Mercurial > emacs

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+++ b/doc/emacs/help.texi	Thu Sep 06 04:46:33 2007 +0000
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+@c This is part of the Emacs manual.
+@c Copyright (C) 1985, 1986, 1987, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2001,
+@c   2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
+@c See file emacs.texi for copying conditions.
+@node Help, Mark, M-x, Top
+@chapter Help
+@kindex Help
+@cindex help
+@cindex self-documentation
+@findex help-command
+@kindex C-h
+@kindex F1
+
+  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} 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.  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}.  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 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 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 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 the @emph{text} of the manual rather than the
+indices.
+
+@item C-h C-f
+This displays the Emacs FAQ.  You can use the Info commands
+to browse it.
+
+@item C-h p
+This displays the available Emacs packages based on keywords.
+@xref{Library Keywords}.
+@end table
+
+@menu
+* Help Summary::	Brief list of all Help commands.
+* Key Help::		Asking what a key does in Emacs.
+* Name Help::		Asking about a command, variable or function name.
+* Apropos::		Asking what pertains to a given topic.
+* Help Mode::           Special features of Help mode and Help buffers.
+* Library Keywords::	Finding Lisp libraries by keywords (topics).
+* Language Help::       Help relating to international language support.
+* Misc Help::		Other help commands.
+* Help Files::          Commands to display pre-written help files.
+* Help Echo::           Help on active text and tooltips (`balloon help')
+@end menu
+
+@iftex
+@node Help Summary
+@end iftex
+@ifnottex
+@node Help Summary
+@section Help Summary
+@end ifnottex
+
+  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 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}
+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 the commands and variables whose documentation matches
+@var{topics} (@code{apropos-documentation}).
+@item C-h e
+Display the @code{*Messages*} buffer
+(@code{view-echo-area-messages}).
+@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,
+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 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
+(@code{describe-key}).
+@item C-h l
+Display a description of the last 100 characters you typed
+(@code{view-lossage}).
+@item C-h m
+Display documentation of the current major mode (@code{describe-mode}).
+@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, 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}).
+@item C-h v @var{var} @key{RET}
+Display the documentation of the Lisp variable @var{var}
+(@code{describe-variable}).
+@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 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 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 in language environment @var{language-env}
+(@code{describe-language-environment}).
+@item C-h F @var{function} @key{RET}
+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 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 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
+@section Documentation for a Key
+
+@kindex C-h c
+@findex describe-key-briefly
+  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.
+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 @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, 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}} 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 @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}
+@end example
+
+@noindent
+displays the documentation of @code{auto-fill-mode}.  This is the only
+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 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.
+
+  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 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.
+
+@kindex C-h v
+@findex describe-variable
+  @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 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 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
+
+  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 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}
+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}
+Search for user-option variables whose names match @var{pattern}.
+
+@item M-x apropos-value @key{RET} @var{pattern} @key{RET}
+Search for functions whose definitions @var{pattern}, and variables
+whose values match @var{pattern}.
+
+@item C-h d @var{pattern} @key{RET}
+Search for functions and variables whose @strong{documentation
+strings} match @var{pattern}.
+@end table
+
+@kindex C-h a
+@findex apropos-command
+@cindex apropos
+  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.
+
+  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}.
+
+  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}}.  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{^$*+?.\[}.
+
+  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,
+rect, buffer, frame, window, face, file, dir, register, mode, beginning, end,
+forward, backward, next, previous, up, down, search, goto, kill, delete,
+mark, insert, yank, fill, indent, case, change, set, what, list, find,
+view, describe, default.
+@end quotation
+
+@findex apropos
+  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
+  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.
+
+@findex apropos-value
+  The @code{apropos-value} command is like @code{apropos} except that
+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 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}, 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
+@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.
+
+@node Help Mode
+@section Help Mode Commands
+
+  Help buffers provide the same commands as View mode (@pxref{Misc File
+Ops}), plus a few special commands of their own.
+
+@table @kbd
+@item @key{SPC}
+Scroll forward.
+@item @key{DEL}
+Scroll backward.
+@item @key{RET}
+Follow a cross reference at point.
+@item @key{TAB}
+Move point forward to the next cross reference.
+@item S-@key{TAB}
+Move point back to the previous cross reference.
+@item Mouse-1
+@itemx Mouse-2
+Follow a cross reference that you click on.
+@item C-c C-c
+Show all documentation about the symbol at point.
+@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.  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) 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 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}).
+
+  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.  As above, use
+@kbd{C-c C-b} to retrace your steps.
