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1 @c This is part of the Emacs manual.
2 @c Copyright (C) 1985-1987, 1993-1995, 1997, 2000-2014
3 @c Free Software Foundation, Inc.
4 @c See file emacs.texi for copying conditions.
5 @iftex
6 @chapter Miscellaneous Commands
7
8 This chapter contains several brief topics that do not fit anywhere
9 else: reading Usenet news, viewing PDFs and other such documents, web
10 browsing, running shell commands and shell subprocesses, using a
11 single shared Emacs for utilities that expect to run an editor as a
12 subprocess, printing, sorting text, editing binary files, saving an
13 Emacs session for later resumption, recursive editing level, following
14 hyperlinks, and various diversions and amusements.
15
16 @end iftex
17
18 @ifnottex
19 @raisesections
20 @end ifnottex
21
22 @node Gnus
23 @section Gnus
24 @cindex Gnus
25 @cindex Usenet news
26 @cindex newsreader
27
28 Gnus is an Emacs package primarily designed for reading and posting
29 Usenet news. It can also be used to read and respond to messages from
30 a number of other sources---email, remote directories, digests, and so
31 on. Here we introduce Gnus and describe several basic features.
32 @ifnottex
33 For full details, see @ref{Top, Gnus,, gnus, The Gnus Manual}.
34 @end ifnottex
35 @iftex
36 For full details on Gnus, type @kbd{C-h i} and then select the Gnus
37 manual.
38 @end iftex
39
40 @menu
41 * Buffers of Gnus:: The group, summary, and article buffers.
42 * Gnus Startup:: What you should know about starting Gnus.
43 * Gnus Group Buffer:: A short description of Gnus group commands.
44 * Gnus Summary Buffer:: A short description of Gnus summary commands.
45 @end menu
46
47 @node Buffers of Gnus
48 @subsection Gnus Buffers
49
50 Gnus uses several buffers to display information and to receive
51 commands. The three most commonly-used Gnus buffers are the
52 @dfn{group buffer}, the @dfn{summary buffer} and the @dfn{article
53 buffer}.
54
55 The @dfn{group buffer} contains a list of article sources (e.g.,
56 newsgroups and email inboxes), which are collectively referred to as
57 @dfn{groups}. This is the first buffer Gnus displays when it starts
58 up. It normally displays only the groups to which you subscribe and
59 that contain unread articles. From this buffer, you can select a
60 group to read.
61
62 The @dfn{summary buffer} lists the articles in a single group,
63 showing one article per line. By default, it displays each article's
64 author, subject, and line
65 @iftex
66 number.
67 @end iftex
68 @ifnottex
69 number, but this is customizable; @xref{Summary Buffer Format,,, gnus,
70 The Gnus Manual}.
71 @end ifnottex
72 The summary buffer is created when you select a group in the group
73 buffer, and is killed when you exit the group.
74
75 From the summary buffer, you can choose an article to view. The
76 article is displayed in the @dfn{article buffer}. In normal Gnus
77 usage, you view this buffer but do not select it---all useful Gnus
78 commands can be invoked from the summary buffer. But you can select
79 the article buffer, and execute Gnus commands from it, if you wish.
80
81 @node Gnus Startup
82 @subsection When Gnus Starts Up
83
84 @findex gnus
85 @cindex @file{.newsrc} file
86 If your system has been set up for reading Usenet news, getting
87 started with Gnus is easy---just type @kbd{M-x gnus}.
88
89 On starting up, Gnus reads your @dfn{news initialization file}: a
90 file named @file{.newsrc} in your home directory which lists your
91 Usenet newsgroups and subscriptions (this file is not unique to Gnus;
92 it is used by many other newsreader programs). It then tries to
93 contact the system's default news server, which is typically specified
94 by the @env{NNTPSERVER} environment variable.
95
96 If your system does not have a default news server, or if you wish
97 to use Gnus for reading email, then before invoking @kbd{M-x gnus} you
98 need to tell Gnus where to get news and/or mail. To do this,
99 customize the variables @code{gnus-select-method} and/or
100 @code{gnus-secondary-select-methods}.
101 @iftex
102 See the Gnus manual for details.
103 @end iftex
104 @ifnottex
105 @xref{Finding the News,,, gnus, The Gnus Manual}.
106 @end ifnottex
107
108 Once Gnus has started up, it displays the group buffer. By default,
109 the group buffer shows only a small number of @dfn{subscribed groups}.
110 Groups with other statuses---@dfn{unsubscribed}, @dfn{killed}, or
111 @dfn{zombie}---are hidden. The first time you start Gnus, any group
112 to which you are not subscribed is made into a killed group; any group
113 that subsequently appears on the news server becomes a zombie group.
114
115 To proceed, you must select a group in the group buffer to open the
116 summary buffer for that group; then, select an article in the summary
117 buffer to view its article buffer in a separate window. The following
118 sections explain how to use the group and summary buffers to do this.
119
120 To quit Gnus, type @kbd{q} in the group buffer. This automatically
121 records your group statuses in the files @file{.newsrc} and
122 @file{.newsrc.eld}, so that they take effect in subsequent Gnus
123 sessions.
124
125 @node Gnus Group Buffer
126 @subsection Using the Gnus Group Buffer
127
128 The following commands are available in the Gnus group buffer:
129
130 @table @kbd
131 @kindex SPC @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
132 @findex gnus-group-read-group
133 @item @key{SPC}
134 Switch to the summary buffer for the group on the current line.
135
136 @kindex l @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
137 @kindex A s @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
138 @findex gnus-group-list-groups
139 @item l
140 @itemx A s
141 In the group buffer, list only the groups to which you subscribe and
142 which contain unread articles (this is the default listing).
143
144 @kindex L @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
145 @kindex A u @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
146 @findex gnus-group-list-all-groups
147 @item L
148 @itemx A u
149 List all subscribed and unsubscribed groups, but not killed or zombie
150 groups.
151
152 @kindex A k @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
153 @findex gnus-group-list-all-groups
154 @item A k
155 List killed groups.
156
157 @kindex A z @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
158 @findex gnus-group-list-all-groups
159 @item A z
160 List zombie groups.
161
162 @kindex u @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
163 @findex gnus-group-unsubscribe-current-group
164 @cindex subscribe groups
165 @cindex unsubscribe groups
166 @item u
167 Toggle the subscription status of the group on the current line
168 (i.e., turn a subscribed group into an unsubscribed group, or vice
169 versa). Invoking this on a killed or zombie group turns it into an
170 unsubscribed group.
171
172 @kindex C-k @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
173 @findex gnus-group-kill-group
174 @item C-k
175 Kill the group on the current line. Killed groups are not recorded in
176 the @file{.newsrc} file, and they are not shown in the @kbd{l} or
177 @kbd{L} listings.
