\input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
-@comment %**start of header
-@setfilename ../info/info
-@settitle Info 1.0
-@comment %**end of header
-
+@comment %**start of header
+@setfilename info.info
+@settitle Info
+@syncodeindex fn cp
+@syncodeindex vr cp
+@syncodeindex ky cp
+@comment %**end of header
+@comment $Id: info.texi,v 1.21 2002/04/23 18:36:05 rms Exp $
+
+@dircategory Texinfo documentation system
@direntry
-* Info: (info). Documentation browsing system.
+* Info: (info). How to use the documentation browsing system.
@end direntry
-@iftex
-@finalout
-@end iftex
-
@ifinfo
-This file describes how to use Info,
-the on-line, menu-driven GNU documentation system.
+This file describes how to use Info, the on-line, menu-driven GNU
+documentation system.
-Copyright (C) 1989, 1992 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
+Copyright (C) 1989, 92, 96, 97, 98, 99, 2000, 2001, 2002
+Free Software Foundation, Inc.
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
license to the document, as described in section 6 of the license.
@end ifinfo
-@setchapternewpage odd
@titlepage
-@sp 11
-@center @titlefont{Info}
-@sp 2
-@center The
-@sp 2
-@center On-line, Menu-driven
-@sp 2
-@center GNU Documentation System
-
+@title Info
+@subtitle The online, hyper-text GNU documentation system
+@author Brian Fox
+@author and the GNU Texinfo community
@page
@vskip 0pt plus 1filll
-Copyright @copyright{} 1989, 1992, 1993 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
+Copyright @copyright{} 1989, 92, 93, 96, 97, 98, 99, 2000, 2001
+Free Software Foundation, Inc.
@sp 2
-
Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
-59 Temple Place, Suite 330 @*
-Boston, MA 02111-1307 USA @*
+59 Temple Place - Suite 330 @*
+Boston, MA 02111-1307, USA.
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1 or
license to the document, as described in section 6 of the license.
@end titlepage
-@paragraphindent 3
-@ifinfo
-@node Top, Getting Started, (dir), (dir)
+@ifnottex
+@node Top
@top Info: An Introduction
-Info is a program for reading documentation, which you are using now.
+Info is a program, which you are using now, for reading documentation of
+computer programs. The GNU Project distributes most of its on-line
+manuals in the Info format, so you need a program called @dfn{Info
+reader} to read the manuals. One of such programs you are using now.
-To learn how to use Info, type the command @kbd{h}. It brings you
-to a programmed instruction sequence. If at any time you are ready to
-stop using Info, type @samp{q}.
-
-@c Need to make sure that `Info-help' goes to the right node,
-@c which is the first node of the first chapter. (It should.)
-@c (Info-find-node "info"
-@c (if (< (window-height) 23)
-@c "Help-Small-Screen"
-@c "Help")))
+@ifinfo
+If you are new to Info and want to learn how to use it, type the
+command @kbd{h} now. It brings you to a programmed instruction
+sequence.
-To learn advanced Info commands, type @kbd{n} twice. This brings you to
+To learn expert-level Info commands, type @kbd{n} twice. This brings you to
@cite{Info for Experts}, skipping over the `Getting Started' chapter.
@end ifinfo
+@end ifnottex
@menu
* Getting Started:: Getting started using an Info reader.
-* Advanced Info:: Advanced commands within Info.
-* Create an Info File:: How to make your own Info file.
+* Expert Info:: Info commands for experts.
+* Creating an Info File:: How to make your own Info file.
+* Index:: An index of topics, commands, and variables.
@end menu
-@node Getting Started, Advanced Info, Top, Top
+@node Getting Started, Expert Info, Top, Top
@comment node-name, next, previous, up
@chapter Getting Started
This first part of the Info manual describes how to get around inside
of Info. The second part of the manual describes various advanced
Info commands, and how to write an Info as distinct from a Texinfo
-file. The third part is about how to generate Info files from
+file. The third part briefly explains how to generate Info files from
Texinfo files.
-@iftex
-This manual is primarily designed for use on a computer, so that you can
-try Info commands while reading about them. Reading it on paper is less
+@ifnotinfo
+This manual is primarily designed for browsing with an Info reader
+program on a computer, so that you can try Info commands while reading
+about them. Reading it on paper or with an HTML browser is less
effective, since you must take it on faith that the commands described
-really do what the manual says. By all means go through this manual now
-that you have it; but please try going through the on-line version as
-well.
+really do what the manual says. By all means go through this manual
+now that you have it; but please try going through the on-line version
+as well.
+@cindex Info reader, how to invoke
+@cindex entering Info
There are two ways of looking at the online version of this manual:
@enumerate
stand-alone program designed just to read Info files.
@item
-Type @code{emacs} at the command line; then type @kbd{C-h i} (Control
-@kbd{h}, followed by @kbd{i}). This approach uses the Info mode of the
-Emacs program, an editor with many other capabilities.
+Type @code{emacs} at the command line; then type @kbd{C-h i}
+(@kbd{Control-h}, followed by @kbd{i}). This approach uses the Info
+mode of the Emacs program, an editor with many other capabilities.
@end enumerate
In either case, then type @kbd{mInfo} (just the letters), followed by
@c Is it worth worrying about what-if the beginner goes to somebody
@c else's Emacs session, which already has an Info running in the middle
@c of something---in which case these simple instructions won't work?
-@end iftex
+@end ifnotinfo
@menu
* Help-Small-Screen:: Starting Info on a Small Screen
* Help:: How to use Info
* Help-P:: Returning to the Previous node
-* Help-^L:: The Space, Rubout, B and ^L commands.
+* Help-^L:: The Space, DEL, B and ^L commands.
* Help-M:: Menus
-* Help-Adv:: Some advanced Info commands
+* Help-Xref:: Following cross-references
+* Help-Int:: Some intermediate Info commands
* Help-Q:: Quitting Info
@end menu
-@node Help-Small-Screen, Help, , Getting Started
-@comment node-name, next, previous, up
+@node Help-Small-Screen
@section Starting Info on a Small Screen
-@iftex
+@ifnotinfo
(In Info, you only see this section if your terminal has a small
number of lines; most readers pass by it without seeing it.)
-@end iftex
+@end ifnotinfo
-Since your terminal has an unusually small number of lines on its
+@cindex small screen, moving around
+Since your terminal has a relatively small number of lines on its
screen, it is necessary to give you special advice at the beginning.
-If you see the text @samp{--All----} at near the bottom right corner
+If you see the text @samp{--All----} near the bottom right corner
of the screen, it means the entire text you are looking at fits on the
screen. If you see @samp{--Top----} instead, it means that there is
more text below that does not fit. To move forward through the text
-and see another screen full, press the Space bar, @key{SPC}. To move
-back up, press the key labeled @samp{Delete} or @key{DEL}.
+and see another screen full, press @key{SPC}, the Space bar. To move
+back up, press the key labeled @samp{Backspace} or @samp{DEL} (on some
+keyboards, this key might be labeled @samp{Delete}).
@ifinfo
-Here are 40 lines of junk, so you can try Spaces and Deletes and
+Here are 40 lines of junk, so you can try @key{SPC} and @key{DEL} and
see what they do. At the end are instructions of what you should do
next.
+
@format
-This is line 17
-This is line 18
-This is line 19
This is line 20
This is line 21
This is line 22
This is line 54
This is line 55
This is line 56
+This is line 57
+This is line 58
+This is line 59
@end format
+
If you have managed to get here, go back to the beginning with
-Delete, and come back here again, then you understand Space and
-Delete. So now type an @kbd{n} ---just one character; don't type
-the quotes and don't type the Return key afterward--- to
-get to the normal start of the course.
+@kbd{DEL} (or @key{BACKSPACE}), and come back here again, then you
+understand the about the @samp{Space} and @samp{Backspace} keys. So
+now type an @kbd{n} ---just one character; don't type the quotes and
+don't type the Return key afterward--- to get to the normal start of
+the course.
@end ifinfo
@node Help, Help-P, Help-Small-Screen, Getting Started
You are talking to the program Info, for reading documentation.
+@cindex node, in Info documents
Right now you are looking at one @dfn{Node} of Information.
A node contains text describing a specific topic at a specific
-level of detail. This node's topic is ``how to use Info''.
+level of detail. This node's topic is ``how to use Info''. The mode
+line says that this is node @samp{Help} in the file @file{info}.
+@cindex header of Info node
The top line of a node is its @dfn{header}. This node's header (look at
-it now) says that it is the node named @samp{Help} in the file
-@file{info}. It says that the @samp{Next} node after this one is the node
+it now) says that the @samp{Next} node after this one is the node
called @samp{Help-P}. An advanced Info command lets you go to any node
-whose name you know.
