# HG changeset patch # User Richard M. Stallman # Date 1151941837 0 # Node ID 2bce43489a02773e0d5b88af9ac22bcb32727009 # Parent 3ef63b118eece0ff4713598a483eed86d40d056e Lots of cleanups. diff -r 3ef63b118eec -r 2bce43489a02 man/help.texi --- a/man/help.texi Mon Jul 03 15:49:14 2006 +0000 +++ b/man/help.texi Mon Jul 03 15:50:37 2006 +0000 @@ -11,65 +11,62 @@ @kindex C-h @kindex F1 - Emacs provides extensive help features accessible through a single -character, @kbd{C-h} (or @key{F1}). @kbd{C-h} is a prefix key that is -used for commands that display documentation. The characters that you -can type after @kbd{C-h} are called @dfn{help options}. One help -option is @kbd{C-h}; that is how you ask for help about using -@kbd{C-h}. To cancel, type @kbd{C-g}. The function key @key{F1} is -equivalent to @kbd{C-h}. + Emacs provides extensive help features, all accessible through the +@dfn{help character}, @kbd{C-h}. This is a prefix key that is used +for commands that display documentation; the next character you type +should be a @dfn{help options}, to ask for a particular kind of help. +You can cancel the @kbd{C-h} command with @kbd{C-g}. The function key +@key{F1} is equivalent to @kbd{C-h}. @kindex C-h C-h @findex help-for-help - @kbd{C-h C-h} (@code{help-for-help}) displays a list of the possible -help options, each with a brief description. You can look at the -list, using @key{SPC} and @key{DEL} to scroll through it, then type -the help option you want. To cancel, type @kbd{C-g}. + @kbd{C-h} itself is one of the help options; @kbd{C-h C-h} displays +a list of help options, with a brief description of each one +(@code{help-for-help}). You can scroll the list with @key{SPC} and +@key{DEL}, then type the help option you want. To cancel, type +@kbd{C-g}. @kbd{C-h} or @key{F1} means ``help'' in various other contexts as -well. After a prefix key, it displays a list of the alternatives that -can follow the prefix key. (A few prefix keys don't support -@kbd{C-h}, because they define other meanings for it, but they all -support @key{F1}.) +well. For instance, you can type them after a prefix key to display +list of the keys that can follow the prefix key. (A few prefix keys +don't support @kbd{C-h} in this way, because they define other +meanings for it, but they all support @key{F1} for help.) - Most help buffers use a special major mode, Help mode, which lets you -scroll conveniently with @key{SPC} and @key{DEL}. It also offers -hyperlinks to URLs and further help regarding cross-referenced names, Info -nodes, customization buffers and the like. @xref{Help Mode}. + Most help buffers use a special major mode, Help mode, which lets +you scroll conveniently with @key{SPC} and @key{DEL}. You can also +follow hyperlinks to URLs, and to other facilities including Info +nodes and customization buffers. @xref{Help Mode}. @cindex searching documentation efficiently @cindex looking for a subject in documentation - If you are looking for a certain feature, but don't know where -exactly it is documented, and aren't sure of the name of a -related command or variable, we recommend trying these methods. Usually -it is best to start with an apropos command, then try searching the -manual index, then finally look in the FAQ and the package keywords. + If you are looking for a certain feature, but don't know what it is +called or where to look, we recommend three methods. First, try an +apropos command, then try searching the manual index, then look in the +FAQ and the package keywords. @table @kbd @item C-h a @var{topics} @key{RET} -This searches for commands whose names match @var{topics}, which -should be a keyword, a list of keywords, or a regular expression -(@pxref{Regexps}). This command displays all the matches in a new -buffer. @xref{Apropos}. +This searches for commands whose names match the argument +@var{topics}. The argument can be a keyword, a list of keywords, or a +regular expression (@pxref{Regexps}). This command displays all the +matches in a new buffer. @xref{Apropos}. @item C-h i d m emacs @key{RET} i @var{topic} @key{RET} -This looks up @var{topic} in the indices of the Emacs on-line manual. -If there are several matches, Emacs displays the first one. You can then -press @kbd{,} to move to other matches, until you find what you are -looking for. +This searches for @var{topic} in the indices of the on-line Emacs +manual, and displays the first match found. Press @kbd{,} to see +subsequent matches. You can use a regular expression as @var{topic}. @item C-h i d m emacs @key{RET} s @var{topic} @key{RET} -Similar, but searches for @var{topic} (which can be a regular -expression) in the @emph{text} of the manual rather than in its +Similar, but searches the @emph{text} of the manual rather than the indices. @item C-h C-f -This brings up the Emacs FAQ. You can use the Info commands +This displays the Emacs FAQ. You can use the Info commands to browse it. @item C-h p -Finally, you can try looking up a suitable package using keywords -pertinent to the feature you need. @xref{Library Keywords}. +This displays the available Emacs packages based on keywords. +@xref{Library Keywords}. @end table @menu @@ -93,25 +90,25 @@ @section Help Summary @end ifnottex - Here is a summary of the Emacs interactive help commands. -@xref{Help Files}, for other help commands that just display a -pre-written file of information. The character that follows -@kbd{C-h} is a ``help option.'' + Here is a summary of the Emacs interactive help commands. (The +character