @b
|
||
|
||
@item Author
|
||
@email{paulk@@mathworks.com, Paul Kinnucan}
|
||
|
||
@item Mailing list
|
||
jde-subscribe@@sunsite.auc.dk
|
||
|
||
@item Latest version
|
||
2.1.1
|
||
|
||
@item Web site
|
||
@uref{http://sunsite.auc.dk/jde/}
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
@node Patch, , JDE, Major packages and programs
|
||
@section Patch --- program to apply "diffs" for updating files
|
||
@cindex Updating files with diffs
|
||
@cindex Patching source files with diffs
|
||
@cindex Diffs and patching
|
||
@cindex @file{patch}
|
||
|
||
@table @b
|
||
|
||
@item Author
|
||
@email{lwall@@wall.org, Larry Wall} (with GNU modifications)
|
||
|
||
@item Latest version
|
||
2.5.4
|
||
|
||
@item Distribution
|
||
@xref{Current GNU distributions}.
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
@c ------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
@node Key bindings, Alternate character sets, Major packages and programs, Top
|
||
@chapter Key bindings
|
||
@cindex Key bindings
|
||
|
||
@menu
|
||
* Binding keys to commands::
|
||
* Invalid prefix characters::
|
||
* Terminal setup code works after Emacs has begun::
|
||
* Using function keys under X::
|
||
* Working with function and arrow keys::
|
||
* X key translations for Emacs::
|
||
* Handling C-s and C-q with flow control::
|
||
* Binding C-s and C-q::
|
||
* Backspace invokes help::
|
||
* stty and Backspace key::
|
||
* Swapping keys::
|
||
* Producing C-XXX with the keyboard::
|
||
* No Meta key::
|
||
* No Escape key::
|
||
* Compose Character::
|
||
* Binding combinations of modifiers and function keys::
|
||
* Meta key does not work in xterm::
|
||
* ExtendChar key does not work as Meta::
|
||
@end menu
|
||
|
||
@node Binding keys to commands, Invalid prefix characters, Key bindings, Key bindings
|
||
@section How do I bind keys (including function keys) to commands?
|
||
@cindex Binding keys to commands
|
||
@cindex Keys, binding to commands
|
||
@cindex Commands, binding keys to
|
||
|
||
Keys can be bound to commands either interactively or in your
|
||
@file{.emacs} file. To interactively bind keys for all modes, type
|
||
@kbd{M-x global-set-key @key{RET} @var{key} @var{cmd} @key{RET}}.
|
||
|
||
To bind a key just in the current major mode, type @kbd{M-x
|
||
local-set-key @key{RET} @var{key} @var{cmd} @key{RET}}.
|
||
|
||
@inforef{Key Bindings, Key Bindings, emacs}, for further details.
|
||
|
||
To make the process of binding keys interactively eaiser, use the
|
||
following ``trick'': First bind the key interactively, then immediately
|
||
type @kbd{C-x @key{ESC} @key{ESC} C-a C-k C-g}. Now, the command needed
|
||
to bind the key is in the kill ring, and can be yanked into your
|
||
@file{.emacs} file. If the key binding is global, no changes to the
|
||
command are required. For example,
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(global-set-key (quote [f1]) (quote help-for-help))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
can be placed directly into the @file{.emacs} file. If the key binding is
|
||
local, the command is used in conjunction with the "add-hook" command.
|
||
For example, in tex-mode, a local binding might be
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(add-hook 'tex-mode-hook
|
||
(lambda ()
|
||
(local-set-key (quote [f1]) (quote help-for-help))))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Control characters in key sequences, in the form yanked from the kill
|
||
ring are given in their graphic form---i.e., @key{CTRL} is shown as
|
||
@samp{^}, @key{TAB} as a set of spaces (usually 8), etc. You may want
|
||
to convert these into their vector or string forms.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
If a prefix key of the character sequence to be bound is already
|
||
bound as a complete key, then you must unbind it before the new
|
||
binding. For example, if @kbd{ESC @{} is previously bound:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(global-unset-key [?\e ?@{]) ;; or
|
||
(local-unset-key [?\e ?@{])
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Aside from commands and ``lambda lists,'' a vector or string also
|
||
can be bound to a key and thus treated as a macro. For example:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(global-set-key [f10] [?\C-x?\e?\e?\C-a?\C-k?\C-g]) ;; or
|
||
(global-set-key [f10] "\C-x\e\e\C-a\C-k\C-g")
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node Invalid prefix characters, Terminal setup code works after Emacs has begun, Binding keys to commands, Key bindings
|
||
@section Why does Emacs say "Key sequence XXX uses invalid prefix characters"?
|
||
@cindex Prefix characters, invalid
|
||
@cindex Invalid prefix characters
|
||
@cindex Misspecified key sequences
|
||
|
||
Usually, one of two things has happened. In one case, the control
|
||
character in the key sequence has been misspecified (e.g. @samp{C-f}
|
||
used instead of @samp{\C-f} within a Lisp expression). In the other
|
||
case, a @dfn{prefix key} in the keystroke sequence you were trying to bind
|
||
was already bound as a @dfn{complete key}. Historically, the @samp{ESC [}
|
||
prefix was usually the problem, in which case you should evaluate either
|
||
of these forms before attempting to bind the key sequence:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(global-unset-key [?\e ?[]) ;; or
|
||
(global-unset-key "\e[")
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@node Terminal setup code works after Emacs has begun, Using function keys under X, Invalid prefix characters, Key bindings
|
||
@section Why doesn't this [terminal or window-system setup] code work in my @file{.emacs} file, but it works just fine after Emacs starts up?
|
||
@cindex Terminal setup code in @file{.emacs}
|
||
|
||
During startup, Emacs initializes itself according to a given code/file
|
||
order. If some of the code executed in your @file{.emacs} file needs to
|
||
be postponed until the initial terminal or window-system setup code has
|
||
been executed but is not, then you will experience this problem (this
|
||
code/file execution order is not enforced after startup).
|
||
|
||
To postpone the execution of Emacs Lisp code until after terminal or
|
||
window-system setup, treat the code as a @dfn{lambda list} and set the
|
||
value of either the @code{term-setup-hook} or @code{window-setup-hook}
|
||
variable to this lambda function. For example,
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(add-hook 'term-setup-hook
|
||
(lambda ()
|
||
(when (string-match "\\`vt220" (or (getenv "TERM") ""))
|
||
;; Make vt220's "Do" key behave like M-x:
|
||
(global-set-key [do] 'execute-extended-command))))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
For information on what Emacs does every time it is started, see the
|
||
@file{lisp/startup.el} file.
|
||
|
||
@node Using function keys under X, Working with function and arrow keys, Terminal setup code works after Emacs has begun, Key bindings
|
||
@section How do I use function keys under X?