178
179 @kindex DEL @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
180 @item @key{DEL}
181 Move point to the previous group containing unread articles.
182
183 @kindex n @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
184 @findex gnus-group-next-unread-group
185 @findex gnus-summary-next-unread-article
186 @item n
187 Move point to the next unread group.
188
189 @kindex p @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
190 @findex gnus-group-prev-unread-group
191 @findex gnus-summary-prev-unread-article
192 @item p
193 Move point to the previous unread group.
194
195 @kindex q @r{(Gnus Group mode)}
196 @findex gnus-group-exit
197 @item q
198 Update your Gnus settings, and quit Gnus.
199 @end table
200
201 @node Gnus Summary Buffer
202 @subsection Using the Gnus Summary Buffer
203
204 The following commands are available in the Gnus summary buffer:
205
206 @table @kbd
207 @kindex SPC @r{(Gnus Summary mode)}
208 @findex gnus-group-read-group
209 @item @key{SPC}
210 If there is no article selected, select the article on the current
211 line and display its article buffer. Otherwise, try scrolling the
212 selected article buffer in its window; on reaching the end of the
213 buffer, select the next unread article.
214
215 Thus, you can read through all articles by repeatedly typing
216 @key{SPC}.
217
218 @kindex DEL @r{(Gnus Summary mode)}
219 @findex gnus-summary-prev-page
220 @item @key{DEL}
221 Scroll the text of the article backwards.
222
223 @kindex n @r{(Gnus Summary mode)}
224 @findex gnus-group-next-unread-group
225 @findex gnus-summary-next-unread-article
226 @item n
227 Select the next unread article.
228
229 @kindex p @r{(Gnus Summary mode)}
230 @findex gnus-group-prev-unread-group
231 @findex gnus-summary-prev-unread-article
232 @item p
233 Select the previous unread article.
234
235 @kindex s @r{(Gnus Summary mode)}
236 @findex gnus-summary-isearch-article
237 @item s
238 Do an incremental search on the selected article buffer, as if you
239 switched to the buffer and typed @kbd{C-s} (@pxref{Incremental
240 Search}).
241
242 @kindex M-s @r{(Gnus Summary mode)}
243 @findex gnus-summary-search-article-forward
244 @item M-s @var{regexp} @key{RET}
245 Search forward for articles containing a match for @var{regexp}.
246
247 @kindex q @r{(Gnus Summary mode)}
248 @item q
249 Exit the summary buffer and return to the group buffer.
250 @end table
251
252
253 @node Network Security
254 @section Network Security
255 @cindex network security manager
256 @cindex NSM
257 @cindex encryption
258 @cindex SSL
259 @cindex TLS
260 @cindex STARTTLS
261
262 Whenever Emacs establishes any network connection, it passes the
263 established connection to the @dfn{Network Security Manager}
264 (@acronym{NSM}). @acronym{NSM} is responsible for enforcing the
265 network security under your control.
266
267 @vindex network-security-level
268 The @code{network-security-level} variable determines the security
269 level that @acronym{NSM} enforces. If its value is @code{low}, no
270 security checks are performed.
271
272 If this variable is @code{medium} (which is the default), a number of
273 checks will be performed. If as result @acronym{NSM} determines that
274 the network connection might be unsafe, it will make you aware of
275 that, and will ask you what to do about the network connection.
276
277 You can decide to register a permanent security exception for an
278 unsafe connection, a temporary exception, or refuse the connection
279 entirely.
280
281 Below is a list of the checks done on the @code{medium} level.
282
283 @table @asis
284
285 @item unable to verify a @acronym{TLS} certificate
286 If the connection is a @acronym{TLS}, @acronym{SSL} or
287 @acronym{STARTTLS} connection, @acronym{NSM} will check whether
288 the certificate used to establish the identity of the server we're
289 connecting to can be verified.
290
291 While an invalid certificate is often the cause for concern (there
292 could be a Man-in-the-Middle hijacking your network connection and
293 stealing your password), there may be valid reasons for going ahead
294 with the connection anyway. For instance, the server may be using a
295 self-signed certificate, or the certificate may have expired. It's up
296 to you to determine whether it's acceptable to continue with the
297 connection.
298
299 @item a self-signed certificate has changed
300 If you've previously accepted a self-signed certificate, but it has
301 now changed, that could mean that the server has just changed the
302 certificate, but it might also mean that the network connection has
303 been hijacked.
304
305 @item previously encrypted connection now unencrypted
306 If the connection is unencrypted, but it was encrypted in previous
307 sessions, this might mean that there is a proxy between you and the
308 server that strips away @acronym{STARTTLS} announcements, leaving the
309 connection unencrypted. This is usually very suspicious.
310
311 @item talking to an unencrypted service when sending a password
312 When connecting to an @acronym{IMAP} or @acronym{POP3} server, these
313 should usually be encrypted, because it's common to send passwords
314 over these connections. Similarly, if you're sending email via
315 @acronym{SMTP} that requires a password, you usually want that
316 connection to be encrypted. If the connection isn't encrypted,
317 @acronym{NSM} will warn you.
318
319 @end table
320
321 If @code{network-security-level} is @code{high}, the following checks
322 will be made, in addition to the above:
323
324 @table @asis
325 @item a validated certificate changes the public key
326 Servers change their keys occasionally, and that is normally nothing
327 to be concerned about. However, if you are worried that your network
328 connections are being hijacked by agencies who have access to pliable
329 Certificate Authorities which issue new certificates for third-party
330 services, you may want to keep track of these changes.
331 @end table
332
333 Finally, if @code{network-security-level} is @code{paranoid}, you will
334 also be notified the first time @acronym{NSM} sees any new
335 certificate. This will allow you to inspect all the certificates from
336 all the connections that Emacs makes.
337
338 The following additional variables can be used to control details of
339 @acronym{NSM} operation:
340
341 @table @code
342 @item nsm-settings-file
343 @vindex nsm-settings-file
344 This is the file where @acronym{NSM} stores details about connections.
345 It defaults to @file{~/.emacs.d/network-security.data}.
346
347 @item nsm-save-host-names
348 @vindex nsm-save-host-names
349 By default, host names will not be saved for non-@code{STARTTLS}
350 connections. Instead a host/port hash is used to identify connections.
351 This means that one can't casually read the settings file to see what
352 servers the user has connected to. If this variable is @code{t},
353 @acronym{NSM} will also save host names in the nsm-settings-file.
354 @end table
355
356
357 @node Document View
358 @section Document Viewing
359 @cindex DVI file
360 @cindex PDF file
361 @cindex PS file
362 @cindex PostScript file
363 @cindex OpenDocument file
364 @cindex Microsoft Office file
365 @cindex DocView mode
366 @cindex mode, DocView
367 @cindex document viewer (DocView)
368 @findex doc-view-mode
369
370 DocView mode is a major mode for viewing DVI, PostScript (PS), PDF,
371 OpenDocument, and Microsoft Office documents. It provides features
372 such as slicing, zooming, and searching inside documents. It works by
373 converting the document to a set of images using the @command{gs}
374 (GhostScript) or @command{mudraw}/@command{pdfdraw} (MuPDF) commands
375 and other external tools @footnote{For PostScript files, GhostScript
376 is a hard requirement. For DVI files, @code{dvipdf} or @code{dvipdfm}
377 is needed. For OpenDocument and Microsoft Office documents, the
378 @code{unoconv} tool is needed.}, and displaying those images.