that follows @kbd{C-h} is the ``help option.'') @xref{Help +Files}, for other help commands that display fixed files of +information. @table @kbd @item C-h a @var{topics} @key{RET} Display a list of commands whose names match @var{topics} (@code{apropos-command}; @pxref{Apropos}). @item C-h b -Display a table of all key bindings in effect now, in this order: minor -mode bindings, major mode bindings, and global bindings -(@code{describe-bindings}). +Display all active key bindings; minor mode bindings first, then those +of the major mode, then global bindings (@code{describe-bindings}). @item C-h c @var{key} -Show the name of the command that @var{key} runs -(@code{describe-key-briefly}). Here @kbd{c} stands for ``character.'' -For more extensive information on @var{key}, use @kbd{C-h k}. +Given a key sequence @var{key}, show the name of the command that it +runs (@code{describe-key-briefly}). Here @kbd{c} stands for +``character.'' For more extensive information on @var{key}, use +@kbd{C-h k}. @item C-h d @var{topics} @key{RET} -Display a list of commands and variables whose documentation matches +Display the commands and variables whose documentation matches @var{topics} (@code{apropos-documentation}). @item C-h e Display the @code{*Messages*} buffer @@ -119,12 +116,12 @@ @item C-h f @var{function} @key{RET} Display documentation on the Lisp function named @var{function} (@code{describe-function}). Since commands are Lisp functions, -a command name may be used. +this works for commands too. @item C-h h Display the @file{HELLO} file, which shows examples of various character sets. @item C-h i -Run Info, the program for browsing documentation files (@code{info}). +Run Info, the GNU documentation browser (@code{info}). The complete Emacs manual is available on-line in Info. @item C-h k @var{key} Display the name and documentation of the command that @var{key} runs @@ -137,7 +134,7 @@ @item C-h p Find packages by topic keyword (@code{finder-by-keyword}). @item C-h s -Display the current contents of the syntax table, plus an explanation of +Display the current contents of the syntax table, with an explanation of what they mean (@code{describe-syntax}). @xref{Syntax}. @item C-h t Enter the Emacs interactive tutorial (@code{help-with-tutorial}). @@ -147,28 +144,29 @@ @item C-h w @var{command} @key{RET} Show which keys run the command named @var{command} (@code{where-is}). @item C-h C @var{coding} @key{RET} -Describe coding system @var{coding} +Describe the coding system @var{coding} (@code{describe-coding-system}). @item C-h C @key{RET} Describe the coding systems currently in use. @item C-h I @var{method} @key{RET} -Describe an input method (@code{describe-input-method}). +Describe the input method @var{method} (@code{describe-input-method}). @item C-h L @var{language-env} @key{RET} Display information on the character sets, coding systems, and input -methods used for language environment @var{language-env} +methods used in language environment @var{language-env} (@code{describe-language-environment}). @item C-h F @var{function} @key{RET} -Enter Info and go to the node documenting the Emacs function @var{function} -(@code{Info-goto-emacs-command-node}). +Enter Info and goes to the node that documents the Emacs function +@var{function} (@code{Info-goto-emacs-command-node}). @item C-h K @var{key} -Enter Info and go to the node where the key sequence @var{key} is -documented (@code{Info-goto-emacs-key-command-node}). +Enter Info and goes to the node that documents the key sequence +@var{key} (@code{Info-goto-emacs-key-command-node}). @item C-h S @var{symbol} @key{RET} Display the Info documentation on symbol @var{symbol} according to the programming language you are editing (@code{info-lookup-symbol}). @item C-h . -Display a help message associated with special text areas, such as -links in @samp{*Help*} buffers (@code{display-local-help}). +Display the help message for a special text area, if point is in one +(@code{display-local-help}). (These include, for example, links in +@samp{*Help*} buffers.) @end table @node Key Help @@ -176,50 +174,48 @@ @kindex C-h c @findex describe-key-briefly - The most basic @kbd{C-h} commands are @kbd{C-h c} -(@code{describe-key-briefly}) and @w{@kbd{C-h k}} (@code{describe-key}). -@kbd{C-h c @var{key}} displays in the echo area the name of the command -that @var{key} is bound to. For example, @kbd{C-h c C-f} displays -@samp{forward-char}. Since command names are chosen to describe what -the commands do, this is a good way to get a very brief description of -what @var{key} does. + The help commands to get information about a key sequence are +@kbd{C-h c} and @w{@kbd{C-h k}}. @kbd{C-h c @var{key}} displays in +the echo area the name of the command that @var{key} is bound to. For +example, @kbd{C-h c C-f} displays @samp{forward-char}. Since command +names are chosen to describe what the commands do, this gives you a +very brief description of what @var{key} does. @kindex C-h k @findex describe-key @kbd{C-h k @var{key}} is similar but gives more information: it displays the documentation string of the command as well as its name. -This is too big for the echo area, so a window is used for the display. +It displays this information in a window, since it may not fit in the +echo area. @kindex C-h K @findex Info-goto-emacs-key-command-node - To find the documentation of a key sequence, type @kbd{C-h K} and -then enter that key sequence. This looks up the description of the -command invoked by the key in