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date | Sun, 07 Nov 2004 23:27:18 +0000 |
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6510 | 1 @c -*-texinfo-*- |
2 @c This is part of the GNU Emacs Lisp Reference Manual. | |
56215 | 3 @c Copyright (C) 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, |
4 @c 2000, 2003, 2004 | |
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5 @c Free Software Foundation, Inc. |
6510 | 6 @c See the file elisp.texi for copying conditions. |
7 @setfilename ../info/variables | |
8 @node Variables, Functions, Control Structures, Top | |
9 @chapter Variables | |
10 @cindex variable | |
11 | |
12 A @dfn{variable} is a name used in a program to stand for a value. | |
13 Nearly all programming languages have variables of some sort. In the | |
14 text of a Lisp program, variables are written using the syntax for | |
15 symbols. | |
16 | |
17 In Lisp, unlike most programming languages, programs are represented | |
18 primarily as Lisp objects and only secondarily as text. The Lisp | |
19 objects used for variables are symbols: the symbol name is the variable | |
20 name, and the variable's value is stored in the value cell of the | |
21 symbol. The use of a symbol as a variable is independent of its use as | |
22 a function name. @xref{Symbol Components}. | |
23 | |
24 The Lisp objects that constitute a Lisp program determine the textual | |
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25 form of the program---it is simply the read syntax for those Lisp |
6510 | 26 objects. This is why, for example, a variable in a textual Lisp program |
27 is written using the read syntax for the symbol that represents the | |
28 variable. | |
29 | |
30 @menu | |
31 * Global Variables:: Variable values that exist permanently, everywhere. | |
32 * Constant Variables:: Certain "variables" have values that never change. | |
33 * Local Variables:: Variable values that exist only temporarily. | |
34 * Void Variables:: Symbols that lack values. | |
35 * Defining Variables:: A definition says a symbol is used as a variable. | |
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36 * Tips for Defining:: Things you should think about when you |
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37 define a variable. |
6510 | 38 * Accessing Variables:: Examining values of variables whose names |
39 are known only at run time. | |
40 * Setting Variables:: Storing new values in variables. | |
41 * Variable Scoping:: How Lisp chooses among local and global values. | |
42 * Buffer-Local Variables:: Variable values in effect only in one buffer. | |
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43 * Frame-Local Variables:: Variable values in effect only in one frame. |
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44 * Future Local Variables:: New kinds of local values we might add some day. |
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45 * Variable Aliases:: Variables that are aliases for other variables. |
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46 * File Local Variables:: Handling local variable lists in files. |
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47 * Variables with Restricted Values:: Non-constant variables whose value can |
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48 @emph{not} be an arbitrary Lisp object. |
6510 | 49 @end menu |
50 | |
51 @node Global Variables | |
52 @section Global Variables | |
53 @cindex global variable | |
54 | |
55 The simplest way to use a variable is @dfn{globally}. This means that | |
56 the variable has just one value at a time, and this value is in effect | |
57 (at least for the moment) throughout the Lisp system. The value remains | |
58 in effect until you specify a new one. When a new value replaces the | |
59 old one, no trace of the old value remains in the variable. | |
60 | |
61 You specify a value for a symbol with @code{setq}. For example, | |
62 | |
63 @example | |
64 (setq x '(a b)) | |
65 @end example | |
66 | |
67 @noindent | |
68 gives the variable @code{x} the value @code{(a b)}. Note that | |
69 @code{setq} does not evaluate its first argument, the name of the | |
70 variable, but it does evaluate the second argument, the new value. | |
71 | |
72 Once the variable has a value, you can refer to it by using the symbol | |
73 by itself as an expression. Thus, | |
74 | |
75 @example | |
76 @group | |
77 x @result{} (a b) | |
78 @end group | |
79 @end example | |
80 | |
81 @noindent | |
82 assuming the @code{setq} form shown above has already been executed. | |
83 | |
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84 If you do set the same variable again, the new value replaces the old |
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85 one: |
6510 | 86 |
87 @example | |
88 @group | |
89 x | |
90 @result{} (a b) | |
91 @end group | |
92 @group | |
93 (setq x 4) | |
94 @result{} 4 | |
95 @end group | |
96 @group | |
97 x | |
98 @result{} 4 | |
99 @end group | |
100 @end example | |
101 | |
102 @node Constant Variables | |
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103 @section Variables that Never Change |
6510 | 104 @vindex nil |
105 @vindex t | |
106 @kindex setting-constant | |
26200 | 107 @cindex keyword symbol |
6510 | 108 |
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109 In Emacs Lisp, certain symbols normally evaluate to themselves. These |
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110 include @code{nil} and @code{t}, as well as any symbol whose name starts |
26200 | 111 with @samp{:} (these are called @dfn{keywords}). These symbols cannot |
112 be rebound, nor can their values be changed. Any attempt to set or bind | |
113 @code{nil} or @code{t} signals a @code{setting-constant} error. The | |
114 same is true for a keyword (a symbol whose name starts with @samp{:}), | |
115 if it is interned in the standard obarray, except that setting such a | |
116 symbol to itself is not an error. | |
6510 | 117 |
118 @example | |
119 @group | |
120 nil @equiv{} 'nil | |
121 @result{} nil | |
122 @end group | |
123 @group | |
124 (setq nil 500) | |
125 @error{} Attempt to set constant symbol: nil | |
126 @end group | |
127 @end example | |
128 | |
27528 | 129 @defun keywordp object |
130 @tindex keywordp | |
131 function returns @code{t} if @var{object} is a symbol whose name | |
132 starts with @samp{:}, interned in the standard obarray, and returns | |
133 @code{nil} otherwise. | |
134 @end defun | |
135 | |
6510 | 136 @node Local Variables |
137 @section Local Variables | |
138 @cindex binding local variables | |
139 @cindex local variables | |
140 @cindex local binding | |
141 @cindex global binding | |
142 | |
143 Global variables have values that last until explicitly superseded | |
144 with new values. Sometimes it is useful to create variable values that | |
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145 exist temporarily---only until a certain part of the program finishes. |
6510 | 146 These values are called @dfn{local}, and the variables so used are |
147 called @dfn{local variables}. | |
148 | |
149 For example, when a function is called, its argument variables receive | |
150 new local values that last until the function exits. The @code{let} | |
151 special form explicitly establishes new local values for specified | |
152 variables; these last until exit from the @code{let} form. | |
153 | |
154 @cindex shadowing of variables | |
155 Establishing a local value saves away the previous value (or lack of | |
156 one) of the variable. When the life span of the local value is over, | |
157 the previous value is restored. In the mean time, we say that the | |
158 previous value is @dfn{shadowed} and @dfn{not visible}. Both global and | |
159 local values may be shadowed (@pxref{Scope}). | |
160 | |
161 If you set a variable (such as with @code{setq}) while it is local, | |
162 this replaces the local value; it does not alter the global value, or | |
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163 previous local values, that are shadowed. To model this behavior, we |
6510 | 164 speak of a @dfn{local binding} of the variable as well as a local value. |
165 | |
166 The local binding is a conceptual place that holds a local value. | |
167 Entry to a function, or a special form such as @code{let}, creates the | |
168 local binding; exit from the function or from the @code{let} removes the | |
169 local binding. As long as the local binding lasts, the variable's value | |
170 is stored within it. Use of @code{setq} or @code{set} while there is a | |
171 local binding stores a different value into the local binding; it does | |
172 not create a new binding. | |
173 | |
174 We also speak of the @dfn{global binding}, which is where | |
175 (conceptually) the global value is kept. | |
176 | |
177 @cindex current binding | |
178 A variable can have more than one local binding at a time (for | |
179 example, if there are nested @code{let} forms that bind it). In such a | |
180 case, the most recently created local binding that still exists is the | |
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181 @dfn{current binding} of the variable. (This rule is called |
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182 @dfn{dynamic scoping}; see @ref{Variable Scoping}.) If there are no |
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183 local bindings, the variable's global binding is its current binding. |
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184 We sometimes call the current binding the @dfn{most-local existing |
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185 binding}, for emphasis. Ordinary evaluation of a symbol always returns |
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186 the value of its current binding. |
6510 | 187 |
188 The special forms @code{let} and @code{let*} exist to create | |
189 local bindings. | |
190 | |
191 @defspec let (bindings@dots{}) forms@dots{} | |
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192 This special form binds variables according to @var{bindings} and then |
6510 | 193 evaluates all of the @var{forms} in textual order. The @code{let}-form |
194 returns the value of the last form in @var{forms}. | |
195 | |
196 Each of the @var{bindings} is either @w{(i) a} symbol, in which case | |
197 that symbol is bound to @code{nil}; or @w{(ii) a} list of the form | |
198 @code{(@var{symbol} @var{value-form})}, in which case @var{symbol} is | |
199 bound to the result of evaluating @var{value-form}. If @var{value-form} | |
200 is omitted, @code{nil} is used. | |
201 | |
202 All of the @var{value-form}s in @var{bindings} are evaluated in the | |
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203 order they appear and @emph{before} binding any of the symbols to them. |
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204 Here is an example of this: @code{z} is bound to the old value of |
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205 @code{y}, which is 2, not the new value of @code{y}, which is 1. |
6510 | 206 |
207 @example | |
208 @group | |
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209 (setq y 2) |
6510 | 210 @result{} 2 |
211 @end group | |
212 @group | |
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213 (let ((y 1) |
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214 (z y)) |
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215 (list y z)) |
6510 | 216 @result{} (1 2) |
217 @end group | |
218 @end example | |
219 @end defspec | |
220 | |
221 @defspec let* (bindings@dots{}) forms@dots{} | |
222 This special form is like @code{let}, but it binds each variable right | |
223 after computing its local value, before computing the local value for | |
224 the next variable. Therefore, an expression in @var{bindings} can | |
225 reasonably refer to the preceding symbols bound in this @code{let*} | |
226 form. Compare the following example with the example above for | |
227 @code{let}. | |
228 | |
229 @example | |
230 @group | |
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231 (setq y 2) |
6510 | 232 @result{} 2 |
233 @end group | |
234 @group | |
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235 (let* ((y 1) |
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236 (z y)) ; @r{Use the just-established value of @code{y}.} |
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237 (list y z)) |
6510 | 238 @result{} (1 1) |
239 @end group | |
240 @end example | |
241 @end defspec | |
242 | |
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243 Here is a complete list of the other facilities that create local |
6510 | 244 bindings: |
245 | |
246 @itemize @bullet | |
247 @item | |
248 Function calls (@pxref{Functions}). | |
249 | |
250 @item | |
251 Macro calls (@pxref{Macros}). | |
252 | |
253 @item | |
254 @code{condition-case} (@pxref{Errors}). | |
255 @end itemize | |
256 | |
12098 | 257 Variables can also have buffer-local bindings (@pxref{Buffer-Local |
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258 Variables}) and frame-local bindings (@pxref{Frame-Local Variables}); a |
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259 few variables have terminal-local bindings (@pxref{Multiple Displays}). |
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260 These kinds of bindings work somewhat like ordinary local bindings, but |
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261 they are localized depending on ``where'' you are in Emacs, rather than |
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262 localized in time. |
12098 | 263 |
56215 | 264 @defvar max-specpdl-size |
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265 @anchor{Definition of max-specpdl-size} |
6510 | 266 @cindex variable limit error |
267 @cindex evaluation error | |
268 @cindex infinite recursion | |
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269 This variable defines the limit on the total number of local variable |
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270 bindings and @code{unwind-protect} cleanups (@pxref{Cleanups,, |
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271 Cleaning Up from Nonlocal Exits}) that are allowed before signaling an |
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272 error (with data @code{"Variable binding depth exceeds |
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273 max-specpdl-size"}). |
6510 | 274 |
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275 This limit, with the associated error when it is exceeded, is one way |
6510 | 276 that Lisp avoids infinite recursion on an ill-defined function. |
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277 @code{max-lisp-eval-depth} provides another limit on depth of nesting. |
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278 @xref{Definition of max-lisp-eval-depth,, Eval}. |
6510 | 279 |
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280 The default value is 600. Entry to the Lisp debugger increases the |
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281 value, if there is little room left, to make sure the debugger itself |
