annotate man/help.texi @ 44167:d26b4aae50dd

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author Juanma Barranquero <lekktu@gmail.com>
date Tue, 26 Mar 2002 15:27:42 +0000
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1 @c This is part of the Emacs manual.
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2 @c Copyright (C) 1985, 86, 87, 93, 94, 95, 97, 2000, 2001
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3 @c Free Software Foundation, Inc.
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4 @c See file emacs.texi for copying conditions.
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5 @node Help, Mark, M-x, Top
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6 @chapter Help
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7 @kindex Help
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8 @cindex help
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9 @cindex self-documentation
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10 @findex help-command
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11 @kindex C-h
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12 @kindex F1
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13
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14 Emacs provides extensive help features accessible through a single
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15 character, @kbd{C-h}. @kbd{C-h} is a prefix key that is used for
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16 commands that display documentation. The characters that you can type after
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17 @kbd{C-h} are called @dfn{help options}. One help option is @kbd{C-h};
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18 that is how you ask for help about using @kbd{C-h}. To cancel, type
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19 @kbd{C-g}. The function key @key{F1} is equivalent to @kbd{C-h}.
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20
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21 @kindex C-h C-h
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22 @findex help-for-help
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23 @kbd{C-h C-h} (@code{help-for-help}) displays a list of the possible
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24 help options, each with a brief description. Before you type a help
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25 option, you can use @key{SPC} or @key{DEL} to scroll through the list.
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26
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27 @kbd{C-h} or @key{F1} means ``help'' in various other contexts as
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28 well. For example, in the middle of @code{query-replace}, it describes
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29 the options available for how to operate on the current match. After a
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30 prefix key, it displays a list of the alternatives that can follow the
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31 prefix key. (A few prefix keys don't support @kbd{C-h}, because they
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32 define other meanings for it, but they all support @key{F1}.)
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33
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34 Most help buffers use a special major mode, Help mode, which lets you
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35 scroll conveniently with @key{SPC} and @key{DEL}. It also offers
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36 hyperlinks to further help regarding cross-referenced names, Info nodes,
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37 customization buffers and the like. @xref{Help Mode}.
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38
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39 @cindex searching documentation efficiently
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40 @cindex looking for a subject in documentation
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41 If you are looking for a certain feature, but don't know where
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42 exactly it is documented, and aren't sure of the name of a
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43 related command or option, we recommend trying these methods. Usually
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44 it is best to start with an apropos command, then try searching the
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45 manual index, then finally look in the FAQ and the package keywords.
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46
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47 @table @kbd
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48 @item C-h a @var{topic} @key{RET}
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49 This searches for commands whose names match @var{topic}, which should
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50 be a regular expression (@pxref{Regexps}). Browse the buffer that this
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51 command displays to find what you are looking for. @xref{Apropos}.
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52
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53 @item M-x apropos @key{RET} @var{topic} @key{RET}
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54 This works like @kbd{C-h a}, but it also searches for user options and
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55 other variables, in case the feature you are looking for is controlled
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56 by an option, not a command. @xref{Apropos}.
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57
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58 @item M-x apropos-documentation @key{RET} @var{topic} @key{RET}
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59 This searches the @emph{documentation strings} (the built-in short
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60 descriptions) of all variables and functions (not their names) for a
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61 match for @var{topic}, a regular expression. @xref{Apropos}.
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62
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63 @item C-h i d m emacs @key{RET} i @var{topic} @key{RET}
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64 This looks up @var{topic} in the indices of the Emacs on-line manual.
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65 If there are several matches, Emacs displays the first one. You can then
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66 press @key{,} to move to other matches, until you find what you are
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67 looking for.
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68
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69 @item C-h i d m emacs @key{RET} s @var{topic} @key{RET}
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70 Similar, but searches for @var{topic} (which can be a regular
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71 expression) in the @emph{text} of the manual rather than in its
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72 indices.
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73
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74 @item C-h F
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75 This brings up the Emacs FAQ, where you can use the usual search
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76 commands (@pxref{Search}) to find the information.