379
380 @findex doc-view-toggle-display
381 @findex doc-view-toggle-display
382 @cindex doc-view-minor-mode
383 When you visit a document file that can be displayed with DocView
384 mode, Emacs automatically uses DocView mode @footnote{The needed
385 external tools for the document type must be available, and Emacs must
386 be running in a graphical frame and have PNG image support. If any of
387 these requirements is not fulfilled, Emacs falls back to another major
388 mode.}. As an exception, when you visit a PostScript file, Emacs
389 switches to PS mode, a major mode for editing PostScript files as
390 text; however, it also enables DocView minor mode, so you can type
391 @kbd{C-c C-c} to view the document with DocView. In either DocView
392 mode or DocView minor mode, repeating @kbd{C-c C-c}
393 (@code{doc-view-toggle-display}) toggles between DocView and the
394 underlying file contents.
395
396 @findex doc-view-open-text
397 When you visit a file which would normally be handled by DocView
398 mode but some requirement is not met (e.g., you operate in a terminal
399 frame or emacs has no PNG support), you are queried if you want to
400 view the document's contents as plain text. If you confirm, the
401 buffer is put in text mode and DocView minor mode is activated. Thus,
402 by typing @kbd{C-c C-c} you switch to the fallback mode. With another
403 @kbd{C-c C-c} you return to DocView mode. The plain text contents can
404 also be displayed from within DocView mode by typing @kbd{C-c C-t}
405 (@code{doc-view-open-text}).
406
407 You can explicitly enable DocView mode with the command @code{M-x
408 doc-view-mode}. You can toggle DocView minor mode with @code{M-x
409 doc-view-minor-mode}.
410
411 When DocView mode starts, it displays a welcome screen and begins
412 formatting the file, page by page. It displays the first page once
413 that has been formatted.
414
415 To kill the DocView buffer, type @kbd{k}
416 (@code{doc-view-kill-proc-and-buffer}). To bury it, type @kbd{q}
417 (@code{quit-window}).
418
419 @menu
420 * Navigation: DocView Navigation. Navigating DocView buffers.
421 * Searching: DocView Searching. Searching inside documents.
422 * Slicing: DocView Slicing. Specifying which part of a page is displayed.
423 * Conversion: DocView Conversion. Influencing and triggering conversion.
424 @end menu
425
426 @node DocView Navigation
427 @subsection DocView Navigation
428
429 In DocView mode, you can scroll the current page using the usual
430 Emacs movement keys: @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}, @kbd{C-f}, and
431 the arrow keys.
432
433 @vindex doc-view-continuous
434 By default, the line-motion keys @kbd{C-p} and @kbd{C-n} stop
435 scrolling at the beginning and end of the current page, respectively.
436 However, if you change the variable @code{doc-view-continuous} to a
437 non-@code{nil} value, then @kbd{C-p} displays the previous page if you
438 are already at the beginning of the current page, and @kbd{C-n}
439 displays the next page if you are at the end of the current page.
440
441 @findex doc-view-next-page
442 @findex doc-view-previous-page
443 @kindex n @r{(DocView mode)}
444 @kindex p @r{(DocView mode)}
445 @kindex C-x ] @r{(DocView mode)}
446 @kindex C-x [ @r{(DocView mode)}
447 You can also display the next page by typing @kbd{n}, @key{next} or
448 @kbd{C-x ]} (@code{doc-view-next-page}). To display the previous
449 page, type @kbd{p}, @key{prior} or @kbd{C-x [}
450 (@code{doc-view-previous-page}).
451
452 @findex doc-view-scroll-up-or-next-page
453 @findex doc-view-scroll-down-or-previous-page
454 @kindex SPC @r{(DocView mode)}
455 @kindex DEL @r{(DocView mode)}
456 @key{SPC} (@code{doc-view-scroll-up-or-next-page}) is a convenient
457 way to advance through the document. It scrolls within the current
458 page or advances to the next. @key{DEL} moves backwards in a similar
459 way (@code{doc-view-scroll-down-or-previous-page}).
460
461 @findex doc-view-first-page
462 @findex doc-view-last-page
463 @findex doc-view-goto-page
464 @kindex M-< @r{(DocView mode)}
465 @kindex M-> @r{(DocView mode)}
466 To go to the first page, type @kbd{M-<}
467 (@code{doc-view-first-page}); to go to the last one, type @kbd{M->}
468 (@code{doc-view-last-page}). To jump to a page by its number, type
469 @kbd{M-g M-g} or @kbd{M-g g} (@code{doc-view-goto-page}).
470
471 @findex doc-view-enlarge
472 @findex doc-view-shrink
473 @vindex doc-view-resolution
474 @kindex + @r{(DocView mode)}
475 @kindex - @r{(DocView mode)}
476 You can enlarge or shrink the document with @kbd{+}
477 (@code{doc-view-enlarge}) and @kbd{-} (@code{doc-view-shrink}). These
478 commands work by reconverting the document at the new size. To
479 specify the default size for DocView, customize the variable
480 @code{doc-view-resolution}.
481
482 @node DocView Searching
483 @subsection DocView Searching
484
485 In DocView mode, you can search the file's text for a regular
486 expression (@pxref{Regexps}). The interface for searching is inspired
487 by @code{isearch} (@pxref{Incremental Search}).
488
489 @findex doc-view-search
490 @findex doc-view-search-backward
491 @findex doc-view-show-tooltip
492 To begin a search, type @kbd{C-s} (@code{doc-view-search}) or
493 @kbd{C-r} (@code{doc-view-search-backward}). This reads a regular
494 expression using a minibuffer, then echoes the number of matches found
495 within the document. You can move forward and back among the matches
496 by typing @kbd{C-s} and @kbd{C-r}. DocView mode has no way to show
497 the match inside the page image; instead, it displays a tooltip (at
498 the mouse position) listing all matching lines in the current page.
499 To force display of this tooltip, type @kbd{C-t}
500 (@code{doc-view-show-tooltip}).
501
502 To start a new search, use the search command with a prefix
503 argument; i.e., @kbd{C-u C-s} for a forward search or @kbd{C-u C-r}
504 for a backward search.
505
506 @node DocView Slicing
507 @subsection DocView Slicing
508
509 Documents often have wide margins for printing. They are annoying
510 when reading the document on the screen, because they use up screen
511 space and can cause inconvenient scrolling.
512
513 @findex doc-view-set-slice
514 @findex doc-view-set-slice-using-mouse
515 With DocView you can hide these margins by selecting a @dfn{slice}
516 of pages to display. A slice is a rectangle within the page area;
517 once you specify a slice in DocView, it applies to whichever page you
518 look at.