|
||
@cindex Function keys
|
||
@cindex X Window System and function keys
|
||
@cindex Binding function keys
|
||
|
||
With Emacs 19, functions keys under X are bound like any other key. @xref{Binding keys to commands}, for details.
|
||
|
||
@node Working with function and arrow keys, X key translations for Emacs, Using function keys under X, Key bindings
|
||
@section How do I tell what characters or symbols my function or arrow keys emit?
|
||
@cindex Working with arrow keys
|
||
@cindex Arrow keys, symbols generated by
|
||
@cindex Working with function keys
|
||
@cindex Function keys, symbols generated by
|
||
@cindex Symbols generated by function keys
|
||
|
||
Type @kbd{C-h c} then the function or arrow keys. The command will
|
||
return either a function key symbol or character sequence (see the
|
||
Emacs on-line documentation for an explanation). This works for other
|
||
keys as well.
|
||
|
||
@node X key translations for Emacs, Handling C-s and C-q with flow control, Working with function and arrow keys, Key bindings
|
||
@section How do I set the X key ``translations'' for Emacs?
|
||
@cindex X key translations
|
||
@cindex Key translations under X
|
||
@cindex Translations for keys under X
|
||
|
||
Emacs is not written using the Xt library by default, so there are no
|
||
``translations'' to be set. (We aren't sure how to set such translations
|
||
if you do build Emacs with Xt; please let us know if you've done this!)
|
||
|
||
The only way to affect the behavior of keys within Emacs is through
|
||
@code{xmodmap} (outside Emacs) or @code{define-key} (inside Emacs). The
|
||
@code{define-key} command should be used in conjunction with the
|
||
@code{function-key-map} map. For instance,
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(define-key function-key-map [M-@key{TAB}] [?\M-\t])
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
defines the @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} key sequence.
|
||
|
||
@node Handling C-s and C-q with flow control, Binding C-s and C-q, X key translations for Emacs, Key bindings
|
||
@section How do I handle @kbd{C-s} and @kbd{C-q} being used for flow control?
|
||
@cindex Flow control, @kbd{C-s} and @kbd{C-q} with
|
||
@cindex @kbd{C-s} and @kbd{C-q} with flow control
|
||
|
||
@kbd{C-s} and @kbd{C-q} are used in the XON/XOFF flow control protocol.
|
||
This messes things up when you're using Emacs over a serial line,
|
||
because Emacs binds these keys to commands by default. Because Emacs
|
||
won't honor them as flow control characters, too many of these
|
||
characters are not passed on and overwhelm output buffers. Sometimes,
|
||
intermediate software using XON/XOFF flow control will prevent Emacs
|
||
from ever seeing @kbd{C-s} and @kbd{C-q}.
|
||
|
||
Possible solutions:
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Disable the use of @kbd{C-s} and @kbd{C-q} for flow control.
|
||
|
||
You need to determine the cause of the flow control.
|
||
|
||
@itemize @minus
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
your terminal
|
||
|
||
Your terminal may use XON/XOFF flow control to have time to display
|
||
all the characters it receives. For example, VT series terminals do
|
||
this. It may be possible to turn this off from a setup menu. For
|
||
example, on a VT220 you may select ``No XOFF'' in the setup menu. This
|
||
is also true for some terminal emulation programs on PCs.
|
||
|
||
When you turn off flow control at the terminal, you will also need to
|
||
turn it off at the other end, which might be at the computer you are
|
||
logged in to or at some terminal server in between.
|
||
|
||
If you turn off flow control, characters may be lost; using a printer
|
||
connected to the terminal may fail. You may be able to get around
|
||
this problem by modifying the @samp{termcap} entry for your terminal to
|
||
include extra NUL padding characters.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
a modem
|
||
|
||
If you are using a dialup connection, the modems may be using
|
||
XON/XOFF flow control. It's not clear how to get around this.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
a router or terminal server
|
||
|
||
Some network box between the terminal and your computer may be using
|
||
XON/XOFF flow control. It may be possible to make it use some other
|
||
kind of flow control. You will probably have to ask your local
|
||
network experts for help with this.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
@code{tty} and/or @code{pty} devices
|
||
|
||
If your connection to Emacs goes through multiple @code{tty} and/or
|
||
@code{pty} devices, they may be using XON/XOFF flow control even when it
|
||
is not necessary.
|
||
|
||
@email{eirik@@theory.tn.cornell.edu, Eirik Fuller} writes:
|
||
|
||
@quotation
|
||
Some versions of @code{rlogin} (and possibly @code{telnet}) do not pass
|
||
flow control characters to the remote system to which they connect. On
|
||
such systems, Emacs on the remote system cannot disable flow control on
|
||
the local system. Sometimes @samp{rlogin -8} will avoid this problem.
|
||
|
||
One way to cure this is to disable flow control on the local host (the
|
||
one running @code{rlogin}, not the one running @code{rlogind}) using the
|
||
@code{stty} command, before starting the @code{rlogin} process. On many
|
||
systems, @samp{stty start u stop u} will do this.
|
||
|
||
Some versions of @samp{tcsh} will prevent even this from working. One
|
||
way around this is to start another shell before starting rlogin,
|
||
and issue the @samp{stty} command to disable flow control from that shell.
|
||
@end quotation
|
||
|
||
Use @samp{stty -ixon} instead of @samp{stty start u stop u} on some systems.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Make Emacs speak the XON/XOFF flow control protocol.
|
||
|
||
You can make Emacs treat @kbd{C-s} and @kbd{C-q} as flow control characters by
|
||
evaluating the form
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(enable-flow-control)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
to unconditionally enable flow control or
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(enable-flow-control-on "vt100" "h19")
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
(using your terminal names instead of @samp{vt100} or @samp{h19}) to
|
||
enable selectively. These commands will automatically swap @kbd{C-s}
|
||
and @kbd{C-q} to @kbd{C-\} and @kbd{C-^}. Variables can be used to
|
||
change the default swap keys (@code{flow-control-c-s-replacement} and
|
||
@code{flow-control-c-q-replacement}).
|
||
|
||
If you are fixing this for yourself, simply put the form in your
|
||
@file{.emacs} file. If you are fixing this for your entire site, the
|
||
best place to put it is in the @file{site-lisp/site-start.el} file.
|
||
(Here @file{site-lisp} is actually a subdirectory of your Emacs
|
||
installation directory, typically @file{/usr/local/share/emacs}.)
|
||
Putting this form in @file{site-lisp/default.el} has the problem that
|
||
if the user's @file{.emacs} file has an error, this will prevent
|
||
@file{default.el} from being loaded and Emacs may be unusable for the
|
||
user, even for correcting their @file{.emacs} file (unless they're
|
||
smart enough to move it to another name).
|
||
|
||
@code{enable-flow-control} can be invoked interactively as well:
|
||
@kbd{M-x enable-flow-control @key{RET}}.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
For further discussion of this issue, read the file @file{etc/PROBLEMS}
|
||
(in the Emacs source directory when you unpack the Emacs distribution).