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77
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78 @item C-h p
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79 Finally, you can try looking up a suitable package using keywords
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80 pertinent to the feature you need. @xref{Library Keywords}.
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81 @end table
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82
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83 To find the documentation of a key sequence or a menu item, type
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84 @kbd{C-h C-k} and then type that key sequence or select the menu
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85 item. This looks up the description of the command invoked by the key
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86 or the menu in the appropriate manual (not necessarily the Emacs
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87 manual). Likewise, use @kbd{C-h C-f} for reading documentation of a
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88 command.
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89
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90 @menu
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91 * Help Summary:: Brief list of all Help commands.
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92 * Key Help:: Asking what a key does in Emacs.
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93 * Name Help:: Asking about a command, variable or function name.
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94 * Apropos:: Asking what pertains to a given topic.
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95 * Library Keywords:: Finding Lisp libraries by keywords (topics).
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96 * Language Help:: Help relating to international language support.
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97 * Help Mode:: Special features of Help mode and Help buffers.
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98 * Misc Help:: Other help commands.
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99 * Help Echo:: Help on active text and tooltips (`balloon help')
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100 @end menu
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101
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102 @iftex
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103 @node Help Summary
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104 @end iftex
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105 @ifinfo
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106 @node Help Summary
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107 @section Help Summary
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108 @end ifinfo
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109
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110 Here is a summary of the defined help commands.
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111
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112 @table @kbd
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113 @item C-h a @var{regexp} @key{RET}
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114 Display a list of commands whose names match @var{regexp}
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115 (@code{apropos-command}).
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116 @item C-h b
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117 Display a table of all key bindings in effect now, in this order: minor
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118 mode bindings, major mode bindings, and global bindings
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119 (@code{describe-bindings}).
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120 @item C-h c @var{key}
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121 Show the name of the command that @var{key} runs
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122 (@code{describe-key-briefly}). Here @kbd{c} stands for ``character.''
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123 For more extensive information on @var{key}, use @kbd{C-h k}.
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124 @item C-h f @var{function} @key{RET}
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125 Display documentation on the Lisp function named @var{function}
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126 (@code{describe-function}). Since commands are Lisp functions,
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127 a command name may be used.
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128 @item C-h h
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129 Display the @file{HELLO} file, which shows examples of various character
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130 sets.
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131 @item C-h i
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132 Run Info, the program for browsing documentation files (@code{info}).
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133 The complete Emacs manual is available on-line in Info.
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134 @item C-h k @var{key}
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135 Display the name and documentation of the command that @var{key} runs
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136 (@code{describe-key}).
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137 @item C-h l
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138 Display a description of the last 100 characters you typed
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139 (@code{view-lossage}).
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140 @item C-h m
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141 Display documentation of the current major mode (@code{describe-mode}).
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142 @item C-h n
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143 Display documentation of Emacs changes, most recent first
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144 (@code{view-emacs-news}).
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145 @item C-h P
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146 Display info on known problems with Emacs and possible workarounds
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147 (@code{view-emacs-problems}).
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148 @item C-h p
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149 Find packages by topic keyword (@code{finder-by-keyword}).
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150 @item C-h s
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151 Display the current contents of the syntax table, plus an explanation of
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152 what they mean (@code{describe-syntax}). @xref{Syntax}.
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153 @item C-h t
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154 Enter the Emacs interactive tutorial (@code{help-with-tutorial}).
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155 @item C-h v @var{var} @key{RET}
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156 Display the documentation of the Lisp variable @var{var}
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157 (@code{describe-variable}).
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158 @item C-h w @var{command} @key{RET}
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159 Show which keys run the command named @var{command} (@code{where-is}).
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160 @item C-h C @var{coding} @key{RET}
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161 Describe coding system @var{coding}
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162 (@code{describe-coding-system}).
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163 @item C-h C @key{RET}
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164 Describe the coding systems currently in use.
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165 @item C-h I @var{method} @key{RET}
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166 Describe an input method (@code{describe-input-method}).
