(ibuffer-set-mark): Go back to the beginning of the line after setting
[bpt/emacs.git] / man / misc.texi
1 @c This is part of the Emacs manual.
2 @c Copyright (C) 1985, 86, 87, 93, 94, 95, 97, 2000, 2001
3 @c Free Software Foundation, Inc.
4 @c See file emacs.texi for copying conditions.
5 @iftex
6 @chapter Miscellaneous Commands
7
8 This chapter contains several brief topics that do not fit anywhere
9 else: reading netnews, running shell commands and shell subprocesses,
10 using a single shared Emacs for utilities that expect to run an editor
11 as a subprocess, printing hardcopy, sorting text, narrowing display to
12 part of the buffer, editing double-column files and binary files, saving
13 an Emacs session for later resumption, emulating other editors, and
14 various diversions and amusements.
15
16 @end iftex
17 @node Gnus, Shell, Calendar/Diary, Top
18 @section Gnus
19 @cindex Gnus
20 @cindex reading netnews
21
22 Gnus is an Emacs package primarily designed for reading and posting
23 Usenet news. It can also be used to read and respond to messages from a
24 number of other sources---mail, remote directories, digests, and so on.
25
26 Here we introduce Gnus and describe several basic features.
27 @ifinfo
28 For full details, see @ref{Top, Gnus,, gnus, The Gnus Manual}.
29 @end ifinfo
30 @iftex
31 For full details on Gnus, type @kbd{M-x info} and then select the Gnus
32 manual.
33 @end iftex
34
35 @findex gnus
36 To start Gnus, type @kbd{M-x gnus @key{RET}}.
37
38 @menu
39 * Buffers of Gnus:: The group, summary, and article buffers.
40 * Gnus Startup:: What you should know about starting Gnus.
41 * Summary of Gnus:: A short description of the basic Gnus commands.
42 @end menu
43
44 @node Buffers of Gnus
45 @subsection Gnus Buffers
46
47 As opposed to most normal Emacs packages, Gnus uses a number of
48 different buffers to display information and to receive commands. The
49 three buffers users spend most of their time in are the @dfn{group
50 buffer}, the @dfn{summary buffer} and the @dfn{article buffer}.
51
52 The @dfn{group buffer} contains a list of groups. This is the first
53 buffer Gnus displays when it starts up. It normally displays only the
54 groups to which you subscribe and that contain unread articles. Use
55 this buffer to select a specific group.
56
57 The @dfn{summary buffer} lists one line for each article in a single
58 group. By default, the author, the subject and the line number are
59 displayed for each article, but this is customizable, like most aspects
60 of Gnus display. The summary buffer is created when you select a group
61 in the group buffer, and is killed when you exit the group. Use this
62 buffer to select an article.
63
64 The @dfn{article buffer} displays the article. In normal Gnus usage,
65 you don't select this buffer---all useful article-oriented commands work
66 in the summary buffer. But you can select the article buffer, and
67 execute all Gnus commands from that buffer, if you want to.
68
69 @node Gnus Startup
70 @subsection When Gnus Starts Up
71
72 At startup, Gnus reads your @file{.newsrc} news initialization file
73 and attempts to communicate with the local news server, which is a
74 repository of news articles. The news server need not be the same
75 computer you are logged in on.
76
77 If you start Gnus and connect to the server, but do not see any
78 newsgroups listed in the group buffer, type @kbd{L} or @kbd{A k} to get
79 a listing of all the groups. Then type @kbd{u} to toggle
80 subscription to groups.
81
82 The first time you start Gnus, Gnus subscribes you to a few selected
83 groups. All other groups start out as @dfn{killed groups} for you; you
84 can list them with @kbd{A k}. All new groups that subsequently come to
85 exist at the news server become @dfn{zombie groups} for you; type @kbd{A
86 z} to list them. You can subscribe to a group shown in these lists
87 using the @kbd{u} command.
88
89 When you quit Gnus with @kbd{q}, it automatically records in your
90 @file{.newsrc} and @file{.newsrc.eld} initialization files the
91 subscribed or unsubscribed status of all groups. You should normally
92 not edit these files manually, but you may if you know how.
93
94 @node Summary of Gnus
95 @subsection Summary of Gnus Commands
96
97 Reading news is a two-step process:
98
99 @enumerate
100 @item
101 Choose a group in the group buffer.
102
103 @item
104 Select articles from the summary buffer. Each article selected is
105 displayed in the article buffer in a large window, below the summary
106 buffer in its small window.
107 @end enumerate
108
109 Each Gnus buffer has its own special commands; however, the meanings
110 of any given key in the various Gnus buffers are usually analogous, even
111 if not identical. Here are commands for the group and summary buffers:
112
113 @table @kbd
114 @kindex q @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
115 @findex gnus-group-exit
116 @item q
117 In the group buffer, update your @file{.newsrc} initialization file
118 and quit Gnus.
119
120 In the summary buffer, exit the current group and return to the
121 group buffer. Thus, typing @kbd{q} twice quits Gnus.
122
123 @kindex L @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
124 @findex gnus-group-list-all-groups
125 @item L
126 In the group buffer, list all the groups available on your news
127 server (except those you have killed). This may be a long list!
128
129 @kindex l @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
130 @findex gnus-group-list-groups
131 @item l
132 In the group buffer, list only the groups to which you subscribe and
133 which contain unread articles.
134
135 @kindex u @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
136 @findex gnus-group-unsubscribe-current-group
137 @cindex subscribe groups
138 @cindex unsubscribe groups
139 @item u
140 In the group buffer, unsubscribe from (or subscribe to) the group listed
141 in the line that point is on. When you quit Gnus by typing @kbd{q},
142 Gnus lists in your @file{.newsrc} file which groups you have subscribed
143 to. The next time you start Gnus, you won't see this group,
144 because Gnus normally displays only subscribed-to groups.
145
146 @kindex C-k @r{(Gnus)}
147 @findex gnus-group-kill-group
148 @item C-k
149 In the group buffer, ``kill'' the current line's group---don't
150 even list it in @file{.newsrc} from now on. This affects future
151 Gnus sessions as well as the present session.
152
153 When you quit Gnus by typing @kbd{q}, Gnus writes information
154 in the file @file{.newsrc} describing all newsgroups except those you
155 have ``killed.''
156
157 @kindex SPC @r{(Gnus)}
158 @findex gnus-group-read-group
159 @item @key{SPC}
160 In the group buffer, select the group on the line under the cursor
161 and display the first unread article in that group.
162
163 @need 1000
164 In the summary buffer,
165
166 @itemize @bullet
167 @item
168 Select the article on the line under the cursor if none is selected.
169
170 @item
171 Scroll the text of the selected article (if there is one).
172
173 @item
174 Select the next unread article if at the end of the current article.
175 @end itemize
176
177 Thus, you can move through all the articles by repeatedly typing @key{SPC}.
178
179 @kindex DEL @r{(Gnus)}
180 @item @key{DEL}
181 In the group buffer, move point to the previous group containing
182 unread articles.
183
184 @findex gnus-summary-prev-page
185 In the summary buffer, scroll the text of the article backwards.
186
187 @kindex n @r{(Gnus)}
188 @findex gnus-group-next-unread-group
189 @findex gnus-summary-next-unread-article
190 @item n
191 Move point to the next unread group, or select the next unread article.
192
193 @kindex p @r{(Gnus)}
194 @findex gnus-group-prev-unread-group
195 @findex gnus-summary-prev-unread-article
196 @item p
197 Move point to the previous unread group, or select the previous
198 unread article.
199
200 @kindex C-n @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
201 @findex gnus-group-next-group
202 @kindex C-p @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
203 @findex gnus-group-prev-group
204 @kindex C-n @r{(Gnus Summary mode)}
205 @findex gnus-summary-next-subject
206 @kindex C-p @r{(Gnus Summary mode)}
207 @findex gnus-summary-prev-subject
208 @item C-n
209 @itemx C-p
210 Move point to the next or previous item, even if it is marked as read.
211 This does not select the article or group on that line.
212
213 @kindex s @r{(Gnus Summary mode)}
214 @findex gnus-summary-isearch-article
215 @item s
216 In the summary buffer, do an incremental search of the current text in
217 the article buffer, just as if you switched to the article buffer and
218 typed @kbd{C-s}.
219
220 @kindex M-s @r{(Gnus Summary mode)}
221 @findex gnus-summary-search-article-forward
222 @item M-s @var{regexp} @key{RET}
223 In the summary buffer, search forward for articles containing a match
224 for @var{regexp}.
225
226 @end table
227
228 @ignore
229 @node Where to Look
230 @subsection Where to Look Further
231
232 @c Too many references to the name of the manual if done with xref in TeX!
233 Gnus is powerful and customizable. Here are references to a few
234 @ifinfo
235 additional topics:
236
237 @end ifinfo
238 @iftex
239 additional topics in @cite{The Gnus Manual}:
240
241 @itemize @bullet
242 @item
243 Follow discussions on specific topics.@*
244 See section ``Threading.''
245
246 @item
247 Read digests. See section ``Document Groups.''
248
249 @item
250 Refer to and jump to the parent of the current article.@*
251 See section ``Finding the Parent.''
252
253 @item
254 Refer to articles by using Message-IDs included in the messages.@*
255 See section ``Article Keymap.''
256
257 @item
258 Save articles. See section ``Saving Articles.''
259
260 @item
261 Have Gnus score articles according to various criteria, like author
262 name, subject, or string in the body of the articles.@*
263 See section ``Scoring.''
264
265 @item
266 Send an article to a newsgroup.@*
267 See section ``Composing Messages.''
268 @end itemize
269 @end iftex
270 @ifinfo
271 @itemize @bullet
272 @item
273 Follow discussions on specific topics.@*
274 @xref{Threading, , Reading Based on Conversation Threads,
275 gnus, The Gnus Manual}.
276
277 @item
278 Read digests. @xref{Document Groups, , , gnus, The Gnus Manual}.
279
280 @item
281 Refer to and jump to the parent of the current article.@*
282 @xref{Finding the Parent, , , gnus, The Gnus Manual}.
283
284 @item
285 Refer to articles by using Message-IDs included in the messages.@*
286 @xref{Article Keymap, , , gnus, The Gnus Manual}.
287
288 @item
289 Save articles. @xref{Saving Articles, , , gnus, The Gnus Manual}.
290
291 @item
292 Have Gnus score articles according to various criteria, like author
293 name, subject, or string in the body of the articles.@*
294 @xref{Scoring, , , gnus, The Gnus Manual}.
295
296 @item
297 Send an article to a newsgroup.@*
298 @xref{Composing Messages, , , gnus, The Gnus Manual}.
299 @end itemize
300 @end ifinfo
301 @end ignore
302
303 @node Shell, Emacs Server, Gnus, Top
304 @section Running Shell Commands from Emacs
305 @cindex subshell
306 @cindex shell commands
307
308 Emacs has commands for passing single command lines to inferior shell
309 processes; it can also run a shell interactively with input and output
310 to an Emacs buffer named @samp{*shell*} or run a shell inside a terminal
311 emulator window.
312
313 There is a shell implemented entirely in Emacs, documented in a separate
314 manual. @xref{Top,Eshell,Eshell, eshell, Eshell: The Emacs Shell}.
315
316 @table @kbd
317 @item M-! @var{cmd} @key{RET}
318 Run the shell command line @var{cmd} and display the output
319 (@code{shell-command}).
320 @item M-| @var{cmd} @key{RET}
321 Run the shell command line @var{cmd} with region contents as input;
322 optionally replace the region with the output
323 (@code{shell-command-on-region}).
324 @item M-x shell
325 Run a subshell with input and output through an Emacs buffer.
326 You can then give commands interactively.
327 @item M-x term
328 Run a subshell with input and output through an Emacs buffer.
329 You can then give commands interactively.
330 Full terminal emulation is available.
331 @item M-x eshell
332 @findex eshell
333 Start the Emacs shell.
334 @end table
335
336 @menu
337 * Single Shell:: How to run one shell command and return.
338 * Interactive Shell:: Permanent shell taking input via Emacs.
339 * Shell Mode:: Special Emacs commands used with permanent shell.
340 * History: Shell History. Repeating previous commands in a shell buffer.
341 * Directory Tracking:: Keeping track when the subshell changes directory.
342 * Options: Shell Options. Options for customizing Shell mode.
343 * Terminal emulator:: An Emacs window as a terminal emulator.
344 * Term Mode:: Special Emacs commands used in Term mode.
345 * Paging in Term:: Paging in the terminal emulator.
346 * Remote Host:: Connecting to another computer.
347 @end menu
348
349 @node Single Shell
350 @subsection Single Shell Commands
351
352 @kindex M-!
353 @findex shell-command
354 @kbd{M-!} (@code{shell-command}) reads a line of text using the
355 minibuffer and executes it as a shell command in a subshell made just
356 for that command. Standard input for the command comes from the null
357 device. If the shell command produces any output, the output appears
358 either in the echo area (if it is short), or in an Emacs buffer named
359 @samp{*Shell Command Output*}, which is displayed in another window
360 but not selected (if the output is long).