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282 has room to execute. |
6510 | 283 @end defvar |
284 | |
285 @node Void Variables | |
286 @section When a Variable is ``Void'' | |
287 @kindex void-variable | |
288 @cindex void variable | |
289 | |
290 If you have never given a symbol any value as a global variable, we | |
291 say that that symbol's global value is @dfn{void}. In other words, the | |
292 symbol's value cell does not have any Lisp object in it. If you try to | |
293 evaluate the symbol, you get a @code{void-variable} error rather than | |
294 a value. | |
295 | |
296 Note that a value of @code{nil} is not the same as void. The symbol | |
297 @code{nil} is a Lisp object and can be the value of a variable just as any | |
298 other object can be; but it is @emph{a value}. A void variable does not | |
299 have any value. | |
300 | |
301 After you have given a variable a value, you can make it void once more | |
302 using @code{makunbound}. | |
303 | |
304 @defun makunbound symbol | |
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305 This function makes the current variable binding of @var{symbol} void. |
6510 | 306 Subsequent attempts to use this symbol's value as a variable will signal |
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307 the error @code{void-variable}, unless and until you set it again. |
6510 | 308 |
309 @code{makunbound} returns @var{symbol}. | |
310 | |
311 @example | |
312 @group | |
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313 (makunbound 'x) ; @r{Make the global value of @code{x} void.} |
6510 | 314 @result{} x |
315 @end group | |
316 @group | |
317 x | |
318 @error{} Symbol's value as variable is void: x | |
319 @end group | |
320 @end example | |
321 | |
322 If @var{symbol} is locally bound, @code{makunbound} affects the most | |
323 local existing binding. This is the only way a symbol can have a void | |
324 local binding, since all the constructs that create local bindings | |
325 create them with values. In this case, the voidness lasts at most as | |
326 long as the binding does; when the binding is removed due to exit from | |
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327 the construct that made it, the previous local or global binding is |
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328 reexposed as usual, and the variable is no longer void unless the newly |
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329 reexposed binding was void all along. |
6510 | 330 |
331 @smallexample | |
332 @group | |
333 (setq x 1) ; @r{Put a value in the global binding.} | |
334 @result{} 1 | |
335 (let ((x 2)) ; @r{Locally bind it.} | |
336 (makunbound 'x) ; @r{Void the local binding.} | |
337 x) | |
338 @error{} Symbol's value as variable is void: x | |
339 @end group | |
340 @group | |
341 x ; @r{The global binding is unchanged.} | |
342 @result{} 1 | |
343 | |
344 (let ((x 2)) ; @r{Locally bind it.} | |
345 (let ((x 3)) ; @r{And again.} | |
346 (makunbound 'x) ; @r{Void the innermost-local binding.} | |
347 x)) ; @r{And refer: it's void.} | |
348 @error{} Symbol's value as variable is void: x | |
349 @end group | |
350 | |
351 @group | |
352 (let ((x 2)) | |
353 (let ((x 3)) | |
354 (makunbound 'x)) ; @r{Void inner binding, then remove it.} | |
355 x) ; @r{Now outer @code{let} binding is visible.} | |
356 @result{} 2 | |
357 @end group | |
358 @end smallexample | |
359 @end defun | |
360 | |
361 A variable that has been made void with @code{makunbound} is | |
362 indistinguishable from one that has never received a value and has | |
363 always been void. | |
364 | |
365 You can use the function @code{boundp} to test whether a variable is | |
366 currently void. | |
367 | |
368 @defun boundp variable | |
369 @code{boundp} returns @code{t} if @var{variable} (a symbol) is not void; | |
370 more precisely, if its current binding is not void. It returns | |
371 @code{nil} otherwise. | |
372 | |
373 @smallexample | |
374 @group | |
375 (boundp 'abracadabra) ; @r{Starts out void.} | |
376 @result{} nil | |
377 @end group | |
378 @group | |
379 (let ((abracadabra 5)) ; @r{Locally bind it.} | |
380 (boundp 'abracadabra)) | |
381 @result{} t | |
382 @end group | |
383 @group | |
384 (boundp 'abracadabra) ; @r{Still globally void.} | |
385 @result{} nil | |
386 @end group | |
387 @group | |
388 (setq abracadabra 5) ; @r{Make it globally nonvoid.} | |
389 @result{} 5 | |
390 @end group | |
391 @group | |
392 (boundp 'abracadabra) | |
393 @result{} t | |
394 @end group | |
395 @end smallexample | |
396 @end defun | |
397 | |
398 @node Defining Variables | |
399 @section Defining Global Variables | |
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400 @cindex variable definition |
6510 | 401 |
402 You may announce your intention to use a symbol as a global variable | |
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403 with a @dfn{variable definition}: a special form, either @code{defconst} |
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404 or @code{defvar}. |
6510 | 405 |
406 In Emacs Lisp, definitions serve three purposes. First, they inform | |
407 people who read the code that certain symbols are @emph{intended} to be | |
408 used a certain way (as variables). Second, they inform the Lisp system | |
409 of these things, supplying a value and documentation. Third, they | |
410 provide information to utilities such as @code{etags} and | |
411 @code{make-docfile}, which create data bases of the functions and | |
412 variables in a program. | |
413 | |
414 The difference between @code{defconst} and @code{defvar} is primarily | |
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415 a matter of intent, serving to inform human readers of whether the value |
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416 should ever change. Emacs Lisp does not restrict the ways in which a |
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417 variable can be used based on @code{defconst} or @code{defvar} |
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418 declarations. However, it does make a difference for initialization: |
6510 | 419 @code{defconst} unconditionally initializes the variable, while |
420 @code{defvar} initializes it only if it is void. | |
421 | |
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422 @ignore |
6510 | 423 One would expect user option variables to be defined with |
424 @code{defconst}, since programs do not change them. Unfortunately, this | |
425 has bad results if the definition is in a library that is not preloaded: | |
426 @code{defconst} would override any prior value when the library is | |
427 loaded. Users would like to be able to set user options in their init | |
428 files, and override the default values given in the definitions. For | |
429 this reason, user options must be defined with @code{defvar}. | |
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430 @end ignore |
6510 | 431 |
432 @defspec defvar symbol [value [doc-string]] | |
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433 This special form defines @var{symbol} as a variable and can also |
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434 initialize and document it. The definition informs a person reading |
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435 your code that @var{symbol} is used as a variable that might be set or |
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436 changed. Note that @var{symbol} is not evaluated; the symbol to be |
6510 | 437 defined must appear explicitly in the @code{defvar}. |
438 | |
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439 If @var{symbol} is void and @var{value} is specified, @code{defvar} |
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440 evaluates it and sets @var{symbol} to the result. But if @var{symbol} |
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441 already has a value (i.e., it is not void), @var{value} is not even |
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442 evaluated, and @var{symbol}'s value remains unchanged. If @var{value} |
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443 is omitted, the value of @var{symbol} is not changed in any case. |
6510 | 444 |
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445 If @var{symbol} has a buffer-local binding in the current buffer, |
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446 @code{defvar} operates on the default value, which is buffer-independent, |
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447 not the current (buffer-local) binding. It sets the default value if |
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448 the default value is void. @xref{Buffer-Local Variables}. |
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449 |
12098 | 450 When you evaluate a top-level @code{defvar} form with @kbd{C-M-x} in |
451 Emacs Lisp mode (@code{eval-defun}), a special feature of | |
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452 @code{eval-defun} arranges to set the variable unconditionally, without |
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453 testing whether its value is void. |
6510 | 454 |
455 If the @var{doc-string} argument appears, it specifies the documentation | |
456 for the variable. (This opportunity to specify documentation is one of | |
457 the main benefits of defining the variable.) The documentation is | |
458 stored in the symbol's @code{variable-documentation} property. The | |
459 Emacs help functions (@pxref{Documentation}) look for this property. | |
460 | |
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461 If the variable is a user option that users would want to set |
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462 interactively, you should use @samp{*} as the first character of |
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463 @var{doc-string}. This lets users set the variable conveniently using |
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464 the @code{set-variable} command. Note that you should nearly always |
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465 use @code{defcustom} instead of @code{defvar} to define these |
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466 variables, so that users can use @kbd{M-x customize} and related |
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467 commands to set them. @xref{Customization}. |
6510 | 468 |
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469 Here are some examples. This form defines @code{foo} but does not |
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470 initialize it: |
6510 | 471 |
472 @example | |
473 @group | |
474 (defvar foo) | |
475 @result{} foo | |
476 @end group | |
477 @end example | |
478 | |
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479 This example initializes the value of @code{bar} to @code{23}, and gives |
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480 it a documentation string: |
6510 | 481 |
482 @example | |
483 @group | |
484 (defvar bar 23 | |
485 "The normal weight of a bar.") | |
486 @result{} bar | |
487 @end group | |
488 @end example | |
489 | |
490 The following form changes the documentation string for @code{bar}, | |
491 making it a user option, but does not change the value, since @code{bar} | |
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492 already has a value. (The addition @code{(1+ nil)} would get an error |
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493 if it were evaluated, but since it is not evaluated, there is no error.) |
6510 | 494 |
495 @example | |
496 @group | |
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497 (defvar bar (1+ nil) |
6510 | 498 "*The normal weight of a bar.") |
499 @result{} bar | |
500 @end group | |
501 @group | |
502 bar | |
503 @result{} 23 | |
504 @end group | |
505 @end example | |
506 | |
507 Here is an equivalent expression for the @code{defvar} special form: | |
508 | |
509 @example | |
510 @group | |
511 (defvar @var{symbol} @var{value} @var{doc-string}) | |
512 @equiv{} | |
513 (progn | |
514 (if (not (boundp '@var{symbol})) | |
515 (setq @var{symbol} @var{value})) | |
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516 (if '@var{doc-string} |
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517 (put '@var{symbol} 'variable-documentation '@var{doc-string})) |
6510 | 518 '@var{symbol}) |
519 @end group | |
520 @end example | |
521 | |
522 The @code{defvar} form returns @var{symbol}, but it is normally used | |
523 at top level in a file where its value does not matter. | |
524 @end defspec | |
525 | |
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526 @defspec defconst symbol value [doc-string] |
6510 | 527 This special form defines @var{symbol} as a value and initializes it. |
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528 It informs a person reading your code that @var{symbol} has a standard |
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529 global value, established here, that should not be changed by the user |
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530 or by other programs. Note that @var{symbol} is not evaluated; the |
6510 | 531 symbol to be defined must appear explicitly in the @code{defconst}. |
532 | |
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533 @code{defconst} always evaluates @var{value}, and sets the value of |
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534 @var{symbol} to the result. If @var{symbol} does have a buffer-local |
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535 binding in the current buffer, @code{defconst} sets the default value, |
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536 not the buffer-local value. (But you should not be making |
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537 buffer-local bindings for a symbol that is defined with |
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538 @code{defconst}.) |
6510 | 539 |
540 Here, @code{pi} is a constant that presumably ought not to be changed | |
541 by anyone (attempts by the Indiana State Legislature notwithstanding). | |
542 As the second form illustrates, however, this is only advisory. | |
543 | |
544 @example | |
545 @group | |
546 (defconst pi 3.1415 "Pi to five places.") | |
547 @result{} pi | |
548 @end group | |
549 @group | |
550 (setq pi 3) | |
551 @result{} pi | |
552 @end group | |
553 @group | |
554 pi | |
555 @result{} 3 | |
556 @end group | |
557 @end example | |
558 @end defspec | |
559 | |
560 @defun user-variable-p variable | |
561 @cindex user option | |
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562 This function returns @code{t} if @var{variable} is a user option---a |
6510 | 563 variable intended to be set by the user for customization---and |
564 @code{nil} otherwise. (Variables other than user options exist for the | |
565 internal purposes of Lisp programs, and users need not know about them.) | |
566 | |
27528 | 567 User option variables are distinguished from other variables either |
568 though being declared using @code{defcustom}@footnote{They may also be | |