whichever manual describes it (this need -not be the Emacs manual). @kbd{C-h K} runs the command -@code{Info-goto-emacs-key-command-node}. + To find the documentation of a key sequence @var{key}, type @kbd{C-h +K @var{key}}. This displays the appropriate manual section which +contains the documentation of @var{key}. @kbd{C-h c}, @kbd{C-h k} and @kbd{C-h K} work for any sort of key sequences, including function keys, menus, and mouse events. For -instance, you can type @kbd{C-h k} and then select a menu item from -the menu bar, to show the documentation string of the command that -menu item runs. +instance, after @kbd{C-h k} you can select a menu item from the menu +bar, to view the documentation string of the command it runs. @kindex C-h w @findex where-is - @kbd{C-h w @var{command} @key{RET}} tells you what keys are bound to -@var{command}. It displays a list of the keys in the echo area. If it -says the command is not on any key, you must use @kbd{M-x} to run it. -@kbd{C-h w} runs the command @code{where-is}. + @kbd{C-h w @var{command} @key{RET}} lists the keys that are bound to +@var{command}. It displays the list in the echo area. If it says the +command is not on any key, that means you must use @kbd{M-x} to run +it. @kbd{C-h w} runs the command @code{where-is}. @node Name Help @section Help by Command or Variable Name @kindex C-h f @findex describe-function - @kbd{C-h f} (@code{describe-function}) reads the name of a Lisp function -using the minibuffer, then displays that function's documentation string -in a window. Since commands are Lisp functions, you can use this to get -the documentation of a command that you know by name. For example, + @kbd{C-h f @var{function} @key{RET}} (@code{describe-function}) +displays the documentation of Lisp function @var{function}, in a +window. Since commands are Lisp functions, you can use this method to +view the documentation of any command whose name you know. For +example, @example C-h f auto-fill-mode @key{RET} @@ -230,118 +226,119 @@ way to get the documentation of a command that is not bound to any key (one which you would normally run using @kbd{M-x}). - @kbd{C-h f} is also useful for Lisp functions that you are planning -to use in a Lisp program. For example, if you have just written the -expression @code{(make-vector len)} and want to check that you are -using @code{make-vector} properly, type @kbd{C-h f make-vector -@key{RET}}. Because @kbd{C-h f} allows all function names, not just -command names, you may find that some of your favorite completion -abbreviations that work in @kbd{M-x} don't work in @kbd{C-h f}. An -abbreviation may be unique among command names, yet fail to be unique -when other function names are allowed. + @kbd{C-h f} is also useful for Lisp functions that you use in a Lisp +program. For example, if you have just written the expression +@code{(make-vector len)} and want to check that you are using +@code{make-vector} properly, type @kbd{C-h f make-vector @key{RET}}. +Because @kbd{C-h f} allows all function names, not just command names, +you may find that some of your favorite completion abbreviations that +work in @kbd{M-x} don't work in @kbd{C-h f}. An abbreviation that is +unique among command names may not be unique among all function names. - The default function name for @kbd{C-h f} to describe, if you type -just @key{RET}, is the name of the function called by the innermost Lisp -expression in the buffer around point, @emph{provided} that is a valid, -defined Lisp function name. For example, if point is located following -the text @samp{(make-vector (car x)}, the innermost list containing -point is the one that starts with @samp{(make-vector}, so the default is -to describe the function @code{make-vector}. + If you type @kbd{C-h f @key{RET}}, it describes the function called +by the innermost Lisp expression in the buffer around point, +@emph{provided} that function name is a valid, defined Lisp function. +(That name appears as the default while you enter the argument.) For +example, if point is located following the text @samp{(make-vector +(car x)}, the innermost list containing point is the one that starts +with @samp{(make-vector}, so @kbd{C-h f @key{RET}} will describe the +function @code{make-vector}. - @kbd{C-h f} is often useful just to verify that you have the right -spelling for the function name. If @kbd{C-h f} mentions a name from the -buffer as the default, that name must be defined as a Lisp function. If -that is all you want to know, just type @kbd{C-g} to cancel the @kbd{C-h -f} command, then go on editing. + @kbd{C-h f} is also useful just to verify that you spelled a +function name correctly. If the minibuffer prompt for @kbd{C-h f} +shows the function name from the buffer as the default, it means that +name is defined as a Lisp function. Type @kbd{C-g} to cancel the +@kbd{C-h f} command if you don't really want to view the +documentation. - @kbd{C-h v} (@code{describe-variable}) is like @kbd{C-h f} but describes -Lisp variables instead of Lisp functions. Its default is the Lisp symbol -around or before point, but only if that is the name of a known Lisp -variable. @xref{Variables}. + @kbd{C-h v} (@code{describe-variable}) is like @kbd{C-h f} but +describes Lisp variables instead of Lisp functions. Its default is +the Lisp symbol around or before point, if that is the name of a +defined Lisp variable. @xref{Variables}. - Help buffers describing Emacs variables and functions normally have -hyperlinks to the definition, if you