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(Positions): Clarify converting marker to integer.
author Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
date Sun, 17 Apr 2005 15:46:33 +0000
parents 951cb9c59174
children 60e0429c79b1
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61593:6654a6208131 61594:7a990909b5f9
13 (or before the first character, or after the last character), so we can 13 (or before the first character, or after the last character), so we can
14 speak of the character before or after a given position. However, we 14 speak of the character before or after a given position. However, we
15 often speak of the character ``at'' a position, meaning the character 15 often speak of the character ``at'' a position, meaning the character
16 after that position. 16 after that position.
17 17
18 Positions are usually represented as integers starting from 1, but can 18 Positions are usually represented as integers starting from 1, but
19 also be represented as @dfn{markers}---special objects that relocate 19 can also be represented as @dfn{markers}---special objects that
20 automatically when text is inserted or deleted so they stay with the 20 relocate automatically when text is inserted or deleted so they stay
21 surrounding characters. Functions that expect an argument to be a 21 with the surrounding characters. Functions that expect an argument to
22 position (an integer), but accept a marker as a substitute, normally 22 be a position (an integer), but accept a marker as a substitute,
23 ignore the marker buffer. Of course, markers used this way usually 23 normally ignore which buffer the marker points into; they convert the
24 point to a position in the buffer that the function operates on, but 24 marker to an integer, and use that integer, exactly as if you had
25 that is entirely the programmer's responsibility. @xref{Markers}. 25 passed the integer as the argument. Markers used this way usually
26 point to a position in the buffer that the function will operate on,
27 but if not, they are converted to integers anyway. @xref{Markers}.
26 28
27 See also the ``field'' feature (@pxref{Fields}), which provides 29 See also the ``field'' feature (@pxref{Fields}), which provides
28 functions that are used by many cursor-motion commands. 30 functions that are used by many cursor-motion commands.
29 31
30 @menu 32 @menu