+whose name you know. In the stand-alone Info reader program, the
+header line shows the names of this node and the info file as well.
+In Emacs, the header line is displayed in a special typeface, and it
+doesn't scroll off the screen when you scroll the display. The names
+of this node and of its Info file are omitted by Emacs from the header
+line.
Besides a @samp{Next}, a node can have a @samp{Previous} or an
-@samp{Up}. This node has a @samp{Previous} which is
-@samp{Help-Small-Screen}, and an @samp{Up} which is @samp{Getting
-Started}. Some nodes have no @samp{Previous} and some have no
-@samp{Up}.
+@samp{Up} links, or both. As you can see, this node has all of these
+links.
+@kindex n @r{(Info mode)}
Now it is time to move on to the @samp{Next} node, named @samp{Help-P}.
@format
->> Type @samp{n} to move there. Type just one character;
+>> Type @kbd{n} to move there. Type just one character;
do not type the quotes and do not type a @key{RET} afterward.
@end format
+@noindent
@samp{>>} in the margin means it is really time to try a command.
+@format
+>> If you have a mouse, and if you already practiced typing @kbd{n}
+ to get to the next node, click now with the right mouse button on
+ the @samp{Next} link to do the same ``the mouse way''.
+@end format
+
@node Help-P, Help-^L, Help, Getting Started
@comment node-name, next, previous, up
@section Returning to the Previous node
+@kindex p @r{(Info mode)}
This node is called @samp{Help-P}. The @samp{Previous} node, as you see,
is @samp{Help}, which is the one you just came from using the @kbd{n}
command. Another @kbd{n} command now would take you to the next
-node, @samp{Help-^L}.
+node, @samp{Help-^L}. In Emacs, @kbd{n} runs the Emacs command
+@code{Info-next}, and @kbd{p} runs @code{Info-prev}.
@format
->> But do not do that yet. First, try the @kbd{p} command, which takes
- you to the @samp{Previous} node. When you get there, you can do an
- @kbd{n} again to return here.
+>> But do not type @kbd{n} yet. First, try the @kbd{p} command,
+ or click the mouse on the @samp{Prev} link, which takes you to the
+ @samp{Previous} node. When you get there, you can do an @kbd{n}
+ again to return here.
@end format
+ If you read this in Emacs, you will see an @samp{Info} item in the
+menu bar, close to its right edge. Clicking your mouse on the
+@samp{Info} menu-bar item opens a menu of commands which include
+@samp{Next} and @samp{Prev} (and also some others which you didn't yet
+learn about).
+
This all probably seems insultingly simple so far, but @emph{do not} be
led into skimming. Things will get more complicated soon. Also,
do not try a new command until you are told it is time to. Otherwise,
you may make Info skip past an important warning that was coming up.
@format
->> Now do an @kbd{n} to get to the node @samp{Help-^L} and learn more.
+>> Now do an @kbd{n}, or click the mouse on the @samp{Next} link, to
+ get to the node @samp{Help-^L} and learn more.
@end format
@node Help-^L, Help-M, Help-P, Getting Started
@comment node-name, next, previous, up
-@section The Space, Delete, B and ^L commands.
+@section The Space, DEL, B and ^L commands.
- This node's header tells you that you are now at node @samp{Help-^L}, and
-that @kbd{p} would get you back to @samp{Help-P}. The node's title is
-underlined; it says what the node is about (most nodes have titles).
+ This node's mode line tells you that you are now at node
+@samp{Help-^L}, and the header line tells you that @kbd{p} would get
+you back to @samp{Help-P}. The node's title is highlighted and may be
+underlined as well; it says what the node is about.
This is a big node and it does not all fit on your display screen.
You can tell that there is more that is not visible because you
can see the string @samp{--Top-----} rather than @samp{--All----} near
the bottom right corner of the screen.
- The Space, Delete and @kbd{B} commands exist to allow you to ``move
-around'' in a node that does not all fit on the screen at once.
-Space moves forward, to show what was below the bottom of the screen.
-Delete moves backward, to show what was above the top of the screen
-(there is not anything above the top until you have typed some spaces).
+@kindex SPC @r{(Info mode)}
+@kindex DEL @r{(Info mode)}
+@kindex BACKSPACE @r{(Info mode)}
+@findex Info-scroll-up
+@findex Info-scroll-down
+ The @key{SPC}, @key{BACKSPACE} (or @key{DEL})@footnote{The key which
+we call ``Backspace or DEL'' in this manual is labeled differently on
+different keyboards. Look for a key which is a little ways above the
+@key{ENTER} or @key{RET} key and which you normally use outside Emacs
+to erase the character before the cursor, i.e.@: the character you
+typed last. It might be labeled @samp{Backspace} or @samp{<-} or
+@samp{DEL}, or sometimes @samp{Delete}.} and @kbd{b} commands exist to
+allow you to ``move around'' in a node that does not all fit on the
+screen at once. @key{SPC} moves forward, to show what was below the
+bottom of the screen. @key{DEL} or @key{BACKSPACE} moves backward, to
+show what was above the top of the screen (there is not anything above
+the top until you have typed some spaces). In Emacs, @key{SPC} runs
+the command @code{Info-scroll-up}, while @key{BACKSPACE} runs
+@code{Info-scroll-down}.
@format
->> Now try typing a Space (afterward, type a Delete to return here).
+>> Now try typing a @key{SPC} (afterward, type a @key{BACKSPACE} to
+ return here).
@end format
- When you type the space, the two lines that were at the bottom of
-the screen appear at the top, followed by more lines. Delete takes
-the two lines from the top and moves them to the bottom,
-@emph{usually}, but if there are not a full screen's worth of lines
-above them they may not make it all the way to the bottom.
-
- Space and Delete scroll through all the nodes in an Info file as a
+ When you type the @key{SPC}, the two lines that were at the bottom of
+the screen appear at the top, followed by more lines. @key{DEL} or
+@key{BACKSPACE} takes the two lines from the top and moves them to the
+bottom, @emph{usually}, but if there are not a full screen's worth of
+lines above them they may not make it all the way to the bottom.
+
+ If you are reading this in Emacs, note that the header line is
+always visible, never scrolling off the display. That way, you can
+always see the @samp{Next}, @samp{Prev}, and @samp{Up} links, and you
+can conveniently go to one of these links from anywhere in the node by
+clicking the mouse on one of these links.
+
+@cindex reading Info documents top to bottom
+@cindex Info documents as tutorials
+ @key{SPC} and @key{DEL} not only move forward and backward through
+the current node. When these keys hit the beginning or the end of the
+current node, they move to preceding or subsequent nodes.
+Specifically, they scroll through all the nodes in an Info file as a
single logical sequence. In this sequence, a node's subnodes appear
-following their parent. If a node's menu is on the screen, Space takes
-you into the subnodes listed in the menu, one by one. Once you reach
-the end of a node, Space takes you to the next node or back to the
-parent node.
-
- If your screen is ever garbaged, you can tell Info to print it out
-again by typing @kbd{C-l} (@kbd{Control-L}, that is---hold down ``Control'' and
-type an @key{L} or @kbd{l}).
+following their parent. If a node has a menu, @key{SPC} takes you
+into the subnodes listed in the menu, one by one. Once you reach the
+end of a node, and have seen all of its subnodes, @key{SPC} takes you
+to the next node or to the parent's next node. This is so you could
+read the entire manual top to bottom by just typing @key{SPC}.
+
+@kindex PAGEUP @r{(Info mode)}
+@kindex PAGEDOWN @r{(Info mode)}
+ Many keyboards nowadays have two scroll keys labeled @samp{PageUp}
+and @samp{PageDown} (or maybe @samp{Prior} and @samp{Next}). If your
+keyboard has these keys, you can use them to move forward and backward
+through the text, like with @key{SPC} and @key{BACKSPACE}. However,
+unlike @key{SPC} and @key{BACKSPACE}, @key{PAGEUP} and @key{PAGEDOWN}
+keys will never scroll beyond the beginning or the end of the current
+node.
+
+@kindex C-l @r{(Info mode)}
+ If your screen is ever garbaged, you can tell Info to display it
+again by typing @kbd{C-l} (@kbd{Control-L}, that is---hold down
+@key{CTRL} and type @kbd{L} or @kbd{l}).
@format
>> Type @kbd{C-l} now.
@end format
+@kindex b @r{(Info mode)}
To move back to the beginning of the node you are on, you can type
-a lot of Deletes. You can also type simply @kbd{b} for beginning.
+a lot of @key{BACKSPACE} keys. You can also type simply @kbd{b} for
+beginning.
+
@format
>> Try that now. (We have put in enough verbiage to push this past
-the first screenful, but screens are so big nowadays that perhaps it
-isn't enough. You may need to shrink your Emacs or Info window.)