have the source files installed. -(@xref{Hyperlinking}.) If you know Lisp (or C), this provides the -ultimate documentation. If you don't know Lisp, you should learn it. -(The Introduction to Emacs Lisp Programming, available from the FSF -through fsf.org, is a good way to get started.) Emacs won't be happy -if it feels you are just @emph{using} Emacs, treating it as an object -program. If you really love Emacs, show that you care by reading the -source code. + Help buffers that describe Emacs variables and functions normally +have hyperlinks to the corresponding source definition, if you have +the source files installed. (@xref{Hyperlinking}.) If you know Lisp +(or C), this provides the ultimate documentation. If you don't know +Lisp, you should learn it. (The Introduction to Emacs Lisp +Programming, available from the FSF through fsf.org, is a good way to +get started.) If Emacs feels you are just @emph{using} it, treating +it as an object program, its feelings may be hurt. For real intimacy, +read the Emacs source code. @kindex C-h F @findex Info-goto-emacs-command-node - To find a specific function's documentation in a manual, use -@kbd{C-h F} (@code{Info-goto-emacs-command-node}). This knows -about various manuals, not just the Emacs manual, and finds the -right one. + To find a function's documentation in a manual, use @kbd{C-h F} +(@code{Info-goto-emacs-command-node}). This knows about various +manuals, not just the Emacs manual, and finds the right one. @node Apropos @section Apropos - A more sophisticated sort of question to ask is, ``What are the -commands for working with files?'' The @dfn{apropos} commands ask -such questions---they look for things whose names match an + The @dfn{apropos} commands answer questions like, ``What are the +commands for working with files?'' More precisely, you specify an @dfn{apropos pattern}, which means either a word, a list of words, or -a regular expression. Each apropos command displays a list of -matching items in a special buffer. +a regular expression. Each apropos command displays a list of items +that match the pattern, in a separate buffer. @table @kbd @item C-h a @var{pattern} @key{RET} Search for commands whose names match @var{pattern}. @item M-x apropos @key{RET} @var{pattern} @key{RET} -Similar, but it searches for noninteractive functions and for -variables, as well as commands. +Search for functions and variables whose names match @var{pattern}. +Both interactive functions (commands) and noninteractive functions can +be found by this command. @item M-x apropos-variable @key{RET} @var{pattern} @key{RET} -Similar, but it searches for variables only. +Search for user-option variables whose names match @var{pattern}. @item M-x apropos-value @key{RET} @var{pattern} @key{RET} -Similar, but it searches for variables based on their values, or -functions based on their definitions. +Search for functions whose definitions @var{pattern}, and variables +whose values match @var{pattern}. @item C-h d @var{pattern} @key{RET} -Search the @emph{documentation strings} (the built-in short -descriptions) of all variables and functions (not their names) for a -match for @var{pattern}. +Search for functions and variables whose @strong{documentation +strings} match @var{pattern}. @end table @kindex C-h a @findex apropos-command @cindex apropos - To find the commands that work on files, type @kbd{C-h a file -@key{RET}}. This displays a list of all command names that contain -@samp{file}, including @code{copy-file}, @code{find-file}, and so on. -With each command name appears a brief description of how to use the -command, and what keys you can currently invoke it with. For example, -it would say that you can invoke @code{find-file} by typing @kbd{C-x -C-f}. The @kbd{a} in @kbd{C-h a} stands for ``Apropos''; @kbd{C-h a} + The simplest kind of apropos pattern is one word. Anything which +contains that word matches the pattern. Thus, to find the commands +that work on files, type @kbd{C-h a file @key{RET}}. This displays a +list of all command names that contain @samp{file}, including +@code{copy-file}, @code{find-file}, and so on. Each command name +comes with a brief description and a list of keys you can currently +invoke it with. In our example, it would say that you can invoke +@code{find-file} by typing @kbd{C-x C-f}. + + The @kbd{a} in @kbd{C-h a} stands for ``Apropos''; @kbd{C-h a} runs the command @code{apropos-command}. This command normally checks only commands (interactive functions); if you specify a prefix argument, it checks noninteractive functions as well. - If you want more information about a function definition, variable or -symbol property listed in the Apropos buffer, you can click on it with + For more information about a function definition, variable or symbol +property listed in the apropos buffer, you can click on it with @kbd{Mouse-1} or @kbd{Mouse-2}, or move there and type @key{RET}. - @kbd{C-h a} with a single word can find too many matches. Don't -just give up; you can give Apropos a list of words to search for. -When you specify more than one word in the apropos pattern, a name + When you specify more than one word in the apropos pattern, a name must contain at least two of the words in order to match. Thus, if you are looking for commands to kill a chunk of text before point, you -could try @kbd{C-h a kill back backward behind before @key{RET}}. +could try @kbd{C-h a kill back backward behind before @key{RET}}. The +real command name @code{kill-backward} will match that; if there were +a command @code{kill-text-before}, it would also match, since it +contains two of the specified words. For even greater flexibility, you can specify a regular expression (@pxref{Regexps}). An apropos pattern is interpreted as a regular expression if it contains any of the regular expression special characters, @samp{^$*+?.