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167 @item C-h L @var{language-env} @key{RET}
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168 Display information on the character sets, coding systems, and input
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169 methods used for language environment @var{language-env}
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170 (@code{describe-language-environment}).
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171 @item C-h C-c
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172 Display the copying conditions for GNU Emacs.
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173 @item C-h C-d
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174 Display information about getting new versions of GNU Emacs.
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175 @item C-h C-f @var{function} @key{RET}
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176 Enter Info and go to the node documenting the Emacs function @var{function}
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177 (@code{Info-goto-emacs-command-node}).
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178 @item C-h C-k @var{key}
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179 Enter Info and go to the node where the key sequence @var{key} is
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180 documented (@code{Info-goto-emacs-key-command-node}).
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181 @item C-h C-p
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182 Display information about the GNU Project.
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183 @item C-h @key{TAB} @var{symbol} @key{RET}
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184 Display the Info documentation on symbol @var{symbol} according to the
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185 programming language you are editing (@code{info-lookup-symbol}).
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186 @end table
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187
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188 @node Key Help
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189 @section Documentation for a Key
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190
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191 @kindex C-h c
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192 @findex describe-key-briefly
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193 The most basic @kbd{C-h} options are @kbd{C-h c}
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194 (@code{describe-key-briefly}) and @w{@kbd{C-h k}} (@code{describe-key}).
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195 @kbd{C-h c @var{key}} displays in the echo area the name of the command
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196 that @var{key} is bound to. For example, @kbd{C-h c C-f} displays
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197 @samp{forward-char}. Since command names are chosen to describe what
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198 the commands do, this is a good way to get a very brief description of
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199 what @var{key} does.
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200
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201 @kindex C-h k
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202 @findex describe-key
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203 @kbd{C-h k @var{key}} is similar but gives more information: it
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204 displays the documentation string of the command as well as its name.
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205 This is too big for the echo area, so a window is used for the display.
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206
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207 @kbd{C-h c} and @kbd{C-h k} work for any sort of key sequences,
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208 including function keys and mouse events.
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209
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210 @node Name Help
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211 @section Help by Command or Variable Name
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212
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213 @kindex C-h f
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214 @findex describe-function
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215 @kbd{C-h f} (@code{describe-function}) reads the name of a Lisp function
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216 using the minibuffer, then displays that function's documentation string
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217 in a window. Since commands are Lisp functions, you can use this to get
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218 the documentation of a command that you know by name. For example,
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219
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220 @example
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221 C-h f auto-fill-mode @key{RET}
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222 @end example
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223
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224 @noindent
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225 displays the documentation of @code{auto-fill-mode}. This is the only
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226 way to get the documentation of a command that is not bound to any key
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227 (one which you would normally run using @kbd{M-x}).
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228
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229 @kbd{C-h f} is also useful for Lisp functions that you are planning to
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230 use in a Lisp program. For example, if you have just written the
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231 expression @code{(make-vector len)} and want to check that you are using
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232 @code{make-vector} properly, type @kbd{C-h f make-vector @key{RET}}.
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233 Because @kbd{C-h f} allows all function names, not just command names,
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234 you may find that some of your favorite abbreviations that work in
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235 @kbd{M-x} don't work in @kbd{C-h f}. An abbreviation may be unique
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236 among command names yet fail to be unique when other function names are
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237 allowed.
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238
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239 The default function name for @kbd{C-h f} to describe, if you type
2a70c922f6ad Fix last change.
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240 just @key{RET}, is the name of the function called by the innermost Lisp
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241 expression in the buffer around point, @emph{provided} that is a valid,
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242 defined Lisp function name. For example, if point is located following
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243 the text @samp{(make-vector (car x)}, the innermost list containing
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244 point is the one that starts with @samp{(make-vector}, so the default is
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245 to describe the function @code{make-vector}.
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246
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247 @kbd{C-h f} is often useful just to verify that you have the right
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248 spelling for the function name. If @kbd{C-h f} mentions a name from the
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249 buffer as the default, that name must be defined as a Lisp function. If
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250 that is all you want to know, just type @kbd{C-g} to cancel the @kbd{C-h
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251 f} command, then go on editing.