519
520 To specify the slice numerically, type @kbd{s s}
521 (@code{doc-view-set-slice}); then enter the top left pixel position
522 and the slice's width and height.
523 @c ??? how does this work?
524
525 A more convenient graphical way to specify the slice is with @kbd{s
526 m} (@code{doc-view-set-slice-using-mouse}), where you use the mouse to
527 select the slice.
528 @c ??? How does this work?
529
530 The most convenient way is to set the optimal slice by using
531 BoundingBox information automatically determined from the document by
532 typing @kbd{s b} (@code{doc-view-set-slice-using-mouse}).
533
534 @findex doc-view-reset-slice
535 To cancel the selected slice, type @kbd{s r}
536 (@code{doc-view-reset-slice}). Then DocView shows the entire page
537 including its entire margins.
538
539 @node DocView Conversion
540 @subsection DocView Conversion
541
542 @vindex doc-view-cache-directory
543 @findex doc-view-clear-cache
544 For efficiency, DocView caches the images produced by @command{gs}.
545 The name of this directory is given by the variable
546 @code{doc-view-cache-directory}. You can clear the cache directory by
547 typing @code{M-x doc-view-clear-cache}.
548
549 @findex doc-view-kill-proc
550 @findex doc-view-kill-proc-and-buffer
551 To force reconversion of the currently viewed document, type @kbd{r}
552 or @kbd{g} (@code{revert-buffer}). To kill the converter process
553 associated with the current buffer, type @kbd{K}
554 (@code{doc-view-kill-proc}). The command @kbd{k}
555 (@code{doc-view-kill-proc-and-buffer}) kills the converter process and
556 the DocView buffer.
557
558 @node EWW
559 @section Web Browsing with EWW
560
561 @findex eww
562 @findex eww-open-file
563 @dfn{EWW}, the Emacs Web Wowser, is a web browser package for Emacs.
564 It allows browsing URLs within an Emacs buffer. The command @kbd{M-x
565 eww} will open a URL or search the web. You can open a file
566 using the command @kbd{M-x eww-open-file}. You can use EWW as the
567 web browser for @code{browse-url}, @pxref{Browse-URL}. For full
568 details, @pxref{Top, EWW,, eww, The Emacs Web Wowser Manual}.
569
570 @node Shell
571 @section Running Shell Commands from Emacs
572 @cindex subshell
573 @cindex shell commands
574
575 Emacs has commands for passing single command lines to shell
576 subprocesses, and for running a shell interactively with input and
577 output to an Emacs buffer, and for running a shell in a terminal
578 emulator window.
579
580 @table @kbd
581 @item M-! @var{cmd} @key{RET}
582 Run the shell command @var{cmd} and display the output
583 (@code{shell-command}).
584 @item M-| @var{cmd} @key{RET}
585 Run the shell command @var{cmd} with region contents as input;
586 optionally replace the region with the output
587 (@code{shell-command-on-region}).
588 @item M-& @var{cmd} @key{RET}
589 Run the shell command @var{cmd} asynchronously, and display the output
590 (@code{async-shell-command}).
591 @item M-x shell
592 Run a subshell with input and output through an Emacs buffer. You can
593 then give commands interactively.
594 @item M-x term
595 Run a subshell with input and output through an Emacs buffer. You can
596 then give commands interactively. Full terminal emulation is
597 available.
598 @end table
599
600 @vindex exec-path
601 Whenever you specify a relative file name for an executable program
602 (either in the @var{cmd} argument to one of the above commands, or in
603 other contexts), Emacs searches for the program in the directories
604 specified by the variable @code{exec-path}. The value of this
605 variable must be a list of directory names; the default value is
606 initialized from the environment variable @env{PATH} when Emacs is
607 started (@pxref{General Variables}).
608
609 @kbd{M-x eshell} invokes a shell implemented entirely in Emacs. It
610 is documented in its own manual.
611 @ifnottex
612 @xref{Top,Eshell,Eshell, eshell, Eshell: The Emacs Shell}.
613 @end ifnottex
614 @iftex
615 See the Eshell Info manual, which is distributed with Emacs.
616 @end iftex
617
618 @menu
619 * Single Shell:: How to run one shell command and return.
620 * Interactive Shell:: Permanent shell taking input via Emacs.
621 * Shell Mode:: Special Emacs commands used with permanent shell.
622 * Shell Prompts:: Two ways to recognize shell prompts.
623 * History: Shell History. Repeating previous commands in a shell buffer.
624 * Directory Tracking:: Keeping track when the subshell changes directory.
625 * Options: Shell Options. Options for customizing Shell mode.
626 * Terminal emulator:: An Emacs window as a terminal emulator.
627 * Term Mode:: Special Emacs commands used in Term mode.
628 * Remote Host:: Connecting to another computer.
629 * Serial Terminal:: Connecting to a serial port.
630 @end menu
631
632 @node Single Shell
633 @subsection Single Shell Commands
634
635 @kindex M-!
636 @findex shell-command
637 @kbd{M-!} (@code{shell-command}) reads a line of text using the
638 minibuffer and executes it as a shell command, in a subshell made just
639 for that command. Standard input for the command comes from the null
640 device. If the shell command produces any output, the output appears
641 either in the echo area (if it is short), or in an Emacs buffer named
642 @file{*Shell Command Output*}, displayed in another window (if the
643 output is long).
644
645 For instance, one way to decompress a file named @file{foo.gz} is to
646 type @kbd{M-! gunzip foo.gz @key{RET}}. That shell command normally
647 creates the file @file{foo} and produces no terminal output.
648
649 A numeric argument to @code{shell-command}, e.g., @kbd{M-1 M-!},
650 causes it to insert terminal output into the current buffer instead of
651 a separate buffer. It puts point before the output, and sets the mark
652 after the output. For instance, @kbd{M-1 M-! gunzip < foo.gz
653 @key{RET}} would insert the uncompressed form of the file
654 @file{foo.gz} into the current buffer.
655
656 Provided the specified shell command does not end with @samp{&}, it
657 runs @dfn{synchronously}, and you must wait for it to exit before
658 continuing to use Emacs. To stop waiting, type @kbd{C-g} to quit;
659 this sends a @code{SIGINT} signal to terminate the shell command (this
660 is the same signal that @kbd{C-c} normally generates in the shell).
661 Emacs then waits until the command actually terminates. If the shell
662 command doesn't stop (because it ignores the @code{SIGINT} signal),
663 type @kbd{C-g} again; this sends the command a @code{SIGKILL} signal,
664 which is impossible to ignore.
665
666 @kindex M-&
667 @findex async-shell-command
668 A shell command that ends in @samp{&} is executed
669 @dfn{asynchronously}, and you can continue to use Emacs as it runs.
670 You can also type @kbd{M-&} (@code{async-shell-command}) to execute a
671 shell command asynchronously; this is exactly like calling @kbd{M-!}
672 with a trailing @samp{&}, except that you do not need the @samp{&}.