\[}. - Here is a set of arguments to give to @kbd{C-h a} that covers many -classes of Emacs commands, since there are strong conventions for -naming the standard Emacs commands. By giving you a feel for the -naming conventions, this set should also serve to aid you in -developing a technique for picking Apropos keywords. + Following the conventions for naming Emacs commands, here are some +words that you'll find useful in apropos patterns. By using them in +@kbd{C-h a}, you will also get a feel for the naming conventions. @quotation char, line, word, sentence, paragraph, region, page, sexp, list, defun, @@ -352,45 +349,44 @@ @end quotation @findex apropos - To list all Lisp symbols that contain a match for an Apropos pattern, -not just the ones that are defined as commands, use the command -@kbd{M-x apropos} instead of @kbd{C-h a}. This command does not check -key bindings by default; specify a numeric argument if you want it to -check them. + Use @kbd{M-x apropos} instead of @kbd{C-h a} to list all the Lisp +symbols that match an apropos pattern, not just the symbols that are +commands. This command does not list key bindings by default; specify +a numeric argument if you want it to list them. @findex apropos-variable - To list user-customizable variables that match an apropos pattern, -use the command @kbd{M-x apropos-variable}. If you specify a prefix -argument, it checks all variables. + Use @kbd{M-x apropos-variable} to list user-customizable variables +that match an apropos pattern. If you specify a prefix argument, it +lists all matching variables. @kindex C-h d @findex apropos-documentation The @code{apropos-documentation} command is like @code{apropos} except that it searches documentation strings instead of symbol names -for matches for the specified Apropos pattern. +for matches. @findex apropos-value The @code{apropos-value} command is like @code{apropos} except that -it searches variables' values for matches for the pattern. With a -prefix argument, it also checks symbols' function definitions and -property lists. +it searches variables' values for matches for the apropos pattern. +With a prefix argument, it also checks symbols' function definitions +and property lists. @vindex apropos-do-all - If the variable @code{apropos-do-all} is non-@code{nil}, the commands -above all behave as if they had been given a prefix argument. + If the variable @code{apropos-do-all} is non-@code{nil}, the apropos +commands always behave as if they had been given a prefix argument. @vindex apropos-sort-by-scores @cindex apropos search results, order by score - By default, Apropos lists the search results in alphabetical order. -If the variable @code{apropos-sort-by-scores} is non-@code{nil}, -Apropos tries to guess the relevance of each result, and displays the -most relevant ones first. + By default, apropos lists the search results in alphabetical order. +If the variable @code{apropos-sort-by-scores} is non-@code{nil}, the +apropos commands try to guess the relevance of each result, and +display the most relevant ones first. @vindex apropos-documentation-sort-by-scores - By default, Apropos lists the search results for + By default, apropos lists the search results for @code{apropos-documentation} in order of relevance of the match. If the variable @code{apropos-documentation-sort-by-scores} is -@code{nil}, Apropos lists the symbols found in alphabetical order. +@code{nil}, apropos lists the symbols found in alphabetical order. @node Library Keywords @section Keyword Search for Lisp Libraries @@ -444,23 +440,23 @@ @section Help for International Language Support You can use the command @kbd{C-h L} -(@code{describe-language-environment}) to find out information about -the support for a specific language environment. @xref{Language -Environments}. This tells you which languages this language -environment is useful for, and lists the character sets, coding -systems, and input methods that it operates on. It also shows some -sample text to illustrate scripts. +(@code{describe-language-environment}) to get information about a +specific language environment. @xref{Language Environments}. This +tells you which languages this language environment supports. It also +lists the character sets, coding systems, and input methods that work +with this language environment, and finally shows some sample text to +illustrate scripts. The command @kbd{C-h h} (@code{view-hello-file}) displays the file @file{etc/HELLO}, which shows how to say ``hello'' in many languages. - The command @kbd{C-h I} (@code{describe-input-method}) describes -information about input methods---either a specified input method, or by -default the input method in use. @xref{Input Methods}. + The command @kbd{C-h I} (@code{describe-input-method}) describes an +input method---either a specified input method, or by default the +input method currently in use. @xref{Input Methods}. The command @kbd{C-h C} (@code{describe-coding-system}) describes -information about coding systems---either a specified coding system, or -the ones currently in use. @xref{Coding Systems}. +coding systems---either a specified coding system, or the ones +currently