569 declared equivalently in @file{cus-start.el}.} or by the first character | |
570 of their @code{variable-documentation} property. If the property exists | |
571 and is a string, and its first character is @samp{*}, then the variable | |
572 is a user option. | |
6510 | 573 @end defun |
574 | |
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575 @kindex variable-interactive |
6510 | 576 If a user option variable has a @code{variable-interactive} property, |
12098 | 577 the @code{set-variable} command uses that value to control reading the |
578 new value for the variable. The property's value is used as if it were | |
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579 specified in @code{interactive} (@pxref{Using Interactive}). However, |
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580 this feature is largely obsoleted by @code{defcustom} |
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581 (@pxref{Customization}). |
6510 | 582 |
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583 @strong{Warning:} If the @code{defconst} and @code{defvar} special |
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584 forms are used while the variable has a local binding (made with |
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585 @code{let}, or a function argument), they set the local-binding's |
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586 value; the top-level binding is not changed. This is not what you |
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587 usually want. To prevent it, use these special forms at top level in |
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588 a file, where normally no local binding is in effect, and make sure to |
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589 load the file before making a local binding for the variable. |
6510 | 590 |
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591 @node Tips for Defining |
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592 @section Tips for Defining Variables Robustly |
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593 |
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594 When you define a variable whose value is a function, or a list of |
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595 functions, use a name that ends in @samp{-function} or |
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596 @samp{-functions}, respectively. |
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597 |
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598 There are several other variable name conventions; |
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599 here is a complete list: |
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600 |
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601 @table @samp |
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602 @item @dots{}-hook |
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603 The variable is a normal hook (@pxref{Hooks}). |
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604 |
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605 @item @dots{}-function |
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606 The value is a function. |
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607 |
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608 @item @dots{}-functions |
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609 The value is a list of functions. |
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610 |
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611 @item @dots{}-form |
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612 The value is a form (an expression). |
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613 |
37583 | 614 @item @dots{}-forms |
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615 The value is a list of forms (expressions). |
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616 |
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617 @item @dots{}-predicate |
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618 The value is a predicate---a function of one argument that returns |
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619 non-@code{nil} for ``good'' arguments and @code{nil} for ``bad'' |
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620 arguments. |
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621 |
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622 @item @dots{}-flag |
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623 The value is significant only as to whether it is @code{nil} or not. |
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624 |
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625 @item @dots{}-program |
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626 The value is a program name. |
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627 |
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628 @item @dots{}-command |
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629 The value is a whole shell command. |
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630 |
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631 @item @samp{}-switches |
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632 The value specifies options for a command. |
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633 @end table |
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634 |
37583 | 635 When you define a variable, always consider whether you should mark |
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636 it as ``risky''; see @ref{File Local Variables}. |
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637 |
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638 When defining and initializing a variable that holds a complicated |
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639 value (such as a keymap with bindings in it), it's best to put the |
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640 entire computation of the value into the @code{defvar}, like this: |
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641 |
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642 @example |
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643 (defvar my-mode-map |
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644 (let ((map (make-sparse-keymap))) |
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645 (define-key map "\C-c\C-a" 'my-command) |
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646 @dots{} |
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647 map) |
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648 @var{docstring}) |
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649 @end example |
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650 |
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651 @noindent |
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652 This method has several benefits. First, if the user quits while |
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653 loading the file, the variable is either still uninitialized or |
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654 initialized properly, never in-between. If it is still uninitialized, |
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655 reloading the file will initialize it properly. Second, reloading the |
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656 file once the variable is initialized will not alter it; that is |
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657 important if the user has run hooks to alter part of the contents (such |
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658 as, to rebind keys). Third, evaluating the @code{defvar} form with |
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659 @kbd{C-M-x} @emph{will} reinitialize the map completely. |
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660 |
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661 Putting so much code in the @code{defvar} form has one disadvantage: |
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662 it puts the documentation string far away from the line which names the |
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663 variable. Here's a safe way to avoid that: |
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664 |
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665 @example |
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666 (defvar my-mode-map nil |
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667 @var{docstring}) |
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668 (unless my-mode-map |
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669 (let ((map (make-sparse-keymap))) |
30502 | 670 (define-key map "\C-c\C-a" 'my-command) |
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671 @dots{} |
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672 (setq my-mode-map map))) |
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673 @end example |
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674 |
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675 @noindent |
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676 This has all the same advantages as putting the initialization inside |
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677 the @code{defvar}, except that you must type @kbd{C-M-x} twice, once on |
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678 each form, if you do want to reinitialize the variable. |
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679 |
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680 But be careful not to write the code like this: |
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681 |
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682 @example |
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683 (defvar my-mode-map nil |
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684 @var{docstring}) |
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685 (unless my-mode-map |
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686 (setq my-mode-map (make-sparse-keymap)) |
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687 (define-key my-mode-map "\C-c\C-a" 'my-command) |
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688 @dots{}) |
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689 @end example |
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690 |
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691 @noindent |
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692 This code sets the variable, then alters it, but it does so in more than |
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693 one step. If the user quits just after the @code{setq}, that leaves the |
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694 variable neither correctly initialized nor void nor @code{nil}. Once |
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695 that happens, reloading the file will not initialize the variable; it |
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696 will remain incomplete. |
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697 |
6510 | 698 @node Accessing Variables |
699 @section Accessing Variable Values | |
700 | |
701 The usual way to reference a variable is to write the symbol which | |
702 names it (@pxref{Symbol Forms}). This requires you to specify the | |
703 variable name when you write the program. Usually that is exactly what | |
704 you want to do. Occasionally you need to choose at run time which | |
705 variable to reference; then you can use @code{symbol-value}. | |
706 | |
707 @defun symbol-value symbol | |
708 This function returns the value of @var{symbol}. This is the value in | |
709 the innermost local binding of the symbol, or its global value if it | |
710 has no local bindings. | |
711 | |
712 @example | |
713 @group | |
714 (setq abracadabra 5) | |
715 @result{} 5 | |
716 @end group | |
717 @group | |
718 (setq foo 9) | |
719 @result{} 9 | |
720 @end group | |
721 | |
722 @group | |
723 ;; @r{Here the symbol @code{abracadabra}} | |
724 ;; @r{is the symbol whose value is examined.} | |
725 (let ((abracadabra 'foo)) | |
726 (symbol-value 'abracadabra)) | |
727 @result{} foo | |
728 @end group | |
729 | |
730 @group | |
731 ;; @r{Here the value of @code{abracadabra},} | |
732 ;; @r{which is @code{foo},} | |
733 ;; @r{is the symbol whose value is examined.} | |
734 (let ((abracadabra 'foo)) | |
735 (symbol-value abracadabra)) | |
736 @result{} 9 | |
737 @end group | |
738 | |
739 @group | |
740 (symbol-value 'abracadabra) | |
741 @result{} 5 | |
742 @end group | |
743 @end example | |
744 | |
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745 A @code{void-variable} error is signaled if the current binding of |
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746 @var{symbol} is void. |
6510 | 747 @end defun |
748 | |
749 @node Setting Variables | |
750 @section How to Alter a Variable Value | |
751 | |
752 The usual way to change the value of a variable is with the special | |
753 form @code{setq}. When you need to compute the choice of variable at | |
754 run time, use the function @code{set}. | |
755 | |
756 @defspec setq [symbol form]@dots{} | |
757 This special form is the most common method of changing a variable's | |
758 value. Each @var{symbol} is given a new value, which is the result of | |
759 evaluating the corresponding @var{form}. The most-local existing | |
760 binding of the symbol is changed. | |
761 | |
762 @code{setq} does not evaluate @var{symbol}; it sets the symbol that you | |
763 write. We say that this argument is @dfn{automatically quoted}. The | |
764 @samp{q} in @code{setq} stands for ``quoted.'' | |
765 | |
766 The value of the @code{setq} form is the value of the last @var{form}. | |
767 | |
768 @example | |
769 @group | |
770 (setq x (1+ 2)) | |
771 @result{} 3 | |
772 @end group | |
773 x ; @r{@code{x} now has a global value.} | |
774 @result{} 3 | |
775 @group | |
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776 (let ((x 5)) |
6510 | 777 (setq x 6) ; @r{The local binding of @code{x} is set.} |
778 x) | |
779 @result{} 6 | |
780 @end group | |
781 x ; @r{The global value is unchanged.} | |
782 @result{} 3 | |
783 @end example | |
784 | |
785 Note that the first @var{form} is evaluated, then the first | |
786 @var{symbol} is set, then the second @var{form} is evaluated, then the | |
787 second @var{symbol} is set, and so on: | |
788 | |
789 @example | |
790 @group | |
791 (setq x 10 ; @r{Notice that @code{x} is set before} | |
792 y (1+ x)) ; @r{the value of @code{y} is computed.} | |
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793 @result{} 11 |
6510 | 794 @end group |
795 @end example | |
796 @end defspec | |
797 | |
798 @defun set symbol value | |
799 This function sets @var{symbol}'s value to @var{value}, then returns | |
800 @var{value}. Since @code{set} is a function, the expression written for | |
801 @var{symbol} is evaluated to obtain the symbol to set. | |
802 | |
803 The most-local existing binding of the variable is the binding that is | |