361
362 For instance, one way to decompress a file @file{foo.gz} from Emacs
363 is to type @kbd{M-! gunzip foo.gz @key{RET}}. That shell command
364 normally creates the file @file{foo} and produces no terminal output.
365
366 A numeric argument, as in @kbd{M-1 M-!}, says to insert terminal
367 output into the current buffer instead of a separate buffer. It puts
368 point before the output, and sets the mark after the output. For
369 instance, @kbd{M-1 M-! gunzip < foo.gz @key{RET}} would insert the
370 uncompressed equivalent of @file{foo.gz} into the current buffer.
371
372 If the shell command line ends in @samp{&}, it runs asynchronously.
373 For a synchronous shell command, @code{shell-command} returns the
374 command's exit status (0 means success), when it is called from a Lisp
375 program. You do not get any status information for an asynchronous
376 command, since it hasn't finished yet.
377
378 @kindex M-|
379 @findex shell-command-on-region
380 @kbd{M-|} (@code{shell-command-on-region}) is like @kbd{M-!} but
381 passes the contents of the region as the standard input to the shell
382 command, instead of no input. If a numeric argument is used, meaning
383 insert the output in the current buffer, then the old region is deleted
384 first and the output replaces it as the contents of the region. It
385 returns the command's exit status when it is called from a Lisp program.
386
387 One use for @kbd{M-|} is to run @code{uudecode}. For instance, if
388 the buffer contains uuencoded text, type @kbd{C-x h M-| uudecode
389 @key{RET}} to feed the entire buffer contents to the @code{uudecode}
390 program. That program will ignore everything except the encoded text,
391 and will store the decoded output into the file whose name is
392 specified in the encoded text.
393
394 @vindex shell-file-name
395 Both @kbd{M-!} and @kbd{M-|} use @code{shell-file-name} to specify the
396 shell to use. This variable is initialized based on your @env{SHELL}
397 environment variable when Emacs is started. If the file name does not
398 specify a directory, the directories in the list @code{exec-path} are
399 searched; this list is initialized based on the environment variable
400 @env{PATH} when Emacs is started. Your @file{.emacs} file can override
401 either or both of these default initializations.@refill
402
403 Both @kbd{M-!} and @kbd{M-|} wait for the shell command to complete.
404 To stop waiting, type @kbd{C-g} to quit; that terminates the shell
405 command with the signal @code{SIGINT}---the same signal that @kbd{C-c}
406 normally generates in the shell. Emacs waits until the command actually
407 terminates. If the shell command doesn't stop (because it ignores the
408 @code{SIGINT} signal), type @kbd{C-g} again; this sends the command a
409 @code{SIGKILL} signal which is impossible to ignore.
410
411 To specify a coding system for @kbd{M-!} or @kbd{M-|}, use the command
412 @kbd{C-x @key{RET} c} immediately beforehand. @xref{Specify Coding}.
413
414 @vindex shell-command-default-error-buffer
415 Error output from the command is normally intermixed with the regular
416 output. If you set the variable
417 @code{shell-command-default-error-buffer} to a string, which is a buffer
418 name, error output is inserted before point in the buffer of that name.
419
420 @node Interactive Shell
421 @subsection Interactive Inferior Shell
422
423 @findex shell
424 To run a subshell interactively, putting its typescript in an Emacs
425 buffer, use @kbd{M-x shell}. This creates (or reuses) a buffer named
426 @samp{*shell*} and runs a subshell with input coming from and output going
427 to that buffer. That is to say, any ``terminal output'' from the subshell
428 goes into the buffer, advancing point, and any ``terminal input'' for
429 the subshell comes from text in the buffer. To give input to the subshell,
430 go to the end of the buffer and type the input, terminated by @key{RET}.
431
432 Emacs does not wait for the subshell to do anything. You can switch
433 windows or buffers and edit them while the shell is waiting, or while it is
434 running a command. Output from the subshell waits until Emacs has time to
435 process it; this happens whenever Emacs is waiting for keyboard input or
436 for time to elapse.
437
438 @cindex @code{comint-highlight-input} face
439 @cindex @code{comint-highlight-prompt} face
440 Input lines, once you submit them, are displayed using the face
441 @code{comint-highlight-input}, and prompts are displayed using the
442 face @code{comint-highlight-prompt}. This makes it easier to see
443 previous input lines in the buffer. @xref{Faces}.
444
445 To make multiple subshells, you can invoke @kbd{M-x shell} with a
446 prefix argument (e.g. @kbd{C-u M-x shell}), which will read a buffer
447 name and create (or reuse) a subshell in that buffer. You can also
448 rename the @samp{*shell*} buffer using @kbd{M-x rename-uniquely}, then
449 create a new @samp{*shell*} buffer using plain @kbd{M-x shell}. All the
450 subshells in different buffers run independently and in parallel.
451
452 @vindex explicit-shell-file-name
453 @cindex environment variables for subshells
454 @cindex @env{ESHELL} environment variable
455 @cindex @env{SHELL} environment variable
456 The file name used to load the subshell is the value of the variable
457 @code{explicit-shell-file-name}, if that is non-@code{nil}. Otherwise,
458 the environment variable @env{ESHELL} is used, or the environment
459 variable @env{SHELL} if there is no @env{ESHELL}. If the file name
460 specified is relative, the directories in the list @code{exec-path} are
461 searched; this list is initialized based on the environment variable
462 @env{PATH} when Emacs is started. Your @file{.emacs} file can override
463 either or both of these default initializations.
464
465 Emacs sends the new shell the contents of the file
466 @file{~/.emacs_@var{shellname}} as input, if it exists, where
467 @var{shellname} is the name of the file that the shell was loaded
468 from. For example, if you use bash, the file sent to it is
469 @file{~/.emacs_bash}.
470
471 To specify a coding system for the shell, you can use the command
472 @kbd{C-x @key{RET} c} immediately before @kbd{M-x shell}. You can also
473 specify a coding system after starting the shell by using @kbd{C-x
474 @key{RET} p} in the shell buffer. @xref{Specify Coding}.
475
476 @cindex @env{EMACS} environment variable
477 Unless the environment variable @env{EMACS} is already defined,
478 Emacs defines it in the subshell, with value @code{t}. A shell script
479 can check this variable to determine whether it has been run from an
480 Emacs subshell.
481
482 @node Shell Mode
483 @subsection Shell Mode
484 @cindex Shell mode
485 @cindex mode, Shell
486
487 Shell buffers use Shell mode, which defines several special keys
488 attached to the @kbd{C-c} prefix. They are chosen to resemble the usual
489 editing and job control characters present in shells that are not under
490 Emacs, except that you must type @kbd{C-c} first. Here is a complete list
491 of the special key bindings of Shell mode:
492
493 @table @kbd
494 @item @key{RET}
495 @kindex RET @r{(Shell mode)}
496 @findex comint-send-input
497 At end of buffer send line as input; otherwise, copy current line to
498 end of buffer and send it (@code{comint-send-input}). When a line is
499 copied, any prompt at the beginning of the line (text output by
500 programs preceding your input) is omitted. (See also the variable
501 @code{comint-use-prompt-regexp-instead-of-fields}.)
502
503 @item @key{TAB}
504 @kindex TAB @r{(Shell mode)}
505 @findex comint-dynamic-complete
506 Complete the command name or file name before point in the shell buffer
507 (@code{comint-dynamic-complete}). @key{TAB} also completes history
508 references (@pxref{History References}) and environment variable names.
509
510 @vindex shell-completion-fignore
511 @vindex comint-completion-fignore
512 The variable @code{shell-completion-fignore} specifies a list of file
513 name extensions to ignore in Shell mode completion. The default
514 setting is @code{nil}, but some users prefer @code{("~" "#" "%")} to
515 ignore file names ending in @samp{~}, @samp{#} or @samp{%}. Other
516 related Comint modes use the variable @code{comint-completion-fignore}
517 instead.
518
519 @item M-?
520 @kindex M-? @r{(Shell mode)}
521 @findex comint-dynamic-list-filename@dots{}
522 Display temporarily a list of the possible completions of the file name
523 before point in the shell buffer
524 (@code{comint-dynamic-list-filename-completions}).
525
526 @item C-d
527 @kindex C-d @r{(Shell mode)}
528 @findex comint-delchar-or-maybe-eof
529 Either delete a character or send @sc{eof}
530 (@code{comint-delchar-or-maybe-eof}). Typed at the end of the shell
531 buffer, @kbd{C-d} sends @sc{eof} to the subshell. Typed at any other
532 position in the buffer, @kbd{C-d} deletes a character as usual.
533
534 @item C-c C-a
535 @kindex C-c C-a @r{(Shell mode)}
536 @findex comint-bol-or-process-mark
537 Move to the beginning of the line, but after the prompt if any
538 (@code{comint-bol-or-process-mark}). If you repeat this command twice
539 in a row, the second time it moves back to the process mark, which is
540 the beginning of the input that you have not yet sent to the subshell.
541 (Normally that is the same place---the end of the prompt on this
542 line---but after @kbd{C-c @key{SPC}} the process mark may be in a
543 previous line.)
544
545 @item C-c @key{SPC}
546 Accumulate multiple lines of input, then send them together. This
547 command inserts a newline before point, but does not send the preceding
548 text as input to the subshell---at least, not yet. Both lines, the one
549 before this newline and the one after, will be sent together (along with
550 the newline that separates them), when you type @key{RET}.
551
552 @item C-c C-u
553 @kindex C-c C-u @r{(Shell mode)}
554 @findex comint-kill-input
555 Kill all text pending at end of buffer to be sent as input
556 (@code{comint-kill-input}).
557
558 @item C-c C-w
559 @kindex C-c C-w @r{(Shell mode)}
560 Kill a word before point (@code{backward-kill-word}).
561
562 @item C-c C-c
563 @kindex C-c C-c @r{(Shell mode)}
564 @findex comint-interrupt-subjob
565 Interrupt the shell or its current subjob if any
566 (@code{comint-interrupt-subjob}). This command also kills
567 any shell input pending in the shell buffer and not yet sent.
568
569 @item C-c C-z
570 @kindex C-c C-z @r{(Shell mode)}
571 @findex comint-stop-subjob
572 Stop the shell or its current subjob if any (@code{comint-stop-subjob}).
573 This command also kills any shell input pending in the shell buffer and
574 not yet sent.
575
576 @item C-c C-\
577 @findex comint-quit-subjob
578 @kindex C-c C-\ @r{(Shell mode)}
579 Send quit signal to the shell or its current subjob if any
580 (@code{comint-quit-subjob}). This command also kills any shell input
581 pending in the shell buffer and not yet sent.
582
583 @item C-c C-o
584 @kindex C-c C-o @r{(Shell mode)}
585 @findex comint-delete-output
586 Delete the last batch of output from a shell command
587 (@code{comint-delete-output}). This is useful if a shell command spews
588 out lots of output that just gets in the way. This command used to be
589 called @code{comint-kill-output}.
590
591 @item C-c C-s
592 @kindex C-c C-s @r{(Shell mode)}
593 @findex comint-write-output
594 Write the last batch of output from a shell command to a file
595 (@code{comint-write-output}). With a prefix argument, the file is
596 appended to instead. Any prompt at the end of the output is not
597 written.
598
599 @item C-c C-r
600 @itemx C-M-l
601 @kindex C-c C-r @r{(Shell mode)}
602 @kindex C-M-l @r{(Shell mode)}
603 @findex comint-show-output
604 Scroll to display the beginning of the last batch of output at the top
605 of the window; also move the cursor there (@code{comint-show-output}).
606
607 @item C-c C-e
608 @kindex C-c C-e @r{(Shell mode)}
609 @findex comint-show-maximum-output
610 Scroll to put the end of the buffer at the bottom of the window
611 (@code{comint-show-maximum-output}).
612
613 @item C-c C-f
614 @kindex C-c C-f @r{(Shell mode)}
615 @findex shell-forward-command
616 @vindex shell-command-regexp
617 Move forward across one shell command, but not beyond the current line
618 (@code{shell-forward-command}). The variable @code{shell-command-regexp}
619 specifies how to recognize the end of a command.
620
621 @item C-c C-b
622 @kindex C-c C-b @r{(Shell mode)}
623 @findex shell-backward-command
624 Move backward across one shell command, but not beyond the current line
625 (@code{shell-backward-command}).
626
627 @item C-c C-l
628 @kindex C-c C-l @r{(Shell mode)}
629 @findex comint-dynamic-list-input-ring
630 Display the buffer's history of shell commands in another window
631 (@code{comint-dynamic-list-input-ring}).
632
633 @item M-x dirs
634 Ask the shell what its current directory is, so that Emacs can agree
635 with the shell.
636
637 @item M-x send-invisible @key{RET} @var{text} @key{RET}
638 @findex send-invisible
639 Send @var{text} as input to the shell, after reading it without
640 echoing. This is useful when a shell command runs a program that asks
641 for a password.
642
643 Alternatively, you can arrange for Emacs to notice password prompts
644 and turn off echoing for them, as follows:
645
646 @example
647 (add-hook 'comint-output-filter-functions
648 'comint-watch-for-password-prompt)
649 @end example
650
651 @item M-x comint-continue-subjob
652 @findex comint-continue-subjob
653 Continue the shell process. This is useful if you accidentally suspend
654 the shell process.@footnote{You should not suspend the shell process.