in use. @xref{Coding Systems}. @node Help Mode @section Help Mode Commands @@ -487,36 +483,36 @@ @end table When a function name (@pxref{M-x,, Running Commands by Name}), -variable name (@pxref{Variables}), or face name (@pxref{Faces}) appears -in the documentation, it normally appears inside paired single-quotes. -You can click on the name with @kbd{Mouse-1} or @kbd{Mouse-2}, or move -point there and type @key{RET}, to view the documentation of that -command, variable or face. Use @kbd{C-c C-b} to retrace your steps. +variable name (@pxref{Variables}), or face name (@pxref{Faces}) +appears in the documentation, it normally appears inside paired +single-quotes. To view the documentation of that command, variable or +face, you can click on the name with @kbd{Mouse-1} or @kbd{Mouse-2}, +or move point there and type @key{RET}. Use @kbd{C-c C-b} to retrace +your steps. @cindex URL, viewing in help @cindex help, viewing web pages @cindex viewing web pages in help @cindex web pages, viewing in help @findex browse-url - You can follow cross references to URLs (web pages) as well. When -you follow a cross reference that is a URL, the @code{browse-url} -command is used to view the web page in a browser of your choosing. -@xref{Browse-URL}. + You can follow cross references to URLs (web pages) also. This uses +the @code{browse-url} command to view the page in the browser you +choose. @xref{Browse-URL}. @kindex @key{TAB} @r{(Help mode)} @findex help-next-ref @kindex S-@key{TAB} @r{(Help mode)} @findex help-previous-ref - There are convenient commands for moving point to cross references in -the help text. @key{TAB} (@code{help-next-ref}) moves point down to the -next cross reference. Use @kbd{S-@key{TAB}} to move point up to the -previous cross reference (@code{help-previous-ref}). + There are convenient commands to move point to cross references in +the help text. @key{TAB} (@code{help-next-ref}) moves point down to +the next cross reference. @kbd{S-@key{TAB}} moves up to the previous +cross reference (@code{help-previous-ref}). - You can view all documentation about any symbol name that appears in -the text, by moving point to the symbol name and typing @kbd{C-c C-c} + To view all documentation about any symbol name that appears in the +text, move point to the symbol name and type @kbd{C-c C-c} (@code{help-follow-symbol}). This shows all available documentation -about the symbol as a variable, function and/or face. @kbd{C-c C-b} -works in this case also, to retrace your steps. +about the symbol as a variable, function and/or face. As above, use +@kbd{C-c C-b} to retrace your steps. @node Misc Help @section Other Help Commands @@ -526,22 +522,18 @@ @cindex Info @cindex manuals, on-line @cindex on-line manuals - @kbd{C-h i} (@code{info}) runs the Info program, which is used for -browsing through structured documentation files. The entire Emacs manual -is available within Info. Eventually all the documentation of the GNU -system will be available. Type @kbd{h} after entering Info to run -a tutorial on using Info. + @kbd{C-h i} (@code{info}) runs the Info program, which browses +structured documentation files. The entire Emacs manual is available +within Info, along with many other manuals for the GNU system. Type +@kbd{h} after entering Info to run a tutorial on using Info. @cindex find Info manual by its file name - With a numeric argument, @kbd{C-h i} selects an Info buffer with the -number appended to the default @samp{*info*} buffer name -(e.g. @samp{*info*<2>}). This is useful if you want to browse -multiple Info manuals simultaneously. If you specify just @kbd{C-u} -as the prefix argument, @kbd{C-h i} prompts for the name of a -documentation file. This way, you can browse a file which doesn't -have an entry in the top-level Info menu. It is also handy when you -need to get to the documentation quickly, and you know the exact name -of the file. + With a numeric argument @var{n}, @kbd{C-h i} selects the Info buffer +@samp{*info*<@var{n}>}. This is useful if you want to browse multiple +Info manuals simultaneously. If you specify just @kbd{C-u} as the +prefix argument, @kbd{C-h i} prompts for the name of a documentation +file, so you can browse a file which doesn't have an entry in the +top-level Info menu. The help commands @kbd{C-h F @var{function} @key{RET}} and @kbd{C-h K @var{key}}, described above, enter Info and go straight to the @@ -550,56 +542,56 @@ @kindex C-h S @findex info-lookup-symbol When editing a program, if you have an Info version of the manual -for the programming language, you can use the command @kbd{C-h S} -(@code{info-lookup-symbol}) to refer to the manual documentation for a -symbol (keyword, function or variable). The details of how this -command works depend on the major mode. +for the programming language, you can use @kbd{C-h S} +(@code{info-lookup-symbol}) to find symbol (keyword, function or +variable) in the proper manual. The details of how this command works +depend on the major mode. @kindex C-h l @findex view-lossage - If something surprising happens, and you are not sure what commands you -typed, use @kbd{C-h l} (@code{view-lossage}). @kbd{C-h l} displays the last -100 command characters you typed in. If you see commands that you don't -know, you can use @kbd{C-h c} to find out what they do. + If something surprising happens, and you are not sure what you +typed, use @kbd{C-h l} (@code{view-lossage}). @kbd{C-h l} displays +the last 100 characters you typed in Emacs. If you see commands that +you don't know, you can use @kbd{C-h c} to find out what they do. @kindex C-h e @findex view-echo-area-messages - To review messages that recently appeared in the echo area, use -@kbd{C-h e} (@code{view-echo-area-messages}). This displays the -buffer @code{*Messages*}, where those messages are kept. + To review recent echo area messages, use @kbd{C-h e} +(@code{view-echo-area-messages}). This displays the buffer +@code{*Messages*}, where those messages are kept. @kindex C-h m @findex describe-mode - Emacs has numerous major modes, each of which redefines a few keys and -makes a few other changes in how editing works. @kbd{C-h m} -(@code{describe-mode}) displays documentation on the current major mode, -which normally describes all the commands that are changed in this -mode. + Each Emacs major mode typically redefines a few keys and makes other +changes in how editing works. @kbd{C-h m} (@code{describe-mode}) +displays documentation on the current major mode, which normally +describes the commands and features that are changed in this mode. @kindex C-h b @findex describe-bindings @kbd{C-h b} (@code{describe-bindings}) and @kbd{C-h s} -(@code{describe-syntax}) present other information about the current -Emacs mode. @kbd{C-h b} displays a list of all the key bindings now in -effect, showing the local bindings defined by the current minor modes first, -then the local bindings defined by the current major mode, and finally -the global bindings (@pxref{Key Bindings}). @kbd{C-h s} displays the -contents of the syntax table, with explanations of each character's -syntax (@pxref{Syntax}). +(@code{describe-syntax}) show other information about the current +environment within Emacs. @kbd{C-h b} displays a list of all the key +bindings now in effect: first the local bindings of the current minor +modes, then the local bindings defined by the current major mode, and +finally the global bindings (@pxref{Key Bindings}). @kbd{C-h s} +displays the contents of the syntax table, with explanations of each +character's syntax (@pxref{Syntax}). - You can get a similar list for a particular prefix key by typing -@kbd{C-h} after the prefix key. (There are a few prefix keys for which -this does not work---those that provide their own bindings for -@kbd{C-h}. One of these is @key{ESC}, because @kbd{@key{ESC} C-h} is -actually @kbd{C-M-h}, which marks a defun.) + You can get a list of subcommands for a particular prefix key by +typing @kbd{C-h} after the prefix key. (There are a few prefix keys +for which this does not work---those that provide their own bindings +for @kbd{C-h}. One of these is @key{ESC}, because @kbd{@key{ESC} C-h} +is actually @kbd{C-M-h}, which marks a defun.) @node Help Files @section Help Files - The Emacs help commands described above display the state of data -bases within Emacs. Emacs has a few other help commands that display -pre-written help files. These commands all have the form @kbd{C-h -C-@var{char}}; that is, @kbd{C-h} followed by a control character. + The Emacs help commands described above display dynamic help based +on the current state within Emacs, or refer to manuals. Other help +commands display pre-written, static help files. These commands all +have the form @kbd{C-h C-@var{char}}; that is, @kbd{C-h} followed by a +control character. @kindex C-h C-c @findex describe-copying @@ -617,31 +609,29 @@ @findex view-emacs-todo @kindex C-h C-w @findex describe-no-warranty - The other @kbd{C-h} options display various files containing useful -information. @table @kbd @item C-h C-c -Displays the Emacs copying conditions (@code{describe-copying}). +Display the Emacs copying conditions (@code{describe-copying}). These are the rules under which you can copy and redistribute Emacs. @item C-h C-d -Displays information on how to download or order the latest version of +Display how to download or order the latest version of Emacs and other GNU software (@code{describe-distribution}). @item C-h C-e -Displays the list of known Emacs problems, sometimes with suggested +Display the list of known Emacs problems, sometimes with suggested workarounds (@code{view-emacs-problems}). @item C-h C-f -Displays the Emacs frequently-answered-questions list (@code{view-emacs-FAQ}). +Display the Emacs frequently-answered-questions list (@code{view-emacs-FAQ}). @item C-h C-n -Displays the Emacs ``news'' file, which lists new Emacs features, most -recent first (@code{view-emacs-news}). +Display the Emacs ``news'' file, which lists new features in the most +recent version of Emacs (@code{view-emacs-news}). @item C-h C-p -Displays general information about the GNU Project +Display general information about the GNU Project (@code{describe-project}). @item C-h C-t -Displays the Emacs to-do list (@code{view-todo}). +Display the Emacs to-do list (@code{view-todo}). @item C-h C-w -Displays the full details on the complete absence of warranty for GNU +Display the full details on the complete absence of warranty for GNU Emacs (@code{describe-no-warranty}). @end table @@ -652,12 +642,12 @@ @cindex balloon help When a region of text is ``active,'' so that you can select it with the mouse or a key like @kbd{RET}, it often has associated help text. -Areas of the mode line are examples. On graphical displays, the help -text is displayed as a ``tooltip'' (sometimes known as ``balloon -help''), when you move the mouse over the active text. @xref{Tooltips}. -On some systems, it is shown in the echo area. On text-only -terminals, Emacs may not be able to follow