+
+@node Library Keywords
+@section Keyword Search for Lisp Libraries
+
+@kindex C-h p
+@findex finder-by-keyword
+The @kbd{C-h p} command lets you search the standard Emacs Lisp
+libraries by topic keywords.  Here is a partial list of keywords you can
+use:
+
+@multitable {convenience} {aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa}
+@item abbrev@tab abbreviation handling, typing shortcuts, macros.
+@item bib@tab code related to the @code{bib} bibliography processor.
+@item c@tab support for the C language and related languages.
+@item calendar@tab calendar and time management support.
+@item comm@tab communications, networking, remote access to files.
+@item convenience@tab convenience features for faster editing.
+@item data@tab support for editing files of data.
+@item docs@tab support for Emacs documentation.
+@item emulations@tab emulations of other editors.
+@item extensions@tab Emacs Lisp language extensions.
+@item faces@tab support for multiple fonts.
+@item files@tab support for editing and manipulating files.
+@item frames@tab support for Emacs frames and window systems.
+@item games@tab games, jokes and amusements.
+@item hardware@tab support for interfacing with exotic hardware.
+@item help@tab support for on-line help systems.
+@item hypermedia@tab support for links between text or other media types.
+@item i18n@tab internationalization and alternate character-set support.
+@item internal@tab code for Emacs internals, build process, defaults.
+@item languages@tab specialized modes for editing programming languages.
+@item lisp@tab Lisp support, including Emacs Lisp.
+@item local@tab code local to your site.
+@item maint@tab maintenance aids for the Emacs development group.
+@item mail@tab modes for electronic-mail handling.
+@item matching@tab various sorts of searching and matching.
+@item mouse@tab mouse support.
+@item multimedia@tab images and sound support.
+@item news@tab support for netnews reading and posting.
+@item oop@tab support for object-oriented programming.
+@item outlines@tab support for hierarchical outlining.
+@item processes@tab process, subshell, compilation, and job control support.
+@item terminals@tab support for terminal types.
+@item tex@tab supporting code for the @TeX{} formatter.
+@item tools@tab programming tools.
+@item unix@tab front-ends/assistants for, or emulators of, UNIX-like features.
+@item wp@tab word processing.
+@end multitable
+
+@node Language Help
+@section Help for International Language Support
+
+  You can use the command @kbd{C-h L}
+(@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 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
+coding systems---either a specified coding system, or the ones
+currently in use.  @xref{Coding Systems}.
+
+@node Misc Help
+@section Other Help Commands
+
+@kindex C-h i
+@findex info
+@cindex Info
+@cindex manuals, on-line
+@cindex on-line manuals
+  @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 @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
+documentation of @var{function} or @var{key}.
+
+@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 @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 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 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
+  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}) 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 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 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
+@kindex C-h C-d
+@findex describe-distribution
+@kindex C-h C-e
+@findex view-emacs-problems
+@kindex C-h C-f
+@findex view-emacs-FAQ
+@kindex C-h C-n
+@findex view-emacs-news
+@kindex C-h C-p
+@findex describe-project
+@kindex C-h C-t
+@findex view-emacs-todo
+@kindex C-h C-w
+@findex describe-no-warranty
+
+@table @kbd
+@item C-h C-c
+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
+Display how to download or order the latest version of
+Emacs and other GNU software (@code{describe-distribution}).
+@item C-h C-e
+Display the list of known Emacs problems, sometimes with suggested
+workarounds (@code{view-emacs-problems}).
+@item C-h C-f
+Display the Emacs frequently-answered-questions list (@code{view-emacs-FAQ}).
+@item C-h C-n
+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
+Display general information about the GNU Project
+(@code{describe-project}).
+@item C-h C-t
+Display the Emacs to-do list (@code{view-todo}).
+@item C-h C-w
+Display the full details on the complete absence of warranty for GNU
+Emacs (@code{describe-no-warranty}).
+@end table
+
+@node Help Echo
+@section Help on Active Text and Tooltips
+
+@cindex tooltips
+@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.
+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
+@vindex help-at-pt-display-when-idle
+  You can also access text region help info using the keyboard.  The
+command @kbd{C-h .} (@code{display-local-help}) displays any help text
+associated with the text at point, using the echo area.  If you want
+help text to be displayed automatically whenever it is available at
+point, set the variable @code{help-at-pt-display-when-idle} to
+@code{t}.
+
+@ignore
+   arch-tag: 6f33ab62-bc75-4367-8057-fd67cc15c3a1
+@end ignore