655 Suspending a subjob of the shell is a completely different matter---that
656 is normal practice, but you must use the shell to continue the subjob;
657 this command won't do it.}
658
659 @item M-x comint-strip-ctrl-m
660 @findex comint-strip-ctrl-m
661 Discard all control-M characters from the current group of shell output.
662 The most convenient way to use this command is to make it run
663 automatically when you get output from the subshell. To do that,
664 evaluate this Lisp expression:
665
666 @example
667 (add-hook 'comint-output-filter-functions
668 'comint-strip-ctrl-m)
669 @end example
670
671 @item M-x comint-truncate-buffer
672 @findex comint-truncate-buffer
673 This command truncates the shell buffer to a certain maximum number of
674 lines, specified by the variable @code{comint-buffer-maximum-size}.
675 Here's how to do this automatically each time you get output from the
676 subshell:
677
678 @example
679 (add-hook 'comint-output-filter-functions
680 'comint-truncate-buffer)
681 @end example
682 @end table
683
684 Shell mode also customizes the paragraph commands so that only shell
685 prompts start new paragraphs. Thus, a paragraph consists of an input
686 command plus the output that follows it in the buffer.
687
688 @cindex Comint mode
689 @cindex mode, Comint
690 Shell mode is a derivative of Comint mode, a general-purpose mode for
691 communicating with interactive subprocesses. Most of the features of
692 Shell mode actually come from Comint mode, as you can see from the
693 command names listed above. The special features of Shell mode include
694 the directory tracking feature, and a few user commands.
695
696 Other Emacs features that use variants of Comint mode include GUD
697 (@pxref{Debuggers}) and @kbd{M-x run-lisp} (@pxref{External Lisp}).
698
699 @findex comint-run
700 You can use @kbd{M-x comint-run} to execute any program of your choice
701 in a subprocess using unmodified Comint mode---without the
702 specializations of Shell mode.
703
704 @node Shell History
705 @subsection Shell Command History
706
707 Shell buffers support three ways of repeating earlier commands. You
708 can use the same keys used in the minibuffer; these work much as they do
709 in the minibuffer, inserting text from prior commands while point
710 remains always at the end of the buffer. You can move through the
711 buffer to previous inputs in their original place, then resubmit them or
712 copy them to the end. Or you can use a @samp{!}-style history
713 reference.
714
715 @menu
716 * Ring: Shell Ring. Fetching commands from the history list.
717 * Copy: Shell History Copying. Moving to a command and then copying it.
718 * History References:: Expanding @samp{!}-style history references.
719 @end menu
720
721 @node Shell Ring
722 @subsubsection Shell History Ring
723
724 @table @kbd
725 @findex comint-previous-input
726 @kindex M-p @r{(Shell mode)}
727 @item M-p
728 Fetch the next earlier old shell command.
729
730 @kindex M-n @r{(Shell mode)}
731 @findex comint-next-input
732 @item M-n
733 Fetch the next later old shell command.
734
735 @kindex M-r @r{(Shell mode)}
736 @kindex M-s @r{(Shell mode)}
737 @findex comint-previous-matching-input
738 @findex comint-next-matching-input
739 @item M-r @var{regexp} @key{RET}
740 @itemx M-s @var{regexp} @key{RET}
741 Search backwards or forwards for old shell commands that match @var{regexp}.
742
743 @item C-c C-x @r{(Shell mode)}
744 @findex comint-get-next-from-history
745 Fetch the next subsequent command from the history.
746 @end table
747
748 Shell buffers provide a history of previously entered shell commands. To
749 reuse shell commands from the history, use the editing commands @kbd{M-p},
750 @kbd{M-n}, @kbd{M-r} and @kbd{M-s}. These work just like the minibuffer
751 history commands except that they operate on the text at the end of the
752 shell buffer, where you would normally insert text to send to the shell.
753
754 @kbd{M-p} fetches an earlier shell command to the end of the shell buffer.
755 Successive use of @kbd{M-p} fetches successively earlier shell commands,
756 each replacing any text that was already present as potential shell input.
757 @kbd{M-n} does likewise except that it finds successively more recent shell
758 commands from the buffer.
759
760 The history search commands @kbd{M-r} and @kbd{M-s} read a regular
761 expression and search through the history for a matching command. Aside
762 from the choice of which command to fetch, they work just like @kbd{M-p}
763 and @kbd{M-n}. If you enter an empty regexp, these commands reuse the
764 same regexp used last time.
765
766 When you find the previous input you want, you can resubmit it by
767 typing @key{RET}, or you can edit it first and then resubmit it if you
768 wish.
769
770 Often it is useful to reexecute several successive shell commands that
771 were previously executed in sequence. To do this, first find and
772 reexecute the first command of the sequence. Then type @kbd{C-c C-x};
773 that will fetch the following command---the one that follows the command
774 you just repeated. Then type @key{RET} to reexecute this command. You
775 can reexecute several successive commands by typing @kbd{C-c C-x
776 @key{RET}} over and over.
777
778 These commands get the text of previous shell commands from a special
779 history list, not from the shell buffer itself. Thus, editing the shell
780 buffer, or even killing large parts of it, does not affect the history
781 that these commands access.
782
783 @vindex shell-input-ring-file-name
784 Some shells store their command histories in files so that you can
785 refer to previous commands from previous shell sessions. Emacs reads
786 the command history file for your chosen shell, to initialize its own
787 command history. The file name is @file{~/.bash_history} for bash,
788 @file{~/.sh_history} for ksh, and @file{~/.history} for other shells.
789
790 @node Shell History Copying
791 @subsubsection Shell History Copying
792
793 @table @kbd
794 @kindex C-c C-p @r{(Shell mode)}
795 @findex comint-previous-prompt
796 @item C-c C-p
797 Move point to the previous prompt (@code{comint-previous-prompt}).
798
799 @kindex C-c C-n @r{(Shell mode)}
800 @findex comint-next-prompt
801 @item C-c C-n
802 Move point to the following prompt (@code{comint-next-prompt}).
803
804 @kindex C-c RET @r{(Shell mode)}
805 @findex comint-copy-old-input
806 @item C-c @key{RET}
807 Copy the input command which point is in, inserting the copy at the end
808 of the buffer (@code{comint-copy-old-input}). This is useful if you
809 move point back to a previous command. After you copy the command, you
810 can submit the copy as input with @key{RET}. If you wish, you can
811 edit the copy before resubmitting it.
812 @end table
813
814 Moving to a previous input and then copying it with @kbd{C-c
815 @key{RET}} produces the same results---the same buffer contents---that
816 you would get by using @kbd{M-p} enough times to fetch that previous
817 input from the history list. However, @kbd{C-c @key{RET}} copies the
818 text from the buffer, which can be different from what is in the history
819 list if you edit the input text in the buffer after it has been sent.
820
821 @node History References
822 @subsubsection Shell History References
823 @cindex history reference
824
825 Various shells including csh and bash support @dfn{history
826 references} that begin with @samp{!} and @samp{^}. Shell mode
827 recognizes these constructs, and can perform the history substitution
828 for you.
829
830 If you insert a history reference and type @key{TAB}, this searches
831 the input history for a matching command, performs substitution if
832 necessary, and places the result in the buffer in place of the history
833 reference. For example, you can fetch the most recent command
834 beginning with @samp{mv} with @kbd{! m v @key{TAB}}. You can edit the
835 command if you wish, and then resubmit the command to the shell by
836 typing @key{RET}.
837
838 @vindex comint-input-autoexpand
839 @findex comint-magic-space
840 Shell mode can optionally expand history references in the buffer
841 when you send them to the shell. To request this, set the variable
842 @code{comint-input-autoexpand} to @code{input}. You can make
843 @key{SPC} perform history expansion by binding @key{SPC} to the
844 command @code{comint-magic-space}.
845
846 @vindex shell-prompt-pattern
847 @vindex comint-prompt-regexp
848 @vindex comint-use-prompt-regexp-instead-of-fields
849 @cindex prompt, shell
850 Shell mode recognizes history references when they follow a prompt.
851 Normally, any text output by a program at the beginning of an input
852 line is considered a prompt. However, if the variable
853 @code{comint-use-prompt-regexp-instead-of-fields} is non-@code{nil},
854 then Comint mode uses a regular expression to recognize prompts. In
855 general, the variable @code{comint-prompt-regexp} specifies the
856 regular expression; Shell mode uses the variable
857 @code{shell-prompt-pattern} to set up @code{comint-prompt-regexp} in
858 the shell buffer.
859
860 @node Directory Tracking
861 @subsection Directory Tracking
862 @cindex directory tracking
863
864 @vindex shell-pushd-regexp
865 @vindex shell-popd-regexp
866 @vindex shell-cd-regexp
867 Shell mode keeps track of @samp{cd}, @samp{pushd} and @samp{popd}
868 commands given to the inferior shell, so it can keep the
869 @samp{*shell*} buffer's default directory the same as the shell's
870 working directory. It recognizes these commands syntactically, by
871 examining lines of input that are sent.
872
873 If you use aliases for these commands, you can tell Emacs to
874 recognize them also. For example, if the value of the variable
875 @code{shell-pushd-regexp} matches the beginning of a shell command
876 line, that line is regarded as a @code{pushd} command. Change this
877 variable when you add aliases for @samp{pushd}. Likewise,
878 @code{shell-popd-regexp} and @code{shell-cd-regexp} are used to
879 recognize commands with the meaning of @samp{popd} and @samp{cd}.
880 These commands are recognized only at the beginning of a shell command
881 line.
882
883 @ignore @c This seems to have been deleted long ago.
884 @vindex shell-set-directory-error-hook
885 If Emacs gets an error while trying to handle what it believes is a
886 @samp{cd}, @samp{pushd} or @samp{popd} command, it runs the hook
887 @code{shell-set-directory-error-hook} (@pxref{Hooks}).
888 @end ignore
889
890 @findex dirs
891 If Emacs gets confused about changes in the current directory of the
892 subshell, use the command @kbd{M-x dirs} to ask the shell what its
893 current directory is. This command works for shells that support the
894 most common command syntax; it may not work for unusual shells.
895
896 @findex dirtrack-mode
897 You can also use @kbd{M-x dirtrack-mode} to enable (or disable) an
898 alternative and more aggressive method of tracking changes in the
899 current directory.
900
901 @node Shell Options
902 @subsection Shell Mode Options
903
904 @vindex comint-scroll-to-bottom-on-input
905 If the variable @code{comint-scroll-to-bottom-on-input} is
906 non-@code{nil}, insertion and yank commands scroll the selected window
907 to the bottom before inserting.
908
909 @vindex comint-scroll-show-maximum-output
910 If @code{comint-scroll-show-maximum-output} is non-@code{nil}, then
911 scrolling due to the arrival of output tries to place the last line of
912 text at the bottom line of the window, so as to show as much useful
913 text as possible. (This mimics the scrolling behavior of many
914 terminals.) The default is @code{nil}.
915
916 @vindex comint-scroll-to-bottom-on-output
917 By setting @code{comint-scroll-to-bottom-on-output}, you can opt for
918 having point jump to the end of the buffer whenever output arrives---no
919 matter where in the buffer point was before. If the value is
920 @code{this}, point jumps in the selected window. If the value is
921 @code{all}, point jumps in each window that shows the Comint buffer. If
922 the value is @code{other}, point jumps in all nonselected windows that
923 show the current buffer. The default value is @code{nil}, which means
924 point does not jump to the end.
925
926 @vindex comint-input-ignoredups
927 The variable @code{comint-input-ignoredups} controls whether successive
928 identical inputs are stored in the input history. A non-@code{nil}
929 value means to omit an input that is the same as the previous input.
930 The default is @code{nil}, which means to store each input even if it is
931 equal to the previous input.
932
933 @vindex comint-completion-addsuffix
934 @vindex comint-completion-recexact
935 @vindex comint-completion-autolist
936 Three variables customize file name completion. The variable
937 @code{comint-completion-addsuffix} controls whether completion inserts a
938 space or a slash to indicate a fully completed file or directory name
939 (non-@code{nil} means do insert a space or slash).
940 @code{comint-completion-recexact}, if non-@code{nil}, directs @key{TAB}
941 to choose the shortest possible completion if the usual Emacs completion
942 algorithm cannot add even a single character.
943 @code{comint-completion-autolist}, if non-@code{nil}, says to list all
944 the possible completions whenever completion is not exact.
945
946 @vindex shell-completion-execonly
947 Command completion normally considers only executable files.
948 If you set @code{shell-completion-execonly} to @code{nil},
949 it considers nonexecutable files as well.
950
951 @findex shell-pushd-tohome
952 @findex shell-pushd-dextract
953 @findex shell-pushd-dunique
954 You can configure the behavior of @samp{pushd}. Variables control
955 whether @samp{pushd} behaves like @samp{cd} if no argument is given
956 (@code{shell-pushd-tohome}), pop rather than rotate with a numeric
957 argument (@code{shell-pushd-dextract}), and only add directories to the
958 directory stack if they are not already on it
959 (@code{shell-pushd-dunique}). The values you choose should match the
960 underlying shell, of course.