-Then come back, with Spaces.
+ the first screenful, but screens are so big nowadays that perhaps it
+ isn't enough. You may need to shrink your Emacs or Info window.)
+ Then come back, by typing @key{SPC} one or more times.
@end format
-If your screen is very tall, all of this node might fit at once.
-In that case, "b" won't do anything. Sorry; what can we do?
+ If your screen is very tall, all of this node might fit at once.
+In that case, @kbd{b} won't do anything. Sorry; what can we do?
+@kindex ? @r{(Info mode)}
+@findex Info-summary
You have just learned a considerable number of commands. If you
want to use one but have trouble remembering which, you should type
-a @key{?} which prints out a brief list of commands. When you are
-finished looking at the list, make it go away by typing a @key{SPC}.
+a @kbd{?} (in Emacs it runs the @code{Info-summary} command) which
+displays a brief list of commands. When you are finished looking at
+the list, make it go away by typing a @key{SPC} repeatedly.
@format
->> Type a @key{?} now. After it finishes, type a @key{SPC}.
+>> Type a @key{?} now. Press @key{SPC} to see consecutive screenfuls of
+ the list until finished. Then type @key{SPC} several times, until
+ it goes away.
@end format
- (If you are using the standalone Info reader, type `l' to return here.)
+ (If you are using the stand-alone Info reader, type @kbd{C-x 0} to
+return here, that is---press and hold @key{CTRL}, type an @kbd{x},
+then release @key{CTRL} and @kbd{x}, and press @kbd{0}---a zero, not
+the letter ``o''.)
From now on, you will encounter large nodes without warning, and
-will be expected to know how to use Space and Delete to move
-around in them without being told. Since not all terminals have
+will be expected to know how to use @key{SPC} and @key{BACKSPACE} to
+move around in them without being told. Since not all terminals have
the same size screen, it would be impossible to warn you anyway.
@format
->> Now type @kbd{n} to see the description of the @kbd{m} command.
+>> Now type @kbd{n}, or click the mouse on the @samp{Next} link, to
+ see the description of the @kbd{m} command.
@end format
-@node Help-M, Help-Adv, Help-^L, Getting Started
+@node Help-M, Help-Xref, Help-^L, Getting Started
@comment node-name, next, previous, up
-@section Menus
-
-Menus and the @kbd{m} command
-
- With only the @kbd{n} and @kbd{p} commands for moving between nodes, nodes
-are restricted to a linear sequence. Menus allow a branching
-structure. A menu is a list of other nodes you can move to. It is
-actually just part of the text of the node formatted specially so that
-Info can interpret it. The beginning of a menu is always identified
-by a line which starts with @samp{* Menu:}. A node contains a menu if and
-only if it has a line in it which starts that way. The only menu you
-can use at any moment is the one in the node you are in. To use a
-menu in any other node, you must move to that node first.
+@section Menus and the @kbd{m} command
+
+@cindex menus in an Info document
+@cindex Info menus
+ With only the @kbd{n} (next) and @kbd{p} (previous) commands for
+moving between nodes, nodes are restricted to a linear sequence.
+Menus allow a branching structure. A menu is a list of other nodes
+you can move to. It is actually just part of the text of the node
+formatted specially so that Info can interpret it. The beginning of a
+menu is always identified by a line which starts with @samp{* Menu:}.
+A node contains a menu if and only if it has a line in it which starts
+that way. The only menu you can use at any moment is the one in the
+node you are in. To use a menu in any other node, you must move to
+that node first.
After the start of the menu, each line that starts with a @samp{*}
identifies one subtopic. The line usually contains a brief name
not define additional subtopics. Here is an example:
@example
-* Foo: FOO's Node This tells about FOO
+* Foo: Node about FOO. This tells about FOO.
@end example
-The subtopic name is Foo, and the node describing it is @samp{FOO's Node}.
-The rest of the line is just for the reader's Information.
-[[ But this line is not a real menu item, simply because there is
-no line above it which starts with @samp{* Menu:}.]]
+The subtopic name is Foo, and the node describing it is @samp{Node
+about FOO}. The rest of the line is just for the reader's
+Information. [[ But this line is not a real menu item, simply because
+there is no line above it which starts with @samp{* Menu:}.]]
When you use a menu to go to another node (in a way that will be
described soon), what you specify is the subtopic name, the first
abbreviation for this:
@example
-* Foo:: This tells about FOO
+* Foo:: This tells about FOO.
@end example
@noindent
both @samp{Foo}.
@format
->> Now use Spaces to find the menu in this node, then come back to
- the front with a @kbd{b} and some Spaces. As you see, a menu is
+>> Now use @key{SPC} to find the menu in this node, then come back to
+ the front with a @kbd{b} and some @key{SPC}s. As you see, a menu is
actually visible in its node. If you cannot find a menu in a node
by looking at it, then the node does not have a menu and the
@kbd{m} command is not available.
@end format
+@kindex m @r{(Info mode)}
The command to go to one of the subnodes is @kbd{m}---but @emph{do
-not do it yet!} Before you use @kbd{m}, you must understand the
-difference between commands and arguments. So far, you have learned
-several commands that do not need arguments. When you type one, Info
-processes it and is instantly ready for another command. The @kbd{m}
-command is different: it is incomplete without the @dfn{name of the
-subtopic}. Once you have typed @kbd{m}, Info tries to read the
-subtopic name.
+not do it yet!} Before you use @kbd{m}, you need to learn about
+commands which prompt you for more input. So far, you have learned
+several commands that do not need additional input; when you typed
+one, Info processed it and was instantly ready for another command.
+The @kbd{m} command is different: it is incomplete without the
+@dfn{name of the subtopic}. Once you have typed @kbd{m}, Info tries
+to read the subtopic name.
Now look for the line containing many dashes near the bottom of the
screen. There is one more line beneath that one, but usually it is
blank. If it is empty, Info is ready for a command, such as @kbd{n}
-or @kbd{b} or Space or @kbd{m}. If that line contains text ending
-in a colon, it mean Info is trying to read the @dfn{argument} to a
+or @kbd{b} or @key{SPC} or @kbd{m}. If that line contains text ending
+in a colon, it means Info is trying to read more input for the last
command. At such times, commands do not work, because Info tries to
-use them as the argument. You must either type the argument and
+use them as the input it needs. You must either type your response and
finish the command you started, or type @kbd{Control-g} to cancel the
command. When you have done one of those things, the line becomes
blank again.
+@findex Info-menu
The command to go to a subnode via a menu is @kbd{m}. After you type
the @kbd{m}, the line at the bottom of the screen says @samp{Menu item: }.
You must then type the name of the subtopic you want, and end it with
-a @key{RET}.
+a @key{RET}. In Emacs, @kbd{m} runs the command @code{Info-menu}.
+@cindex abbreviating Info subnodes
You can abbreviate the subtopic name. If the abbreviation is not
-unique, the first matching subtopic is chosen. Some menus put the
-shortest possible abbreviation for each subtopic name in capital
-letters, so you can see how much you need to type. It does not matter
-whether you use upper case or lower case when you type the subtopic. Do
-not put spaces at the end of the subtopic name; in the middle of the
-subtopic name, use one space (no more!) wherever the menu item name has
-a space.
-
+unique, the first matching subtopic is chosen. Some menus put
+the shortest possible abbreviation for each subtopic name in capital
+letters, so you can see how much you need to type. It does not
+matter whether you use upper case or lower case when you type the
+subtopic. You should not put any spaces at the end, or inside of the
+item name, except for one space where a space appears in the item in
+the menu.
+
+@cindex completion of Info node names
You can also use the @dfn{completion} feature to help enter the subtopic
-name. If you type the Tab key after entering part of a name, it will
+name. If you type the @key{TAB} key after entering part of a name, it will
magically fill in more of the name---as much as follows uniquely from
what you have entered.
If you move the cursor to one of the menu subtopic lines, then you do
-not need to type the argument: you just type a Return, and it stands for
-the subtopic of the line you are on.
+not need to type the argument: you just type a @key{RET}, and it
+stands for the subtopic of the line you are on.
-Here is a menu to give you a chance to practice.
+Here is a menu to give you a chance to practice. This menu gives you
+three ways of going to one place, Help-FOO:
@menu
-This menu gives you three ways of going to one place, Help-FOO.
-
* Foo: Help-FOO. A node you can visit for fun.
* Bar: Help-FOO. Strange! two ways to get to the same place.
* Help-FOO:: And yet another!
Now you are ``inside'' an @kbd{m} command. Commands cannot be used
now; the next thing you will type must be the name of a subtopic.
- You can change your mind about doing the @kbd{m} by typing Control-g.