|
||
|
||
@node Binding C-s and C-q, Backspace invokes help, Handling C-s and C-q with flow control, Key bindings
|
||
@section How do I bind @kbd{C-s} and @kbd{C-q} (or any key) if these keys are filtered out?
|
||
@cindex Binding @kbd{C-s} and @kbd{C-q}
|
||
@cindex @kbd{C-s} and @kbd{C-q}, binding
|
||
|
||
To bind @kbd{C-s} and @kbd{C-q}, use either @code{enable-flow-control}
|
||
or @code{enable-flow-control-on}. @xref{Handling C-s and C-q with flow
|
||
control}, for usage and implementation details.
|
||
|
||
To bind other keys, use @code{keyboard-translate}. @xref{Swapping
|
||
keys}, for usage details. To do this for an entire site, you should
|
||
swap the keys in @file{site-lisp/site-start.el}. @xref{Handling C-s
|
||
and C-q with flow control}, for an explanation of why
|
||
@file{site-lisp/default.el} should not be used.
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
If you do this for an entire site, the users will be confused by
|
||
the disparity between what the documentation says and how Emacs
|
||
actually behaves.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node Backspace invokes help, stty and Backspace key, Binding C-s and C-q, Key bindings
|
||
@section Why does the @key{Backspace} key invoke help?
|
||
@cindex Backspace key invokes help
|
||
@cindex Help invoked by Backspace
|
||
@cindex DEL key does not delete
|
||
|
||
The @key{Backspace} key (on most keyboards) generates ASCII code 8.
|
||
@kbd{C-h} sends the same code. In Emacs by default @kbd{C-h} invokes
|
||
help-command. This is intended to be easy to remember since the first
|
||
letter of @samp{help} is @samp{h}. The easiest solution to this problem
|
||
is to use @kbd{C-h} (and @key{Backspace}) for help and @key{DEL} (the
|
||
@key{Delete} key) for deleting the previous character.
|
||
|
||
For many people this solution may be problematic:
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
They normally use @key{Backspace} outside of Emacs for deleting the
|
||
previous character. This can be solved by making @key{DEL} the command
|
||
for deleting the previous character outside of Emacs. On many Unix
|
||
systems, this command will remap @key{DEL}:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
stty erase `^?'
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
The user may prefer the @key{Backspace} key for deleting the
|
||
previous character because it is more conveniently located on their
|
||
keyboard or because they don't even have a separate @key{Delete} key.
|
||
In this case, the @key{Backspace} key should be made to behave like
|
||
@key{Delete}. There are several methods.
|
||
|
||
@itemize @minus
|
||
@item
|
||
Some terminals (e.g., VT3## terminals) and terminal emulators (e.g.,
|
||
TeraTerm) allow the character generated by the @key{Backspace} key to be
|
||
changed from a setup menu.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
You may be able to get a keyboard that is completely programmable, or a
|
||
terminal emulator that supports remapping of any key to any other key.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
With Emacs 21.1 and later, you can control the effect of the
|
||
@key{Backspace} and @key{Delete} keys, on both dumb terminals and a
|
||
windowed displays, by customizing the option
|
||
@code{normal-erase-is-backspace-mode}, or by invoking @kbd{M-x
|
||
normal-erase-is-backspace}. See the documentation of these symbols
|
||
(@pxref{Emacs Lisp documentation}) for more info.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
It is possible to swap the @key{Backspace} and @key{DEL} keys inside
|
||
Emacs:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(keyboard-translate ?\C-h ?\C-?)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
This is the recommended method of forcing @key{Backspace} to act as
|
||
@key{DEL}, because it works even in modes which bind @key{DEL} to
|
||
something other than @code{delete-backward-char}.
|
||
|
||
Similarly, you could remap @key{DEL} to act as @kbd{C-d}, which by
|
||
default deletes forward:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(keyboard-translate ?\C-? ?\C-d)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@xref{Swapping keys}, for further details about @code{keyboard-translate}.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Another approach is to switch key bindings and put help on @kbd{C-x h}
|
||
instead:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(global-set-key "\C-h" 'delete-backward-char)
|
||
|
||
;;; overrides mark-whole-buffer
|
||
(global-set-key "\C-xh" 'help-command)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
This method is not recommended, though: it only solves the problem for
|
||
those modes which bind @key{DEL} to @code{delete-backward-char}. Modes
|
||
which bind @key{DEL} to something else, such as @code{view-mode}, will
|
||
not work as you expect when you press the @key{Backspace} key. For this
|
||
reason, we recommend the @code{keyboard-translate} method, shown
|
||
above.
|
||
|
||
Other popular key bindings for help are @kbd{M-?} and @kbd{C-x ?}.
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
Don't try to bind @key{DEL} to @code{help-command}, because there are
|
||
many modes that have local bindings of @key{DEL} that will interfere.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
When Emacs 21 or later runs on a windowed display, it binds the
|
||
@key{Delete} key to a command which deletes the character at point, to
|
||
make Emacs more consistent with keyboard operation on these systems.
|
||
|
||
For more information about troubleshooting this problem, see @ref{DEL
|
||
Does Not Delete, , If @key{DEL} Fails to Delete, emacs, The GNU Emacs
|
||
Manual}.
|
||
|
||
@node stty and Backspace key, Swapping keys, Backspace invokes help, Key bindings
|
||
@section Why doesn't Emacs look at the @file{stty} settings for @key{Backspace} vs. @key{Delete}?
|
||
@cindex @file{stty} and Emacs
|
||
@cindex Backspace and @file{stty}
|
||
@cindex Delete and @file{stty}
|
||
|
||
Good question!
|
||
|
||
@c FIXME: RMS explained the reasons for this on emacs-hackers. It's
|
||
@c probably worth putting that explanation here.
|
||
|
||
@node Swapping keys, Producing C-XXX with the keyboard, stty and Backspace key, Key bindings
|
||
@section How do I swap two keys?
|
||
@cindex Swapping keys
|
||
@cindex Keys, swapping
|
||
@cindex @code{keyboard-translate}
|
||
|
||
In Emacs 19, you can swap two keys (or key sequences) by using the
|
||
@code{keyboard-translate} function. For example, to turn @kbd{C-h} into
|
||
@key{DEL} and @key{DEL} to @kbd{C-h}, use
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(keyboard-translate ?\C-h ?\C-?) ; translate `C-h' to DEL
|
||
(keyboard-translate ?\C-? ?\C-h) ; translate DEL to `C-h'.