961
962 If you want Shell mode to handle color output from shell commands,
963 you can enable ANSI Color mode. Here is how to do this:
964
965 @example
966 (add-hook 'shell-mode-hook 'ansi-color-for-comint-mode-on)
967 @end example
968
969 @node Terminal emulator
970 @subsection Emacs Terminal Emulator
971 @findex term
972
973 To run a subshell in a terminal emulator, putting its typescript in
974 an Emacs buffer, use @kbd{M-x term}. This creates (or reuses) a
975 buffer named @samp{*terminal*}, and runs a subshell with input coming
976 from your keyboard, and output going to that buffer.
977
978 The terminal emulator uses Term mode, which has two input modes. In
979 line mode, Term basically acts like Shell mode; see @ref{Shell Mode}.
980
981 In char mode, each character is sent directly to the inferior
982 subshell, as ``terminal input.'' Any ``echoing'' of your input is the
983 responsibility of the subshell. The sole exception is the terminal
984 escape character, which by default is @kbd{C-c} (@pxref{Term Mode}).
985 Any ``terminal output'' from the subshell goes into the buffer,
986 advancing point.
987
988 Some programs (such as Emacs itself) need to control the appearance
989 on the terminal screen in detail. They do this by sending special
990 control codes. The exact control codes needed vary from terminal to
991 terminal, but nowadays most terminals and terminal emulators
992 (including @code{xterm}) understand the ANSI-standard (VT100-style)
993 escape sequences. Term mode recognizes these escape sequences, and
994 handles each one appropriately, changing the buffer so that the
995 appearance of the window matches what it would be on a real terminal.
996 You can actually run Emacs inside an Emacs Term window.
997
998 The file name used to load the subshell is determined the same way
999 as for Shell mode. To make multiple terminal emulators, rename the
1000 buffer @samp{*terminal*} to something different using @kbd{M-x
1001 rename-uniquely}, just as with Shell mode.
1002
1003 Unlike Shell mode, Term mode does not track the current directory by
1004 examining your input. But some shells can tell Term what the current
1005 directory is. This is done automatically by @code{bash} version 1.15
1006 and later.
1007
1008 @node Term Mode
1009 @subsection Term Mode
1010 @cindex Term mode
1011 @cindex mode, Term
1012
1013 The terminal emulator uses Term mode, which has two input modes. In
1014 line mode, Term basically acts like Shell mode; see @ref{Shell Mode}.
1015 In char mode, each character is sent directly to the inferior
1016 subshell, except for the Term escape character, normally @kbd{C-c}.
1017
1018 To switch between line and char mode, use these commands:
1019
1020 @table @kbd
1021 @kindex C-c C-k @r{(Term mode)}
1022 @findex term-char-mode
1023 @item C-c C-k
1024 Switch to line mode. Do nothing if already in line mode.
1025
1026 @kindex C-c C-j @r{(Term mode)}
1027 @findex term-line-mode
1028 @item C-c C-j
1029 Switch to char mode. Do nothing if already in char mode.
1030 @end table
1031
1032 The following commands are only available in char mode:
1033
1034 @table @kbd
1035 @item C-c C-c
1036 Send a literal @key{C-c} to the sub-shell.
1037
1038 @item C-c C-x
1039 A prefix command to access the global @key{C-x} commands conveniently.
1040 For example, @kbd{C-c C-x o} invokes the global binding of
1041 @kbd{C-x o}, which is normally @samp{other-window}.
1042 @end table
1043
1044 @node Paging in Term
1045 @subsection Page-At-A-Time Output
1046 @cindex page-at-a-time
1047
1048 Term mode has a page-at-a-time feature. When enabled it makes
1049 output pause at the end of each screenful.
1050
1051 @table @kbd
1052 @kindex C-c C-q @r{(Term mode)}
1053 @findex term-pager-toggle
1054 @item C-c C-q
1055 Toggle the page-at-a-time feature. This command works in both line
1056 and char modes. When page-at-a-time is enabled, the mode-line
1057 displays the word @samp{page}.
1058 @end table
1059
1060 With page-at-a-time enabled, whenever Term receives more than a
1061 screenful of output since your last input, it pauses, displaying
1062 @samp{**MORE**} in the mode-line. Type @key{SPC} to display the next
1063 screenful of output. Type @kbd{?} to see your other options. The
1064 interface is similar to the @code{more} program.
1065
1066 @node Remote Host
1067 @subsection Remote Host Shell
1068 @cindex remote host
1069 @cindex connecting to remote host
1070 @cindex Telnet
1071 @cindex Rlogin
1072
1073 You can login to a remote computer, using whatever commands you
1074 would from a regular terminal (e.g.@: using the @code{telnet} or
1075 @code{rlogin} commands), from a Term window.
1076
1077 A program that asks you for a password will normally suppress
1078 echoing of the password, so the password will not show up in the
1079 buffer. This will happen just as if you were using a real terminal,
1080 if the buffer is in char mode. If it is in line mode, the password is
1081 temporarily visible, but will be erased when you hit return. (This
1082 happens automatically; there is no special password processing.)
1083
1084 When you log in to a different machine, you need to specify the type
1085 of terminal you're using. Terminal types @samp{ansi} or @samp{vt100}
1086 will work on most systems.
1087
1088 @c If you are talking to a Bourne-compatible
1089 @c shell, and your system understands the @env{TERMCAP} variable,
1090 @c you can use the command @kbd{M-x shell-send-termcap}, which
1091 @c sends a string specifying the terminal type and size.
1092 @c (This command is also useful after the window has changed size.)
1093
1094 @c You can of course run @samp{gdb} on that remote computer. One useful
1095 @c trick: If you invoke gdb with the @code{--fullname} option,
1096 @c it will send special commands to Emacs that will cause Emacs to
1097 @c pop up the source files you're debugging. This will work
1098 @c whether or not gdb is running on a different computer than Emacs,
1099 @c as long as Emacs can access the source files specified by gdb.
1100
1101 @ignore
1102 You cannot log in to a remote computer using the Shell mode.
1103 @c (This will change when Shell is re-written to use Term.)
1104 Instead, Emacs provides two commands for logging in to another computer
1105 and communicating with it through an Emacs buffer using Comint mode:
1106
1107 @table @kbd
1108 @item M-x telnet @key{RET} @var{hostname} @key{RET}
1109 Set up a Telnet connection to the computer named @var{hostname}.
1110 @item M-x rlogin @key{RET} @var{hostname} @key{RET}
1111 Set up an Rlogin connection to the computer named @var{hostname}.
1112 @end table
1113
1114 @findex telnet
1115 Use @kbd{M-x telnet} to set up a Telnet connection to another
1116 computer. (Telnet is the standard Internet protocol for remote login.)
1117 It reads the host name of the other computer as an argument with the
1118 minibuffer. Once the connection is established, talking to the other
1119 computer works like talking to a subshell: you can edit input with the
1120 usual Emacs commands, and send it a line at a time by typing @key{RET}.
1121 The output is inserted in the Telnet buffer interspersed with the input.
1122
1123 @findex rlogin
1124 @vindex rlogin-explicit-args
1125 Use @kbd{M-x rlogin} to set up an Rlogin connection. Rlogin is
1126 another remote login communication protocol, essentially much like the
1127 Telnet protocol but incompatible with it, and supported only by certain
1128 systems. Rlogin's advantages are that you can arrange not to have to
1129 give your user name and password when communicating between two machines
1130 you frequently use, and that you can make an 8-bit-clean connection.
1131 (To do that in Emacs, set @code{rlogin-explicit-args} to @code{("-8")}
1132 before you run Rlogin.)
1133
1134 @kbd{M-x rlogin} sets up the default file directory of the Emacs
1135 buffer to access the remote host via FTP (@pxref{File Names}), and it
1136 tracks the shell commands that change the current directory, just like
1137 Shell mode.
1138
1139 @findex rlogin-directory-tracking-mode
1140 There are two ways of doing directory tracking in an Rlogin
1141 buffer---either with remote directory names
1142 @file{/@var{host}:@var{dir}/} or with local names (that works if the
1143 ``remote'' machine shares file systems with your machine of origin).
1144 You can use the command @code{rlogin-directory-tracking-mode} to switch
1145 modes. No argument means use remote directory names, a positive
1146 argument means use local names, and a negative argument means turn
1147 off directory tracking.
1148
1149 @end ignore
1150
1151 @node Emacs Server, Hardcopy, Shell, Top
1152 @section Using Emacs as a Server
1153 @pindex emacsclient
1154 @cindex Emacs as a server
1155 @cindex server, using Emacs as
1156 @cindex @env{EDITOR} environment variable
1157
1158 Various programs such as @code{mail} can invoke your choice of editor
1159 to edit a particular piece of text, such as a message that you are
1160 sending. By convention, most of these programs use the environment
1161 variable @env{EDITOR} to specify which editor to run. If you set
1162 @env{EDITOR} to @samp{emacs}, they invoke Emacs---but in an
1163 inconvenient fashion, by starting a new, separate Emacs process. This
1164 is inconvenient because it takes time and because the new Emacs process
1165 doesn't share the buffers in any existing Emacs process.
1166
1167 You can arrange to use your existing Emacs process as the editor for
1168 programs like @code{mail} by using the Emacs client and Emacs server
1169 programs. Here is how.
1170
1171 @cindex @env{TEXEDIT} environment variable
1172 First, the preparation. Within Emacs, call the function
1173 @code{server-start}. (Your @file{.emacs} file can do this automatically
1174 if you add the expression @code{(server-start)} to it.) Then, outside
1175 Emacs, set the @env{EDITOR} environment variable to @samp{emacsclient}.
1176 (Note that some programs use a different environment variable; for
1177 example, to make @TeX{} use @samp{emacsclient}, you should set the
1178 @env{TEXEDIT} environment variable to @samp{emacsclient +%d %s}.)
1179
1180 @kindex C-x #
1181 @findex server-edit
1182 Then, whenever any program invokes your specified @env{EDITOR}
1183 program, the effect is to send a message to your principal Emacs telling
1184 it to visit a file. (That's what the program @code{emacsclient} does.)
1185 Emacs displays the buffer immediately and you can immediately begin
1186 editing it.
1187
1188 When you've finished editing that buffer, type @kbd{C-x #}
1189 (@code{server-edit}). This saves the file and sends a message back to
1190 the @code{emacsclient} program telling it to exit. The programs that
1191 use @env{EDITOR} wait for the ``editor'' (actually, @code{emacsclient})
1192 to exit. @kbd{C-x #} also checks for other pending external requests
1193 to edit various files, and selects the next such file.
1194
1195 You can switch to a server buffer manually if you wish; you don't
1196 have to arrive at it with @kbd{C-x #}. But @kbd{C-x #} is the way to
1197 say that you are finished with one.
1198
1199 @vindex server-kill-new-buffers
1200 @vindex server-temp-file-regexp
1201 Finishing with a server buffer also kills the buffer, unless it
1202 already existed in the Emacs session before the server asked to create
1203 it. However, if you set @code{server-kill-new-buffers} to @code{nil},
1204 then a different criterion is used: finishing with a server buffer
1205 kills it if the file name matches the regular expression
1206 @code{server-temp-file-regexp}. This is set up to distinguish certain
1207 ``temporary'' files.
1208
1209 @vindex server-window
1210 If you set the variable @code{server-window} to a window or a frame,
1211 @kbd{C-x #} displays the server buffer in that window or in that frame.
1212
1213 While @code{mail} or another application is waiting for
1214 @code{emacsclient} to finish, @code{emacsclient} does not read terminal
1215 input. So the terminal that @code{mail} was using is effectively
1216 blocked for the duration. In order to edit with your principal Emacs,
1217 you need to be able to use it without using that terminal. There are
1218 three ways to do this:
1219
1220 @itemize @bullet
1221 @item
1222 Using a window system, run @code{mail} and the principal Emacs in two
1223 separate windows. While @code{mail} is waiting for @code{emacsclient},
1224 the window where it was running is blocked, but you can use Emacs by
1225 switching windows.
1226
1227 @item
1228 Using virtual terminals, run @code{mail} in one virtual terminal
1229 and run Emacs in another.
1230
1231 @item
1232 Use Shell mode or Term mode in Emacs to run the other program such as
1233 @code{mail}; then, @code{emacsclient} blocks only the subshell under
1234 Emacs, and you can still use Emacs to edit the file.
1235 @end itemize
1236
1237 If you run @code{emacsclient} with the option @samp{--no-wait}, it
1238 returns immediately without waiting for you to ``finish'' the buffer
1239 in Emacs. Note that server buffers created in this way are not killed
1240 automatically when you finish with them.
1241
1242 @menu
1243 * Invoking emacsclient::
1244 @end menu
1245
1246 @node Invoking emacsclient,, Emacs Server, Emacs Server
1247 @section Invoking @code{emacsclient}
1248
1249 To run the @code{emacsclient} program, specify file names as arguments,
1250 and optionally line numbers as well. Do it like this:
1251
1252 @example
1253 emacsclient @r{@{}@r{[}+@var{line}@r{[}@var{column}@r{]}@r{]} @var{filename}@r{@}}@dots{}
1254 @end example
1255
1256 @noindent
1257 This tells Emacs to visit each of the specified files; if you specify a
1258 line number for a certain file, Emacs moves to that line in the file.