673 The default output buffer for asynchronous shell commands is named
674 @samp{*Async Shell Command*}. Emacs inserts the output into this
675 buffer as it comes in, whether or not the buffer is visible in a
676 window.
677
678 @vindex async-shell-command-buffer
679 If you want to run more than one asynchronous shell command at the
680 same time, they could end up competing for the output buffer. The
681 option @code{async-shell-command-buffer} specifies what to do about
682 this; e.g., whether to rename the pre-existing output buffer, or to
683 use a different buffer for the new command. Consult the variable's
684 documentation for more possibilities.
685
686 @kindex M-|
687 @findex shell-command-on-region
688 @kbd{M-|} (@code{shell-command-on-region}) is like @kbd{M-!}, but
689 passes the contents of the region as the standard input to the shell
690 command, instead of no input. With a numeric argument, it deletes the
691 old region and replaces it with the output from the shell command.
692
693 For example, you can use @kbd{M-|} with the @command{gpg} program to
694 see what keys are in the buffer. If the buffer contains a GnuPG key,
695 type @kbd{C-x h M-| gpg @key{RET}} to feed the entire buffer contents
696 to @command{gpg}. This will output the list of keys to the
697 @file{*Shell Command Output*} buffer.
698
699 @vindex shell-file-name
700 The above commands use the shell specified by the variable
701 @code{shell-file-name}. Its default value is determined by the
702 @env{SHELL} environment variable when Emacs is started. If the file
703 name is relative, Emacs searches the directories listed in
704 @code{exec-path} (@pxref{Shell}).
705
706 To specify a coding system for @kbd{M-!} or @kbd{M-|}, use the command
707 @kbd{C-x @key{RET} c} immediately beforehand. @xref{Communication Coding}.
708
709 @vindex shell-command-default-error-buffer
710 By default, error output is intermixed with the regular output in
711 the output buffer. But if you change the value of the variable
712 @code{shell-command-default-error-buffer} to a string, error output is
713 inserted into a buffer of that name.
714
715 @node Interactive Shell
716 @subsection Interactive Subshell
717
718 @findex shell
719 To run a subshell interactively, type @kbd{M-x shell}. This creates
720 (or reuses) a buffer named @file{*shell*}, and runs a shell subprocess
721 with input coming from and output going to that buffer. That is to
722 say, any terminal output from the subshell goes into the buffer,
723 advancing point, and any terminal input for the subshell comes from
724 text in the buffer. To give input to the subshell, go to the end of
725 the buffer and type the input, terminated by @key{RET}.
726
727 While the subshell is waiting or running a command, you can switch
728 windows or buffers and perform other editing in Emacs. Emacs inserts
729 the output from the subshell into the Shell buffer whenever it has
730 time to process it (e.g., while waiting for keyboard input).
731
732 @cindex @code{comint-highlight-input} face
733 @cindex @code{comint-highlight-prompt} face
734 In the Shell buffer, prompts are displayed with the face
735 @code{comint-highlight-prompt}, and submitted input lines are
736 displayed with the face @code{comint-highlight-input}. This makes it
737 easier to distinguish input lines from the shell output.
738 @xref{Faces}.
739
740 To make multiple subshells, invoke @kbd{M-x shell} with a prefix
741 argument (e.g., @kbd{C-u M-x shell}). Then the command will read a
742 buffer name, and create (or reuse) a subshell in that buffer. You can
743 also rename the @file{*shell*} buffer using @kbd{M-x rename-uniquely},
744 then create a new @file{*shell*} buffer using plain @kbd{M-x shell}.
745 Subshells in different buffers run independently and in parallel.
746
747 @vindex explicit-shell-file-name
748 @cindex environment variables for subshells
749 @cindex @env{ESHELL} environment variable
750 @cindex @env{SHELL} environment variable
751 To specify the shell file name used by @kbd{M-x shell}, customize
752 the variable @code{explicit-shell-file-name}. If this is @code{nil}
753 (the default), Emacs uses the environment variable @env{ESHELL} if it
754 exists. Otherwise, it usually uses the variable
755 @code{shell-file-name} (@pxref{Single Shell}); but if the default
756 directory is remote (@pxref{Remote Files}), it prompts you for the
757 shell file name.
758
759 Emacs sends the new shell the contents of the file
760 @file{~/.emacs_@var{shellname}} as input, if it exists, where
761 @var{shellname} is the name of the file that the shell was loaded
762 from. For example, if you use bash, the file sent to it is
763 @file{~/.emacs_bash}. If this file is not found, Emacs tries with
764 @file{~/.emacs.d/init_@var{shellname}.sh}.
765
766 To specify a coding system for the shell, you can use the command
767 @kbd{C-x @key{RET} c} immediately before @kbd{M-x shell}. You can
768 also change the coding system for a running subshell by typing
769 @kbd{C-x @key{RET} p} in the shell buffer. @xref{Communication
770 Coding}.
771
772 @cindex @env{INSIDE_EMACS} environment variable
773 @cindex @env{EMACS} environment variable
774 Emacs sets the environment variable @env{INSIDE_EMACS} in the
775 subshell to @samp{@var{version},comint}, where @var{version} is the
776 Emacs version (e.g., @samp{24.1}). Programs can check this variable
777 to determine whether they are running inside an Emacs subshell. (It
778 also sets the @env{EMACS} environment variable to @code{t}, if that
779 environment variable is not already defined. However, this
780 environment variable is deprecated; programs that use it should switch
781 to using @env{INSIDE_EMACS} instead.)
782
783 @node Shell Mode
784 @subsection Shell Mode
785 @cindex Shell mode
786 @cindex mode, Shell
787
788 The major mode for Shell buffers is Shell mode. Many of its special
789 commands are bound to the @kbd{C-c} prefix, and resemble the usual
790 editing and job control characters present in ordinary shells, except
791 that you must type @kbd{C-c} first. Here is a list of Shell mode
792 commands:
793
794 @table @kbd
795 @item @key{RET}
796 @kindex RET @r{(Shell mode)}
797 @findex comint-send-input
798 Send the current line as input to the subshell
799 (@code{comint-send-input}). Any shell prompt at the beginning of the
800 line is omitted (@pxref{Shell Prompts}). If point is at the end of
801 buffer, this is like submitting the command line in an ordinary
802 interactive shell. However, you can also invoke @key{RET} elsewhere
803 in the shell buffer to submit the current line as input.
804
805 @item @key{TAB}
806 @kindex TAB @r{(Shell mode)}
807 @findex completion-at-point
808 @cindex shell completion
809 Complete the command name or file name before point in the shell
810 buffer (@code{completion-at-point}). This uses the usual Emacs
811 completion rules (@pxref{Completion}), with the completion
812 alternatives being file names, environment variable names, the shell
813 command history, and history references (@pxref{History References}).