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
The first key sequence of the pair after the function identifies what is
|
||
produced by the keyboard; the second, what is matched for in the
|
||
keymaps.
|
||
|
||
Keyboard translations are not the same as key bindings in keymaps.
|
||
Emacs contains numerous keymaps that apply in different situations, but
|
||
there is only one set of keyboard translations, and it applies to every
|
||
character that Emacs reads from the terminal. Keyboard translations
|
||
take place at the lowest level of input processing; the keys that are
|
||
looked up in keymaps contain the characters that result from keyboard
|
||
translation.
|
||
|
||
@inforef{Keyboard Translations, Keyboard Translations, emacs}.
|
||
|
||
@node Producing C-XXX with the keyboard, No Meta key, Swapping keys, Key bindings
|
||
@section How do I produce C-XXX with my keyboard?
|
||
@cindex Producing control characters
|
||
@cindex Generating control characters
|
||
@cindex Control characters, generating
|
||
|
||
On terminals (but not under X), some common "aliases" are:
|
||
|
||
@table @asis
|
||
|
||
@item @kbd{C-2} or @kbd{C-@key{SPC}}
|
||
@kbd{C-@@}
|
||
|
||
@item @kbd{C-6}
|
||
@kbd{C-^}
|
||
|
||
@item @kbd{C-7} or @kbd{C-S--}
|
||
@kbd{C-_}
|
||
|
||
@item @kbd{C-4}
|
||
@kbd{C-\}
|
||
|
||
@item @kbd{C-5}
|
||
@kbd{C-]}
|
||
|
||
@item @kbd{C-/}
|
||
@kbd{C-?}
|
||
|
||
@end table
|
||
|
||
Often other aliases exist; use the @kbd{C-h c} command and try
|
||
@key{CTRL} with all of the digits on your keyboard to see what gets
|
||
generated. You can also try the @kbd{C-h w} command if you know the
|
||
name of the command.
|
||
|
||
@node No Meta key, No Escape key, Producing C-XXX with the keyboard, Key bindings
|
||
@section What if I don't have a @key{Meta} key?
|
||
@cindex No @key{Meta} key
|
||
@cindex @key{Meta} key, what to do if you lack it
|
||
|
||
On many keyboards, the @key{Alt} key acts as @key{Meta}, so try it.
|
||
|
||
Instead of typing @kbd{M-a}, you can type @kbd{@key{ESC} a}. In fact,
|
||
Emacs converts @kbd{M-a} internally into @kbd{@key{ESC} a} anyway
|
||
(depending on the value of @code{meta-prefix-char}). Note that you
|
||
press @key{Meta} and @key{a} together, but with @key{ESC}, you press
|
||
@key{ESC}, release it, and then press @key{a}.
|
||
|
||
@node No Escape key, Compose Character, No Meta key, Key bindings
|
||
@section What if I don't have an @key{Escape} key?
|
||
@cindex No Escape key
|
||
@cindex Lacking an Escape key
|
||
@cindex Escape key, lacking
|
||
|
||
Type @kbd{C-[} instead. This should send ASCII code 27 just like an
|
||
Escape key would. @kbd{C-3} may also work on some terminal (but not
|
||
under X). For many terminals (notably DEC terminals) @key{F11}
|
||
generates @key{ESC}. If not, the following form can be used to bind it:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
;;; F11 is the documented ESC replacement on DEC terminals.
|
||
(define-key function-key-map [f11] [?\e])
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@node Compose Character, Binding combinations of modifiers and function keys, No Escape key, Key bindings
|
||
@section Can I make my @key{Compose Character} key behave like a @key{Meta} key?
|
||
@cindex @key{Compose Character} key, using as @key{Meta}
|
||
@cindex @key{Meta}, using @key{Compose Character} for
|
||
|
||
On a dumb terminal such as a VT220, no. It is rumored that certain
|
||
VT220 clones could have their @key{Compose} key configured this way. If
|
||
you're using X, you might be able to do this with the @code{xmodmap}
|
||
command.
|
||
|
||
@node Binding combinations of modifiers and function keys, Meta key does not work in xterm, Compose Character, Key bindings
|
||
@section How do I bind a combination of modifier key and function key?
|
||
@cindex Modifiers and function keys
|
||
@cindex Function keys and modifiers
|
||
@cindex Binding modifiers and function keys
|
||
|
||
With Emacs 19 and later, you can represent modified function keys in
|
||
vector format by adding prefixes to the function key symbol. For
|
||
example (from the on-line documentation):
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(global-set-key [?\C-x right] 'forward-page)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
where @samp{?\C-x} is the Lisp character constant for the character @kbd{C-x}.
|
||
|
||
You can use the modifier keys @key{Control}, @key{Meta}, @key{Hyper},
|
||
@key{Super}, @key{Alt}, and @key{Shift} with function keys. To
|
||
represent these modifiers, prepend the strings @samp{C-}, @samp{M-},
|
||
@samp{H-}, @samp{s-}, @samp{A-}, and @samp{S-} to the symbol name. Here
|
||
is how to make @kbd{H-M-RIGHT} move forward a word:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(global-set-key [H-M-right] 'forward-word)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Not all modifiers are permitted in all situations. @key{Hyper},
|
||
@key{Super}, and @key{Alt} are not available on Unix character
|
||
terminals. Non-ASCII keys and mouse events (e.g. @kbd{C-=} and
|
||
@kbd{Mouse-1}) also fall under this category.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@xref{Binding keys to commands}, for general key binding instructions.
|
||
|
||
@node Meta key does not work in xterm, ExtendChar key does not work as Meta, Binding combinations of modifiers and function keys, Key bindings
|
||
@section Why doesn't my @key{Meta} key work in an @code{xterm} window?
|
||
@cindex @key{Meta} key and @code{xterm}
|
||
@cindex Xterm and @key{Meta} key
|
||
|
||
@inforef{Single-Byte Character Support, Single-Byte Character Set
|
||
Support, emacs}.
|
||
|
||
If the advice in the Emacs manual fails, try all of these methods before
|
||
asking for further help:
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
You may have big problems using @code{mwm} as your window manager.
|
||
(Does anyone know a good generic solution to allow the use of the
|
||
@key{Meta} key in Emacs with @file{mwm}?)