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804 set; shadowed bindings are not affected. |
6510 | 805 |
806 @example | |
807 @group | |
808 (set one 1) | |
809 @error{} Symbol's value as variable is void: one | |
810 @end group | |
811 @group | |
812 (set 'one 1) | |
813 @result{} 1 | |
814 @end group | |
815 @group | |
816 (set 'two 'one) | |
817 @result{} one | |
818 @end group | |
819 @group | |
820 (set two 2) ; @r{@code{two} evaluates to symbol @code{one}.} | |
821 @result{} 2 | |
822 @end group | |
823 @group | |
824 one ; @r{So it is @code{one} that was set.} | |
825 @result{} 2 | |
826 (let ((one 1)) ; @r{This binding of @code{one} is set,} | |
827 (set 'one 3) ; @r{not the global value.} | |
828 one) | |
829 @result{} 3 | |
830 @end group | |
831 @group | |
832 one | |
833 @result{} 2 | |
834 @end group | |
835 @end example | |
836 | |
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837 If @var{symbol} is not actually a symbol, a @code{wrong-type-argument} |
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838 error is signaled. |
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839 |
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840 @example |
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841 (set '(x y) 'z) |
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842 @error{} Wrong type argument: symbolp, (x y) |
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843 @end example |
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844 |
6510 | 845 Logically speaking, @code{set} is a more fundamental primitive than |
846 @code{setq}. Any use of @code{setq} can be trivially rewritten to use | |
847 @code{set}; @code{setq} could even be defined as a macro, given the | |
848 availability of @code{set}. However, @code{set} itself is rarely used; | |
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849 beginners hardly need to know about it. It is useful only for choosing |
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850 at run time which variable to set. For example, the command |
6510 | 851 @code{set-variable}, which reads a variable name from the user and then |
852 sets the variable, needs to use @code{set}. | |
853 | |
854 @cindex CL note---@code{set} local | |
855 @quotation | |
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856 @b{Common Lisp note:} In Common Lisp, @code{set} always changes the |
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857 symbol's ``special'' or dynamic value, ignoring any lexical bindings. |
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858 In Emacs Lisp, all variables and all bindings are dynamic, so @code{set} |
6510 | 859 always affects the most local existing binding. |
860 @end quotation | |
861 @end defun | |
862 | |
12067 | 863 One other function for setting a variable is designed to add |
864 an element to a list if it is not already present in the list. | |
865 | |
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866 @defun add-to-list symbol element &optional append |
12067 | 867 This function sets the variable @var{symbol} by consing @var{element} |
868 onto the old value, if @var{element} is not already a member of that | |
12098 | 869 value. It returns the resulting list, whether updated or not. The |
870 value of @var{symbol} had better be a list already before the call. | |
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871 Membership is tested using @code{equal}. |
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872 |
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873 Normally, if @var{element} is added, it is added to the front of |
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874 @var{symbol}, but if the optional argument @var{append} is |
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875 non-@code{nil}, it is added at the end. |
12098 | 876 |
877 The argument @var{symbol} is not implicitly quoted; @code{add-to-list} | |
878 is an ordinary function, like @code{set} and unlike @code{setq}. Quote | |
879 the argument yourself if that is what you want. | |
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880 @end defun |
12067 | 881 |
882 Here's a scenario showing how to use @code{add-to-list}: | |
883 | |
884 @example | |
885 (setq foo '(a b)) | |
886 @result{} (a b) | |
887 | |
888 (add-to-list 'foo 'c) ;; @r{Add @code{c}.} | |
889 @result{} (c a b) | |
890 | |
891 (add-to-list 'foo 'b) ;; @r{No effect.} | |
892 @result{} (c a b) | |
893 | |
894 foo ;; @r{@code{foo} was changed.} | |
895 @result{} (c a b) | |
896 @end example | |
897 | |
898 An equivalent expression for @code{(add-to-list '@var{var} | |
899 @var{value})} is this: | |
900 | |
901 @example | |
902 (or (member @var{value} @var{var}) | |
903 (setq @var{var} (cons @var{value} @var{var}))) | |
904 @end example | |
905 | |
6510 | 906 @node Variable Scoping |
907 @section Scoping Rules for Variable Bindings | |
908 | |
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909 A given symbol @code{foo} can have several local variable bindings, |
6510 | 910 established at different places in the Lisp program, as well as a global |
911 binding. The most recently established binding takes precedence over | |
912 the others. | |
913 | |
914 @cindex scope | |
915 @cindex extent | |
916 @cindex dynamic scoping | |
52784 | 917 @cindex lexical scoping |
6510 | 918 Local bindings in Emacs Lisp have @dfn{indefinite scope} and |
919 @dfn{dynamic extent}. @dfn{Scope} refers to @emph{where} textually in | |
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920 the source code the binding can be accessed. ``Indefinite scope'' means |
6510 | 921 that any part of the program can potentially access the variable |
922 binding. @dfn{Extent} refers to @emph{when}, as the program is | |
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923 executing, the binding exists. ``Dynamic extent'' means that the binding |
6510 | 924 lasts as long as the activation of the construct that established it. |
925 | |
926 The combination of dynamic extent and indefinite scope is called | |
927 @dfn{dynamic scoping}. By contrast, most programming languages use | |
928 @dfn{lexical scoping}, in which references to a local variable must be | |
929 located textually within the function or block that binds the variable. | |
930 | |
931 @cindex CL note---special variables | |
932 @quotation | |
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933 @b{Common Lisp note:} Variables declared ``special'' in Common Lisp are |
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934 dynamically scoped, like all variables in Emacs Lisp. |
6510 | 935 @end quotation |
936 | |
937 @menu | |
938 * Scope:: Scope means where in the program a value is visible. | |
939 Comparison with other languages. | |
940 * Extent:: Extent means how long in time a value exists. | |
941 * Impl of Scope:: Two ways to implement dynamic scoping. | |
942 * Using Scoping:: How to use dynamic scoping carefully and avoid problems. | |
943 @end menu | |
944 | |
945 @node Scope | |
946 @subsection Scope | |
947 | |
948 Emacs Lisp uses @dfn{indefinite scope} for local variable bindings. | |
949 This means that any function anywhere in the program text might access a | |
950 given binding of a variable. Consider the following function | |
951 definitions: | |
952 | |
953 @example | |
954 @group | |
955 (defun binder (x) ; @r{@code{x} is bound in @code{binder}.} | |
956 (foo 5)) ; @r{@code{foo} is some other function.} | |
957 @end group | |
958 | |
959 @group | |
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960 (defun user () ; @r{@code{x} is used ``free'' in @code{user}.} |
6510 | 961 (list x)) |
962 @end group | |
963 @end example | |
964 | |
965 In a lexically scoped language, the binding of @code{x} in | |
966 @code{binder} would never be accessible in @code{user}, because | |
967 @code{user} is not textually contained within the function | |
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968 @code{binder}. However, in dynamically-scoped Emacs Lisp, @code{user} |
6510 | 969 may or may not refer to the binding of @code{x} established in |
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970 @code{binder}, depending on the circumstances: |
6510 | 971 |
972 @itemize @bullet | |
973 @item | |
974 If we call @code{user} directly without calling @code{binder} at all, | |
975 then whatever binding of @code{x} is found, it cannot come from | |
976 @code{binder}. | |
977 | |
978 @item | |
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979 If we define @code{foo} as follows and then call @code{binder}, then the |
6510 | 980 binding made in @code{binder} will be seen in @code{user}: |
981 | |
982 @example | |
983 @group | |
984 (defun foo (lose) | |
985 (user)) | |
986 @end group | |
987 @end example | |
988 | |
989 @item | |
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990 However, if we define @code{foo} as follows and then call @code{binder}, |
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991 then the binding made in @code{binder} @emph{will not} be seen in |
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992 @code{user}: |
6510 | 993 |
994 @example | |
995 (defun foo (x) | |
996 (user)) | |
997 @end example | |
998 | |
999 @noindent | |
1000 Here, when @code{foo} is called by @code{binder}, it binds @code{x}. | |
1001 (The binding in @code{foo} is said to @dfn{shadow} the one made in | |
1002 @code{binder}.) Therefore, @code{user} will access the @code{x} bound | |
1003 by @code{foo} instead of the one bound by @code{binder}. | |
1004 @end itemize | |
1005 | |
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1006 Emacs Lisp uses dynamic scoping because simple implementations of |
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1007 lexical scoping are slow. In addition, every Lisp system needs to offer |
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1008 dynamic scoping at least as an option; if lexical scoping is the norm, |
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1009 there must be a way to specify dynamic scoping instead for a particular |
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1010 variable. It might not be a bad thing for Emacs to offer both, but |
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1011 implementing it with dynamic scoping only was much easier. |
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1012 |
6510 | 1013 @node Extent |
1014 @subsection Extent | |
1015 | |
1016 @dfn{Extent} refers to the time during program execution that a | |
1017 variable name is valid. In Emacs Lisp, a variable is valid only while | |
1018 the form that bound it is executing. This is called @dfn{dynamic | |
1019 extent}. ``Local'' or ``automatic'' variables in most languages, | |
1020 including C and Pascal, have dynamic extent. | |
1021 | |
1022 One alternative to dynamic extent is @dfn{indefinite extent}. This | |
1023 means that a variable binding can live on past the exit from the form | |
1024 that made the binding. Common Lisp and Scheme, for example, support | |
1025 this, but Emacs Lisp does not. | |
1026 | |
1027 To illustrate this, the function below, @code{make-add}, returns a | |
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1028 function that purports to add @var{n} to its own argument @var{m}. This |
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1029 would work in Common Lisp, but it does not do the job in Emacs Lisp, |
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1030 because after the call to @code{make-add} exits, the variable @code{n} |
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1031 is no longer bound to the actual argument 2. |
6510 | 1032 |
1033 @example | |
1034 (defun make-add (n) | |
1035 (function (lambda (m) (+ n m)))) ; @r{Return a function.} | |
1036 @result{} make-add | |
1037 (fset 'add2 (make-add 2)) ; @r{Define function @code{add2}} | |
1038 ; @r{with @code{(make-add 2)}.} | |
1039 @result{} (lambda (m) (+ n m)) | |
1040 (add2 4) ; @r{Try to add 2 to 4.} | |
1041 @error{} Symbol's value as variable is void: n | |
1042 @end example | |
1043 | |
1044 @cindex closures not available | |
1045 Some Lisp dialects have ``closures'', objects that are like functions | |
1046 but record additional variable bindings. Emacs Lisp does not have | |
1047 closures. | |
1048 | |
1049 @node Impl of Scope | |
1050 @subsection Implementation of Dynamic Scoping | |
1051 @cindex deep binding | |
1052 | |
1053 A simple sample implementation (which is not how Emacs Lisp actually | |
1054 works) may help you understand dynamic binding. This technique is | |
1055 called @dfn{deep binding} and was used in early Lisp systems. | |
1056 | |
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1057 Suppose there is a stack of bindings, which are variable-value pairs. |
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1058 At entry to a function or to a @code{let} form, we can push bindings |
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1059 onto the stack for the arguments or local variables created there. We |
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1060 can pop those bindings from the stack at exit from the binding |
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1061 construct. |
6510 | 1062 |
1063 We can find the value of a variable by searching the stack from top to | |
1064 bottom for a binding for that variable; the value from that binding is | |
1065 the value of the variable. To set the variable, we search for the | |
1066 current binding, then store the new value into that binding. | |
1067 | |
1068 As you can see, a function's bindings remain in effect as long as it | |
1069 continues execution, even during its calls to other functions. That is | |
1070 why we say the extent of the binding is dynamic. And any other function | |
1071 can refer to the bindings, if it uses the same variables while the | |
1072 bindings are in effect. That is why we say the scope is indefinite. | |
1073 | |
1074 @cindex shallow binding | |
1075 The actual implementation of variable scoping in GNU Emacs Lisp uses a | |
1076 technique called @dfn{shallow binding}. Each variable has a standard | |
1077 place in which its current value is always found---the value cell of the | |
1078 symbol. | |
1079 | |
1080 In shallow binding, setting the variable works by storing a value in | |
1081 the value cell. Creating a new binding works by pushing the old value | |
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1082 (belonging to a previous binding) onto a stack, and storing the new |
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1083 local value in the value cell. Eliminating a binding works by popping |
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1084 the old value off the stack, into the value cell. |
6510 | 1085 |
1086 We use shallow binding because it has the same results as deep | |
1087 binding, but runs faster, since there is never a need to search for a | |
1088 binding. | |
1089 | |
1090 @node Using Scoping | |
1091 @subsection Proper Use of Dynamic Scoping | |
1092 | |
1093 Binding a variable in one function and using it in another is a | |