814 For options controlling the completion, @pxref{Shell Options}.
815
816 @item M-?
817 @kindex M-? @r{(Shell mode)}
818 @findex comint-dynamic-list-filename@dots{}
819 Display temporarily a list of the possible completions of the file
820 name before point (@code{comint-dynamic-list-filename-completions}).
821
822 @item C-d
823 @kindex C-d @r{(Shell mode)}
824 @findex comint-delchar-or-maybe-eof
825 Either delete a character or send @acronym{EOF}
826 (@code{comint-delchar-or-maybe-eof}). Typed at the end of the shell
827 buffer, this sends @acronym{EOF} to the subshell. Typed at any other
828 position in the buffer, this deletes a character as usual.
829
830 @item C-c C-a
831 @kindex C-c C-a @r{(Shell mode)}
832 @findex comint-bol-or-process-mark
833 Move to the beginning of the line, but after the prompt if any
834 (@code{comint-bol-or-process-mark}). If you repeat this command twice
835 in a row, the second time it moves back to the process mark, which is
836 the beginning of the input that you have not yet sent to the subshell.
837 (Normally that is the same place---the end of the prompt on this
838 line---but after @kbd{C-c @key{SPC}} the process mark may be in a
839 previous line.)
840
841 @item C-c @key{SPC}
842 Accumulate multiple lines of input, then send them together. This
843 command inserts a newline before point, but does not send the preceding
844 text as input to the subshell---at least, not yet. Both lines, the one
845 before this newline and the one after, will be sent together (along with
846 the newline that separates them), when you type @key{RET}.
847
848 @item C-c C-u
849 @kindex C-c C-u @r{(Shell mode)}
850 @findex comint-kill-input
851 Kill all text pending at end of buffer to be sent as input
852 (@code{comint-kill-input}). If point is not at end of buffer,
853 this only kills the part of this text that precedes point.
854
855 @item C-c C-w
856 @kindex C-c C-w @r{(Shell mode)}
857 Kill a word before point (@code{backward-kill-word}).
858
859 @item C-c C-c
860 @kindex C-c C-c @r{(Shell mode)}
861 @findex comint-interrupt-subjob
862 Interrupt the shell or its current subjob if any
863 (@code{comint-interrupt-subjob}). This command also kills
864 any shell input pending in the shell buffer and not yet sent.
865
866 @item C-c C-z
867 @kindex C-c C-z @r{(Shell mode)}
868 @findex comint-stop-subjob
869 Stop the shell or its current subjob if any (@code{comint-stop-subjob}).
870 This command also kills any shell input pending in the shell buffer and
871 not yet sent.
872
873 @item C-c C-\
874 @findex comint-quit-subjob
875 @kindex C-c C-\ @r{(Shell mode)}
876 Send quit signal to the shell or its current subjob if any
877 (@code{comint-quit-subjob}). This command also kills any shell input
878 pending in the shell buffer and not yet sent.
879
880 @item C-c C-o
881 @kindex C-c C-o @r{(Shell mode)}
882 @findex comint-delete-output
883 Delete the last batch of output from a shell command
884 (@code{comint-delete-output}). This is useful if a shell command spews
885 out lots of output that just gets in the way.
886
887 @item C-c C-s
888 @kindex C-c C-s @r{(Shell mode)}
889 @findex comint-write-output
890 Write the last batch of output from a shell command to a file
891 (@code{comint-write-output}). With a prefix argument, the file is
892 appended to instead. Any prompt at the end of the output is not
893 written.
894
895 @item C-c C-r
896 @itemx C-M-l
897 @kindex C-c C-r @r{(Shell mode)}
898 @kindex C-M-l @r{(Shell mode)}
899 @findex comint-show-output
900 Scroll to display the beginning of the last batch of output at the top
901 of the window; also move the cursor there (@code{comint-show-output}).
902
903 @item C-c C-e
904 @kindex C-c C-e @r{(Shell mode)}
905 @findex comint-show-maximum-output
906 Scroll to put the end of the buffer at the bottom of the window
907 (@code{comint-show-maximum-output}).
908
909 @item C-c C-f
910 @kindex C-c C-f @r{(Shell mode)}
911 @findex shell-forward-command
912 @vindex shell-command-regexp
913 Move forward across one shell command, but not beyond the current line
914 (@code{shell-forward-command}). The variable @code{shell-command-regexp}
915 specifies how to recognize the end of a command.
916
917 @item C-c C-b
918 @kindex C-c C-b @r{(Shell mode)}
919 @findex shell-backward-command
920 Move backward across one shell command, but not beyond the current line
921 (@code{shell-backward-command}).
922
923 @item M-x dirs
924 Ask the shell for its working directory, and update the Shell buffer's
925 default directory. @xref{Directory Tracking}.
926
927 @item M-x send-invisible @key{RET} @var{text} @key{RET}
928 @findex send-invisible
929 Send @var{text} as input to the shell, after reading it without
930 echoing. This is useful when a shell command runs a program that asks
931 for a password.
932
933 Please note that Emacs will not echo passwords by default. If you
934 really want them to be echoed, evaluate (@pxref{Lisp Eval}) the
935 following Lisp expression:
936
937 @example
938 (remove-hook 'comint-output-filter-functions
939 'comint-watch-for-password-prompt)
940 @end example
941
942 @item M-x comint-continue-subjob
943 @findex comint-continue-subjob
944 Continue the shell process. This is useful if you accidentally suspend
945 the shell process.@footnote{You should not suspend the shell process.
946 Suspending a subjob of the shell is a completely different matter---that
947 is normal practice, but you must use the shell to continue the subjob;
948 this command won't do it.}
949
950 @item M-x comint-strip-ctrl-m
951 @findex comint-strip-ctrl-m
952 Discard all control-M characters from the current group of shell output.
953 The most convenient way to use this command is to make it run
954 automatically when you get output from the subshell. To do that,
955 evaluate this Lisp expression:
956
957 @example
958 (add-hook 'comint-output-filter-functions
959 'comint-strip-ctrl-m)
960 @end example
961
962 @item M-x comint-truncate-buffer
963 @findex comint-truncate-buffer
964 This command truncates the shell buffer to a certain maximum number of
965 lines, specified by the variable @code{comint-buffer-maximum-size}.
966 Here's how to do this automatically each time you get output from the
967 subshell:
968
969 @example
970 (add-hook 'comint-output-filter-functions
971 'comint-truncate-buffer)
972 @end example
973 @end table
974
975 @cindex Comint mode
976 @cindex mode, Comint
977 Shell mode is a derivative of Comint mode, a general-purpose mode for
978 communicating with interactive subprocesses. Most of the features of
979 Shell mode actually come from Comint mode, as you can see from the
980 command names listed above. The special features of Shell mode include
981 the directory tracking feature, and a few user commands.
982
983 Other Emacs features that use variants of Comint mode include GUD
984 (@pxref{Debuggers}) and @kbd{M-x run-lisp} (@pxref{External Lisp}).