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
For X11: Make sure it really is a @key{Meta} key. Use @code{xev} to
|
||
find out what keysym your @key{Meta} key generates. It should be either
|
||
@code{Meta_L} or @code{Meta_R}. If it isn't, use @file{xmodmap} to fix
|
||
the situation. If @key{Meta} does generate @code{Meta_L} or
|
||
@code{Meta_R}, but @kbd{M-x} produces a non-ASCII character, put this in
|
||
your @file{~/.Xdefaults} file:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
XTerm*eightBitInput: false
|
||
XTerm*eightBitOutput: true
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Make sure the @code{pty} the @code{xterm} is using is passing 8 bit
|
||
characters. @samp{stty -a} (or @samp{stty everything}) should show
|
||
@samp{cs8} somewhere. If it shows @samp{cs7} instead, use @samp{stty
|
||
cs8 -istrip} (or @samp{stty pass8}) to fix it.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
If there is an @code{rlogin} connection between @code{xterm} and Emacs, the
|
||
@samp{-8} argument may need to be given to rlogin to make it pass all 8 bits
|
||
of every character.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
If Emacs is running on Ultrix, it is reported that evaluating
|
||
@code{(set-input-mode t nil)} helps.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
If all else fails, you can make @code{xterm} generate @kbd{@key{ESC} W} when
|
||
you type @kbd{M-W}, which is the same conversion Emacs would make if it
|
||
got the @kbd{M-W} anyway. In X11R4, the following resource
|
||
specification will do this:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
XTerm.VT100.EightBitInput: false
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
(This changes the behavior of the @code{insert-eight-bit} action.)
|
||
|
||
With older @code{xterm}s, you can specify this behavior with a translation:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
XTerm.VT100.Translations: #override \
|
||
Meta<KeyPress>: string(0x1b) insert()
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
You might have to replace @samp{Meta} with @samp{Alt}.
|
||
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node ExtendChar key does not work as Meta, , Meta key does not work in xterm, Key bindings
|
||
@section Why doesn't my @key{ExtendChar} key work as a @key{Meta} key under HP-UX 8.0 and 9.x?
|
||
@cindex @key{ExtendChar} key as @key{Meta}
|
||
@cindex @key{Meta}, using @key{ExtendChar} for
|
||
@cindex HP-UX, the @key{ExtendChar} key
|
||
|
||
This is a result of an internationalization extension in X11R4 and the
|
||
fact that HP is now using this extension. Emacs assumes that the
|
||
@code{XLookupString} function returns the same result regardless of the
|
||
@key{Meta} key state which is no longer necessarily true. Until Emacs
|
||
is fixed, the temporary kludge is to run this command after each time
|
||
the X server is started but preferably before any xterm clients are:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
xmodmap -e 'remove mod1 = Mode_switch'
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@c FIXME: Emacs 21 supports I18N in X11; does that mean that this bug is
|
||
@c solved?
|
||
|
||
This will disable the use of the extra keysyms systemwide, which may be
|
||
undesirable if you actually intend to use them.
|
||
|
||
@c ------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
@node Alternate character sets, Mail and news, Key bindings, Top
|
||
@chapter Alternate character sets
|
||
@cindex Alternate character sets
|
||
|
||
@menu
|
||
* Emacs does not display 8-bit characters::
|
||
* Inputting eight-bit characters::
|
||
* Kanji and Chinese characters::
|
||
* Right-to-left alphabets::
|
||
@end menu
|
||
|
||
@node Emacs does not display 8-bit characters, Inputting eight-bit characters, Alternate character sets, Alternate character sets
|
||
@section How do I make Emacs display 8-bit characters?
|
||
@cindex Displaying eight-bit characters
|
||
@cindex Eight-bit characters, displaying
|
||
|
||
@inforef{Single-Byte Character Support, Single-byte Character Set
|
||
Support, emacs}. On a Unix, when Emacs runs on a text-only terminal
|
||
display or is invoked with @samp{emacs -nw}, you typically need to use
|
||
@code{set-terminal-coding-system} to tell Emacs what the terminal can
|
||
display, even after setting the language environment; otherwise
|
||
non-ASCII characters will display as @samp{?}. On other operating
|
||
systems, such as MS-DOS and MS-Windows, Emacs queries the OS about the
|
||
character set supported by the display, and sets up the required
|
||
terminal coding system automatically.
|
||
|
||
@node Inputting eight-bit characters, Kanji and Chinese characters, Emacs does not display 8-bit characters, Alternate character sets
|
||
@section How do I input eight-bit characters?
|
||
@cindex Entering eight-bit characters
|
||
@cindex Eight-bit characters, entering
|
||
@cindex Input, 8-bit characters
|
||
|
||
Various methods are available for input of eight-bit characters. See
|
||
@inforef{Single-Byte Character Support, Single-byte Character Set
|
||
Support, emacs}. For more sophisticated methods, @inforef{Input
|
||
Methods, Input Methods, emacs}.
|
||
|
||
@node Kanji and Chinese characters, Right-to-left alphabets, Inputting eight-bit characters, Alternate character sets
|
||
@section Where can I get an Emacs that handles kanji, Chinese, or other Far-Eastern character sets?
|
||
@cindex Kanji, handling with Emacs
|
||
@cindex Chinese, handling with Emacs
|
||
@cindex Japanese, handling with Emacs
|
||
@cindex Korean, handling with Emacs
|
||
|
||
Emacs 20 and later includes many of the features of MULE, the MULtilingual
|
||
Enhancement to Emacs. @xref{Installing Emacs}, for information on where
|
||
to find and download the latest version of Emacs.
|
||
|
||
@node Right-to-left alphabets, , Kanji and Chinese characters, Alternate character sets
|
||
@section Where is an Emacs that can handle Semitic (right-to-left) alphabets?
|
||
@cindex Right-to-left alphabets
|
||
@cindex Hebrew, handling with Emacs
|
||
@cindex Semitic alphabets
|
||
@cindex Arabic alphabets
|
||
|
||
Emacs 20 and later supports Hebrew characters (ISO 8859-8), but does not
|
||
yet support right-to-left character entry and display.
|
||
|
||
@email{joel@@exc.com, Joel M. Hoffman} has written a Lisp package called
|
||
@file{hebrew.el} that allows right-to-left editing of Hebrew. It
|
||
reportedly works out of the box with Emacs 19, but requires patches for
|
||
Emacs 18. Write to Joel if you want the patches or package.
|
||
|
||
@c FIXME: Should we mention Ehud Karni's package?
|
||
|
||
@file{hebrew.el} requires a Hebrew screen font, but no other hardware support.
|
||
Joel has a screen font for PCs running MS-DOS or GNU/Linux.
|
||
|
||
You might also try to query archie for files named with @file{hebrew};
|
||
several ftp sites in Israel may also have the necessary files.
|
||
|
||
@c ------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
@node Mail and news, Concept index, Alternate character sets, Top
|
||
@chapter Mail and news
|
||
@cindex Mail and news
|
||
|
||
@menu
|
||
* Changing the included text prefix::
|
||
* Saving a copy of outgoing mail::
|
||
* Expanding aliases when sending mail::
|
||
* Rmail thinks all messages are one big one::
|
||
* Sorting the messages in an Rmail folder::
|
||
* Rmail writes to /usr/spool/mail::
|
||
* Recovering mail files when Rmail munges them::
|
||
* Replying to the sender of a message::
|
||
* MIME with Emacs mail packages::
|
||
* Automatically starting a mail or news reader::
|
||
* Reading news with Emacs::
|
||
* Gnus does not work with NNTP::
|
||
* Viewing articles with embedded underlining::
|
||
* Saving a multi-part Gnus posting::
|
||
* Starting Gnus faster::
|
||
* Catching up in all newsgroups::
|
||
* Killing based on nonstandard headers::
|
||
* Removing flashing messages::
|
||
* Catch-up is slow in Gnus::
|
||
* Gnus hangs for a long time::
|
||
* Learning more about Gnus::
|
||
@end menu
|
||
|
||
@node Changing the included text prefix, Saving a copy of outgoing mail, Mail and news, Mail and news
|
||
@section How do I change the included text prefix in mail/news followups?