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252
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253 @kindex C-h w
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254 @findex where-is
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255 @kbd{C-h w @var{command} @key{RET}} tells you what keys are bound to
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256 @var{command}. It displays a list of the keys in the echo area. If it
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257 says the command is not on any key, you must use @kbd{M-x} to run it.
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258 @kbd{C-h w} runs the command @code{where-is}.
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259
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260 @kbd{C-h v} (@code{describe-variable}) is like @kbd{C-h f} but describes
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261 Lisp variables instead of Lisp functions. Its default is the Lisp symbol
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262 around or before point, but only if that is the name of a known Lisp
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263 variable. @xref{Variables}.@refill
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264
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265 Help buffers describing variables or functions defined in Lisp
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266 normally have hyperlinks to the Lisp definition, if you have the Lisp
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267 source files installed. If you know Lisp, this provides the ultimate
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268 documentation. If you don't know Lisp, you should learn it. If you
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269 are treating Emacs as an object file, then you are just @emph{using}
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270 Emacs. For real intimacy with Emacs, you must read the source code.
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271
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272 @node Apropos
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273 @section Apropos
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274
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275 @kindex C-h a
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276 @findex apropos-command
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277 @cindex apropos
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278 A more sophisticated sort of question to ask is, ``What are the
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279 commands for working with files?'' To ask this question, type @kbd{C-h
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280 a file @key{RET}}, which displays a list of all command names that
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281 contain @samp{file}, including @code{copy-file}, @code{find-file}, and
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282 so on. With each command name appears a brief description of how to use
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283 the command, and what keys you can currently invoke it with. For
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284 example, it would say that you can invoke @code{find-file} by typing
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285 @kbd{C-x C-f}. The @kbd{a} in @kbd{C-h a} stands for ``Apropos'';
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286 @kbd{C-h a} runs the command @code{apropos-command}. This command
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287 normally checks only commands (interactive functions); if you specify a
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288 prefix argument, it checks noninteractive functions as well.
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289
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290 Because @kbd{C-h a} looks only for functions whose names contain the
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291 string you specify, you must use ingenuity in choosing the
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292 string. If you are looking for commands for killing backwards and
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293 @kbd{C-h a kill-backwards @key{RET}} doesn't reveal any, don't give up.
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294 Try just @kbd{kill}, or just @kbd{backwards}, or just @kbd{back}. Be
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295 persistent. Also note that you can use a regular expression as the
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296 argument, for more flexibility (@pxref{Regexps}).
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297
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298 Here is a set of arguments to give to @kbd{C-h a} that covers many
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299 classes of Emacs commands, since there are strong conventions for naming
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300 the standard Emacs commands. By giving you a feel for the naming
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301 conventions, this set should also serve to aid you in developing a
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302 technique for picking @code{apropos} strings.
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303
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304 @quotation
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305 char, line, word, sentence, paragraph, region, page, sexp, list, defun,
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306 rect, buffer, frame, window, face, file, dir, register, mode, beginning, end,
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307 forward, backward, next, previous, up, down, search, goto, kill, delete,
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308 mark, insert, yank, fill, indent, case, change, set, what, list, find,
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309 view, describe, default.
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310 @end quotation
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311
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312 @findex apropos-variable
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313 To list all user variables that match a regexp, use the command
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314 @kbd{M-x apropos-variable}. This command shows only user variables and
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315 customization options by default; if you specify a prefix argument, it
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316 checks all variables.
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317
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318 @findex apropos
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319 To list all Lisp symbols that contain a match for a regexp, not just
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320 the ones that are defined as commands, use the command @kbd{M-x apropos}
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321 instead of @kbd{C-h a}. This command does not check key bindings by
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322 default; specify a numeric argument if you want it to check them.
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323
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324 @findex apropos-documentation
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325 The @code{apropos-documentation} command is like @code{apropos} except
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326 that it searches documentation strings as well as symbol names for
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327 matches for the specified regular expression.