+ You can change your mind about doing the @kbd{m} by typing
+@kbd{Control-g}.
@format
>> Try that now; notice the bottom line clear.
+@end format
+@format
>> Then type another @kbd{m}.
+@end format
->> Now type @samp{BAR} item name. Do not type Return yet.
+@format
+>> Now type @kbd{BAR}, the item name. Do not type @key{RET} yet.
@end format
- While you are typing the item name, you can use the Delete key to
-cancel one character at a time if you make a mistake.
+ While you are typing the item name, you can use the @key{DEL} (or
+@key{BACKSPACE}) key to cancel one character at a time if you make a
+mistake.
@format
->> Type one to cancel the @samp{R}. You could type another @samp{R} to
- replace it. You do not have to, since @samp{BA} is a valid abbreviation.
+>> Press @key{DEL} to cancel the @samp{R}. You could type another @kbd{R}
+ to replace it. But you do not have to, since @samp{BA} is a valid
+ abbreviation.
+@end format
+@format
>> Now you are ready to go. Type a @key{RET}.
@end format
- After visiting Help-FOO, you should return here.
+ After visiting @samp{Help-FOO}, you should return here.
+
+ Another way to move to the menu subtopic lines and between them is
+to type @key{TAB}. Each time you type a @key{TAB}, you move to the
+next subtopic line. To move to a previous subtopic line, type
+@kbd{M-@key{TAB}}---that is, press and hold the @key{META} key and then
+press @key{TAB}. (On some keyboards, the @key{META} key might be labeled
+@samp{Alt}.)
+
+ Once you move cursor to a subtopic line, press @key{RET} to go to
+that subtopic's node.
+
+@cindex mouse support in Info mode
+@kindex Mouse-2 @r{(Info mode)}
+ If your terminal supports a mouse, you have yet another way of going
+to a subtopic. Move your mouse pointer to the subtopic line,
+somewhere between the beginning @samp{*} and the colon @samp{:} which
+ends the subtopic's brief name. You will see the subtopic's name
+change its appearance (usually, its background color will change), and
+the shape of the mouse pointer will change if your platform supports
+that. After a while, if you leave the mouse on that spot, a tooltip
+will pop up saying ``Mouse-2: go to that node''. (If the tooltips are
+turned off or unavailable, this message is displayed in the @dfn{echo
+area}, the bottom screen line where you typed the menu subtopics in
+response to the prompt.) @kbd{Mouse-2} is the second button of your
+mouse counting from the left---the rightmost button for two-button
+mice, the middle button for 3-button mice. So pressing @kbd{Mouse-2}
+while the mouse pointer is on a menu subtopic goes to that subtopic.
+
+@findex Info-mouse-follow-nearest-node
+ More generally, @kbd{Mouse-2} in an Info buffer runs the Emacs
+command @code{Info-mouse-follow-nearest-node}, which finds the nearest
+link to another node and goes there. For example, near a cross
+reference it acts like @kbd{f}, in a menu it acts like @kbd{m}, on the
+node's header line it acts like @kbd{n}, @kbd{p}, or @kbd{u}, etc. At
+end of the node's text @kbd{Mouse-2} moves to the next node, or up if
+there's no next node.
+
+ Here is another way to get to Help-FOO, a menu. You can ignore this
+if you want, or else try it by typing @key{TAB} and then @key{RET}, or
+clicking @kbd{Mouse-2} on it (but then please come back to here).
+
+@menu
+* Help-FOO::
+@end menu
@format
>> Type @kbd{n} to see more commands.
@end format
-@c If a menu appears at the end of this node, remove it.
-@c It is an accident of the menu updating command.
-
@node Help-FOO, , , Help-M
-@comment node-name, next, previous, up
@subsection The @kbd{u} command
- Congratulations! This is the node @samp{Help-FOO}. Unlike the other
-nodes you have seen, this one has an @samp{Up}: @samp{Help-M}, the node you
-just came from via the @kbd{m} command. This is the usual
-convention---the nodes you reach from a menu have @samp{Up} nodes that lead
-back to the menu. Menus move Down in the tree, and @samp{Up} moves Up.
-@samp{Previous}, on the other hand, is usually used to ``stay on the same
-level but go backwards''
+ Congratulations! This is the node @samp{Help-FOO}. It has an @samp{Up}
+pointer @samp{Help-M}, the node you just came from via the @kbd{m}
+command. This is the usual convention---the nodes you reach from a menu
+have @samp{Up} nodes that lead back to the menu. Menus move Down in the
+tree, and @samp{Up} moves Up. @samp{Previous}, on the other hand, is
+usually used to ``stay on the same level but go backwards''.
+@kindex u @r{(Info mode)}
+@findex Info-up
You can go back to the node @samp{Help-M} by typing the command
-@kbd{u} for ``Up''. That puts you at the @emph{front} of the
-node---to get back to where you were reading you have to type
-some @key{SPC}s. (Some Info readers, such as the one built into Emacs,
-put you at the same place where you were reading in @samp{Help-M}.)
+@kbd{u} for ``Up'' (the Emacs command run by @kbd{u} is
+@code{Info-up}). That puts you at the @emph{front} of the node---to
+get back to where you were reading you have to type some @key{SPC}s.
+(Some Info readers, such as the one built into Emacs, put you at the
+same place where you were reading in @samp{Help-M}.)
+
+ Another way to go Up is to click on the @samp{Up} pointer shown in
+the header line (provided that you have a mouse).
@format
>> Now type @kbd{u} to move back up to @samp{Help-M}.
@end format
-@node Help-Adv, Help-Q, Help-M, Getting Started
+@node Help-Xref, Help-Int, Help-M, Getting Started
@comment node-name, next, previous, up
-@section Some advanced Info commands
+@section Following Cross-References
+
+@cindex cross references in Info documents
+ In Info documentation, you will see many @dfn{cross references}.
+Cross references look like this: @xref{Help-Cross, Cross}. That text
+is a real, live cross reference, whose name is @samp{Cross} and which
+points to the node named @samp{Help-Cross}.
+
+@kindex f @r{(Info mode)}
+@findex Info-follow-reference
+ There are two ways to follow a cross reference. You can move the
+cursor to it and press @key{RET}, just as in a menu. @key{RET}
+follows the cross reference that the cursor is on. Or you can type
+@kbd{f} and then specify the name of the cross reference (in this
+case, @samp{Cross}) as an argument. In Emacs Info, @kbd{f} runs
+@code{Info-follow-reference},
+
+ In the @kbd{f} command, you select the cross reference with its
+name, so it does not matter where the cursor was. If the cursor is on
+or near a cross reference, @kbd{f} suggests that reference name in
+parentheses as the default; typing @key{RET} will follow that
+reference. However, if you type a different reference name, @kbd{f}
+will follow the other reference which has that name.
+
+@format
+>> Type @kbd{f}, followed by @kbd{Cross}, and then @key{RET}.
+@end format
+
+ As you enter the reference name, you can use the @key{DEL} (or
+@key{BACKSPACE}) key to edit your input. If you change your mind
+about following any reference, you can use @kbd{Control-g} to cancel
+the command. Completion is available in the @kbd{f} command; you can
+complete among all the cross reference names in the current node by
+typing a @key{TAB}.
+
+ To get a list of all the cross references in the current node, you
+can type @kbd{?} after an @kbd{f}. The @kbd{f} continues to await a
+cross reference name even after displaying the list, so if you don't
+actually want to follow a reference, you should type a @kbd{Control-g}
+to cancel the @kbd{f}.
+
+@format
+>> Type @kbd{f?} to get a list of the cross references in this node. Then
+ type a @kbd{Control-g} and see how the @samp{f} gives up.
+@end format
- The course is almost over, so please stick with it to the end.
+ The @key{TAB} and @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} key, which move between menu
+items in a menu, also move between cross references outside of menus.
+@node Help-Int, Help-Q, Help-Xref, Getting Started
+@comment node-name, next, previous, up
+@section Some intermediate Info commands
+
+ The introductory course is almost over; please continue
+a little longer to learn some intermediate-level commands.
+
+ Most Info files have an index, which is actually a large node that
+contains nothing but a menu. The menu has one menu item for each
+topic listed in the index. You can find the index node from the main
+menu of the file, with the @kbd{m} command; then you can use the
+@kbd{m} command again in the index node to go to the node that
+describes the topic.
+
+ There is also a short-cut Info command, @kbd{i}, which does all of
+that for you. It searches the index for a given topic (a string) and
+goes to the node which is listed in the index for that topic.
+@xref{Info Search}, for a full explanation.