1094 powerful technique, but if used without restraint, it can make programs | |
1095 hard to understand. There are two clean ways to use this technique: | |
1096 | |
1097 @itemize @bullet | |
1098 @item | |
1099 Use or bind the variable only in a few related functions, written close | |
1100 together in one file. Such a variable is used for communication within | |
1101 one program. | |
1102 | |
1103 You should write comments to inform other programmers that they can see | |
1104 all uses of the variable before them, and to advise them not to add uses | |
1105 elsewhere. | |
1106 | |
1107 @item | |
1108 Give the variable a well-defined, documented meaning, and make all | |
1109 appropriate functions refer to it (but not bind it or set it) wherever | |
1110 that meaning is relevant. For example, the variable | |
1111 @code{case-fold-search} is defined as ``non-@code{nil} means ignore case | |
1112 when searching''; various search and replace functions refer to it | |
1113 directly or through their subroutines, but do not bind or set it. | |
1114 | |
1115 Then you can bind the variable in other programs, knowing reliably what | |
1116 the effect will be. | |
1117 @end itemize | |
1118 | |
12098 | 1119 In either case, you should define the variable with @code{defvar}. |
1120 This helps other people understand your program by telling them to look | |
1121 for inter-function usage. It also avoids a warning from the byte | |
1122 compiler. Choose the variable's name to avoid name conflicts---don't | |
1123 use short names like @code{x}. | |
1124 | |
6510 | 1125 @node Buffer-Local Variables |
1126 @section Buffer-Local Variables | |
1127 @cindex variables, buffer-local | |
1128 @cindex buffer-local variables | |
1129 | |
1130 Global and local variable bindings are found in most programming | |
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1131 languages in one form or another. Emacs, however, also supports additional, |
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1132 unusual kinds of variable binding: @dfn{buffer-local} bindings, which |
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1133 apply only in one buffer, and @dfn{frame-local} bindings, which apply only in |
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1134 one frame. Having different values for a variable in different buffers |
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1135 and/or frames is an important customization method. |
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1136 |
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1137 This section describes buffer-local bindings; for frame-local |
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1138 bindings, see the following section, @ref{Frame-Local Variables}. (A few |
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1139 variables have bindings that are local to each terminal; see |
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1140 @ref{Multiple Displays}.) |
6510 | 1141 |
1142 @menu | |
1143 * Intro to Buffer-Local:: Introduction and concepts. | |
1144 * Creating Buffer-Local:: Creating and destroying buffer-local bindings. | |
1145 * Default Value:: The default value is seen in buffers | |
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1146 that don't have their own buffer-local values. |
6510 | 1147 @end menu |
1148 | |
1149 @node Intro to Buffer-Local | |
1150 @subsection Introduction to Buffer-Local Variables | |
1151 | |
1152 A buffer-local variable has a buffer-local binding associated with a | |
1153 particular buffer. The binding is in effect when that buffer is | |
1154 current; otherwise, it is not in effect. If you set the variable while | |
1155 a buffer-local binding is in effect, the new value goes in that binding, | |
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1156 so its other bindings are unchanged. This means that the change is |
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1157 visible only in the buffer where you made it. |
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1158 |
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1159 The variable's ordinary binding, which is not associated with any |
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1160 specific buffer, is called the @dfn{default binding}. In most cases, |
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1161 this is the global binding. |
6510 | 1162 |
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1163 A variable can have buffer-local bindings in some buffers but not in |
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1164 other buffers. The default binding is shared by all the buffers that |
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1165 don't have their own bindings for the variable. (This includes all |
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1166 newly-created buffers.) If you set the variable in a buffer that does |
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1167 not have a buffer-local binding for it, this sets the default binding |
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1168 (assuming there are no frame-local bindings to complicate the matter), |
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1169 so the new value is visible in all the buffers that see the default |
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1170 binding. |
6510 | 1171 |
1172 The most common use of buffer-local bindings is for major modes to change | |
1173 variables that control the behavior of commands. For example, C mode and | |
1174 Lisp mode both set the variable @code{paragraph-start} to specify that only | |
1175 blank lines separate paragraphs. They do this by making the variable | |
1176 buffer-local in the buffer that is being put into C mode or Lisp mode, and | |
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1177 then setting it to the new value for that mode. @xref{Major Modes}. |
6510 | 1178 |
1179 The usual way to make a buffer-local binding is with | |
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1180 @code{make-local-variable}, which is what major mode commands typically |
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1181 use. This affects just the current buffer; all other buffers (including |
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1182 those yet to be created) will continue to share the default value unless |
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1183 they are explicitly given their own buffer-local bindings. |
6510 | 1184 |
1185 @cindex automatically buffer-local | |
1186 A more powerful operation is to mark the variable as | |
1187 @dfn{automatically buffer-local} by calling | |
1188 @code{make-variable-buffer-local}. You can think of this as making the | |
1189 variable local in all buffers, even those yet to be created. More | |
1190 precisely, the effect is that setting the variable automatically makes | |
1191 the variable local to the current buffer if it is not already so. All | |
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1192 buffers start out by sharing the default value of the variable as usual, |
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1193 but setting the variable creates a buffer-local binding for the current |
6510 | 1194 buffer. The new value is stored in the buffer-local binding, leaving |
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1195 the default binding untouched. This means that the default value cannot |
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1196 be changed with @code{setq} in any buffer; the only way to change it is |
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1197 with @code{setq-default}. |
6510 | 1198 |
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1199 @strong{Warning:} When a variable has buffer-local or frame-local |
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1200 bindings in one or more buffers, @code{let} rebinds the binding that's |
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1201 currently in effect. For instance, if the current buffer has a |
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1202 buffer-local value, @code{let} temporarily rebinds that. If no |
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1203 buffer-local or frame-local bindings are in effect, @code{let} rebinds |
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1204 the default value. If inside the @code{let} you then change to a |
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1205 different current buffer in which a different binding is in effect, |
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1206 you won't see the @code{let} binding any more. And if you exit the |
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1207 @code{let} while still in the other buffer, you won't see the |
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1208 unbinding occur (though it will occur properly). Here is an example |
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1209 to illustrate: |
6510 | 1210 |
1211 @example | |
1212 @group | |
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1213 (setq foo 'g) |
6510 | 1214 (set-buffer "a") |
1215 (make-local-variable 'foo) | |
1216 @end group | |
1217 (setq foo 'a) | |
1218 (let ((foo 'temp)) | |
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1219 ;; foo @result{} 'temp ; @r{let binding in buffer @samp{a}} |
6510 | 1220 (set-buffer "b") |
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1221 ;; foo @result{} 'g ; @r{the global value since foo is not local in @samp{b}} |
12098 | 1222 @var{body}@dots{}) |
6510 | 1223 @group |
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1224 foo @result{} 'g ; @r{exiting restored the local value in buffer @samp{a},} |
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1225 ; @r{but we don't see that in buffer @samp{b}} |
6510 | 1226 @end group |
1227 @group | |
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1228 (set-buffer "a") ; @r{verify the local value was restored} |
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1229 foo @result{} 'a |
6510 | 1230 @end group |
1231 @end example | |
1232 | |
1233 Note that references to @code{foo} in @var{body} access the | |
1234 buffer-local binding of buffer @samp{b}. | |
1235 | |
1236 When a file specifies local variable values, these become buffer-local | |
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1237 values when you visit the file. @xref{File Variables,,, emacs, The |
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1238 GNU Emacs Manual}. |
6510 | 1239 |
1240 @node Creating Buffer-Local | |
1241 @subsection Creating and Deleting Buffer-Local Bindings | |
1242 | |
1243 @deffn Command make-local-variable variable | |
1244 This function creates a buffer-local binding in the current buffer for | |
1245 @var{variable} (a symbol). Other buffers are not affected. The value | |
1246 returned is @var{variable}. | |
1247 | |
1248 @c Emacs 19 feature | |
1249 The buffer-local value of @var{variable} starts out as the same value | |
1250 @var{variable} previously had. If @var{variable} was void, it remains | |
1251 void. | |
1252 | |
1253 @example | |
1254 @group | |
1255 ;; @r{In buffer @samp{b1}:} | |
1256 (setq foo 5) ; @r{Affects all buffers.} | |
1257 @result{} 5 | |
1258 @end group | |
1259 @group | |
1260 (make-local-variable 'foo) ; @r{Now it is local in @samp{b1}.} | |
1261 @result{} foo | |
1262 @end group | |
1263 @group | |
1264 foo ; @r{That did not change} | |
1265 @result{} 5 ; @r{the value.} | |
1266 @end group | |
1267 @group | |
1268 (setq foo 6) ; @r{Change the value} | |
1269 @result{} 6 ; @r{in @samp{b1}.} | |
1270 @end group | |
1271 @group | |
1272 foo | |
1273 @result{} 6 | |
1274 @end group | |
1275 | |
1276 @group | |
1277 ;; @r{In buffer @samp{b2}, the value hasn't changed.} | |
1278 (save-excursion | |
1279 (set-buffer "b2") | |
1280 foo) | |
1281 @result{} 5 | |
1282 @end group | |
1283 @end example | |
8214 | 1284 |
1285 Making a variable buffer-local within a @code{let}-binding for that | |
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1286 variable does not work reliably, unless the buffer in which you do this |
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1287 is not current either on entry to or exit from the @code{let}. This is |
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1288 because @code{let} does not distinguish between different kinds of |
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1289 bindings; it knows only which variable the binding was made for. |
12067 | 1290 |
12098 | 1291 If the variable is terminal-local, this function signals an error. Such |
1292 variables cannot have buffer-local bindings as well. @xref{Multiple | |
1293 Displays}. | |
1294 | |
52626 | 1295 @strong{Warning:} do not use @code{make-local-variable} for a hook |
1296 variable. The hook variables are automatically made buffer-local as | |
1297 needed if you use the @var{local} argument to @code{add-hook} or | |
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1298 @code{remove-hook}. |
6510 | 1299 @end deffn |
1300 | |
1301 @deffn Command make-variable-buffer-local variable | |
1302 This function marks @var{variable} (a symbol) automatically | |
1303 buffer-local, so that any subsequent attempt to set it will make it | |
1304 local to the current buffer at the time. | |
1305 | |
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1306 A peculiar wrinkle of this feature is that binding the variable (with |
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1307 @code{let} or other binding constructs) does not create a buffer-local |
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1308 binding for it. Only setting the variable (with @code{set} or |
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1309 @code{setq}), while the variable does not have a @code{let}-style |
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1310 binding that was made in the current buffer, does so. |
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1311 |
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1312 If @var{variable} does not have a default value, then calling this |
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1313 command will give it a default value of @code{nil}. If @var{variable} |
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1314 already has a default value, that value remains unchanged. |
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1315 Subsequently calling @code{makunbound} on @var{variable} will result |
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1316 in a void buffer-local value and leave the default value unaffected. |
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1317 |
6510 | 1318 The value returned is @var{variable}. |
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1319 |
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1320 @strong{Warning:} Don't assume that you should use |
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1321 @code{make-variable-buffer-local} for user-option variables, simply |