|
||
@cindex Prefix in mail/news followups, changing
|
||
@cindex Included text prefix, changing
|
||
@cindex Setting the included text character
|
||
@cindex Quoting in mail messages
|
||
|
||
If you read mail with Rmail or news with Gnus, set the variable
|
||
@code{mail-yank-prefix}. For VM, set @code{vm-included-text-prefix}.
|
||
For mh-e, set @code{mh-ins-buf-prefix}.
|
||
|
||
For fancier control of citations, use Supercite. @xref{Supercite}.
|
||
|
||
To prevent Emacs from including various headers of the replied-to
|
||
message, set the value of @code{mail-yank-ignored-headers} to an
|
||
appropriate regexp.
|
||
|
||
@node Saving a copy of outgoing mail, Expanding aliases when sending mail, Changing the included text prefix, Mail and news
|
||
@section How do I save a copy of outgoing mail?
|
||
@cindex Saving a copy of outgoing mail
|
||
@cindex Copying outgoing mail to a file
|
||
@cindex Filing outgoing mail
|
||
@cindex Automatic filing of outgoing mail
|
||
@cindex Mail, saving outgoing automatically
|
||
|
||
You can either mail yourself a copy by including a @samp{BCC} header in the
|
||
mail message, or store a copy of the message directly to a file by
|
||
including an @samp{FCC} header.
|
||
|
||
If you use standard mail, you can automatically create a @samp{BCC} to
|
||
yourself by putting
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq mail-self-blind t)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
in your @file{.emacs} file. You can automatically include an @samp{FCC}
|
||
field by putting something like the following in your @file{.emacs}
|
||
file:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq mail-archive-file-name (expand-file-name "~/outgoing"))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
The output file will be in Unix mail format, which can be read directly
|
||
by VM, but not always by Rmail. @xref{Learning how to do something}.
|
||
|
||
If you use @code{mh-e}, add an @samp{FCC} or @samp{BCC} field to your
|
||
components file.
|
||
|
||
It does not work to put @samp{set record filename} in the @file{.mailrc}
|
||
file.
|
||
|
||
@node Expanding aliases when sending mail, Rmail thinks all messages are one big one, Saving a copy of outgoing mail, Mail and news
|
||
@section Why doesn't Emacs expand my aliases when sending mail?
|
||
@cindex Expanding aliases when sending mail
|
||
@cindex Mail alias expansion
|
||
@cindex Sending mail with aliases
|
||
|
||
@itemize @bullet
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
You must separate multiple addresses in the headers of the mail buffer
|
||
with commas. This is because Emacs supports RFC822 standard addresses
|
||
like this one:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
To: Willy Smith <wks@@xpnsv.lwyrs.com>
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
However, you do not need to---and probably should not, unless your
|
||
system's version of @file{/usr/ucb/mail} (a.k.a.@: @code{mailx})
|
||
supports RFC822---separate addresses with commas in your
|
||
@file{~/.mailrc} file.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
Emacs normally only reads the @file{.mailrc} file once per session,
|
||
when you start to compose your first mail message. If you edit
|
||
@file{.mailrc}, you can type @kbd{M-x rebuild-mail-abbrevs @key{RET}} to
|
||
make Emacs reread @file{~/.mailrc}.
|
||
|
||
@item
|
||
If you like, you can expand mail aliases as abbrevs, as soon as you
|
||
type them in. To enable this feature, execute the following:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(add-hook 'mail-mode-hook 'mail-abbrevs-setup)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
Note that the aliases are expanded automatically only after you type
|
||
@key{RET} or a punctuation character (e.g. @kbd{,}). You can force their
|
||
expansion by moving point to the end of the alias and typing @kbd{C-x a e}
|
||
(@kbd{M-x expand-abbrev}).
|
||
@end itemize
|
||
|
||
@node Rmail thinks all messages are one big one, Sorting the messages in an Rmail folder, Expanding aliases when sending mail, Mail and news
|
||
@section Why does Rmail think all my saved messages are one big message?
|
||
@cindex Rmail thinks all messages are one large message
|
||
|
||
A file created through the @samp{FCC} field in a message is in Unix mail
|
||
format, not the format that Rmail uses (BABYL format). Rmail will try
|
||
to convert a Unix mail file into BABYL format on input, but sometimes it
|
||
makes errors. For guaranteed safety, you can make the
|
||
@file{saved-messages} file be an inbox for your Rmail file by using the
|
||
function @code{set-rmail-inbox-list}.
|
||
|
||
@node Sorting the messages in an Rmail folder, Rmail writes to /usr/spool/mail, Rmail thinks all messages are one big one, Mail and news
|
||
@section How can I sort the messages in my Rmail folder?
|
||
@cindex Rmail, sorting messages in
|
||
@cindex Folder, sorting messages in an Rmail
|
||
@cindex Sorting messages in an Rmail folder
|
||
|
||
In Rmail, type @kbd{C-c C-s C-h} to get a list of sorting functions
|
||
and their key bindings.
|
||
|
||
@node Rmail writes to /usr/spool/mail, Recovering mail files when Rmail munges them, Sorting the messages in an Rmail folder, Mail and news
|
||
@section Why does Rmail need to write to @file{/usr/spool/mail}?
|
||
@cindex Rmail and @file{/usr/spool/mail}
|
||
@cindex @file{/usr/spool/mail} and Rmail
|
||
|
||
This is the behavior of the @code{movemail} program which Rmail uses.
|
||
This indicates that @code{movemail} is configured to use lock files.
|
||
|
||
RMS writes:
|
||
|
||
@quotation
|
||
Certain systems require lock files to interlock access to mail files.
|
||
On these systems, @code{movemail} must write lock files, or you risk losing
|
||
mail. You simply must arrange to let @code{movemail} write them.
|
||
|
||
Other systems use the @code{flock} system call to interlock access. On
|
||
these systems, you should configure @code{movemail} to use @code{flock}.
|
||
@end quotation
|
||
|
||
@node Recovering mail files when Rmail munges them, Replying to the sender of a message, Rmail writes to /usr/spool/mail, Mail and news
|
||
@section How do I recover my mail files after Rmail munges their format?
|
||
@cindex Recovering munged mail files
|
||
@cindex Rmail munged my files
|
||
@cindex Mail files, recovering those munged by Rmail
|
||
|
||
If you have just done @kbd{M-x rmail-input} on a file and you don't want
|
||
to save it in Rmail's format (called BABYL), just kill the buffer (with
|
||
@kbd{C-x k}).