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328
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329 @findex apropos-value
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330 The @code{apropos-value} command is like @code{apropos} except that it
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331 searches symbols' values for matches for the specified regular
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332 expression. This command does not check function definitions or
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333 property lists by default; specify a numeric argument if you want it to
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334 check them.
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335
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336 @vindex apropos-do-all
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337 If the variable @code{apropos-do-all} is non-@code{nil}, the commands
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338 above all behave as if they had been given a prefix argument.
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339
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340 If you want more information about a function definition, variable or
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341 symbol property listed in the Apropos buffer, you can click on it with
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342 @kbd{Mouse-2} or move there and type @key{RET}.
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343
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344 @node Library Keywords
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345 @section Keyword Search for Lisp Libraries
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346
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347 @kindex C-h p
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348 @findex finder-by-keyword
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349 The @kbd{C-h p} command lets you search the standard Emacs Lisp
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350 libraries by topic keywords. Here is a partial list of keywords you can
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351 use:
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352
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353 @display
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354 abbrev --- abbreviation handling, typing shortcuts, macros.
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355 bib --- support for the bibliography processor @code{bib}.
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356 c --- C and C++ language support.
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357 calendar --- calendar and time management support.
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358 comm --- communications, networking, remote access to files.
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359 data --- support for editing files of data.
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360 docs --- support for Emacs documentation.
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361 emulations --- emulations of other editors.
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362 extensions --- Emacs Lisp language extensions.
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363 faces --- support for using faces (fonts and colors; @pxref{Faces}).
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364 frames --- support for Emacs frames and window systems.
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365 games --- games, jokes and amusements.
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366 hardware --- support for interfacing with exotic hardware.
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367 help --- support for on-line help systems.
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368 hypermedia --- support for links within text, or other media types.
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369 i18n --- internationalization and alternate character-set support.
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370 internal --- code for Emacs internals, build process, defaults.
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371 languages --- specialized modes for editing programming languages.
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372 lisp --- support for using Lisp (including Emacs Lisp).
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373 local --- libraries local to your site.
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374 maint --- maintenance aids for the Emacs development group.
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375 mail --- modes for electronic-mail handling.
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376 matching --- searching and matching.
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377 news --- support for netnews reading and posting.
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378 non-text --- support for editing files that are not ordinary text.
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379 oop --- support for object-oriented programming.
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380 outlines --- hierarchical outlining.
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381 processes --- process, subshell, compilation, and job control support.
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382 terminals --- support for terminal types.
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383 tex --- support for the @TeX{} formatter.
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384 tools --- programming tools.
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385 unix --- front-ends/assistants for, or emulators of, system features.
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386 vms --- support code for VMS.
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387 wp --- word processing.
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388 @end display
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389
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390 @node Language Help
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391 @section Help for International Language Support
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392
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
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393 You can use the command @kbd{C-h L}
38461
23f63206a867 Proofreading fixes from Chris Green <chris_e_green@yahoo.com>.
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parents: 37151
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394 (@code{describe-language-environment}) to find out information about
23f63206a867 Proofreading fixes from Chris Green <chris_e_green@yahoo.com>.
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parents: 37151
diff changeset
395 the support for a specific language environment. @xref{Language
23f63206a867 Proofreading fixes from Chris Green <chris_e_green@yahoo.com>.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 37151
diff changeset
396 Environments}. This tells you which languages this language
23f63206a867 Proofreading fixes from Chris Green <chris_e_green@yahoo.com>.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 37151
diff changeset
397 environment is useful for, and lists the character sets, coding
23f63206a867 Proofreading fixes from Chris Green <chris_e_green@yahoo.com>.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 37151
diff changeset
398 systems, and input methods that go with it. It also shows some sample
23f63206a867 Proofreading fixes from Chris Green <chris_e_green@yahoo.com>.
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parents: 37151
diff changeset
399 text to illustrate scripts.