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1322 because users @emph{might} want to customize them differently in |
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1323 different buffers. Users can make any variable local, when they wish |
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1324 to. It is better to leave the choice to them. |
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1325 |
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1326 The time to use @code{make-variable-buffer-local} is when it is crucial |
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1327 that no two buffers ever share the same binding. For example, when a |
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1328 variable is used for internal purposes in a Lisp program which depends |
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1329 on having separate values in separate buffers, then using |
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1330 @code{make-variable-buffer-local} can be the best solution. |
6510 | 1331 @end deffn |
1332 | |
12098 | 1333 @defun local-variable-p variable &optional buffer |
1334 This returns @code{t} if @var{variable} is buffer-local in buffer | |
1335 @var{buffer} (which defaults to the current buffer); otherwise, | |
1336 @code{nil}. | |
1337 @end defun | |
1338 | |
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1339 @defun local-variable-if-set-p variable &optional buffer |
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1340 This returns @code{t} if @var{variable} will become buffer-local in |
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1341 buffer @var{buffer} (which defaults to the current buffer) if it is |
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1342 set there. |
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1343 @end defun |
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1344 |
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1345 @defun buffer-local-value variable buffer |
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1346 This function returns the buffer-local binding of @var{variable} (a |
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1347 symbol) in buffer @var{buffer}. If @var{variable} does not have a |
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1348 buffer-local binding in buffer @var{buffer}, it returns the default |
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1349 value (@pxref{Default Value}) of @var{variable} instead. |
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1350 @end defun |
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1351 |
6510 | 1352 @defun buffer-local-variables &optional buffer |
1353 This function returns a list describing the buffer-local variables in | |
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1354 buffer @var{buffer}. (If @var{buffer} is omitted, the current buffer is |
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1355 used.) It returns an association list (@pxref{Association Lists}) in |
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1356 which each element contains one buffer-local variable and its value. |
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1357 However, when a variable's buffer-local binding in @var{buffer} is void, |
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1358 then the variable appears directly in the resulting list. |
6510 | 1359 |
1360 @example | |
1361 @group | |
1362 (make-local-variable 'foobar) | |
1363 (makunbound 'foobar) | |
1364 (make-local-variable 'bind-me) | |
1365 (setq bind-me 69) | |
1366 @end group | |
1367 (setq lcl (buffer-local-variables)) | |
1368 ;; @r{First, built-in variables local in all buffers:} | |
1369 @result{} ((mark-active . nil) | |
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1370 (buffer-undo-list . nil) |
6510 | 1371 (mode-name . "Fundamental") |
1372 @dots{} | |
1373 @group | |
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1374 ;; @r{Next, non-built-in buffer-local variables.} |
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1375 ;; @r{This one is buffer-local and void:} |
6510 | 1376 foobar |
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1377 ;; @r{This one is buffer-local and nonvoid:} |
6510 | 1378 (bind-me . 69)) |
1379 @end group | |
1380 @end example | |
1381 | |
1382 Note that storing new values into the @sc{cdr}s of cons cells in this | |
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1383 list does @emph{not} change the buffer-local values of the variables. |
6510 | 1384 @end defun |
1385 | |
1386 @deffn Command kill-local-variable variable | |
1387 This function deletes the buffer-local binding (if any) for | |
1388 @var{variable} (a symbol) in the current buffer. As a result, the | |
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1389 default binding of @var{variable} becomes visible in this buffer. This |
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1390 typically results in a change in the value of @var{variable}, since the |
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1391 default value is usually different from the buffer-local value just |
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1392 eliminated. |
6510 | 1393 |
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1394 If you kill the buffer-local binding of a variable that automatically |
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1395 becomes buffer-local when set, this makes the default value visible in |
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1396 the current buffer. However, if you set the variable again, that will |
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1397 once again create a buffer-local binding for it. |
6510 | 1398 |
1399 @code{kill-local-variable} returns @var{variable}. | |
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1400 |
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1401 This function is a command because it is sometimes useful to kill one |
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1402 buffer-local variable interactively, just as it is useful to create |
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1403 buffer-local variables interactively. |
6510 | 1404 @end deffn |
1405 | |
1406 @defun kill-all-local-variables | |
1407 This function eliminates all the buffer-local variable bindings of the | |
1408 current buffer except for variables marked as ``permanent''. As a | |
1409 result, the buffer will see the default values of most variables. | |
1410 | |
1411 This function also resets certain other information pertaining to the | |
1412 buffer: it sets the local keymap to @code{nil}, the syntax table to the | |
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1413 value of @code{(standard-syntax-table)}, the case table to |
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1414 @code{(standard-case-table)}, and the abbrev table to the value of |
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1415 @code{fundamental-mode-abbrev-table}. |
6510 | 1416 |
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1417 The very first thing this function does is run the normal hook |
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1418 @code{change-major-mode-hook} (see below). |
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1419 |
6510 | 1420 Every major mode command begins by calling this function, which has the |
1421 effect of switching to Fundamental mode and erasing most of the effects | |
1422 of the previous major mode. To ensure that this does its job, the | |
1423 variables that major modes set should not be marked permanent. | |
1424 | |
1425 @code{kill-all-local-variables} returns @code{nil}. | |
1426 @end defun | |
1427 | |
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1428 @defvar change-major-mode-hook |
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1429 The function @code{kill-all-local-variables} runs this normal hook |
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1430 before it does anything else. This gives major modes a way to arrange |
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1431 for something special to be done if the user switches to a different |
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1432 major mode. For best results, make this variable buffer-local, so that |
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1433 it will disappear after doing its job and will not interfere with the |
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1434 subsequent major mode. @xref{Hooks}. |
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1435 @end defvar |
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1436 |
6510 | 1437 @c Emacs 19 feature |
1438 @cindex permanent local variable | |
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1439 A buffer-local variable is @dfn{permanent} if the variable name (a |
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1440 symbol) has a @code{permanent-local} property that is non-@code{nil}. |
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1441 Permanent locals are appropriate for data pertaining to where the file |
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1442 came from or how to save it, rather than with how to edit the contents. |
6510 | 1443 |
1444 @node Default Value | |
1445 @subsection The Default Value of a Buffer-Local Variable | |
1446 @cindex default value | |
1447 | |
1448 The global value of a variable with buffer-local bindings is also | |
1449 called the @dfn{default} value, because it is the value that is in | |
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1450 effect whenever neither the current buffer nor the selected frame has |
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1451 its own binding for the variable. |
6510 | 1452 |
1453 The functions @code{default-value} and @code{setq-default} access and | |
1454 change a variable's default value regardless of whether the current | |
1455 buffer has a buffer-local binding. For example, you could use | |
1456 @code{setq-default} to change the default setting of | |
1457 @code{paragraph-start} for most buffers; and this would work even when | |
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1458 you are in a C or Lisp mode buffer that has a buffer-local value for |
6510 | 1459 this variable. |
1460 | |
1461 @c Emacs 19 feature | |
1462 The special forms @code{defvar} and @code{defconst} also set the | |
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1463 default value (if they set the variable at all), rather than any |
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1464 buffer-local or frame-local value. |
6510 | 1465 |
1466 @defun default-value symbol | |
1467 This function returns @var{symbol}'s default value. This is the value | |
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1468 that is seen in buffers and frames that do not have their own values for |
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1469 this variable. If @var{symbol} is not buffer-local, this is equivalent |
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1470 to @code{symbol-value} (@pxref{Accessing Variables}). |
6510 | 1471 @end defun |
1472 | |
1473 @c Emacs 19 feature | |
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1474 @defun default-boundp symbol |
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1475 The function @code{default-boundp} tells you whether @var{symbol}'s |
6510 | 1476 default value is nonvoid. If @code{(default-boundp 'foo)} returns |
1477 @code{nil}, then @code{(default-value 'foo)} would get an error. | |
1478 | |
1479 @code{default-boundp} is to @code{default-value} as @code{boundp} is to | |
1480 @code{symbol-value}. | |
1481 @end defun | |
1482 | |
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1483 @defspec setq-default [symbol form]@dots{} |
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1484 This special form gives each @var{symbol} a new default value, which is |
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1485 the result of evaluating the corresponding @var{form}. It does not |
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1486 evaluate @var{symbol}, but does evaluate @var{form}. The value of the |
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1487 @code{setq-default} form is the value of the last @var{form}. |
6510 | 1488 |
1489 If a @var{symbol} is not buffer-local for the current buffer, and is not | |
1490 marked automatically buffer-local, @code{setq-default} has the same | |
1491 effect as @code{setq}. If @var{symbol} is buffer-local for the current | |
1492 buffer, then this changes the value that other buffers will see (as long | |
1493 as they don't have a buffer-local value), but not the value that the | |
1494 current buffer sees. | |
1495 | |
1496 @example | |
1497 @group | |
1498 ;; @r{In buffer @samp{foo}:} | |
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1499 (make-local-variable 'buffer-local) |
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1500 @result{} buffer-local |
6510 | 1501 @end group |
1502 @group | |
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1503 (setq buffer-local 'value-in-foo) |
6510 | 1504 @result{} value-in-foo |
1505 @end group | |
1506 @group | |
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1507 (setq-default buffer-local 'new-default) |
6510 | 1508 @result{} new-default |
1509 @end group | |
1510 @group | |
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1511 buffer-local |
6510 | 1512 @result{} value-in-foo |
1513 @end group | |
1514 @group | |
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1515 (default-value 'buffer-local) |
6510 | 1516 @result{} new-default |
1517 @end group | |
1518 | |
1519 @group | |
1520 ;; @r{In (the new) buffer @samp{bar}:} | |
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1521 buffer-local |
6510 | 1522 @result{} new-default |
1523 @end group | |
1524 @group | |
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1525 (default-value 'buffer-local) |
6510 | 1526 @result{} new-default |
1527 @end group | |
1528 @group | |
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1529 (setq buffer-local 'another-default) |
6510 | 1530 @result{} another-default |
1531 @end group | |
1532 @group | |
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1533 (default-value 'buffer-local) |
6510 | 1534 @result{} another-default |
1535 @end group | |
1536 | |
1537 @group | |
1538 ;; @r{Back in buffer @samp{foo}:} | |
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1539 buffer-local |
6510 | 1540 @result{} value-in-foo |
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1541 (default-value 'buffer-local) |
6510 | 1542 @result{} another-default |
1543 @end group | |
1544 @end example | |
1545 @end defspec | |
1546 | |
1547 @defun set-default symbol value | |
1548 This function is like @code{setq-default}, except that @var{symbol} is | |
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1549 an ordinary evaluated argument. |
6510 | 1550 |
1551 @example | |