the mouse and hence will -not show the help text on mouse-over. +For instance, most parts of the mode line have help text. On +graphical displays, the help text is displayed as a ``tooltip'' +(sometimes known as ``balloon help''), when you move the mouse over +the active text. @xref{Tooltips}. On some systems, it is shown in +the echo area. On text-only terminals, if Emacs cannot follow the +mouse, it cannot show the help text on mouse-over. @kindex C-h . @findex display-local-help diff -r 3ef63b118eec -r 2bce43489a02 man/m-x.texi --- a/man/m-x.texi Mon Jul 03 15:49:14 2006 +0000 +++ b/man/m-x.texi Mon Jul 03 15:50:37 2006 +0000 @@ -5,31 +5,27 @@ @node M-x, Help, Minibuffer, Top @chapter Running Commands by Name - Every Emacs command has a name that you can use to run it. Commands -that are used often, or that must be quick to type, are also bound to -keys---short sequences of characters---for convenient use. You can -run them by typing the keys, or run them by name if you don't remember -the keys. Other Emacs commands that do not need to be quick are not -bound to keys; the only way to run them is by name. @xref{Key -Bindings}, for the description of how to bind commands to keys. + Every Emacs command has a name that you can use to run it. For +convenience, many commands also have key bindings. You can run those +commands by typing the keys, or run them by name. Most Emacs commands +have no key bindings, so the only way to run them is by name. +(@xref{Key Bindings}, for how to set up key bindings.) By convention, a command name consists of one or more words, separated by hyphens; for example, @code{auto-fill-mode} or -@code{manual-entry}. The use of English words makes the command name -easier to remember than a key made up of obscure characters, even -though it is more characters to type. +@code{manual-entry}. Command names mostly use complete English words +to make them easier to remember. @kindex M-x - The way to run a command by name is to start with @kbd{M-x}, type the -command name, and finish it with @key{RET}. @kbd{M-x} uses the -minibuffer to read the command name. @key{RET} exits the minibuffer and -runs the command. The string @samp{M-x} appears at the beginning of the -minibuffer as a @dfn{prompt} to remind you to enter the name of a -command to be run. @xref{Minibuffer}, for full information on the -features of the minibuffer. + To run a command by name, start with @kbd{M-x}, type the command +name, then terminate it with @key{RET}. @kbd{M-x} uses the minibuffer +to read the command name. The string @samp{M-x} appears at the +beginning of the minibuffer as a @dfn{prompt} to remind you to enter a +command name to be run. @key{RET} exits the minibuffer and runs the +command. @xref{Minibuffer}, for more information on the minibuffer. You can use completion to enter the command name. For example, you -can invoke the command @code{forward-char} by name by typing either +to invoke the command @code{forward-char}, you can type @example M-x forward-char @key{RET} @@ -44,32 +40,30 @@ @noindent Note that @code{forward-char} is the same command that you invoke with -the key @kbd{C-f}. You can run any Emacs command by name using -@kbd{M-x}, whether or not any keys are bound to it. +the key @kbd{C-f}. The existence of a key binding does not stop you +from running the command by name. - If you type @kbd{C-g} while the command name is being read, that -cancels the @kbd{M-x} command and exits the minibuffer, so you end up -back at command level. + To cancel the @kbd{M-x} and not run a command, type @kbd{C-g} instead +of entering the command name. This takes you back to command level. To pass a numeric argument to the command you are invoking with -@kbd{M-x}, specify the numeric argument before the @kbd{M-x}. @kbd{M-x} -passes the argument along to the command it runs. The argument value -appears in the prompt while the command name is being read. +@kbd{M-x}, specify the numeric argument before @kbd{M-x}. The +argument value appears in the prompt while the command name is being +read, and finally @kbd{M-x} passes the argument to that command. @vindex suggest-key-bindings - If the command you type has a key binding of its own, Emacs mentions -this in the echo area after running the command. For example, if you -type @kbd{M-x forward-word}, the message says that you can run the -same command more easily by typing @kbd{M-f}. You can turn off these + When the command you run with @kbd{M-x} has a key binding, Emacs +mentions this in the echo area after running the command. For +example, if you type @kbd{M-x forward-word}, the message says that you +can run the same command by typing @kbd{M-f}. You can turn off these messages by setting the variable @code{suggest-key-bindings} to @code{nil}. - Normally, when describing in this manual a command that is run by -name, we omit the @key{RET} that is needed to terminate the name. Thus -we might speak of @kbd{M-x auto-fill-mode} rather than @kbd{M-x -auto-fill-mode @key{RET}}. We mention the @key{RET} only when there is -a need to emphasize its presence, such as when we show the command -together with following arguments. + In this manual, when we speak of running a command by name, we often +omit the @key{RET} that terminates the name. Thus we might say +@kbd{M-x auto-fill-mode} rather than @kbd{M-x auto-fill-mode +@key{RET}}. We mention the @key{RET} only for emphasis, such as when +the command is followed by arguments. @findex execute-extended-command @kbd{M-x} works by running the command