+
+@kindex l @r{(Info mode)}
+@findex Info-last
+@cindex going back in Info mode
If you have been moving around to different nodes and wish to
retrace your steps, the @kbd{l} command (@kbd{l} for @dfn{last}) will
do that, one node-step at a time. As you move from node to node, Info
@kbd{u} and get you back to @samp{Help-FOO}. Another @kbd{l} would undo
the @kbd{m} and get you back to @samp{Help-M}.
+ In Emacs, @kbd{l} runs the command @code{Info-last}.
+
@format
>> Try typing three @kbd{l}'s, pausing in between to see what each
- @kbd{l} does.
+ @kbd{l} does. Then follow directions again and you will end up
+ back here.
@end format
-Then follow directions again and you will end up back here.
-
Note the difference between @kbd{l} and @kbd{p}: @kbd{l} moves to
where @emph{you} last were, whereas @kbd{p} always moves to the node
-which the header says is the @samp{Previous} node (from this node, to
-@samp{Help-M}).
-
- The @samp{d} command gets you instantly to the Directory node.
-This node, which is the first one you saw when you entered Info,
-has a menu which leads (directly, or indirectly through other menus),
-to all the nodes that exist.
+which the header says is the @samp{Previous} node (from this node, the
+@samp{Prev} link leads to @samp{Help-M}).
+
+@kindex d @r{(Info mode)}
+@findex Info-directory
+@cindex go to Directory node
+ The @kbd{d} command (@code{Info-directory} in Emacs) gets you
+instantly to the Directory node. This node, which is the first one
+you saw when you entered Info, has a menu which leads (directly or
+indirectly, through other menus), to all the nodes that exist. The
+Directory node lists all the manuals and other Info documents that
+are, or could be, installed on your system.
@format
->> Try doing a @samp{d}, then do an @kbd{l} to return here (yes,
+>> Try doing a @kbd{d}, then do an @kbd{l} to return here (yes,
@emph{do} return).
@end format
- Sometimes, in Info documentation, you will see a cross reference.
-Cross references look like this: @xref{Help-Cross, Cross}. That is a
-real, live cross reference which is named @samp{Cross} and points at
-the node named @samp{Help-Cross}.
-
- If you wish to follow a cross reference, you must use the @samp{f}
-command. The @samp{f} must be followed by the cross reference name
-(in this case, @samp{Cross}). While you enter the name, you can use the
-Delete key to edit your input. If you change your mind about following
-any reference, you can use @kbd{Control-g} to cancel the command.
-
- Completion is available in the @samp{f} command; you can complete among
-all the cross reference names in the current node by typing a Tab.
+@kindex t @r{(Info mode)}
+@findex Info-top-node
+@cindex go to Top node
+ The @kbd{t} command moves to the @samp{Top} node of the manual.
+This is useful if you want to browse the manual's main menu, or select
+some specific top-level menu item. The Emacs command run by @kbd{t}
+is @code{Info-top-node}.
-@format
->> Type @samp{f}, followed by @samp{Cross}, and a @key{RET}.
-@end format
-
- To get a list of all the cross references in the current node, you can
-type @kbd{?} after an @samp{f}. The @samp{f} continues to await a
-cross reference name even after printing the list, so if you don't
-actually want to follow a reference, you should type a @kbd{Control-g}
-to cancel the @samp{f}.
+ Clicking @kbd{Mouse-2} on or near a cross reference also follows the
+reference. You can see that the cross reference is mouse-sensitive by
+moving the mouse pointer to the reference and watching how the
+underlying text and the mouse pointer change in response.
@format
->> Type "f?" to get a list of the cross references in this node. Then
- type a @kbd{Control-g} and see how the @samp{f} gives up.
-
>> Now type @kbd{n} to see the last node of the course.
@end format
+ @xref{Expert Info}, for more advanced Info features.
+
@c If a menu appears at the end of this node, remove it.
@c It is an accident of the menu updating command.
-@node Help-Cross, , , Help-Adv
-@comment node-name, next, previous, up
-@unnumberedsubsec The node reached by the cross reference in Info
-
- This is the node reached by the cross reference named @samp{Cross}.
-
- While this node is specifically intended to be reached by a cross
-reference, most cross references lead to nodes that ``belong''
-someplace else far away in the structure of Info. So you cannot expect
-the footnote to have a @samp{Next}, @samp{Previous} or @samp{Up} pointing back to
-where you came from. In general, the @kbd{l} (el) command is the only
-way to get back there.
-
-@format
->> Type @kbd{l} to return to the node where the cross reference was.
-@end format
-
-@node Help-Q, , Help-Adv, Getting Started
-@comment node-name, next, previous, up
-@section Quitting Info
-
- To get out of Info, back to what you were doing before, type @kbd{q}
-for @dfn{Quit}.
-
- This is the end of the course on using Info. There are some other
-commands that are meant for experienced users; they are useful, and you
-can find them by looking in the directory node for documentation on
-Info. Finding them will be a good exercise in using Info in the usual
-manner.
-
-@format
->> Type @samp{d} to go to the Info directory node; then type
- @samp{mInfo} and Return, to get to the node about Info and
- see what other help is available.
-@end format
-
-@node Advanced Info, Create an Info File, Getting Started, Top
-@comment node-name, next, previous, up
+@node Expert Info
@chapter Info for Experts
-This chapter describes various advanced Info commands, and how to write
-an Info as distinct from a Texinfo file. (However, in most cases, writing a
-Texinfo file is better, since you can use it @emph{both} to generate an
-Info file and to make a printed manual. @xref{Top,, Overview of
+ This chapter describes various Info commands for experts. (If you
+are using a stand-alone Info reader, there are additional commands
+specific to it, which are documented in several chapters of @ref{Top,,
+GNU Info, info-stnd, GNU Info}.)
+
+ This chapter also explains how to write an Info as distinct from a
+Texinfo file. (However, in most cases, writing a Texinfo file is
+better, since you can use it to make a printed manual or an HTML file
+as well as for generating Info files.) @xref{Top,, Overview of
Texinfo, texinfo, Texinfo: The GNU Documentation Format}.)
@menu
-* Expert:: Advanced Info commands: g, s, e, and 1 - 5.
+* Advanced:: Advanced Info commands: g, s, e, and 1 - 5.
+* Info Search:: How to search Info documents for specific subjects.
* Add:: Describes how to add new nodes to the hierarchy.
Also tells what nodes look like.
* Menus:: How to add to or create menus in Info nodes.
* Emacs Info Variables:: Variables modifying the behavior of Emacs Info.
@end menu
-@node Expert, Add, , Advanced Info
+@node Advanced, Info Search, , Expert Info
@comment node-name, next, previous, up
@section Advanced Info Commands
-@kbd{g}, @kbd{s}, @kbd{1}, -- @kbd{9}, and @kbd{e}
+Here are some more Info commands that make it easier to move around.
+
+@unnumberedsubsec @kbd{g} goes to a node by name
-If you know a node's name, you can go there by typing @kbd{g}, the
+@kindex g @r{(Info mode)}
+@findex Info-goto-node
+@cindex go to a node by name
+ If you know a node's name, you can go there by typing @kbd{g}, the
name, and @key{RET}. Thus, @kbd{gTop@key{RET}} would go to the node
-called @samp{Top} in this file (its directory node).
-@kbd{gExpert@key{RET}} would come back here.
+called @samp{Top} in this file. (This is equivalent to @kbd{t}, see
+@ref{Help-Int}.) @kbd{gAdvanced@key{RET}} would come back here.
+@kbd{g} in Emacs runs the command @code{Info-goto-node}.
-Unlike @kbd{m}, @kbd{g} does not allow the use of abbreviations.
+ Unlike @kbd{m}, @kbd{g} does not allow the use of abbreviations.
+But it does allow completion, so you can type @key{TAB} to complete a
+partial node name.
-To go to a node in another file, you can include the filename in the
+@cindex go to another Info file
+ To go to a node in another file, you can include the file name in the
node name by putting it at the front, in parentheses. Thus,
@kbd{g(dir)Top@key{RET}} would go to the Info Directory node, which is
-node @samp{Top} in the file @file{dir}.
+the node @samp{Top} in the Info file @file{dir}. Likewise,
+@kbd{g(emacs)Top@key{RET}} goes to the top node of the Emacs manual.
-The node name @samp{*} specifies the whole file. So you can look at
+ The node name @samp{*} specifies the whole file. So you can look at
all of the current file by typing @kbd{g*@key{RET}} or all of any
-other file with @kbd{g(FILENAME)@key{RET}}.
-
-The @kbd{s} command allows you to search a whole file for a string. It
-switches to the next node if and when that is necessary. You type
-@kbd{s} followed by the string to search for, terminated by @key{RET}.