25829
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400
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diff changeset
401 The command @kbd{C-h h} (@code{view-hello-file}) displays the file
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
402 @file{etc/HELLO}, which shows how to say ``hello'' in many languages.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
403
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
404 The command @kbd{C-h I} (@code{describe-input-method}) describes
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
405 information about input methods---either a specified input method, or by
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
406 default the input method in use. @xref{Input Methods}.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
407
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
408 The command @kbd{C-h C} (@code{describe-coding-system}) describes
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
409 information about coding systems---either a specified coding system, or
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
410 the ones currently in use. @xref{Coding Systems}.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
411
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
412 @node Help Mode
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parents:
diff changeset
413 @section Help Mode Commands
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
414
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2a70c922f6ad Fix last change.
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parents: 38461
diff changeset
415 Help buffers provide the same commands as View mode (@pxref{Misc File
2a70c922f6ad Fix last change.
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parents: 38461
diff changeset
416 Ops}), plus a few special commands of their own.
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417
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
418 @table @kbd
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
419 @item @key{SPC}
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
420 Scroll forward.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
421 @item @key{DEL}
36655
985393bc6af7 (Help Mode): Mention the backspace key.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 36454
diff changeset
422 @itemx @key{BS}
985393bc6af7 (Help Mode): Mention the backspace key.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 36454
diff changeset
423 Scroll backward. On some keyboards, this key is known as @key{BS} or
985393bc6af7 (Help Mode): Mention the backspace key.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 36454
diff changeset
424 @key{backspace}.
25829
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
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diff changeset
425 @item @key{RET}
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
426 Follow a cross reference at point.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
427 @item @key{TAB}
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
428 Move point forward to the next cross reference.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
429 @item S-@key{TAB}
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
430 Move point back to the previous cross reference.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
431 @item Mouse-2
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
432 Follow a cross reference that you click on.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
433 @end table
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parents:
diff changeset
434
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
435 When a command name (@pxref{M-x,, Running Commands by Name}) or
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
436 variable name (@pxref{Variables}) appears in the documentation, it
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
437 normally appears inside paired single-quotes. You can click on the name
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
438 with @kbd{Mouse-2}, or move point there and type @key{RET}, to view the
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
439 documentation of that command or variable. Use @kbd{C-c C-b} to retrace
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
440 your steps.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
441
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
442 @kindex @key{TAB} @r{(Help mode)}
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
443 @findex help-next-ref
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parents:
diff changeset
444 @kindex S-@key{TAB} @r{(Help mode)}
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
445 @findex help-previous-ref
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
446 There are convenient commands for moving point to cross references in
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
447 the help text. @key{TAB} (@code{help-next-ref}) moves point down to the
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
448 next cross reference. Use @kbd{S-@key{TAB}} to move point up to the
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
449 previous cross reference (@code{help-previous-ref}).
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
450
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
451 @node Misc Help
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
452 @section Other Help Commands
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
453
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
454 @kindex C-h i
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parents:
diff changeset
455 @findex info
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
456 @cindex Info
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parents:
diff changeset
457 @cindex manuals, on-line
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
458 @cindex on-line manuals
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
459 @kbd{C-h i} (@code{info}) runs the Info program, which is used for
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
460 browsing through structured documentation files. The entire Emacs manual
38488
2a70c922f6ad Fix last change.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 38461
diff changeset
461 is available within Info. Eventually all the documentation of the GNU
25829
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
462 system will be available. Type @kbd{h} after entering Info to run
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
463 a tutorial on using Info.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
464
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
465 If you specify a numeric argument, @kbd{C-h i} prompts for the name of
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
466 a documentation file. This way, you can browse a file which doesn't
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
467 have an entry in the top-level Info menu. It is also handy when you
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
468 need to get to the documentation quickly, and you know the exact name of
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
469 the file.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
470
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
471 @kindex C-h C-f
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parents:
diff changeset
472 @kindex C-h C-k
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
473 @findex Info-goto-emacs-key-command-node
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
474 @findex Info-goto-emacs-command-node
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
475 There are two special help commands for accessing Emacs documentation
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
476 through Info. @kbd{C-h C-f @var{function} @key{RET}} enters Info and
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
477 goes straight to the documentation of the Emacs function
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
478 @var{function}. @kbd{C-h C-k @var{key}} enters Info and goes straight
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
479 to the documentation of the key @var{key}. These two keys run the
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
480 commands @code{Info-goto-emacs-command-node} and
39368
eaeec47bf5fe (Help): Mention C-h C-f and C-h C-k.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 38870
diff changeset
481 @code{Info-goto-emacs-key-command-node}. You can use @kbd{C-h C-k} to
eaeec47bf5fe (Help): Mention C-h C-f and C-h C-k.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 38870
diff changeset
482 find the documentation of a menu item: just select that menu item when
eaeec47bf5fe (Help): Mention C-h C-f and C-h C-k.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 38870
diff changeset
483 @kbd{C-h C-k} prompts for a key.