1552 @group | |
1553 (set-default (car '(a b c)) 23) | |
1554 @result{} 23 | |
1555 @end group | |
1556 @group | |
1557 (default-value 'a) | |
1558 @result{} 23 | |
1559 @end group | |
1560 @end example | |
1561 @end defun | |
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1562 |
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1563 @node Frame-Local Variables |
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1564 @section Frame-Local Variables |
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1565 |
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1566 Just as variables can have buffer-local bindings, they can also have |
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1567 frame-local bindings. These bindings belong to one frame, and are in |
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1568 effect when that frame is selected. Frame-local bindings are actually |
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1569 frame parameters: you create a frame-local binding in a specific frame |
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1570 by calling @code{modify-frame-parameters} and specifying the variable |
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1571 name as the parameter name. |
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1572 |
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1573 To enable frame-local bindings for a certain variable, call the function |
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1574 @code{make-variable-frame-local}. |
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1575 |
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1576 @deffn Command make-variable-frame-local variable |
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1577 Enable the use of frame-local bindings for @var{variable}. This does |
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1578 not in itself create any frame-local bindings for the variable; however, |
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1579 if some frame already has a value for @var{variable} as a frame |
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1580 parameter, that value automatically becomes a frame-local binding. |
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1581 |
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1582 If @var{variable} does not have a default value, then calling this |
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1583 command will give it a default value of @code{nil}. If @var{variable} |
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1584 already has a default value, that value remains unchanged. |
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1585 |
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1586 If the variable is terminal-local, this function signals an error, |
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1587 because such variables cannot have frame-local bindings as well. |
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1588 @xref{Multiple Displays}. A few variables that are implemented |
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1589 specially in Emacs can be (and usually are) buffer-local, but can never |
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1590 be frame-local. |
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1591 |
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1592 This command returns @var{variable}. |
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1593 @end deffn |
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1594 |
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1595 Buffer-local bindings take precedence over frame-local bindings. Thus, |
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1596 consider a variable @code{foo}: if the current buffer has a buffer-local |
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1597 binding for @code{foo}, that binding is active; otherwise, if the |
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1598 selected frame has a frame-local binding for @code{foo}, that binding is |
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1599 active; otherwise, the default binding of @code{foo} is active. |
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1600 |
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1601 Here is an example. First we prepare a few bindings for @code{foo}: |
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1602 |
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1603 @example |
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1604 (setq f1 (selected-frame)) |
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1605 (make-variable-frame-local 'foo) |
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1606 |
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1607 ;; @r{Make a buffer-local binding for @code{foo} in @samp{b1}.} |
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1608 (set-buffer (get-buffer-create "b1")) |
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1609 (make-local-variable 'foo) |
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1610 (setq foo '(b 1)) |
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1611 |
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1612 ;; @r{Make a frame-local binding for @code{foo} in a new frame.} |
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1613 ;; @r{Store that frame in @code{f2}.} |
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1614 (setq f2 (make-frame)) |
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1615 (modify-frame-parameters f2 '((foo . (f 2)))) |
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1616 @end example |
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1617 |
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1618 Now we examine @code{foo} in various contexts. Whenever the |
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1619 buffer @samp{b1} is current, its buffer-local binding is in effect, |
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1620 regardless of the selected frame: |
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1621 |
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1622 @example |
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1623 (select-frame f1) |
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1624 (set-buffer (get-buffer-create "b1")) |
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1625 foo |
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1626 @result{} (b 1) |
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1627 |
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1628 (select-frame f2) |
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1629 (set-buffer (get-buffer-create "b1")) |
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1630 foo |
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1631 @result{} (b 1) |
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1632 @end example |
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1633 |
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1634 @noindent |
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1635 Otherwise, the frame gets a chance to provide the binding; when frame |
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1636 @code{f2} is selected, its frame-local binding is in effect: |
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1637 |
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1638 @example |
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1639 (select-frame f2) |
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1640 (set-buffer (get-buffer "*scratch*")) |
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1641 foo |
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1642 @result{} (f 2) |
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1643 @end example |
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1644 |
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1645 @noindent |
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1646 When neither the current buffer nor the selected frame provides |
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1647 a binding, the default binding is used: |
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1648 |
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1649 @example |
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1650 (select-frame f1) |
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1651 (set-buffer (get-buffer "*scratch*")) |
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1652 foo |
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1653 @result{} nil |
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1654 @end example |
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1655 |
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1656 @noindent |
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1657 When the active binding of a variable is a frame-local binding, setting |
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1658 the variable changes that binding. You can observe the result with |
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|
1659 @code{frame-parameters}: |
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1660 |
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|
1661 @example |
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1662 (select-frame f2) |
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1663 (set-buffer (get-buffer "*scratch*")) |
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1664 (setq foo 'nobody) |
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1665 (assq 'foo (frame-parameters f2)) |
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1666 @result{} (foo . nobody) |
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1667 @end example |
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1668 |
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1669 @node Future Local Variables |
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1670 @section Possible Future Local Variables |
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1671 |
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1672 We have considered the idea of bindings that are local to a category |
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1673 of frames---for example, all color frames, or all frames with dark |
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1674 backgrounds. We have not implemented them because it is not clear that |
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1675 this feature is really useful. You can get more or less the same |
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1cb37313bcac
Obsolete variable `after-make-frame-hook'.
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parents:
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|
1676 results by adding a function to @code{after-make-frame-functions}, set up to |
21682
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1677 define a particular frame parameter according to the appropriate |
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1678 conditions for each frame. |
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1679 |
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1680 It would also be possible to implement window-local bindings. We |
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1681 don't know of many situations where they would be useful, and it seems |
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1682 that indirect buffers (@pxref{Indirect Buffers}) with buffer-local |
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1683 bindings offer a way to handle these situations more robustly. |
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1684 |
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1685 If sufficient application is found for either of these two kinds of |
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1686 local bindings, we will provide it in a subsequent Emacs version. |
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|
1687 |
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|
1688 @node Variable Aliases |
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|
1689 @section Variable Aliases |
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1690 |
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(Variable Aliases): New node.
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|
1691 It is sometimes useful to make two variables synonyms, so that both |
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1692 variables always have the same value, and changing either one also |
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|
1693 changes the other. Whenever you change the name of a |
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|
1694 variable---either because you realize its old name was not well |
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|
1695 chosen, or because its meaning has partly changed---it can be useful |
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|
1696 to keep the old name as an @emph{alias} of the new one for |
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|
1697 compatibility. You can do this with @code{defvaralias}. |
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|
1698 |
51916
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|
1699 @defun defvaralias alias-var base-var &optional docstring |
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1700 This function defines the symbol @var{alias-var} as a variable alias |
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|
1701 for symbol @var{base-var}. This means that retrieving the value of |
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|
1702 @var{alias-var} returns the value of @var{base-var}, and changing the |
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|
1703 value of @var{alias-var} changes the value of @var{base-var}. |
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|
1704 |
51916
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|
1705 If the @var{docstring} argument is non-@code{nil}, it specifies the |
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|
1706 documentation for @var{alias-var}; otherwise, the alias gets the same |
52994
d0f419e4965f
(Defining Variables): Second argument to `defconst' is not optional.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
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|
1707 documentation as @var{base-var} has, if any, unless @var{base-var} is |
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|
1708 itself an alias, in which case @var{alias-var} gets the documentation |
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|
1709 of the variable at the end of the chain of aliases. |
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|
1710 |
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|
1711 This function returns @var{base-var}. |
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Fix reference to `defvaralias' as a macro.