-To search for the same string again, just @kbd{s} followed by @key{RET}
-will do. The file's nodes are scanned in the order they are in in the
-file, which has no necessary relationship to the order that they may be
-in in the tree structure of menus and @samp{next} pointers. But
-normally the two orders are not very different. In any case, you can
-always do a @kbd{b} to find out what node you have reached, if the
-header is not visible (this can happen, because @kbd{s} puts your cursor
-at the occurrence of the string, not at the beginning of the node).
-
-@kbd{Meta-s} is equivalent to @kbd{s}. That is for compatibility with
-other GNU packages that use @kbd{M-s} for a similar kind of search
-command.
-
-If you grudge the system each character of type-in it requires, you
-might like to use the commands @kbd{1}, @kbd{2}, @kbd{3}, @kbd{4}, ...
-@kbd{9}. They are short for the @kbd{m} command together with an
-argument. @kbd{1} goes through the first item in the current node's
-menu; @kbd{2} goes through the second item, etc.
-
-If your display supports multiple fonts, and you are using Emacs' Info
-mode to read Info files, the @samp{*} for the fifth menu item is
-underlined, and so is the @samp{*} for the ninth item; these underlines
-make it easy to see at a glance which number to use for an item.
-
-On ordinary terminals, you won't have underlining. If you need to
+other file with @kbd{g(@var{filename})@key{RET}}.
+
+@unnumberedsubsec @kbd{1} -- @kbd{9} choose a menu subtopic by its number
+
+@kindex 1 @r{through} 9 @r{(Info mode)}
+@findex Info-nth-menu-item
+@cindex select @var{n}'th menu item
+ If you begrudge each character of type-in which your system requires,
+you might like to use the commands @kbd{1}, @kbd{2}, @kbd{3}, @kbd{4},
+@dots{}, @kbd{9}. They are short for the @kbd{m} command together
+with a name of a menu subtopic. @kbd{1} goes through the first item
+in the current node's menu; @kbd{2} goes through the second item, etc.
+In the stand-alone reader, @kbd{0} goes through the last menu item;
+this is so you need not count how many entries are there. In Emacs,
+the digit keys run the command @code{Info-nth-menu-item}.
+
+ If your display supports multiple fonts, and you are using Emacs'
+Info mode to read Info files, the @samp{*} for the fifth menu item
+stands out, either in color or in some other attribute, such as
+underline, and so is the @samp{*} for the ninth item; this makes it
+easy to see at a glance which number to use for an item.
+
+ Some terminals don't support colors or underlining. If you need to
actually count items, it is better to use @kbd{m} instead, and specify
-the name.
+the name, or use @key{TAB} to quickly move between menu items.
-The Info command @kbd{e} changes from Info mode to an ordinary
+@unnumberedsubsec @kbd{e} makes Info document editable
+
+@kindex e @r{(Info mode)}
+@findex Info-edit
+@cindex edit Info document
+ The Info command @kbd{e} changes from Info mode to an ordinary
Emacs editing mode, so that you can edit the text of the current node.
Type @kbd{C-c C-c} to switch back to Info. The @kbd{e} command is allowed
only if the variable @code{Info-enable-edit} is non-@code{nil}.
-@node Add, Menus, Expert, Advanced Info
+ The @kbd{e} command only works in Emacs, where it runs the command
+@code{Info-edit}. The stand-alone Info reader doesn't allow you to
+edit the Info file, so typing @kbd{e} there goes to the end of the
+current node.
+
+@node Info Search, Add, Advanced, Expert Info
+@comment node-name, next, previous, up
+@section How to search Info documents for specific subjects
+
+@cindex searching Info documents
+@cindex Info document as a reference
+ The commands which move between and inside nodes allow you to read
+the entire manual or its large portions. But what if you need to find
+some information in the manual as fast as you can, and you don't know
+or don't remember in what node to look for it? This need arises when
+you use a manual as a @dfn{reference}, or when it is impractical to
+read the entire manual before you start using the programs it
+describes.
+
+ Info has powerful searching facilities that let you find things
+quickly. You can search either the manual indices or its text.
+
+@kindex i @r{(Info mode)}
+@findex Info-index
+ Since most subjects related to what the manual describes should be
+indexed, you should try the index search first. The @kbd{i} command
+prompts you for a subject and then looks up that subject in the
+indices. If it finds an index entry with the subject you typed, it
+goes to the node to which that index entry points. You should browse
+through that node to see whether the issue you are looking for is
+described there. If it isn't, type @kbd{,} one or more times to go
+through additional index entries which match your subject.
+
+ The @kbd{i} command finds all index entries which include the string
+you typed @emph{as a substring}. For each match, Info shows in the
+echo area the full index entry it found. Often, the text of the full
+index entry already gives you enough information to decide whether it
+is relevant to what you are looking for, so we recommend that you read
+what Emacs shows in the echo are before looking at the node it
+displays.
+
+ Since @kbd{i} looks for a substring, you can search for subjects even
+if you are not sure how they are spelled in the index. For example,
+suppose you want to find something that is pertinent to commands which
+complete partial input (e.g., when you type @key{TAB}). If you want
+to catch index entries that refer to ``complete'', ``completion'', and
+``completing'', you could type @kbd{icomplet@key{RET}}.
+
+ Info documents which describe programs should index the commands,
+options, and key sequences that the program provides. If you are
+looking for a description of a command, an option, or a key, just type
+their names when @kbd{i} prompts you for a topic. For example, if you
+want to read the description of what the @kbd{C-f} key does, type
+@kbd{iC-f@key{RET}}. Here @kbd{C-f} are 3 literal characters
+@samp{C}, @samp{-}, and @samp{f}, not the ``Control-f'' command key
+you type inside Emacs to run the command bound to @kbd{C-f}.
+
+ In Emacs, @kbd{i} runs the command @code{Info-index}.
+
+@kindex s @r{(Info mode)}
+@findex Info-search
+ The @kbd{s} command allows you to search a whole file for a string.
+It switches to the next node if and when that is necessary. You
+type @kbd{s} followed by the string to search for, terminated by
+@key{RET}. To search for the same string again, just @kbd{s} followed
+by @key{RET} will do. The file's nodes are scanned in the order
+they are in in the file, which has no necessary relationship to the
+order that they may be in the tree structure of menus and @samp{next}
+pointers. But normally the two orders are not very different. In any
+case, you can always do a @kbd{b} to find out what node you have
+reached, if the header is not visible (this can happen, because @kbd{s}
+puts your cursor at the occurrence of the string, not at the beginning
+of the node).
+
+@kindex M-s @r{(Info mode)}
+ In Emacs, @kbd{Meta-s} is equivalent to @kbd{s}. That is for
+compatibility with other GNU packages that use @kbd{M-s} for a similar
+kind of search command. Both @kbd{s} and @kbd{M-s} run in Emacs the
+command @code{Info-search}.
+
+
+@node Add, Menus, Info Search, Expert Info
@comment node-name, next, previous, up
@section Adding a new node to Info
To add a new topic to the list in the Info directory, you must:
+
@enumerate
@item
Create some nodes, in some file, to document that topic.
Put that topic in the menu in the directory. @xref{Menus, Menu}.
@end enumerate
-Usually, the way to create the nodes is with Texinfo @pxref{Top,, Overview of
-Texinfo, texinfo, Texinfo: The GNU Documentation Format}); this has the
-advantage that you can also make a printed manual from them. However,
-if you want to edit an Info file, here is how.
+ Usually, the way to create the nodes is with Texinfo (@pxref{Top,,
+Overview of Texinfo, texinfo, Texinfo: The GNU Documentation Format});
+this has the advantage that you can also make a printed manual or HTML
+from them. You would use the @samp{@@dircategory} and
+@samp{@@direntry} commands to put the manual into the Info directory.
+However, if you want to edit an Info file manually and install it
+manually, here is how.
+@cindex node delimiters
The new node can live in an existing documentation file, or in a new
-one. It must have a @key{^_} character before it (invisible to the
+one. It must have a @samp{^_} character before it (invisible to the
user; this node has one but you cannot see it), and it ends with either
-a @key{^_}, a @key{^L}, or the end of file. Note: If you put in a
-@key{^L} to end a new node, be sure that there is a @key{^_} after it
-to start the next one, since @key{^L} cannot @emph{start} a node.
-Also, a nicer way to make a node boundary be a page boundary as well
-is to put a @key{^L} @emph{right after} the @key{^_}.
-
- The @key{^_} starting a node must be followed by a newline or a
-@key{^L} newline, after which comes the node's header line. The
-header line must give the node's name (by which Info finds it),
-and state the names of the @samp{Next}, @samp{Previous}, and @samp{Up} nodes (if
-there are any). As you can see, this node's @samp{Up} node is the node
-@samp{Top}, which points at all the documentation for Info. The @samp{Next}
-node is @samp{Menus}.
