comparison etc/TUTORIAL @ 22722:ef426e5873e3

Explain "prefix arg". Explain how it can be a flag.

22721:d023df160219

serves as a repeat-count.  The way you give a command a repeat count
is by typing C-u and then the digits before you type the command.  If
you have a META (or EDIT or ALT) key, there is another alternative way
to enter a numeric argument: type the digits while holding down the
META key.  We recommend learning the C-u method because it works on
any terminal.

For instance, C-u 8 C-f moves forward eight characters.
	
>> Try using C-n or C-p with a numeric argument, to move the cursor
   to a line near this one with just one command.

Most commands use the numeric argument as a repeat count.  Certain
exceptional commands use it differently.  C-v and M-v are among the
exceptions.  When given an argument, they scroll the screen up or down
by that many lines, rather than by a screenfuls.  For example, C-u 4
C-v scrolls the screen by 4 lines.

>> Try typing C-u 8 C-v now.

This should have scrolled the screen up by 8 lines.  If you would like
to scroll it down again, you can give an argument to M-v.

22722:ef426e5873e3

serves as a repeat-count.  The way you give a command a repeat count
is by typing C-u and then the digits before you type the command.  If
you have a META (or EDIT or ALT) key, there is another alternative way
to enter a numeric argument: type the digits while holding down the
META key.  We recommend learning the C-u method because it works on
any terminal.  The numeric argument is also called a "prefix argument",
because you type the argument before the command it applies to.

For instance, C-u 8 C-f moves forward eight characters.
	
>> Try using C-n or C-p with a numeric argument, to move the cursor
   to a line near this one with just one command.

Most commands use the numeric argument as a repeat count, but some
commands use it in some other way.  Several commands (but none of
those you have learned so far) use it as a flag--the presence of a
prefix argument, regardless of its value, makes the command do
something different.

C-v and M-v are another kind of exception.  When given an argument,
they scroll the screen up or down by that many lines, rather than by a
screenful.  For example, C-u 8 C-v scrolls the screen by 8 lines.

>> Try typing C-u 8 C-v now.

This should have scrolled the screen up by 8 lines.  If you would like
to scroll it down again, you can give an argument to M-v.