985
986 @findex comint-run
987 You can use @kbd{M-x comint-run} to execute any program of your choice
988 in a subprocess using unmodified Comint mode---without the
989 specializations of Shell mode.
990
991 @node Shell Prompts
992 @subsection Shell Prompts
993
994 @cindex prompt, shell
995 A prompt is text output by a program to show that it is ready to
996 accept new user input. Normally, Comint mode (and thus Shell mode)
997 automatically figures out part of the buffer is a prompt, based on the
998 output of the subprocess. (Specifically, it assumes that any received
999 output line which doesn't end with a newline is a prompt.)
1000
1001 Comint mode divides the buffer into two types of @dfn{fields}: input
1002 fields (where user input is typed) and output fields (everywhere
1003 else). Prompts are part of the output fields. Most Emacs motion
1004 commands do not cross field boundaries, unless they move over multiple
1005 lines. For instance, when point is in the input field on a shell
1006 command line, @kbd{C-a} puts point at the beginning of the input
1007 field, after the prompt. Internally, the fields are implemented using
1008 the @code{field} text property (@pxref{Text Properties,,, elisp, the
1009 Emacs Lisp Reference Manual}).
1010
1011 @vindex comint-use-prompt-regexp
1012 @vindex shell-prompt-pattern
1013 If you change the variable @code{comint-use-prompt-regexp} to a
1014 non-@code{nil} value, then Comint mode recognize prompts using a
1015 regular expression (@pxref{Regexps}). In Shell mode, the regular
1016 expression is specified by the variable @code{shell-prompt-pattern}.
1017 The default value of @code{comint-use-prompt-regexp} is @code{nil},
1018 because this method for recognizing prompts is unreliable, but you may
1019 want to set it to a non-@code{nil} value in unusual circumstances. In
1020 that case, Emacs does not divide the Comint buffer into fields, so the
1021 general motion commands behave as they normally do in buffers without
1022 special text properties. However, you can use the paragraph motion
1023 commands to conveniently navigate the buffer (@pxref{Paragraphs}); in
1024 Shell mode, Emacs uses @code{shell-prompt-pattern} as paragraph
1025 boundaries.
1026
1027 @node Shell History
1028 @subsection Shell Command History
1029
1030 Shell buffers support three ways of repeating earlier commands. You
1031 can use keys like those used for the minibuffer history; these work
1032 much as they do in the minibuffer, inserting text from prior commands
1033 while point remains always at the end of the buffer. You can move
1034 through the buffer to previous inputs in their original place, then
1035 resubmit them or copy them to the end. Or you can use a
1036 @samp{!}-style history reference.
1037
1038 @menu
1039 * Ring: Shell Ring. Fetching commands from the history list.
1040 * Copy: Shell History Copying. Moving to a command and then copying it.
1041 * History References:: Expanding @samp{!}-style history references.
1042 @end menu
1043
1044 @node Shell Ring
1045 @subsubsection Shell History Ring
1046
1047 @table @kbd
1048 @findex comint-previous-input
1049 @kindex M-p @r{(Shell mode)}
1050 @item M-p
1051 @itemx C-@key{UP}
1052 Fetch the next earlier old shell command.
1053
1054 @kindex M-n @r{(Shell mode)}
1055 @findex comint-next-input
1056 @item M-n
1057 @itemx C-@key{DOWN}
1058 Fetch the next later old shell command.
1059
1060 @kindex M-r @r{(Shell mode)}
1061 @findex comint-history-isearch-backward-regexp
1062 @item M-r
1063 Begin an incremental regexp search of old shell commands.
1064
1065 @item C-c C-x
1066 @kindex C-c C-x @r{(Shell mode)}
1067 @findex comint-get-next-from-history
1068 Fetch the next subsequent command from the history.
1069
1070 @item C-c .
1071 @kindex C-c . @r{(Shell mode)}
1072 @findex comint-input-previous-argument
1073 Fetch one argument from an old shell command.
1074
1075 @item C-c C-l
1076 @kindex C-c C-l @r{(Shell mode)}
1077 @findex comint-dynamic-list-input-ring
1078 Display the buffer's history of shell commands in another window
1079 (@code{comint-dynamic-list-input-ring}).
1080 @end table
1081
1082 Shell buffers provide a history of previously entered shell
1083 commands. To reuse shell commands from the history, use the editing
1084 commands @kbd{M-p}, @kbd{M-n}, @kbd{M-r} and @kbd{M-s}. These work
1085 just like the minibuffer history commands (@pxref{Minibuffer
1086 History}), except that they operate within the Shell buffer rather
1087 than the minibuffer.
1088
1089 @kbd{M-p} fetches an earlier shell command to the end of the shell
1090 buffer. Successive use of @kbd{M-p} fetches successively earlier
1091 shell commands, each replacing any text that was already present as
1092 potential shell input. @kbd{M-n} does likewise except that it finds
1093 successively more recent shell commands from the buffer.
1094 @kbd{C-@key{UP}} works like @kbd{M-p}, and @kbd{C-@key{DOWN}} like
1095 @kbd{M-n}.
1096
1097 The history search command @kbd{M-r} begins an incremental regular
1098 expression search of previous shell commands. After typing @kbd{M-r},
1099 start typing the desired string or regular expression; the last
1100 matching shell command will be displayed in the current line.
1101 Incremental search commands have their usual effects---for instance,
1102 @kbd{C-s} and @kbd{C-r} search forward and backward for the next match
1103 (@pxref{Incremental Search}). When you find the desired input, type
1104 @key{RET} to terminate the search. This puts the input in the command
1105 line. Any partial input you were composing before navigating the
1106 history list is restored when you go to the beginning or end of the
1107 history ring.
1108
1109 Often it is useful to reexecute several successive shell commands that
1110 were previously executed in sequence. To do this, first find and
1111 reexecute the first command of the sequence. Then type @kbd{C-c C-x};
1112 that will fetch the following command---the one that follows the command
1113 you just repeated. Then type @key{RET} to reexecute this command. You
1114 can reexecute several successive commands by typing @kbd{C-c C-x
1115 @key{RET}} over and over.
1116
1117 The command @kbd{C-c .}@: (@code{comint-input-previous-argument})
1118 copies an individual argument from a previous command, like
1119 @kbd{@key{ESC} .} in Bash. The simplest use copies the last argument from the
1120 previous shell command. With a prefix argument @var{n}, it copies the
1121 @var{n}th argument instead. Repeating @kbd{C-c .} copies from an
1122 earlier shell command instead, always using the same value of @var{n}
1123 (don't give a prefix argument when you repeat the @kbd{C-c .}
1124 command).
1125
1126 These commands get the text of previous shell commands from a special
1127 history list, not from the shell buffer itself. Thus, editing the shell
1128 buffer, or even killing large parts of it, does not affect the history
1129 that these commands access.