-
- The keywords @dfn{Node}, @dfn{Previous}, @dfn{Up}, and @dfn{Next},
+a @samp{^_}, a @samp{^L} (``formfeed''), or the end of file.@footnote{If
+you put in a @samp{^L} to end a new node, be sure that there is a
+@samp{^_} after it to start the next one, since @samp{^L} cannot
+@emph{start} a node. Also, a nicer way to make a node boundary be a
+page boundary as well is to put a @samp{^L} @emph{right after} the
+@samp{^_}.}
+
+ The @samp{^_} starting a node must be followed by a newline or a
+@samp{^L} newline, after which comes the node's header line. The
+header line must give the node's name (by which Info finds it), and
+state the names of the @samp{Next}, @samp{Previous}, and @samp{Up}
+nodes (if there are any). As you can see, this node's @samp{Up} node
+is the node @samp{Expert Info}. The @samp{Next} node is @samp{Menus}.
+
+@cindex node header line format
+@cindex format of node headers
+ The keywords @dfn{Node}, @dfn{Next}, @dfn{Previous}, and @dfn{Up}
may appear in any order, anywhere in the header line, but the
recommended order is the one in this sentence. Each keyword must be
followed by a colon, spaces and tabs, and then the appropriate name.
does not end it; node names may contain spaces. The case of letters
in the names is insignificant.
+@cindex node name format
+@cindex Directory node
A node name has two forms. A node in the current file is named by
what appears after the @samp{Node: } in that node's first line. For
example, this node's name is @samp{Add}. A node in another file is
named by @samp{(@var{filename})@var{node-within-file}}, as in
@samp{(info)Add} for this node. If the file name starts with ``./'',
-then it is relative to the current directory; otherwise, it is relative
-starting from the standard Info file directory of your site.
-The name @samp{(@var{filename})Top} can be abbreviated to just
-@samp{(@var{filename})}. By convention, the name @samp{Top} is used for
-the ``highest'' node in any single file---the node whose @samp{Up} points
-out of the file. The Directory node is @file{(dir)}. The @samp{Top} node
-of a document file listed in the Directory should have an @samp{Up:
+then it is relative to the current directory; otherwise, it is
+relative starting from the standard directory for Info files of your
+site. The name @samp{(@var{filename})Top} can be abbreviated to just
+@samp{(@var{filename})}. By convention, the name @samp{Top} is used
+for the ``highest'' node in any single file---the node whose @samp{Up}
+points out of the file. The @samp{Directory} node is @file{(dir)}, it
+points to a file @file{dir} which holds a large menu listing all the
+Info documents installed on your site. The @samp{Top} node of a
+document file listed in the @samp{Directory} should have an @samp{Up:
(dir)} in it.
+@cindex unstructured documents
The node name @kbd{*} is special: it refers to the entire file.
Thus, @kbd{g*} shows you the whole current file. The use of the
node @kbd{*} is to make it possible to make old-fashioned,
unstructured files into nodes of the tree.
The @samp{Node:} name, in which a node states its own name, must not
-contain a filename, since Info when searching for a node does not
-expect one to be there. The @samp{Next}, @samp{Previous} and @samp{Up} names may
-contain them. In this node, since the @samp{Up} node is in the same file,
-it was not necessary to use one.
+contain a file name, since when Info searches for a node, it does not
+expect a file name to be there. The @samp{Next}, @samp{Previous} and
+@samp{Up} names may contain them. In this node, since the @samp{Up}
+node is in the same file, it was not necessary to use one.
Note that the nodes in this file have a file name in the header
line. The file names are ignored by Info, but they serve as comments
to help identify the node for the user.
-@node Menus, Cross-refs, Add, Advanced Info
+@node Menus, Cross-refs, Add, Expert Info
@comment node-name, next, previous, up
@section How to Create Menus
- Any node in the Info hierarchy may have a @dfn{menu}---a list of subnodes.
+ Any node in the Info hierarchy may have a @dfn{menu}---a list of subnodes.
The @kbd{m} command searches the current node's menu for the topic which it
reads from the terminal.
+@cindex menu and menu entry format
A menu begins with a line starting with @samp{* Menu:}. The rest of the
line is a comment. After the starting line, every line that begins
-with a @samp{* } lists a single topic. The name of the topic--the
-argument that the user must give to the @kbd{m} command to select this
+with a @samp{* } lists a single topic. The name of the topic--what
+the user must type at the @kbd{m}'s command prompt to select this
topic---comes right after the star and space, and is followed by a
colon, spaces and tabs, and the name of the node which discusses that
topic. The node name, like node names following @samp{Next}, @samp{Previous}
be terminated with a period.
If the node name and topic name are the same, then rather than
-giving the name twice, the abbreviation @samp{* NAME::} may be used
-(and should be used, whenever possible, as it reduces the visual
+giving the name twice, the abbreviation @samp{* @var{name}::} may be
+used (and should be used, whenever possible, as it reduces the visual
clutter in the menu).
It is considerate to choose the topic names so that they differ
the beginning of each item name which is the minimum acceptable
abbreviation for it (a long menu is more than 5 or so entries).
- The nodes listed in a node's menu are called its ``subnodes'', and
-it is their ``superior''. They should each have an @samp{Up:} pointing at
-the superior. It is often useful to arrange all or most of the
-subnodes in a sequence of @samp{Next} and @samp{Previous} pointers so that someone who
-wants to see them all need not keep revisiting the Menu.
+ The nodes listed in a node's menu are called its ``subnodes'', and it
+is their ``superior''. They should each have an @samp{Up:} pointing at
+the superior. It is often useful to arrange all or most of the subnodes
+in a sequence of @samp{Next} and @samp{Previous} pointers so that
+someone who wants to see them all need not keep revisiting the Menu.
The Info Directory is simply the menu of the node @samp{(dir)Top}---that
is, node @samp{Top} in file @file{.../info/dir}. You can put new entries
in that menu just like any other menu. The Info Directory is @emph{not} the
same as the file directory called @file{info}. It happens that many of
-Info's files live on that file directory, but they do not have to; and
-files on that directory are not automatically listed in the Info
+Info's files live in that file directory, but they do not have to; and
+files in that directory are not automatically listed in the Info
Directory node.
Also, although the Info node graph is claimed to be a ``hierarchy'',
to, but such a substructure is rather useless since nobody can
ever find out that it exists.
-@node Cross-refs, Tags, Menus, Advanced Info
+@node Cross-refs, Tags, Menus, Expert Info
@comment node-name, next, previous, up
@section Creating Cross References
+@cindex cross reference format
A cross reference can be placed anywhere in the text, unlike a menu
item which must go at the front of a line. A cross reference looks
-like a menu item except that it has @samp{*note} instead of @kbd{*}.
+like a menu item except that it has @samp{*note} instead of @samp{*}.
It @emph{cannot} be terminated by a @samp{)}, because @samp{)}'s are
so often part of node names. If you wish to enclose a cross reference
in parentheses, terminate it with a period first. Here are two
*Note details: commands. (See *note 3: Full Proof.)
@end example
-They are just examples. The places they ``lead to'' do not really exist!
+@noindent
+@emph{These are just examples.} The places they ``lead to'' do not
+really exist!
+
+@menu
+* Help-Cross:: Target of a cross-reference.
+@end menu
+
+
+@node Help-Cross, , , Cross-refs
+@subsection The node reached by the cross reference in Info
+
+ This is the node reached by the cross reference named @samp{Cross}.
+
+ While this node is specifically intended to be reached by a cross
+reference, most cross references lead to nodes that ``belong''
+someplace else far away in the structure of an Info document. So you
+cannot expect this node to have a @samp{Next}, @samp{Previous} or
+@samp{Up} links pointing back to where you came from. In general, the
+@kbd{l} (el) command is the only way to get back there.
+
+@format
+>> Type @kbd{l} to return to the node where the cross reference was.
+@end format
+
+@node Help-Q, , Help-Int, Getting Started
+@comment node-name, next, previous, up
+@section Quitting Info
+
+@kindex q @r{(Info mode)}
+@findex Info-exit
+@cindex quitting Info mode
+ To get out of Info, back to what you were doing before, type @kbd{q}
+for @dfn{Quit}. This runs @code{Info-exit} in Emacs.
+
+ This is the end of the basic course on using Info. You have learned
+how to move in an Info document, and how to follow menus and cross
+references. This makes you ready for reading manuals top to bottom,
+as new users should do when they learn a new package.
+
+ Another set of Info commands is useful when you need to find
+something quickly in a manual---that is, when you need to use a manual
+as a reference rather than as a tutorial. We urge you to learn
+these search commands as well. If you want to do that now, follow this
+cross reference to @ref{Info Search}.