1259 If you specify a column number as well, Emacs puts point on that column
1260 in the line.
1261
1262 Ordinarily, @code{emacsclient} does not return until you use the
1263 @kbd{C-x #} command on each of these buffers. When that happens,
1264 Emacs sends a message to the @code{emacsclient} program telling it to
1265 return.
1266
1267 But if you use the option @samp{-n} or @samp{--no-wait} when running
1268 @code{emacsclient}, then it returns immediately. (You can take as
1269 long as you like to edit the files in Emacs.)
1270
1271 The option @samp{--alternate-editor=@var{command}} is useful when
1272 running @code{emacsclient} in a script. It specifies a command to run
1273 if @code{emacsclient} fails to contact Emacs. For example, the
1274 following setting for the @var{EDITOR} environment variable will
1275 always give an editor, even if Emacs is not running:
1276
1277 @example
1278 EDITOR="emacsclient --alternate-editor vi +%d %s"
1279 @end example
1280
1281 @noindent
1282 The environment variable @var{ALTERNATE_EDITOR} has the same effect, but
1283 the value of the @samp{--alternate-editor} takes precedence.
1284
1285 @pindex emacs.bash
1286 Alternatively, the file @file{etc/emacs.bash} defines a bash
1287 function which will communicate with a running Emacs server, or start
1288 one if none exists.
1289
1290 @node Hardcopy, PostScript, Emacs Server, Top
1291 @section Hardcopy Output
1292 @cindex hardcopy
1293
1294 The Emacs commands for making hardcopy let you print either an entire
1295 buffer or just part of one, either with or without page headers.
1296 See also the hardcopy commands of Dired (@pxref{Misc File Ops})
1297 and the diary (@pxref{Diary Commands}).
1298
1299 @table @kbd
1300 @item M-x print-buffer
1301 Print hardcopy of current buffer with page headings containing the file
1302 name and page number.
1303 @item M-x lpr-buffer
1304 Print hardcopy of current buffer without page headings.
1305 @item M-x print-region
1306 Like @code{print-buffer} but print only the current region.
1307 @item M-x lpr-region
1308 Like @code{lpr-buffer} but print only the current region.
1309 @end table
1310
1311 @findex print-buffer
1312 @findex print-region
1313 @findex lpr-buffer
1314 @findex lpr-region
1315 @vindex lpr-switches
1316 The hardcopy commands (aside from the Postscript commands) pass extra
1317 switches to the @code{lpr} program based on the value of the variable
1318 @code{lpr-switches}. Its value should be a list of strings, each string
1319 an option starting with @samp{-}. For example, to specify a line width
1320 of 80 columns for all the printing you do in Emacs, set
1321 @code{lpr-switches} like this:
1322
1323 @example
1324 (setq lpr-switches '("-w80"))
1325 @end example
1326
1327 @vindex printer-name
1328 You can specify the printer to use by setting the variable
1329 @code{printer-name}.
1330
1331 @vindex lpr-headers-switches
1332 @vindex lpr-commands
1333 @vindex lpr-add-switches
1334 The variable @code{lpr-command} specifies the name of the printer
1335 program to run; the default value depends on your operating system type.
1336 On most systems, the default is @code{"lpr"}. The variable
1337 @code{lpr-headers-switches} similarly specifies the extra switches to
1338 use to make page headers. The variable @code{lpr-add-switches} controls
1339 whether to supply @samp{-T} and @samp{-J} options (suitable for
1340 @code{lpr}) to the printer program: @code{nil} means don't add them.
1341 @code{lpr-add-switches} should be @code{nil} if your printer program is
1342 not compatible with @code{lpr}.
1343
1344 @node PostScript, PostScript Variables, Hardcopy, Top
1345 @section PostScript Hardcopy
1346
1347 These commands convert buffer contents to PostScript,
1348 either printing it or leaving it in another Emacs buffer.
1349
1350 @table @kbd
1351 @item M-x ps-print-buffer
1352 Print hardcopy of the current buffer in PostScript form.
1353 @item M-x ps-print-region
1354 Print hardcopy of the current region in PostScript form.
1355 @item M-x ps-print-buffer-with-faces
1356 Print hardcopy of the current buffer in PostScript form, showing the
1357 faces used in the text by means of PostScript features.
1358 @item M-x ps-print-region-with-faces
1359 Print hardcopy of the current region in PostScript form, showing the
1360 faces used in the text.
1361 @item M-x ps-spool-buffer
1362 Generate PostScript for the current buffer text.
1363 @item M-x ps-spool-region
1364 Generate PostScript for the current region.
1365 @item M-x ps-spool-buffer-with-faces
1366 Generate PostScript for the current buffer, showing the faces used.
1367 @item M-x ps-spool-region-with-faces
1368 Generate PostScript for the current region, showing the faces used.
1369 @item M-x handwrite
1370 Generates/prints PostScript for the current buffer as if handwritten.
1371 @end table
1372
1373 @findex ps-print-region
1374 @findex ps-print-buffer
1375 @findex ps-print-region-with-faces
1376 @findex ps-print-buffer-with-faces
1377 The PostScript commands, @code{ps-print-buffer} and
1378 @code{ps-print-region}, print buffer contents in PostScript form. One
1379 command prints the entire buffer; the other, just the region. The
1380 corresponding @samp{-with-faces} commands,
1381 @code{ps-print-buffer-with-faces} and @code{ps-print-region-with-faces},
1382 use PostScript features to show the faces (fonts and colors) in the text
1383 properties of the text being printed.
1384
1385 If you are using a color display, you can print a buffer of program
1386 code with color highlighting by turning on Font-Lock mode in that
1387 buffer, and using @code{ps-print-buffer-with-faces}.
1388
1389 @findex ps-spool-region
1390 @findex ps-spool-buffer
1391 @findex ps-spool-region-with-faces
1392 @findex ps-spool-buffer-with-faces
1393 The commands whose names have @samp{spool} instead of @samp{print}
1394 generate the PostScript output in an Emacs buffer instead of sending
1395 it to the printer.
1396
1397 @findex handwrite
1398 @cindex handwriting
1399 @kbd{M-x handwrite} is more frivolous. It generates a PostScript
1400 rendition of the current buffer as a cursive handwritten document. It
1401 can be customized in group @code{handwrite}. This function only
1402 supports ISO 8859-1 characters.
1403
1404 @ifinfo
1405 The following section describes variables for customizing these commands.
1406 @end ifinfo
1407
1408 @node PostScript Variables, Sorting, PostScript, Top
1409 @section Variables for PostScript Hardcopy
1410
1411 @vindex ps-lpr-command
1412 @vindex ps-lpr-switches
1413 @vindex ps-printer-name
1414 All the PostScript hardcopy commands use the variables
1415 @code{ps-lpr-command} and @code{ps-lpr-switches} to specify how to print
1416 the output. @code{ps-lpr-command} specifies the command name to run,
1417 @code{ps-lpr-switches} specifies command line options to use, and
1418 @code{ps-printer-name} specifies the printer. If you don't set the
1419 first two variables yourself, they take their initial values from
1420 @code{lpr-command} and @code{lpr-switches}. If @code{ps-printer-name}
1421 is @code{nil}, @code{printer-name} is used.
1422
1423 @vindex ps-print-header
1424 The variable @code{ps-print-header} controls whether these commands
1425 add header lines to each page---set it to @code{nil} to turn headers
1426 off.
1427
1428 @cindex color emulation on black-and-white printers
1429 @vindex ps-print-color-p
1430 If your printer doesn't support colors, you should turn off color
1431 processing by setting @code{ps-print-color-p} to @code{nil}. By
1432 default, if the display supports colors, Emacs produces hardcopy output
1433 with color information; on black-and-white printers, colors are emulated
1434 with shades of gray. This might produce illegible output, even if your
1435 screen colors only use shades of gray.
1436
1437 @vindex ps-use-face-background
1438 By default, PostScript printing ignores the background colors of the
1439 faces, unless the variable @code{ps-use-face-background} is
1440 non-@code{nil}. This is to avoid unwanted interference with the zebra
1441 stripes and background image/text.
1442
1443 @vindex ps-paper-type
1444 @vindex ps-page-dimensions-database
1445 The variable @code{ps-paper-type} specifies which size of paper to
1446 format for; legitimate values include @code{a4}, @code{a3},
1447 @code{a4small}, @code{b4}, @code{b5}, @code{executive}, @code{ledger},
1448 @code{legal}, @code{letter}, @code{letter-small}, @code{statement},
1449 @code{tabloid}. The default is @code{letter}. You can define
1450 additional paper sizes by changing the variable
1451 @code{ps-page-dimensions-database}.
1452
1453 @vindex ps-landscape-mode
1454 The variable @code{ps-landscape-mode} specifies the orientation of
1455 printing on the page. The default is @code{nil}, which stands for
1456 ``portrait'' mode. Any non-@code{nil} value specifies ``landscape''
1457 mode.
1458
1459 @vindex ps-number-of-columns
1460 The variable @code{ps-number-of-columns} specifies the number of
1461 columns; it takes effect in both landscape and portrait mode. The
1462 default is 1.
1463
1464 @vindex ps-font-family
1465 @vindex ps-font-size
1466 @vindex ps-font-info-database
1467 The variable @code{ps-font-family} specifies which font family to use
1468 for printing ordinary text. Legitimate values include @code{Courier},
1469 @code{Helvetica}, @code{NewCenturySchlbk}, @code{Palatino} and
1470 @code{Times}. The variable @code{ps-font-size} specifies the size of
1471 the font for ordinary text. It defaults to 8.5 points.
1472
1473 @vindex ps-multibyte-buffer
1474 @cindex Intlfonts for PostScript printing
1475 @cindex fonts for PostScript printing
1476 Emacs supports more scripts and characters than a typical PostScript
1477 printer. Thus, some of the characters in your buffer might not be
1478 printable using the fonts built into your printer. You can augment
1479 the fonts supplied with the printer with those from the GNU Intlfonts
1480 package, or you can instruct Emacs to use Intlfonts exclusively. The
1481 variable @code{ps-multibyte-buffer} controls this: the default value,
1482 @code{nil}, is appropriate for printing ASCII and Latin-1
1483 characters; a value of @code{non-latin-printer} is for printers which
1484 have the fonts for ASCII, Latin-1, Japanese, and Korean
1485 characters built into them. A value of @code{bdf-font} arranges for
1486 the BDF fonts from the Intlfonts package to be used for @emph{all}
1487 characters. Finally, a value of @code{bdf-font-except-latin}
1488 instructs the printer to use built-in fonts for ASCII and Latin-1
1489 characters, and Intlfonts BDF fonts for the rest.
1490
1491 @vindex bdf-directory-list
1492 To be able to use the BDF fonts, Emacs needs to know where to find
1493 them. The variable @code{bdf-directory-list} holds the list of
1494 directories where Emacs should look for the fonts; the default value
1495 includes a single directory @file{/usr/local/share/emacs/fonts/bdf}.
1496
1497 Many other customization variables for these commands are defined and
1498 described in the Lisp files @file{ps-print.el} and @file{ps-mule.el}.
1499
1500 @node Sorting, Narrowing, PostScript Variables, Top
1501 @section Sorting Text
1502 @cindex sorting
1503
1504 Emacs provides several commands for sorting text in the buffer. All
1505 operate on the contents of the region (the text between point and the
1506 mark). They divide the text of the region into many @dfn{sort records},
1507 identify a @dfn{sort key} for each record, and then reorder the records
1508 into the order determined by the sort keys. The records are ordered so
1509 that their keys are in alphabetical order, or, for numeric sorting, in
1510 numeric order. In alphabetic sorting, all upper-case letters `A' through
1511 `Z' come before lower-case `a', in accord with the ASCII character
1512 sequence.
1513
1514 The various sort commands differ in how they divide the text into sort
1515 records and in which part of each record is used as the sort key. Most of
1516 the commands make each line a separate sort record, but some commands use
1517 paragraphs or pages as sort records. Most of the sort commands use each
1518 entire sort record as its own sort key, but some use only a portion of the
1519 record as the sort key.
1520
1521 @findex sort-lines
1522 @findex sort-paragraphs
1523 @findex sort-pages
1524 @findex sort-fields
1525 @findex sort-numeric-fields
1526 @vindex sort-numeric-base
1527 @table @kbd
1528 @item M-x sort-lines
1529 Divide the region into lines, and sort by comparing the entire
1530 text of a line. A numeric argument means sort into descending order.
1531
1532 @item M-x sort-paragraphs
1533 Divide the region into paragraphs, and sort by comparing the entire
1534 text of a paragraph (except for leading blank lines). A numeric
1535 argument means sort into descending order.
1536
1537 @item M-x sort-pages
1538 Divide the region into pages, and sort by comparing the entire
1539 text of a page (except for leading blank lines). A numeric
1540 argument means sort into descending order.
1541
1542 @item M-x sort-fields
1543 Divide the region into lines, and sort by comparing the contents of
1544 one field in each line. Fields are defined as separated by
1545 whitespace, so the first run of consecutive non-whitespace characters
1546 in a line constitutes field 1, the second such run constitutes field
1547 2, etc.