|
||
|
||
@cindex Exporting messages as Unix mail files
|
||
If you typed @kbd{M-x rmail} and it read some messages out of your inbox
|
||
and you want to put them in a Unix mail file, use @kbd{C-o} on each
|
||
message.
|
||
|
||
@cindex Converting from BABYL to Unix mail format
|
||
@cindex @code{unrmail} command
|
||
If you want to convert an existing file from BABYL format to Unix mail
|
||
format, use the command @kbd{M-x unrmail}: it will prompt you for the
|
||
input and output file names.
|
||
|
||
@pindex b2m
|
||
Alternatively, you could use the @code{b2m} program supplied with
|
||
Emacs. @code{b2m} is a filter, and is used like this:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
b2m < @var{babyl-file} > @var{mbox-file}
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
where @var{babyl-file} is the name of the BABYL file, and
|
||
@var{mbox-file} is the name of the file where the converted mail will
|
||
be written.
|
||
|
||
@node Replying to the sender of a message, MIME with Emacs mail packages, Recovering mail files when Rmail munges them, Mail and news
|
||
@section How can I force Rmail to reply to the sender of a message, but not the other recipients?
|
||
@cindex Replying only to the sender of a message
|
||
@cindex Sender, replying only to
|
||
@cindex Rmail, replying to the sender of a message in
|
||
|
||
@email{isaacson@@seas.upenn.edu, Ron Isaacson} says: When you hit
|
||
@key{r} to reply in Rmail, by default it CCs all of the original
|
||
recipients (everyone on the original @samp{To} and @samp{CC}
|
||
lists). With a prefix argument (i.e., typing @kbd{C-u} before @key{r}),
|
||
it replies only to the sender. However, going through the whole
|
||
@kbd{C-u} business every time you want to reply is a pain. This is the
|
||
best fix I've been able to come up with:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(defun rmail-reply-t ()
|
||
"Reply only to the sender of the current message. (See rmail-reply.)"
|
||
(interactive)
|
||
(rmail-reply t))
|
||
|
||
(add-hook 'rmail-mode-hook
|
||
(lambda ()
|
||
(define-key rmail-mode-map "r" 'rmail-reply-t)
|
||
(define-key rmail-mode-map "R" 'rmail-reply)))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@node MIME with Emacs mail packages, Automatically starting a mail or news reader, Replying to the sender of a message, Mail and news
|
||
@section How can I get my favorite Emacs mail package to support MIME?
|
||
@cindex MIME and Emacs mail packages
|
||
@cindex Mail packages and MIME
|
||
@cindex FAQ for MIME and Emacs
|
||
|
||
Read the Emacs MIME FAQ, maintained by @email{trey@@cs.berkeley.edu,
|
||
MacDonald Hall Jackson} at
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://bmrc.berkeley.edu/~trey/emacs/mime.html}
|
||
|
||
Version 6.x of VM supports MIME. @xref{VM}. Gnus supports MIME in mail
|
||
and news messages as of version 5.8.1 (Pterodactyl). Rmail has limited
|
||
support for single-part MIME messages beginning with Emacs 20.3.
|
||
|
||
@node Automatically starting a mail or news reader, Reading news with Emacs, MIME with Emacs mail packages, Mail and news
|
||
@section How do I make Emacs automatically start my mail/news reader?
|
||
@cindex Mail reader, starting automatically
|
||
@cindex News reader, starting automatically
|
||
@cindex Starting mail/news reader automatically
|
||
|
||
To start Emacs in Gnus:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
emacs -f gnus
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@noindent
|
||
in Rmail:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
emacs -f rmail
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
A more convenient way to start with Gnus:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
alias gnus 'emacs -f gnus'
|
||
gnus
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
It is probably unwise to automatically start your mail or news reader
|
||
from your @file{.emacs} file. This would cause problems if you needed to run
|
||
two copies of Emacs at the same time. Also, this would make it difficult for
|
||
you to start Emacs quickly when you needed to.
|
||
|
||
@node Reading news with Emacs, Gnus does not work with NNTP, Automatically starting a mail or news reader, Mail and news
|
||
@section How do I read news under Emacs?
|
||
@cindex Reading news under Emacs
|
||
@cindex Usenet reader in Emacs
|
||
@cindex Gnus newsreader
|
||
|
||
Use @kbd{M-x gnus}. It is documented in Info (@pxref{Learning how to do
|
||
something}).
|
||
|
||
@node Gnus does not work with NNTP, Viewing articles with embedded underlining, Reading news with Emacs, Mail and news
|
||
@section Why doesn't Gnus work via NNTP?
|
||
@cindex Gnus and NNTP
|
||
@cindex NNTP, Gnus fails to work with
|
||
|
||
There is a bug in NNTP version 1.5.10, such that when multiple requests
|
||
are sent to the NNTP server, the server only handles the first one
|
||
before blocking waiting for more input which never comes. NNTP version
|
||
1.5.11 claims to fix this.
|
||
|
||
You can work around the bug inside Emacs like this:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq nntp-maximum-request 1)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
You can find out what version of NNTP your news server is running by
|
||
telnetting to the NNTP port (usually 119) on the news server machine
|
||
(i.e., @kbd{telnet server-machine 119}). The server should give its
|
||
version number in the welcome message. Type @kbd{quit} to get out.
|
||
|
||
@xref{Spontaneous entry into isearch-mode}, for some additional ideas.
|
||
|
||
@node Viewing articles with embedded underlining, Saving a multi-part Gnus posting, Gnus does not work with NNTP, Mail and news
|
||
@section How do I view news articles with embedded underlining (e.g., ClariNews)?
|
||
@cindex Underlining, embedded in news articles
|
||
@cindex News articles with embedded underlining
|
||
@cindex Embedded underlining in news articles
|
||
|
||
Underlining appears like this:
|
||
|
||
@example
|
||
_^Hu_^Hn_^Hd_^He_^Hr_^Hl_^Hi_^Hn_^Hi_^Hn_^Hg
|
||
@end example
|
||
|
||
@email{abraham@@dina.kvl.dk, Per Abrahamsen} suggests using the following
|
||
code, which uses the underline face to turn such text into true
|
||
underlining, inconjunction with Gnus:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(defun gnus-article-prepare-overstrike ()
|
||
;; Prepare article for overstrike commands.
|
||
(save-excursion
|
||
(set-buffer gnus-article-buffer)
|
||
(let ((buffer-read-only nil))
|
||
(goto-char (point-min))
|
||
(while (search-forward "\b" nil t)
|
||
(let ((next (following-char))
|
||
(previous (char-after (- (point) 2))))
|
||
(cond ((eq next previous)
|
||
(delete-region (- (point) 2) (point))
|
||
(put-text-property (point) (1+ (point))
|
||
'face 'bold))
|
||
((eq next ?_)
|
||
(delete-region (1- (point)) (1+ (point)))
|
||
(put-text-property (1- (point)) (point)
|
||
'face 'underline))
|
||
((eq previous ?_)
|
||
(delete-region (- (point) 2) (point))
|
||
(put-text-property (point) (1+ (point))
|
||
'face 'underline))))))))
|
||
|
||
(add-hook 'gnus-article-prepare-hook 'gnus-article-prepare-overstrike)
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
Latest versions of Gnus do such a conversion automatically.