+
+Yet another set of commands are meant for experienced users; you can
+find them by looking in the Directory node for documentation on Info.
+Finding them will be a good exercise in using Info in the usual
+manner.
-@node Tags, Checking, Cross-refs, Advanced Info
+@format
+>> Type @kbd{d} to go to the Info directory node; then type
+ @kbd{mInfo} and Return, to get to the node about Info and
+ see what other help is available.
+@end format
+
+
+@node Tags, Checking, Cross-refs, Expert Info
@comment node-name, next, previous, up
@section Tags Tables for Info Files
+@cindex tags tables in info files
You can speed up the access to nodes of a large Info file by giving
it a tags table. Unlike the tags table for a program, the tags table for
-an Info file lives inside the file itself and is used
+an Info file lives inside the file itself and is used
automatically whenever Info reads in the file.
+@findex Info-tagify
To make a tags table, go to a node in the file using Emacs Info mode and type
@kbd{M-x Info-tagify}. Then you must use @kbd{C-x C-s} to save the
-file.
+file. Info files produced by the @code{makeinfo} command that is part
+of the Texinfo package always have tags tables to begin with.
+@cindex stale tags tables
+@cindex update Info tags table
Once the Info file has a tags table, you must make certain it is up
-to date. If, as a result of deletion of text, any node moves back
+to date. If you edit an Info file directly (as opposed to editing its
+Texinfo source), and, as a result of deletion of text, any node moves back
more than a thousand characters in the file from the position
recorded in the tags table, Info will no longer be able to find that
-node. To update the tags table, use the @code{Info-tagify} command again.
+node. To update the tags table, use the @code{Info-tagify} command
+again.
An Info file tags table appears at the end of the file and looks like
this:
@example
-^_\f
+^_^L
Tag Table:
File: info, Node: Cross-refs^?21419
File: info, Node: Tags^?22145
@noindent
Note that it contains one line per node, and this line contains
the beginning of the node's header (ending just after the node name),
-a Delete character, and the character position in the file of the
+a @samp{DEL} character, and the character position in the file of the
beginning of the node.
-@node Checking, Emacs Info Variables, Tags, Advanced Info
-@comment node-name, next, previous, up
+
+@node Checking, Emacs Info Variables, Tags, Expert Info
@section Checking an Info File
- When creating an Info file, it is easy to forget the name of a node
-when you are making a pointer to it from another node. If you put in
-the wrong name for a node, this is not detected until someone
-tries to go through the pointer using Info. Verification of the Info
-file is an automatic process which checks all pointers to nodes and
-reports any pointers which are invalid. Every @samp{Next}, @samp{Previous}, and
+When creating an Info file, it is easy to forget the name of a node when
+you are making a pointer to it from another node. If you put in the
+wrong name for a node, this is not detected until someone tries to go
+through the pointer using Info. Verification of the Info file is an
+automatic process which checks all pointers to nodes and reports any
+pointers which are invalid. Every @samp{Next}, @samp{Previous}, and
@samp{Up} is checked, as is every menu item and every cross reference. In
-addition, any @samp{Next} which does not have a @samp{Previous} pointing back is
-reported. Only pointers within the file are checked, because checking
-pointers to other files would be terribly slow. But those are usually
-few.
+addition, any @samp{Next} which does not have a @samp{Previous} pointing
+back is reported. Only pointers within the file are checked, because
+checking pointers to other files would be terribly slow. But those are
+usually few.
- To check an Info file, do @kbd{M-x Info-validate} while looking at
-any node of the file with Emacs Info mode.
+@findex Info-validate
+To check an Info file, do @kbd{M-x Info-validate} while looking at any
+node of the file with Emacs Info mode.
-@node Emacs Info Variables, , Checking, Advanced Info
+@node Emacs Info Variables, , Checking, Expert Info
@section Emacs Info-mode Variables
-The following variables may modify the behaviour of Info-mode in Emacs;
+The following variables may modify the behavior of Info-mode in Emacs;
you may wish to set one or several of these variables interactively, or
in your @file{~/.emacs} init file. @xref{Examining, Examining and Setting
Variables, Examining and Setting Variables, emacs, The GNU Emacs
-Manual}.
-
-@table @code
-@item Info-enable-edit
-Set to @code{nil}, disables the @samp{e} (@code{Info-edit}) command. A
-non-@code{nil} value enables it. @xref{Add, Edit}.
-
-@item Info-enable-active-nodes
-When set to a non-@code{nil} value, allows Info to execute Lisp code
-associated with nodes. The Lisp code is executed when the node is
-selected.
+Manual}. The stand-alone Info reader program has its own set of
+variables, described in @ref{Variables,, Manipulating Variables,
+info-stnd, GNU Info}.
+@vtable @code
@item Info-directory-list
The list of directories to search for Info files. Each element is a
string (directory name) or @code{nil} (try default directory). If not
initialize it, or @code{Info-default-directory-list} if there is no
@env{INFOPATH} variable in the environment.
+If you wish to customize the Info directory search list for both Emacs
+info and stand-alone Info, it is best to set the @env{INFOPATH}
+environment variable, since that applies to both programs.
+
@item Info-additional-directory-list
A list of additional directories to search for Info documentation files.
These directories are not searched for merging the @file{dir} file.
-@item Info-directory
-The standard directory for Info documentation files. Only used when the
-function @code{Info-directory} is called.
+@item Info-fontify
+When set to a non-@code{nil} value, enables highlighting of Info
+files. The default is @code{t}. You can change how the highlighting
+looks by customizing the faces @code{info-node}, @code{info-menu-5},
+@code{info-xref}, @code{info-header-xref}, @code{info-header-node},
+@code{info-title-@var{n}-face} (where @var{n} is the level of the
+section, a number between 1 and 4), and @code{info-menu-header}. To
+customize a face, type @kbd{M-x customize-face @key{RET} @var{face}
+@key{RET}}, where @var{face} is one of the face names listed here.
+
+@item Info-use-header-line
+If non-@code{nil}, Emacs puts in the Info buffer a header line showing
+the @samp{Next}, @samp{Prev}, and @samp{Up} links. A header line does
+not scroll with the rest of the buffer, making these links always
+visible.
+
+@item Info-scroll-prefer-subnodes
+If set to a non-@code{nil} value, @key{SPC} and @key{BACKSPACE} (or
+@key{DEL}) keys in a menu visit subnodes of the current node before
+scrolling to its end or beginning, respectively. For example, if the
+node's menu appears on the screen, the next @key{SPC} moves to a
+subnode indicated by the following menu item. Setting this option to
+@code{nil} results in behavior similar to the stand-alone Info reader
+program, which visits the first subnode from the menu only when you
+hit the end of the current node. The default is @code{t}.
-@end table
+@item Info-enable-active-nodes
+When set to a non-@code{nil} value, allows Info to execute Lisp code
+associated with nodes. The Lisp code is executed when the node is
+selected. The Lisp code to be executed should follow the node
+delimiter (the @samp{DEL} character) and an @samp{execute: } tag, like
+this:
-@node Create an Info File, , Advanced Info, Top
-@comment node-name, next, previous, up
-@chapter Creating an Info File from a Makeinfo file
+@example
+^_execute: (message "This is an active node!")
+@end example
+
+@item Info-enable-edit
+Set to @code{nil}, disables the @samp{e} (@code{Info-edit}) command. A
+non-@code{nil} value enables it. @xref{Add, Edit}.
+@end vtable
+
+
+@node Creating an Info File
+@chapter Creating an Info File from a Texinfo File
@code{makeinfo} is a utility that converts a Texinfo file into an Info
file; @code{texinfo-format-region} and @code{texinfo-format-buffer} are
GNU Emacs functions that do the same.
-@xref{Create an Info File, , Creating an Info File, texinfo, the Texinfo
-Manual}, to learn how to create an Info file from a Texinfo file.
+@xref{Top,, Overview of Texinfo, texinfo, Texinfo: The GNU
+Documentation Format}, to learn how to write a Texinfo file.
+
+@xref{Creating an Info File,,, texinfo, Texinfo: The GNU Documentation
+Format}, to learn how to create an Info file from a Texinfo file.
+
+@xref{Installing an Info File,,, texinfo, Texinfo: The GNU
+Documentation Format}, to learn how to install an Info file after you
+have created one.
+
+@node Index
+@unnumbered Index
+
+This is an alphabetical listing of all the commands, variables, and
+topics discussed in this document.
-@xref{Top,, Overview of Texinfo, texinfo, Texinfo: The GNU Documentation
-Format}, to learn how to write a Texinfo file.
+@printindex cp
@bye
HCoop / bpt / emacs.git / blobdiff