1548
1549 Specify which field to sort by with a numeric argument: 1 to sort by
1550 field 1, etc. A negative argument means count fields from the right
1551 instead of from the left; thus, minus 1 means sort by the last field.
1552 If several lines have identical contents in the field being sorted, they
1553 keep the same relative order that they had in the original buffer.
1554
1555 @item M-x sort-numeric-fields
1556 Like @kbd{M-x sort-fields} except the specified field is converted
1557 to an integer for each line, and the numbers are compared. @samp{10}
1558 comes before @samp{2} when considered as text, but after it when
1559 considered as a number. By default, numbers are interpreted according
1560 to @code{sort-numeric-base}, but numbers beginning with @samp{0x} or
1561 @samp{0} are interpreted as hexadecimal and octal, respectively.
1562
1563 @item M-x sort-columns
1564 Like @kbd{M-x sort-fields} except that the text within each line
1565 used for comparison comes from a fixed range of columns. See below
1566 for an explanation.
1567
1568 @item M-x reverse-region
1569 Reverse the order of the lines in the region. This is useful for
1570 sorting into descending order by fields or columns, since those sort
1571 commands do not have a feature for doing that.
1572 @end table
1573
1574 For example, if the buffer contains this:
1575
1576 @smallexample
1577 On systems where clash detection (locking of files being edited) is
1578 implemented, Emacs also checks the first time you modify a buffer
1579 whether the file has changed on disk since it was last visited or
1580 saved. If it has, you are asked to confirm that you want to change
1581 the buffer.
1582 @end smallexample
1583
1584 @noindent
1585 applying @kbd{M-x sort-lines} to the entire buffer produces this:
1586
1587 @smallexample
1588 On systems where clash detection (locking of files being edited) is
1589 implemented, Emacs also checks the first time you modify a buffer
1590 saved. If it has, you are asked to confirm that you want to change
1591 the buffer.
1592 whether the file has changed on disk since it was last visited or
1593 @end smallexample
1594
1595 @noindent
1596 where the upper-case @samp{O} sorts before all lower-case letters. If
1597 you use @kbd{C-u 2 M-x sort-fields} instead, you get this:
1598
1599 @smallexample
1600 implemented, Emacs also checks the first time you modify a buffer
1601 saved. If it has, you are asked to confirm that you want to change
1602 the buffer.
1603 On systems where clash detection (locking of files being edited) is
1604 whether the file has changed on disk since it was last visited or
1605 @end smallexample
1606
1607 @noindent
1608 where the sort keys were @samp{Emacs}, @samp{If}, @samp{buffer},
1609 @samp{systems} and @samp{the}.
1610
1611 @findex sort-columns
1612 @kbd{M-x sort-columns} requires more explanation. You specify the
1613 columns by putting point at one of the columns and the mark at the other
1614 column. Because this means you cannot put point or the mark at the
1615 beginning of the first line of the text you want to sort, this command
1616 uses an unusual definition of ``region'': all of the line point is in is
1617 considered part of the region, and so is all of the line the mark is in,
1618 as well as all the lines in between.
1619
1620 For example, to sort a table by information found in columns 10 to 15,
1621 you could put the mark on column 10 in the first line of the table, and
1622 point on column 15 in the last line of the table, and then run
1623 @code{sort-columns}. Equivalently, you could run it with the mark on
1624 column 15 in the first line and point on column 10 in the last line.
1625
1626 This can be thought of as sorting the rectangle specified by point and
1627 the mark, except that the text on each line to the left or right of the
1628 rectangle moves along with the text inside the rectangle.
1629 @xref{Rectangles}.
1630
1631 @vindex sort-fold-case
1632 Many of the sort commands ignore case differences when comparing, if
1633 @code{sort-fold-case} is non-@code{nil}.
1634
1635 @node Narrowing, Two-Column, Sorting, Top
1636 @section Narrowing
1637 @cindex widening
1638 @cindex restriction
1639 @cindex narrowing
1640 @cindex accessible portion
1641
1642 @dfn{Narrowing} means focusing in on some portion of the buffer,
1643 making the rest temporarily inaccessible. The portion which you can
1644 still get to is called the @dfn{accessible portion}. Canceling the
1645 narrowing, which makes the entire buffer once again accessible, is
1646 called @dfn{widening}. The amount of narrowing in effect in a buffer at
1647 any time is called the buffer's @dfn{restriction}.
1648
1649 Narrowing can make it easier to concentrate on a single subroutine or
1650 paragraph by eliminating clutter. It can also be used to restrict the
1651 range of operation of a replace command or repeating keyboard macro.
1652
1653 @table @kbd
1654 @item C-x n n
1655 Narrow down to between point and mark (@code{narrow-to-region}).
1656 @item C-x n w
1657 Widen to make the entire buffer accessible again (@code{widen}).
1658 @item C-x n p
1659 Narrow down to the current page (@code{narrow-to-page}).
1660 @item C-x n d
1661 Narrow down to the current defun (@code{narrow-to-defun}).
1662 @end table
1663
1664 When you have narrowed down to a part of the buffer, that part appears
1665 to be all there is. You can't see the rest, you can't move into it
1666 (motion commands won't go outside the accessible part), you can't change
1667 it in any way. However, it is not gone, and if you save the file all
1668 the inaccessible text will be saved. The word @samp{Narrow} appears in
1669 the mode line whenever narrowing is in effect.
1670
1671 @kindex C-x n n
1672 @findex narrow-to-region
1673 The primary narrowing command is @kbd{C-x n n} (@code{narrow-to-region}).
1674 It sets the current buffer's restrictions so that the text in the current
1675 region remains accessible, but all text before the region or after the
1676 region is inaccessible. Point and mark do not change.
1677
1678 @kindex C-x n p
1679 @findex narrow-to-page
1680 @kindex C-x n d
1681 @findex narrow-to-defun
1682 Alternatively, use @kbd{C-x n p} (@code{narrow-to-page}) to narrow
1683 down to the current page. @xref{Pages}, for the definition of a page.
1684 @kbd{C-x n d} (@code{narrow-to-defun}) narrows down to the defun
1685 containing point (@pxref{Defuns}).
1686
1687 @kindex C-x n w
1688 @findex widen
1689 The way to cancel narrowing is to widen with @kbd{C-x n w}
1690 (@code{widen}). This makes all text in the buffer accessible again.
1691
1692 You can get information on what part of the buffer you are narrowed down
1693 to using the @kbd{C-x =} command. @xref{Position Info}.
1694
1695 Because narrowing can easily confuse users who do not understand it,
1696 @code{narrow-to-region} is normally a disabled command. Attempting to use
1697 this command asks for confirmation and gives you the option of enabling it;
1698 if you enable the command, confirmation will no longer be required for
1699 it. @xref{Disabling}.
1700
1701 @node Two-Column, Editing Binary Files, Narrowing, Top
1702 @section Two-Column Editing
1703 @cindex two-column editing
1704 @cindex splitting columns
1705 @cindex columns, splitting
1706
1707 Two-column mode lets you conveniently edit two side-by-side columns of
1708 text. It uses two side-by-side windows, each showing its own
1709 buffer.
1710
1711 There are three ways to enter two-column mode:
1712
1713 @table @asis
1714 @item @kbd{@key{F2} 2} or @kbd{C-x 6 2}
1715 @kindex F2 2
1716 @kindex C-x 6 2
1717 @findex 2C-two-columns
1718 Enter two-column mode with the current buffer on the left, and on the
1719 right, a buffer whose name is based on the current buffer's name
1720 (@code{2C-two-columns}). If the right-hand buffer doesn't already
1721 exist, it starts out empty; the current buffer's contents are not
1722 changed.
1723
1724 This command is appropriate when the current buffer is empty or contains
1725 just one column and you want to add another column.
1726
1727 @item @kbd{@key{F2} s} or @kbd{C-x 6 s}
1728 @kindex F2 s
1729 @kindex C-x 6 s
1730 @findex 2C-split
1731 Split the current buffer, which contains two-column text, into two
1732 buffers, and display them side by side (@code{2C-split}). The current
1733 buffer becomes the left-hand buffer, but the text in the right-hand
1734 column is moved into the right-hand buffer. The current column
1735 specifies the split point. Splitting starts with the current line and
1736 continues to the end of the buffer.
1737
1738 This command is appropriate when you have a buffer that already contains
1739 two-column text, and you wish to separate the columns temporarily.
1740
1741 @item @kbd{@key{F2} b @var{buffer} @key{RET}}
1742 @itemx @kbd{C-x 6 b @var{buffer} @key{RET}}
1743 @kindex F2 b
1744 @kindex C-x 6 b
1745 @findex 2C-associate-buffer
1746 Enter two-column mode using the current buffer as the left-hand buffer,
1747 and using buffer @var{buffer} as the right-hand buffer
1748 (@code{2C-associate-buffer}).
1749 @end table
1750
1751 @kbd{@key{F2} s} or @kbd{C-x 6 s} looks for a column separator, which
1752 is a string that appears on each line between the two columns. You can
1753 specify the width of the separator with a numeric argument to
1754 @kbd{@key{F2} s}; that many characters, before point, constitute the
1755 separator string. By default, the width is 1, so the column separator
1756 is the character before point.
1757
1758 When a line has the separator at the proper place, @kbd{@key{F2} s}
1759 puts the text after the separator into the right-hand buffer, and
1760 deletes the separator. Lines that don't have the column separator at
1761 the proper place remain unsplit; they stay in the left-hand buffer, and
1762 the right-hand buffer gets an empty line to correspond. (This is the
1763 way to write a line that ``spans both columns while in two-column
1764 mode'': write it in the left-hand buffer, and put an empty line in the
1765 right-hand buffer.)
1766
1767 @kindex F2 RET
1768 @kindex C-x 6 RET
1769 @findex 2C-newline
1770 The command @kbd{C-x 6 @key{RET}} or @kbd{@key{F2} @key{RET}}
1771 (@code{2C-newline}) inserts a newline in each of the two buffers at
1772 corresponding positions. This is the easiest way to add a new line to
1773 the two-column text while editing it in split buffers.
1774
1775 @kindex F2 1
1776 @kindex C-x 6 1
1777 @findex 2C-merge
1778 When you have edited both buffers as you wish, merge them with
1779 @kbd{@key{F2} 1} or @kbd{C-x 6 1} (@code{2C-merge}). This copies the
1780 text from the right-hand buffer as a second column in the other buffer.
1781 To go back to two-column editing, use @kbd{@key{F2} s}.
1782
1783 @kindex F2 d
1784 @kindex C-x 6 d
1785 @findex 2C-dissociate
1786 Use @kbd{@key{F2} d} or @kbd{C-x 6 d} to dissociate the two buffers,
1787 leaving each as it stands (@code{2C-dissociate}). If the other buffer,
1788 the one not current when you type @kbd{@key{F2} d}, is empty,
1789 @kbd{@key{F2} d} kills it.
1790
1791 @node Editing Binary Files, Saving Emacs Sessions, Two-Column, Top
1792 @section Editing Binary Files
1793
1794 @cindex Hexl mode
1795 @cindex mode, Hexl
1796 @cindex editing binary files
1797 @cindex hex editing
1798 There is a special major mode for editing binary files: Hexl mode. To
1799 use it, use @kbd{M-x hexl-find-file} instead of @kbd{C-x C-f} to visit
1800 the file. This command converts the file's contents to hexadecimal and
1801 lets you edit the translation. When you save the file, it is converted
1802 automatically back to binary.
1803
1804 You can also use @kbd{M-x hexl-mode} to translate an existing buffer
1805 into hex. This is useful if you visit a file normally and then discover
1806 it is a binary file.
1807
1808 Ordinary text characters overwrite in Hexl mode. This is to reduce
1809 the risk of accidentally spoiling the alignment of data in the file.
1810 There are special commands for insertion. Here is a list of the
1811 commands of Hexl mode:
1812
1813 @c I don't think individual index entries for these commands are useful--RMS.
1814 @table @kbd
1815 @item C-M-d
1816 Insert a byte with a code typed in decimal.
1817
1818 @item C-M-o
1819 Insert a byte with a code typed in octal.
1820
1821 @item C-M-x
1822 Insert a byte with a code typed in hex.
1823
1824 @item C-x [
1825 Move to the beginning of a 1k-byte ``page.''
1826
1827 @item C-x ]
1828 Move to the end of a 1k-byte ``page.''
1829
1830 @item M-g
1831 Move to an address specified in hex.
1832
1833 @item M-j
1834 Move to an address specified in decimal.
1835
1836 @item C-c C-c
1837 Leave Hexl mode, going back to the major mode this buffer had before you
1838 invoked @code{hexl-mode}.
1839 @end table
1840
1841 @noindent
1842 Other Hexl commands let you insert strings (sequences) of binary
1843 bytes, move by @code{short}s or @code{int}s, etc.; type @kbd{C-h a
1844 hexl-@key{RET}} for details.