eaeec47bf5fe (Help): Mention C-h C-f and C-h C-k.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 38870
diff changeset
484
eaeec47bf5fe (Help): Mention C-h C-f and C-h C-k.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 38870
diff changeset
485 @kbd{C-h C-f} and @kbd{C-h C-k} know about commands and keys
eaeec47bf5fe (Help): Mention C-h C-f and C-h C-k.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 38870
diff changeset
486 described in manuals other than the Emacs manual. Thus, they make it
eaeec47bf5fe (Help): Mention C-h C-f and C-h C-k.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 38870
diff changeset
487 easier to find the documentation of commands and keys when you are not
eaeec47bf5fe (Help): Mention C-h C-f and C-h C-k.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 38870
diff changeset
488 sure which manual describes them, like when using some specialized
eaeec47bf5fe (Help): Mention C-h C-f and C-h C-k.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 38870
diff changeset
489 mode.
25829
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
490
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
491 When editing a program, if you have an Info version of the manual for
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
492 the programming language, you can use the command @kbd{C-h C-i} to refer
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
493 to the manual documentation for a symbol (keyword, function or
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
494 variable). The details of how this command works depend on the major
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
495 mode.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
496
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
497 @kindex C-h l
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
498 @findex view-lossage
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
499 If something surprising happens, and you are not sure what commands you
38870
d44abb4e68b2 Don't use "print" for displaying a message.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 38865
diff changeset
500 typed, use @kbd{C-h l} (@code{view-lossage}). @kbd{C-h l} displays the last
25829
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
501 100 command characters you typed in. If you see commands that you don't
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
502 know, you can use @kbd{C-h c} to find out what they do.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
503
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
504 @kindex C-h m
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
505 @findex describe-mode
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
506 Emacs has numerous major modes, each of which redefines a few keys and
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
507 makes a few other changes in how editing works. @kbd{C-h m}
38870
d44abb4e68b2 Don't use "print" for displaying a message.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 38865
diff changeset
508 (@code{describe-mode}) displays documentation on the current major mode,
25829
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
509 which normally describes all the commands that are changed in this
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
510 mode.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
511
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
512 @kindex C-h b
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
513 @findex describe-bindings
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
514 @kbd{C-h b} (@code{describe-bindings}) and @kbd{C-h s}
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
515 (@code{describe-syntax}) present other information about the current
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
516 Emacs mode. @kbd{C-h b} displays a list of all the key bindings now in
38461
23f63206a867 Proofreading fixes from Chris Green <chris_e_green@yahoo.com>.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 37151
diff changeset
517 effect, showing the local bindings defined by the current minor modes first,
25829
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
518 then the local bindings defined by the current major mode, and finally
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
519 the global bindings (@pxref{Key Bindings}). @kbd{C-h s} displays the
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
520 contents of the syntax table, with explanations of each character's
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
521 syntax (@pxref{Syntax}).
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
522
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
523 You can get a similar list for a particular prefix key by typing
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
524 @kbd{C-h} after the prefix key. (There are a few prefix keys for which
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
525 this does not work---those that provide their own bindings for
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
526 @kbd{C-h}. One of these is @key{ESC}, because @kbd{@key{ESC} C-h} is
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
527 actually @kbd{C-M-h}, which marks a defun.)