|
||
|
||
If you prefer to do away with underlining altogether, you can
|
||
destructively remove it with @kbd{M-x ununderline-region}; do this
|
||
automatically via
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(add-hook 'gnus-article-prepare-hook
|
||
(lambda () (ununderline-region (point-min) (point-max))))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@node Saving a multi-part Gnus posting, Starting Gnus faster, Viewing articles with embedded underlining, Mail and news
|
||
@section How do I save all the items of a multi-part posting in Gnus?
|
||
@cindex Multi-part postings in Gnus, saving
|
||
@cindex Saving multi-part postings in Gnus
|
||
@cindex Gnus, saving multi-part postings in
|
||
|
||
Use @code{gnus-uu}. Type @kbd{C-c C-v C-h} in the Gnus summary buffer
|
||
to see a list of available commands.
|
||
|
||
@node Starting Gnus faster, Catching up in all newsgroups, Saving a multi-part Gnus posting, Mail and news
|
||
@section How do I make Gnus start up faster?
|
||
@cindex Faster, starting Gnus
|
||
@cindex Starting Gnus faster
|
||
@cindex Gnus, starting faster
|
||
|
||
From the Gnus FAQ (@pxref{Learning more about Gnus}):
|
||
|
||
@quotation
|
||
@email{pktiwari@@eos.ncsu.edu, Pranav Kumar Tiwari} writes: I posted
|
||
the same query recently and I got an answer to it. I am going to
|
||
repeat the answer. What you need is a newer version of gnus, version
|
||
5.0.4+. I am using 5.0.12 and it works fine with me with the
|
||
following settings:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(setq gnus-check-new-newsgroups nil
|
||
gnus-read-active-file 'some
|
||
gnus-nov-is-evil nil
|
||
gnus-select-method '(nntp gnus-nntp-server))
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
@end quotation
|
||
|
||
@node Catching up in all newsgroups, Killing based on nonstandard headers, Starting Gnus faster, Mail and news
|
||
@section How do I catch up all newsgroups in Gnus?
|
||
@cindex Catching up all newsgroups in Gnus
|
||
@cindex Gnus, Catching up all newsgroups in
|
||
|
||
In the @file{*Newsgroup*} buffer, type @kbd{M-< C-x ( c y C-x ) M-0 C-x e}
|
||
|
||
Leave off the initial @kbd{M-<} if you only want to catch up from point
|
||
to the end of the @file{*Newsgroup*} buffer.
|
||
|
||
@node Killing based on nonstandard headers, Removing flashing messages, Catching up in all newsgroups, Mail and news
|
||
@section Why can't I kill in Gnus based on the Newsgroups/Keywords/Control headers?
|
||
@cindex Killing articles based on nonstandard headers
|
||
@cindex Newsgroups header, killing articles based on
|
||
@cindex Keywords header, killing articles based on
|
||
@cindex Control header, killing articles based on
|
||
|
||
Gnus will complain that the @samp{Newsgroups}, @samp{Keywords}, and
|
||
@samp{Control} headers are ``Unknown header'' fields.
|
||
|
||
For the @samp{Newsgroups} header, there is an easy workaround: kill on the
|
||
@samp{Xref} header instead, which will be present on any cross-posted article
|
||
(as long as your site carries the cross-post group).
|
||
|
||
If you really want to kill on one of these headers, you can do it like
|
||
this:
|
||
|
||
@lisp
|
||
(gnus-kill nil "^Newsgroups: .*\\(bad\\.group\\|worse\\.group\\)")
|
||
@end lisp
|
||
|
||
@node Removing flashing messages, Catch-up is slow in Gnus, Killing based on nonstandard headers, Mail and news
|
||
@section How do I get rid of flashing messages in Gnus for slow connections?
|
||
@cindex Flashing Gnus messages, removing
|
||
@cindex Removing flashing Gnus messages
|
||
@cindex Slow connections causing flashing messages in Gnus
|
||
@cindex Gnus, flashing messages in
|
||
|
||
Set @code{nntp-debug-read} to @code{nil}.
|
||
|
||
@node Catch-up is slow in Gnus, Gnus hangs for a long time, Removing flashing messages, Mail and news
|
||
@section Why is catch up slow in Gnus?
|
||
@cindex Slow catch up in Gnus
|
||
@cindex Gnus is slow when catching up
|
||
@cindex Crosspostings make Gnus catching up slow
|
||
|
||
Because Gnus is marking crosspostings read. You can control this with
|
||
the variable @code{gnus-use-cross-reference}.
|
||
|
||
@node Gnus hangs for a long time, Learning more about Gnus, Catch-up is slow in Gnus, Mail and news
|
||
@section Why does Gnus hang for a long time when posting?
|
||
@cindex Hangs in Gnus
|
||
@cindex Gnus hangs while posting
|
||
@cindex Posting, Gnus hangs wile
|
||
|
||
@email{tale@@uunet.uu.net, David Lawrence} explains:
|
||
|
||
@quotation
|
||
The problem is almost always interaction between NNTP and C News. NNTP
|
||
POST asks C News's @code{inews} to not background itself but rather hang
|
||
around and give its exit status so it knows whether the post was successful.
|
||
(That wait will on some systems not return the exit status of the
|
||
waited for job is a different sort of problem.) It ends up taking a
|
||
long time because @code{inews} is calling @code{relaynews}, which often
|
||
waits for another @code{relaynews} to free the lock on the news system
|
||
so it can file the article.
|
||
|
||
My preferred solution is to change @code{inews} to not call
|
||
@code{relaynews}, but rather use @code{newsspool}. This loses some
|
||
error-catching functionality, but is for the most part safe as
|
||
@code{inews} will detect a lot of the errors on its own. The C News
|
||
folks have sped up @code{inews}, too, so speed should look better to
|
||
most folks as that update propagates around.
|
||
@end quotation
|
||
|
||
@node Learning more about Gnus, , Gnus hangs for a long time, Mail and news
|
||
@section Where can I find out more about Gnus?
|
||
@cindex FAQ for Gnus
|
||
@cindex Gnus FAQ
|
||
@cindex Learning more about GNU
|
||
|
||
Look for the Gnus FAQ, available at
|
||
|
||
@uref{http://www.ccs.neu.edu/software/contrib/gnus/}
|
||
|
||
@node Concept index, , Mail and news, Top
|
||
@unnumbered Concept Index
|
||
@printindex cp
|
||
|
||
@contents
|
||
@bye
|