1845
1846
1847 @node Saving Emacs Sessions, Recursive Edit, Editing Binary Files, Top
1848 @section Saving Emacs Sessions
1849 @cindex saving sessions
1850 @cindex restore session
1851 @cindex remember editing session
1852 @cindex reload files
1853 @cindex desktop
1854
1855 You can use the Desktop library to save the state of Emacs from one
1856 session to another. Saving the state means that Emacs starts up with
1857 the same set of buffers, major modes, buffer positions, and so on that
1858 the previous Emacs session had.
1859
1860 @vindex desktop-enable
1861 To use Desktop, you should use the Customization buffer (@pxref{Easy
1862 Customization}) to set @code{desktop-enable} to a non-@code{nil} value,
1863 or add these lines at the end of your @file{.emacs} file:
1864
1865 @example
1866 (desktop-load-default)
1867 (desktop-read)
1868 @end example
1869
1870 @noindent
1871 @findex desktop-save
1872 The first time you save the state of the Emacs session, you must do it
1873 manually, with the command @kbd{M-x desktop-save}. Once you have done
1874 that, exiting Emacs will save the state again---not only the present
1875 Emacs session, but also subsequent sessions. You can also save the
1876 state at any time, without exiting Emacs, by typing @kbd{M-x
1877 desktop-save} again.
1878
1879 In order for Emacs to recover the state from a previous session, you
1880 must start it with the same current directory as you used when you
1881 started the previous session. This is because @code{desktop-read} looks
1882 in the current directory for the file to read. This means that you can
1883 have separate saved sessions in different directories; the directory in
1884 which you start Emacs will control which saved session to use.
1885
1886 @vindex desktop-files-not-to-save
1887 The variable @code{desktop-files-not-to-save} controls which files are
1888 excluded from state saving. Its value is a regular expression that
1889 matches the files to exclude. By default, remote (ftp-accessed) files
1890 are excluded; this is because visiting them again in the subsequent
1891 session would be slow. If you want to include these files in state
1892 saving, set @code{desktop-files-not-to-save} to @code{"^$"}.
1893 @xref{Remote Files}.
1894
1895 @vindex save-place
1896 @cindex Saveplace
1897 @findex toggle-save-place
1898 The Saveplace library provides a simpler feature that records your
1899 position in each file when you kill its buffer (or kill Emacs), and
1900 jumps to the same position when you visit the file again (even in
1901 another Emacs session). Use @kbd{M-x toggle-save-place} to turn on
1902 place-saving in a given file. Customize the option @code{save-place}
1903 to turn it on for all files in each session.
1904
1905 @node Recursive Edit, Emulation, Saving Emacs Sessions, Top
1906 @section Recursive Editing Levels
1907 @cindex recursive editing level
1908 @cindex editing level, recursive
1909
1910 A @dfn{recursive edit} is a situation in which you are using Emacs
1911 commands to perform arbitrary editing while in the middle of another
1912 Emacs command. For example, when you type @kbd{C-r} inside of a
1913 @code{query-replace}, you enter a recursive edit in which you can change
1914 the current buffer. On exiting from the recursive edit, you go back to
1915 the @code{query-replace}.
1916
1917 @kindex C-M-c
1918 @findex exit-recursive-edit
1919 @cindex exiting recursive edit
1920 @dfn{Exiting} the recursive edit means returning to the unfinished
1921 command, which continues execution. The command to exit is @kbd{C-M-c}
1922 (@code{exit-recursive-edit}).
1923
1924 You can also @dfn{abort} the recursive edit. This is like exiting,
1925 but also quits the unfinished command immediately. Use the command
1926 @kbd{C-]} (@code{abort-recursive-edit}) to do this. @xref{Quitting}.
1927
1928 The mode line shows you when you are in a recursive edit by displaying
1929 square brackets around the parentheses that always surround the major and
1930 minor mode names. Every window's mode line shows this in the same way,
1931 since being in a recursive edit is true of Emacs as a whole rather than
1932 any particular window or buffer.
1933
1934 It is possible to be in recursive edits within recursive edits. For
1935 example, after typing @kbd{C-r} in a @code{query-replace}, you may type a
1936 command that enters the debugger. This begins a recursive editing level
1937 for the debugger, within the recursive editing level for @kbd{C-r}.
1938 Mode lines display a pair of square brackets for each recursive editing
1939 level currently in progress.
1940
1941 Exiting the inner recursive edit (such as, with the debugger @kbd{c}
1942 command) resumes the command running in the next level up. When that
1943 command finishes, you can then use @kbd{C-M-c} to exit another recursive
1944 editing level, and so on. Exiting applies to the innermost level only.
1945 Aborting also gets out of only one level of recursive edit; it returns
1946 immediately to the command level of the previous recursive edit. If you
1947 wish, you can then abort the next recursive editing level.
1948
1949 Alternatively, the command @kbd{M-x top-level} aborts all levels of
1950 recursive edits, returning immediately to the top-level command reader.
1951
1952 The text being edited inside the recursive edit need not be the same text
1953 that you were editing at top level. It depends on what the recursive edit
1954 is for. If the command that invokes the recursive edit selects a different
1955 buffer first, that is the buffer you will edit recursively. In any case,
1956 you can switch buffers within the recursive edit in the normal manner (as
1957 long as the buffer-switching keys have not been rebound). You could
1958 probably do all the rest of your editing inside the recursive edit,
1959 visiting files and all. But this could have surprising effects (such as
1960 stack overflow) from time to time. So remember to exit or abort the
1961 recursive edit when you no longer need it.
1962
1963 In general, we try to minimize the use of recursive editing levels in
1964 GNU Emacs. This is because they constrain you to ``go back'' in a
1965 particular order---from the innermost level toward the top level. When
1966 possible, we present different activities in separate buffers so that
1967 you can switch between them as you please. Some commands switch to a
1968 new major mode which provides a command to switch back. These
1969 approaches give you more flexibility to go back to unfinished tasks in
1970 the order you choose.
1971
1972 @node Emulation, Hyperlinking, Recursive Edit, Top
1973 @section Emulation
1974 @cindex emulating other editors
1975 @cindex other editors
1976 @cindex EDT
1977 @cindex vi
1978 @cindex PC key bindings
1979 @cindex scrolling all windows
1980 @cindex PC selection
1981 @cindex Motif key bindings
1982 @cindex Macintosh key bindings
1983 @cindex WordStar
1984
1985 GNU Emacs can be programmed to emulate (more or less) most other
1986 editors. Standard facilities can emulate these:
1987
1988 @table @asis
1989 @item CRiSP/Brief (PC editor)
1990 @findex crisp-mode
1991 @vindex crisp-override-meta-x
1992 @findex scroll-all-mode
1993 @cindex CRiSP mode
1994 @cindex Brief emulation
1995 @cindex emulation of Brief
1996 @cindex mode, CRiSP
1997 You can turn on key bindings to emulate the CRiSP/Brief editor with
1998 @kbd{M-x crisp-mode}. Note that this rebinds @kbd{M-x} to exit Emacs
1999 unless you change the user option @code{crisp-override-meta-x}. You can
2000 also use the command @kbd{M-x scroll-all-mode} or set the user option
2001 @code{crisp-load-scroll-all} to emulate CRiSP's scroll-all feature
2002 (scrolling all windows together).
2003
2004 @item EDT (DEC VMS editor)
2005 @findex edt-emulation-on
2006 @findex edt-emulation-off
2007 Turn on EDT emulation with @kbd{M-x edt-emulation-on}. @kbd{M-x
2008 edt-emulation-off} restores normal Emacs command bindings.
2009
2010 Most of the EDT emulation commands are keypad keys, and most standard
2011 Emacs key bindings are still available. The EDT emulation rebindings
2012 are done in the global keymap, so there is no problem switching
2013 buffers or major modes while in EDT emulation.
2014
2015 @item ``PC'' bindings
2016 @findex pc-bindings-mode
2017 @cindex ``PC'' key bindings
2018 The command @kbd{M-x pc-bindings-mode} sets up certain key bindings
2019 for ``PC compatibility''---what people are often used to on PCs---as
2020 follows: @kbd{Delete} and its variants delete forward instead of
2021 backward, @kbd{C-Backspace} kills backward a word (as @kbd{C-Delete}
2022 normally would), @kbd{M-Backspace} does undo, @kbd{Home} and @kbd{End}
2023 move to beginning and end of line, @kbd{C-Home} and @kbd{C-End} move
2024 to beginning and end of buffer and @kbd{C-Escape} does
2025 @code{list-buffers}.
2026
2027 @item PC Selection mode
2028 @findex pc-selection-mode
2029 @cindex PC Selection minor mode
2030 @cindex mode, PC selection
2031 @cindex selection, PC
2032 The command @kbd{M-x pc-selection-mode} toggles a global minor mode
2033 that emulates the mark, copy, cut and paste commands of various other
2034 systems---an interface known as CUA. It establishes the key bindings
2035 of PC mode, and also modifies the bindings of the cursor keys and the
2036 @kbd{next}, @kbd{prior}, @kbd{home} and @kbd{end} keys. It does not
2037 provide the full set of CUA key bindings---the fundamental Emacs keys
2038 @kbd{C-c}, @kbd{C-v} and @kbd{C-x} are not changed.
2039
2040 The standard keys for moving around (@kbd{right}, @kbd{left},
2041 @kbd{up}, @kbd{down}, @kbd{home}, @kbd{end}, @kbd{prior}, @kbd{next},
2042 called ``move-keys'') deactivate the mark in PC selection mode.
2043 However, using @kbd{Shift} together with the ``move keys'' activates
2044 the region over which they move. The copy, cut and paste functions
2045 are available on @kbd{C-insert}, @kbd{S-delete} and @kbd{S-insert}
2046 respectively.
2047
2048 Turning @code{pc-selection-mode} off restores the old key bindings of
2049 these keys.
2050
2051 @cindex s-region package
2052 The @code{s-region} package provides similar, but less complete,
2053 facilities.
2054
2055 @item TPU (DEC VMS editor)
2056 @findex tpu-edt-on
2057 @cindex TPU
2058 @kbd{M-x tpu-edt-on} turns on emulation of the TPU editor emulating EDT.
2059
2060 @item vi (Berkeley editor)
2061 @findex viper-mode
2062 Viper is the newest emulator for vi. It implements several levels of
2063 emulation; level 1 is closest to vi itself, while level 5 departs
2064 somewhat from strict emulation to take advantage of the capabilities of
2065 Emacs. To invoke Viper, type @kbd{M-x viper-mode}; it will guide you
2066 the rest of the way and ask for the emulation level. @inforef{Top,
2067 Viper, viper}.
2068
2069 @item vi (another emulator)
2070 @findex vi-mode
2071 @kbd{M-x vi-mode} enters a major mode that replaces the previously
2072 established major mode. All of the vi commands that, in real vi, enter
2073 ``input'' mode are programmed instead to return to the previous major
2074 mode. Thus, ordinary Emacs serves as vi's ``input'' mode.
2075
2076 Because vi emulation works through major modes, it does not work
2077 to switch buffers during emulation. Return to normal Emacs first.
2078
2079 If you plan to use vi emulation much, you probably want to bind a key
2080 to the @code{vi-mode} command.
2081
2082 @item vi (alternate emulator)
2083 @findex vip-mode
2084 @kbd{M-x vip-mode} invokes another vi emulator, said to resemble real vi
2085 more thoroughly than @kbd{M-x vi-mode}. ``Input'' mode in this emulator
2086 is changed from ordinary Emacs so you can use @key{ESC} to go back to
2087 emulated vi command mode. To get from emulated vi command mode back to
2088 ordinary Emacs, type @kbd{C-z}.
2089
2090 This emulation does not work through major modes, and it is possible
2091 to switch buffers in various ways within the emulator. It is not
2092 so necessary to assign a key to the command @code{vip-mode} as
2093 it is with @code{vi-mode} because terminating insert mode does
2094 not use it.
2095
2096 @inforef{Top, VIP, vip}, for full information.
2097
2098 @item WordStar (old wordprocessor)
2099 @findex wordstar-mode
2100 @kbd{M-x wordstar-mode} provides a major mode with WordStar-like
2101 key bindings.
2102 @end table
2103
2104 @node Hyperlinking, Dissociated Press, Emulation, Top
2105 @section Hyperlinking and Navigation Features
2106
2107 @cindex hyperlinking
2108 @cindex navigation
2109 Various modes documented elsewhere have hypertext features so that
2110 you can follow links, usually by clicking @kbd{Mouse-2} on the link or
2111 typing @key{RET} while point is on the link. Info mode, Help mode and
2112 the Dired-like modes are examples. The Tags facility links between
2113 uses and definitions in source files, see @ref{Tags}. Imenu provides
2114 navigation amongst items indexed in the current buffer, see
2115 @ref{Imenu}. Info-lookup provides mode-specific lookup of definitions
2116 in Info indexes, see @ref{Documentation}. Speedbar maintains a frame
2117 in which links to files, and locations in files are displayed, see
2118 @ref{Speedbar}.
2119
2120 Other non-mode-specific facilities described in this section enable
2121 following links from the current buffer in a context-sensitive
2122 fashion.
2123
2124 @menu
2125 * Browse-URL:: Following URLs.
2126 * Goto-address:: Activating URLs.
2127 * FFAP:: Finding files etc. at point.