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
528
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
529 @kindex C-h F
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
530 @findex view-emacs-FAQ
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
531 @kindex C-h n
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
532 @findex view-emacs-news
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
533 @kindex C-h C-c
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
534 @findex describe-copying
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
535 @kindex C-h C-d
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
536 @findex describe-distribution
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
537 @kindex C-h C-w
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
538 @findex describe-no-warranty
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
539 @kindex C-h C-p
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
540 @findex describe-project
26767
c45d65c93702 Mention view-emacs-problems.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents: 25829
diff changeset
541 @kindex C-h P
c45d65c93702 Mention view-emacs-problems.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents: 25829
diff changeset
542 @findex view-emacs-problems
38461
23f63206a867 Proofreading fixes from Chris Green <chris_e_green@yahoo.com>.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 37151
diff changeset
543 The other @kbd{C-h} options display various files containing useful
25829
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
544 information. @kbd{C-h C-w} displays the full details on the complete
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
545 absence of warranty for GNU Emacs. @kbd{C-h n} (@code{view-emacs-news})
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
546 displays the file @file{emacs/etc/NEWS}, which contains documentation on
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
547 Emacs changes arranged chronologically. @kbd{C-h F}
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
548 (@code{view-emacs-FAQ}) displays the Emacs frequently-answered-questions
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
549 list. @kbd{C-h t} (@code{help-with-tutorial}) displays the
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
550 learn-by-doing Emacs tutorial. @kbd{C-h C-c} (@code{describe-copying})
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
551 displays the file @file{emacs/etc/COPYING}, which tells you the
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
552 conditions you must obey in distributing copies of Emacs. @kbd{C-h C-d}
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
553 (@code{describe-distribution}) displays the file
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
554 @file{emacs/etc/DISTRIB}, which tells you how you can order a copy of
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
555 the latest version of Emacs. @kbd{C-h C-p} (@code{describe-project})
26767
c45d65c93702 Mention view-emacs-problems.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents: 25829
diff changeset
556 displays general information about the GNU Project. @kbd{C-h P}
c45d65c93702 Mention view-emacs-problems.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents: 25829
diff changeset
557 (@code{view-emacs-problems}) displays the file
c45d65c93702 Mention view-emacs-problems.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents: 25829
diff changeset
558 @file{emacs/etc/PROBLEMS}, which lists known problems with Emacs in
c45d65c93702 Mention view-emacs-problems.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents: 25829
diff changeset
559 various situations with solutions or workarounds in many cases.
28433
8605ab7873d4 Hyperlinks, help echo.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents: 26767
diff changeset
560
8605ab7873d4 Hyperlinks, help echo.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents: 26767
diff changeset
561 @node Help Echo
8605ab7873d4 Hyperlinks, help echo.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents: 26767
diff changeset
562 @section Help on Active Text and Tooltips
8605ab7873d4 Hyperlinks, help echo.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents: 26767
diff changeset
563
8605ab7873d4 Hyperlinks, help echo.
Dave Love <fx@gnu.org>
parents: 26767
diff changeset
564 @cindex tooltips
38461
23f63206a867 Proofreading fixes from Chris Green <chris_e_green@yahoo.com>.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 37151
diff changeset
565 @cindex balloon help
38745
5464ee1ba8e2 Minor cleanups.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 38488
diff changeset
566 When a region of text is ``active,'' so that you can select it with
36185
62cf166239f3 Change in quoting.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 36159
diff changeset
567 the mouse or a key like @kbd{RET}, it often has associated help text.
62cf166239f3 Change in quoting.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 36159
diff changeset
568 Areas of the mode line are examples. This help will normally be
38870
d44abb4e68b2 Don't use "print" for displaying a message.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 38865
diff changeset
569 shown in the echo area when you move point into the active text. In
38461
23f63206a867 Proofreading fixes from Chris Green <chris_e_green@yahoo.com>.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 37151
diff changeset
570 a window system you can display the help text as a ``tooltip''
23f63206a867 Proofreading fixes from Chris Green <chris_e_green@yahoo.com>.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 37151
diff changeset
571 (sometimes known as ``balloon help''). @xref{Tooltips}.