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|
1712 @end defun |
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|
1713 |
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|
1714 @defun indirect-variable variable |
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|
1715 This function returns the variable at the end of the chain of aliases |
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|
1716 of @var{variable}. If @var{variable} is not a symbol, or if @var{variable} is |
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|
1717 not defined as an alias, the function returns @var{variable}. |
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* variables.texi (Variable Aliases): Mention
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|
1718 |
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* variables.texi (Variable Aliases): Mention
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|
1719 This function signals a @code{cyclic-variable-indirection} error if |
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|
1720 there is a loop in the chain of symbols. |
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|
1721 @end defun |
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|
1722 |
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|
1723 @example |
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|
1724 (defvaralias 'foo 'bar) |
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|
1725 (indirect-variable 'foo) |
9b87a63bcb36
(Variable Aliases): New node.
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|
1726 @result{} bar |
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(Variable Aliases): New node.
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|
1727 (indirect-variable 'bar) |
9b87a63bcb36
(Variable Aliases): New node.
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|
1728 @result{} bar |
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(Variable Aliases): New node.
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|
1729 (setq bar 2) |
9b87a63bcb36
(Variable Aliases): New node.
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|
1730 bar |
9b87a63bcb36
(Variable Aliases): New node.
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|
1731 @result{} 2 |
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|
1732 @group |
39571
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(Variable Aliases): New node.
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|
1733 foo |
9b87a63bcb36
(Variable Aliases): New node.
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|
1734 @result{} 2 |
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|
1735 @end group |
39571
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(Variable Aliases): New node.
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|
1736 (setq foo 0) |
9b87a63bcb36
(Variable Aliases): New node.
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|
1737 bar |
9b87a63bcb36
(Variable Aliases): New node.
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|
1738 @result{} 0 |
9b87a63bcb36
(Variable Aliases): New node.
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|
1739 foo |
9b87a63bcb36
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|
1740 @result{} 0 |
9b87a63bcb36
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|
1741 @end example |
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|
1742 |
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1743 @node File Local Variables |
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1744 @section File Local Variables |
21682
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1745 |
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|
1746 This section describes the functions and variables that affect |
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(Defining Variables): Second argument to `defconst' is not optional.
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|
1747 processing of local variables lists in files. @xref{File variables, , |
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(Defining Variables): Second argument to `defconst' is not optional.
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|
1748 Local Variables in Files, emacs, The GNU Emacs Manual}, for basic |
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(Defining Variables): Second argument to `defconst' is not optional.
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|
1749 information about file local variables. |
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|
1750 |
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1751 @defopt enable-local-variables |
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1752 This variable controls whether to process file local variables lists. A |
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1753 value of @code{t} means process the local variables lists |
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1754 unconditionally; @code{nil} means ignore them; anything else means ask |
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1755 the user what to do for each file. The default value is @code{t}. |
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|
1756 @end defopt |
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|
1757 |
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|
1758 @defun hack-local-variables &optional mode-only |
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1759 This function parses, and binds or evaluates as appropriate, any local |
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|
1760 variables specified by the contents of the current buffer. The variable |
52994
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(Defining Variables): Second argument to `defconst' is not optional.
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|
1761 @code{enable-local-variables} has its effect here. However, this |
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|
1762 function does not look for the @samp{mode:} local variable in the |
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|
1763 @w{@samp{-*-}} line. @code{set-auto-mode} does that, also taking |
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(Defining Variables): Second argument to `defconst' is not optional.
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|
1764 @code{enable-local-variables} into account. |
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|
1765 |
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|
1766 If the optional argument @var{mode-only} is non-@code{nil}, then all |
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|
1767 this function does is return @code{t} if the @w{@samp{-*-}} line |
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(Defining Variables): Second argument to `defconst' is not optional.
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|
1768 specifies a mode and @code{nil} otherwise. It does not set the mode |
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|
1769 nor any other file local variable. It does not check whether a mode |
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|
1770 is specified in the local variables list at the end of the file. |
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|
1771 @end defun |
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|
1772 |
55858
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(File Local Variables): Minor cleanup.
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|
1773 If a file local variable list could specify a function that would |
4203086e2262
(File Local Variables): Minor cleanup.
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|
1774 be called later, or an expression that would be executed later, simply |
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1775 visiting a file could take over your Emacs. To prevent this, Emacs |
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1776 takes care not to allow local variable lists to set such variables. |
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|
1777 |
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|
1778 For one thing, any variable whose name ends in @samp{-command}, |
47669
2d6d956312cd
Fix typo: @same --> @samp
Robert J. Chassell <bob@rattlesnake.com>
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|
1779 @samp{-frame-alist}, @samp{-function}, @samp{-functions}, |
47667
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New major mode "SES" for spreadsheets.
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|
1780 @samp{-hook}, @samp{-hooks}, @samp{-form}, @samp{-forms}, @samp{-map}, |
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New major mode "SES" for spreadsheets.
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|
1781 @samp{-map-alist}, @samp{-mode-alist}, @samp{-program}, or |
96b260e0ff3d
New major mode "SES" for spreadsheets.
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|
1782 @samp{-predicate} cannot be set in a local variable list. In general, |
96b260e0ff3d
New major mode "SES" for spreadsheets.
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|
1783 you should use such a name whenever it is appropriate for the |
96b260e0ff3d
New major mode "SES" for spreadsheets.
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parents:
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|
1784 variable's meaning. The variables @samp{font-lock-keywords}, |
96b260e0ff3d
New major mode "SES" for spreadsheets.
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parents:
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|
1785 @samp{font-lock-keywords-[0-9]}, and |
96b260e0ff3d
New major mode "SES" for spreadsheets.
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parents:
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|
1786 @samp{font-lock-syntactic-keywords} cannot be set in a local variable |
52994
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(Defining Variables): Second argument to `defconst' is not optional.
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|
1787 list, either. These rules can be overridden by giving the variable's |
d0f419e4965f
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|
1788 name a non-@code{nil} @code{safe-local-variable} property. If one |
d0f419e4965f
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diff
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|
1789 gives it a @code{safe-local-variable} property of @code{t}, then one |
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(Defining Variables): Second argument to `defconst' is not optional.
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|
1790 can give the variable any file local value. One can also give any |
d0f419e4965f
(Defining Variables): Second argument to `defconst' is not optional.
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parents:
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diff
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|
1791 symbol, including the above, a @code{safe-local-variable} property |
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(Defining Variables): Second argument to `defconst' is not optional.
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|
1792 that is a function taking exactly one argument. In that case, giving |
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(Defining Variables): Second argument to `defconst' is not optional.
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parents:
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|
1793 a variable with that name a file local value is only allowed if the |
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(Defining Variables): Second argument to `defconst' is not optional.
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|
1794 function returns non-@code{nil} when called with that value as |
d0f419e4965f
(Defining Variables): Second argument to `defconst' is not optional.
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|
1795 argument. |
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|
1796 |
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|
1797 In addition, any variable whose name has a non-@code{nil} |
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|
1798 @code{risky-local-variable} property is also ignored. So are all |
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|
1799 variables listed in @code{ignored-local-variables}: |
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|
1800 |
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|
1801 @defvar ignored-local-variables |
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|
1802 This variable holds a list of variables that should not be |
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1803 set by a file's local variables list. Any value specified |
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|
1804 for one of these variables is ignored. |
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|
1805 @end defvar |
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|
1806 |
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|
1807 @defun risky-local-variable-p sym &optional val |
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|
1808 If @var{val} is non-@code{nil}, returns non-@code{nil} if giving |
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|
1809 @var{sym} a file local value of @var{val} would be risky, for any of |
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|
1810 the reasons stated above. If @var{val} is @code{nil} or omitted, only |
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|
1811 returns @code{nil} if @var{sym} can be safely assigned any file local |
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|
1812 value whatsoever. |
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1813 @end defun |
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|
1814 |
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|
1815 The @samp{Eval:} ``variable'' is also a potential loophole, so Emacs |
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|
1816 normally asks for confirmation before handling it. |
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|
1817 |
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|
1818 @defopt enable-local-eval |
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|
1819 This variable controls processing of @samp{Eval:} in local variables |
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|
1820 lists in files being visited. A value of @code{t} means process them |
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|
1821 unconditionally; @code{nil} means ignore them; anything else means ask |
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|
1822 the user what to do for each file. The default value is @code{maybe}. |
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|
1823 @end defopt |
52401 | 1824 |
52536
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|
1825 Text properties are also potential loopholes, since their values |
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|
1826 could include functions to call. So Emacs discards all text |
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|
1827 properties from string values specified in a file's local variables |
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|
1828 list. |
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|
1829 |
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|
1830 @node Variables with Restricted Values |
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changeset
|
1831 @section Variables with Restricted Values |
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|
1832 |
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changeset
|
1833 Ordinary Lisp variables can be assigned any value that is a valid |
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changeset
|
1834 Lisp object. However, certain Lisp variables are not defined in Lisp, |
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changeset
|
1835 but in C. Most of these variables are defined in the C code using |
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changeset
|
1836 @code{DEFVAR_LISP}. Like variables defined in Lisp, these can take on |
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1837 any value. However, some variables are defined using |
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1838 @code{DEFVAR_INT} or @code{DEFVAR_BOOL}. @xref{Defining Lisp |
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1839 variables in C,, Writing Emacs Primitives}, in particular the |
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1840 description of functions of the type @code{syms_of_@var{filename}}, |
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1841 for a brief discussion of the C implementation. |
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1842 |
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1843 Variables of type @code{DEFVAR_BOOL} can only take on the values |
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1844 @code{nil} or @code{t}. Attempting to assign them any other value |
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1845 will set them to @code{t}: |
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1846 |
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1847 @example |
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1848 (let ((display-hourglass 5)) |
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1849 display-hourglass) |
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1850 @result{} t |
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1851 @end example |
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1852 |
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1853 @defvar byte-boolean-vars |
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1854 This variable holds a list of all variables of type @code{DEFVAR_BOOL}. |
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1855 @end defvar |
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1856 |
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1857 Variables of type @code{DEFVAR_INT} can only take on integer values. |
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1858 Attempting to assign them any other value will result in an error: |
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1859 |
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1860 @example |
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1861 (setq window-min-height 5.0) |
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1862 @error{} Wrong type argument: integerp, 5.0 |
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1863 @end example |
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1864 |
52401 | 1865 @ignore |
1866 arch-tag: 5ff62c44-2b51-47bb-99d4-fea5aeec5d3e | |
1867 @end ignore |