2128 * Find-func:: Finding function and variable definitions.
2129 @end menu
2130
2131 @node Browse-URL
2132 @subsection Following URLs
2133 @cindex World Wide Web
2134 @cindex Web
2135 @findex browse-url
2136 @findex browse-url-at-point
2137 @findex browse-url-at-mouse
2138 @cindex Browse-URL
2139 @cindex URLs
2140
2141 @table @kbd
2142 @item M-x browse-url @key{RET} @var{url} @key{RET}
2143 Load a URL into a Web browser.
2144 @end table
2145
2146 The Browse-URL package provides facilities for following URLs specifying
2147 links on the World Wide Web. Usually this works by invoking a web
2148 browser, but you can, for instance, arrange to invoke @code{compose-mail}
2149 from @samp{mailto:} URLs.
2150
2151 The general way to use this feature is to type @kbd{M-x browse-url},
2152 which displays a specified URL. If point is located near a plausible
2153 URL, that URL is used as the default. Other commands are available
2154 which you might like to bind to keys, such as
2155 @code{browse-url-at-point} and @code{browse-url-at-mouse}.
2156
2157 @vindex browse-url-browser-function
2158 You can customize Browse-URL's behavior via various options in the
2159 @code{browse-url} Customize group, particularly
2160 @code{browse-url-browser-function}. You can invoke actions dependent
2161 on the type of URL by defining @code{browse-url-browser-function} as
2162 an association list. The package's commentary available via @kbd{C-h
2163 p} provides more information. Packages with facilities for following
2164 URLs should always go through Browse-URL, so that the customization
2165 options for Browse-URL will affect all browsing in Emacs.
2166
2167 @node Goto-address
2168 @subsection Activating URLs
2169 @findex goto-address
2170 @cindex Goto-address
2171 @cindex URLs, activating
2172
2173 @table @kbd
2174 @item M-x goto-address
2175 Activate URLs and e-mail addresses in the current buffer.
2176 @end table
2177
2178 You can make URLs in the current buffer active with @kbd{M-x
2179 goto-address}. This finds all the URLs in the buffer, and establishes
2180 bindings for @kbd{Mouse-2} and @kbd{C-c @key{RET}} on them. After
2181 activation, if you click on a URL with @kbd{Mouse-2}, or move to a URL
2182 and type @kbd{C-c @key{RET}}, that will display the web page that the URL
2183 specifies. For a @samp{mailto} URL, it sends mail instead, using your
2184 selected mail-composition method (@pxref{Mail Methods}).
2185
2186 It can be useful to add @code{goto-address} to mode hooks and the
2187 hooks used to display an incoming message.
2188 @code{rmail-show-message-hook} is the appropriate hook for Rmail, and
2189 @code{mh-show-mode-hook} for MH-E. This is not needed for Gnus,
2190 which has a similar feature of its own.
2191
2192
2193 @node FFAP
2194 @subsection Finding Files and URLs at Point
2195 @findex find-file-at-point
2196 @findex ffap
2197 @findex ffap-dired-at-point
2198 @findex ffap-next
2199 @findex ffap-menu
2200 @cindex finding file at point
2201
2202 FFAP mode replaces certain key bindings for finding files, including
2203 @kbd{C-x C-f}, with commands that provide more sensitive defaults.
2204 These commands behave like the ordinary ones when given a prefix
2205 argument. Otherwise, they get the default file name or URL from the
2206 text around point. If what is found in the buffer has the form of a
2207 URL rather than a file name, the commands use @code{browse-url} to
2208 view it.
2209
2210 This feature is useful for following references in mail or news
2211 buffers, @file{README} files, @file{MANIFEST} files, and so on. The
2212 @samp{ffap} package's commentary available via @kbd{C-h p} and the
2213 @code{ffap} Custom group provide details.
2214
2215 @cindex FFAP minor mode
2216 @findex ffap-mode
2217 You can turn on FFAP minor mode to make the following key bindings
2218 and to install hooks for using @code{ffap} in Rmail, Gnus and VM
2219 article buffers.
2220
2221 @table @kbd
2222 @item C-x C-f @var{filename} @key{RET}
2223 @kindex C-x C-f @r{(FFAP)}
2224 Find @var{filename}, guessing a default from text around point
2225 (@code{find-file-at-point}).
2226 @item C-x 4 f
2227 @kindex C-x 4 f @r{(FFAP)}
2228 @code{ffap-other-window}, analogous to @code{find-file-other-window}.
2229 @item C-x 5 f
2230 @kindex C-x 5 f @r{(FFAP)}
2231 @code{ffap-other-frame}, analogous to @code{find-file-other-frame}.
2232 @item M-x ffap-next
2233 Search buffer for next file name or URL, then find that file or URL.
2234 @item C-x d @var{directory} @key{RET}
2235 @kindex C-x d @r{(FFAP)}
2236 Start Dired on @var{directory}, defaulting to the directory name at
2237 point (@code{ffap-dired-at-point}).
2238 @item S-Mouse-3
2239 @kindex S-Mouse-3 @r{(FFAP)}
2240 @code{ffap-at-mouse} finds the file guessed from text around the position
2241 of a mouse click.
2242 @item C-S-Mouse-3
2243 @kindex C-S-Mouse-3 @r{(FFAP)}
2244 Display a menu of files and URLs mentioned in current buffer, then
2245 find the one you select (@code{ffap-menu}).
2246 @end table
2247
2248 @node Find-func
2249 @subsection Finding Function and Variable Definitions
2250 @cindex definitions, finding in Lisp sources
2251 @cindex Lisp definitions, finding in sources
2252
2253 @table @kbd
2254 @item M-x find-function @key{RET} @var{function} @key{RET}
2255 Find the definition of @var{function} in its source file.
2256 @item M-x find-variable @key{RET} @var{variable} @key{RET}
2257 Find the definition of @var{variable} in its source file.
2258 @item M-x find-function-on-key @key{RET} @var{key}
2259 Find the definition of the function that @var{key} invokes.
2260 @end table
2261
2262 These commands provide an easy way to find the definitions of Emacs
2263 Lisp functions and variables. They are similar in purpose to the Tags
2264 facility (@pxref{Tags}), but don't require a tags table; on the other
2265 hand, they only work for function and variable definitions that are
2266 already loaded in the Emacs session.
2267
2268 @findex find-function
2269 @findex find-function-on-key
2270 @findex find-variable
2271 To find the definition of a function, use @kbd{M-x find-function}.
2272 @kbd{M-x find-variable} finds the definition of a specified variable.
2273 @kbd{M-x find-function-on-key} finds the definition of the function
2274 bound to a specified key.
2275
2276 To use these commands, you must have the Lisp source (@samp{.el})
2277 files available along with the compiled (@samp{.elc}) files, in
2278 directories in @code{load-path}. You can use compressed source files
2279 if you enable Auto Compression mode. These commands only handle
2280 definitions written in Lisp, not primitive functions or variables
2281 defined in the C code of Emacs.
2282
2283 @node Dissociated Press, Amusements, Hyperlinking, Top
2284 @section Dissociated Press
2285
2286 @findex dissociated-press
2287 @kbd{M-x dissociated-press} is a command for scrambling a file of text
2288 either word by word or character by character. Starting from a buffer of
2289 straight English, it produces extremely amusing output. The input comes
2290 from the current Emacs buffer. Dissociated Press writes its output in a
2291 buffer named @samp{*Dissociation*}, and redisplays that buffer after every
2292 couple of lines (approximately) so you can read the output as it comes out.
2293
2294 Dissociated Press asks every so often whether to continue generating
2295 output. Answer @kbd{n} to stop it. You can also stop at any time by
2296 typing @kbd{C-g}. The dissociation output remains in the
2297 @samp{*Dissociation*} buffer for you to copy elsewhere if you wish.
2298
2299 @cindex presidentagon
2300 Dissociated Press operates by jumping at random from one point in the
2301 buffer to another. In order to produce plausible output rather than
2302 gibberish, it insists on a certain amount of overlap between the end of
2303 one run of consecutive words or characters and the start of the next.
2304 That is, if it has just output `president' and then decides to jump
2305 to a different point in the file, it might spot the `ent' in `pentagon'
2306 and continue from there, producing `presidentagon'.@footnote{This
2307 dissociword actually appeared during the Vietnam War, when it was very
2308 appropriate.} Long sample texts produce the best results.
2309
2310 @cindex againformation
2311 A positive argument to @kbd{M-x dissociated-press} tells it to operate
2312 character by character, and specifies the number of overlap characters. A
2313 negative argument tells it to operate word by word and specifies the number
2314 of overlap words. In this mode, whole words are treated as the elements to
2315 be permuted, rather than characters. No argument is equivalent to an
2316 argument of two. For your againformation, the output goes only into the
2317 buffer @samp{*Dissociation*}. The buffer you start with is not changed.
2318
2319 @cindex Markov chain
2320 @cindex ignoriginal
2321 @cindex techniquitous
2322 Dissociated Press produces nearly the same results as a Markov chain
2323 based on a frequency table constructed from the sample text. It is,
2324 however, an independent, ignoriginal invention. Dissociated Press
2325 techniquitously copies several consecutive characters from the sample
2326 between random choices, whereas a Markov chain would choose randomly for
2327 each word or character. This makes for more plausible sounding results,
2328 and runs faster.
2329
2330 @cindex outragedy
2331 @cindex buggestion
2332 @cindex properbose
2333 @cindex mustatement
2334 @cindex developediment
2335 @cindex userenced
2336 It is a mustatement that too much use of Dissociated Press can be a
2337 developediment to your real work. Sometimes to the point of outragedy.
2338 And keep dissociwords out of your documentation, if you want it to be well
2339 userenced and properbose. Have fun. Your buggestions are welcome.
2340
2341 @node Amusements, Customization, Dissociated Press, Top
2342 @section Other Amusements
2343 @cindex boredom
2344 @findex hanoi
2345 @findex yow
2346 @findex gomoku
2347 @cindex tower of Hanoi
2348
2349 If you are a little bit bored, you can try @kbd{M-x hanoi}. If you are
2350 considerably bored, give it a numeric argument. If you are very, very
2351 bored, try an argument of 9. Sit back and watch.
2352
2353 @cindex Go Moku
2354 If you want a little more personal involvement, try @kbd{M-x gomoku},
2355 which plays the game Go Moku with you.
2356
2357 @findex blackbox
2358 @findex mpuz
2359 @findex 5x5
2360 @cindex puzzles
2361 @kbd{M-x blackbox}, @kbd{M-x mpuz} and @kbd{M-x 5x5} are kinds of puzzles.
2362 @code{blackbox} challenges you to determine the location of objects
2363 inside a box by tomography. @code{mpuz} displays a multiplication
2364 puzzle with letters standing for digits in a code that you must
2365 guess---to guess a value, type a letter and then the digit you think it
2366 stands for. The aim of @code{5x5} is to fill in all the squares.
2367
2368 @findex decipher
2369 @cindex ciphers
2370 @cindex cryptanalysis
2371 @kbd{M-x decipher} helps you to cryptanalyze a buffer which is encrypted
2372 in a simple monoalphabetic substitution cipher.
2373
2374 @findex dunnet
2375 @kbd{M-x dunnet} runs an adventure-style exploration game, which is
2376 a bigger sort of puzzle.
2377
2378 @findex lm
2379 @cindex landmark game
2380 @kbd{M-x lm} runs a relatively non-participatory game in which a robot
2381 attempts to maneuver towards a tree at the center of the window based on
2382 unique olfactory cues from each of the four directions.
2383
2384 @findex life
2385 @cindex Life
2386 @kbd{M-x life} runs Conway's ``Life'' cellular automaton.
2387
2388 @findex morse-region
2389 @findex unmorse-region
2390 @cindex Morse code
2391 @cindex --/---/.-./.../.
2392 @kbd{M-x morse-region} converts text in a region to Morse code and
2393 @kbd{M-x unmorse-region} converts it back. No cause for remorse.
2394
2395 @findex pong
2396 @cindex Pong game
2397 @kbd{M-x pong} plays a Pong-like game, bouncing the ball off opposing
2398 bats.
2399
2400 @findex solitaire
2401 @cindex solitaire
2402 @kbd{M-x solitaire} plays a game of solitaire in which you jump pegs
2403 across other pegs.
2404
2405 @findex studlify-region
2406 @cindex StudlyCaps
2407 @kbd{M-x studlify-region} studlify-cases the region, producing
2408 text like this:
2409
2410 @example
2411 M-x stUdlIfY-RegioN stUdlIfY-CaSeS thE region.
2412 @end example
2413
2414 @findex tetris
2415 @cindex Tetris
2416 @findex snake
2417 @cindex Snake
2418 @kbd{M-x tetris} runs an implementation of the well-known Tetris game.
2419 Likewise, @kbd{M-x snake} provides an implementation of Snake.
2420
2421 When you are frustrated, try the famous Eliza program. Just do
2422 @kbd{M-x doctor}. End each input by typing @key{RET} twice.
2423
2424 @cindex Zippy
2425 When you are feeling strange, type @kbd{M-x yow}.
2426
2427 @findex zone
2428 The command @kbd{M-x zone} plays games with the display when Emacs is
2429 idle.