1130
1131 @vindex shell-input-ring-file-name
1132 Some shells store their command histories in files so that you can
1133 refer to commands from previous shell sessions. Emacs reads
1134 the command history file for your chosen shell, to initialize its own
1135 command history. The file name is @file{~/.bash_history} for bash,
1136 @file{~/.sh_history} for ksh, and @file{~/.history} for other shells.
1137
1138 @node Shell History Copying
1139 @subsubsection Shell History Copying
1140
1141 @table @kbd
1142 @kindex C-c C-p @r{(Shell mode)}
1143 @findex comint-previous-prompt
1144 @item C-c C-p
1145 Move point to the previous prompt (@code{comint-previous-prompt}).
1146
1147 @kindex C-c C-n @r{(Shell mode)}
1148 @findex comint-next-prompt
1149 @item C-c C-n
1150 Move point to the following prompt (@code{comint-next-prompt}).
1151
1152 @kindex C-c RET @r{(Shell mode)}
1153 @findex comint-copy-old-input
1154 @item C-c @key{RET}
1155 Copy the input command at point, inserting the copy at the end of the
1156 buffer (@code{comint-copy-old-input}). This is useful if you move
1157 point back to a previous command. After you copy the command, you can
1158 submit the copy as input with @key{RET}. If you wish, you can edit
1159 the copy before resubmitting it. If you use this command on an output
1160 line, it copies that line to the end of the buffer.
1161
1162 @item Mouse-2
1163 If @code{comint-use-prompt-regexp} is @code{nil} (the default), copy
1164 the old input command that you click on, inserting the copy at the end
1165 of the buffer (@code{comint-insert-input}). If
1166 @code{comint-use-prompt-regexp} is non-@code{nil}, or if the click is
1167 not over old input, just yank as usual.
1168 @end table
1169
1170 Moving to a previous input and then copying it with @kbd{C-c
1171 @key{RET}} or @kbd{Mouse-2} produces the same results---the same
1172 buffer contents---that you would get by using @kbd{M-p} enough times
1173 to fetch that previous input from the history list. However, @kbd{C-c
1174 @key{RET}} copies the text from the buffer, which can be different
1175 from what is in the history list if you edit the input text in the
1176 buffer after it has been sent.
1177
1178 @node History References
1179 @subsubsection Shell History References
1180 @cindex history reference
1181
1182 Various shells including csh and bash support @dfn{history
1183 references} that begin with @samp{!} and @samp{^}. Shell mode
1184 recognizes these constructs, and can perform the history substitution
1185 for you.
1186
1187 If you insert a history reference and type @key{TAB}, this searches
1188 the input history for a matching command, performs substitution if
1189 necessary, and places the result in the buffer in place of the history
1190 reference. For example, you can fetch the most recent command
1191 beginning with @samp{mv} with @kbd{! m v @key{TAB}}. You can edit the
1192 command if you wish, and then resubmit the command to the shell by
1193 typing @key{RET}.
1194
1195 @vindex comint-input-autoexpand
1196 @findex comint-magic-space
1197 Shell mode can optionally expand history references in the buffer
1198 when you send them to the shell. To request this, set the variable
1199 @code{comint-input-autoexpand} to @code{input}. You can make
1200 @key{SPC} perform history expansion by binding @key{SPC} to the
1201 command @code{comint-magic-space}.
1202
1203 Shell mode recognizes history references when they follow a prompt.
1204 @xref{Shell Prompts}, for how Shell mode recognizes prompts.
1205
1206 @node Directory Tracking
1207 @subsection Directory Tracking
1208 @cindex directory tracking
1209
1210 @vindex shell-pushd-regexp
1211 @vindex shell-popd-regexp
1212 @vindex shell-cd-regexp
1213 Shell mode keeps track of @samp{cd}, @samp{pushd} and @samp{popd}
1214 commands given to the subshell, in order to keep the Shell buffer's
1215 default directory (@pxref{File Names}) the same as the shell's working
1216 directory. It recognizes these commands by examining lines of input
1217 that you send.
1218
1219 If you use aliases for these commands, you can tell Emacs to
1220 recognize them also, by setting the variables
1221 @code{shell-pushd-regexp}, @code{shell-popd-regexp}, and
1222 @code{shell-cd-regexp} to the appropriate regular expressions
1223 (@pxref{Regexps}). For example, if @code{shell-pushd-regexp} matches
1224 the beginning of a shell command line, that line is regarded as a
1225 @code{pushd} command. These commands are recognized only at the
1226 beginning of a shell command line.
1227
1228 @findex dirs
1229 If Emacs gets confused about changes in the working directory of the
1230 subshell, type @kbd{M-x dirs}. This command asks the shell for its
1231 working directory and updates the default directory accordingly. It
1232 works for shells that support the most common command syntax, but may
1233 not work for unusual shells.
1234
1235 @findex dirtrack-mode
1236 @cindex Dirtrack mode
1237 @cindex mode, Dirtrack
1238 @vindex dirtrack-list
1239 You can also use Dirtrack mode, a buffer-local minor mode that
1240 implements an alternative method of tracking the shell's working
1241 directory. To use this method, your shell prompt must contain the
1242 working directory at all times, and you must supply a regular
1243 expression for recognizing which part of the prompt contains the
1244 working directory; see the documentation of the variable
1245 @code{dirtrack-list} for details. To use Dirtrack mode, type @kbd{M-x
1246 dirtrack-mode} in the Shell buffer, or add @code{dirtrack-mode} to
1247 @code{shell-mode-hook} (@pxref{Hooks}).
1248
1249 @node Shell Options
1250 @subsection Shell Mode Options
1251
1252 @vindex comint-scroll-to-bottom-on-input
1253 If the variable @code{comint-scroll-to-bottom-on-input} is
1254 non-@code{nil}, insertion and yank commands scroll the selected window
1255 to the bottom before inserting. The default is @code{nil}.
1256
1257 @vindex comint-scroll-show-maximum-output
1258 If @code{comint-scroll-show-maximum-output} is non-@code{nil}, then
1259 arrival of output when point is at the end tries to scroll the last
1260 line of text to the bottom line of the window, showing as much useful
1261 text as possible. (This mimics the scrolling behavior of most
1262 terminals.) The default is @code{t}.
1263
1264 @vindex comint-move-point-for-output
1265 By setting @code{comint-move-point-for-output}, you can opt for
1266 having point jump to the end of the buffer whenever output arrives---no
1267 matter where in the buffer point was before. If the value is
1268 @code{this}, point jumps in the selected window. If the value is
1269 @code{all}, point jumps in each window that shows the Comint buffer. If
1270 the value is @code{other}, point jumps in all nonselected windows that
1271 show the current buffer. The default value is @code{nil}, which means
1272 point does not jump to the end.
1273
1274 @vindex comint-prompt-read-only
1275 If you set @code{comint-prompt-read-only}, the prompts in the Comint
1276 buffer are read-only.
1277
1278 @vindex comint-input-ignoredups
1279 The variable @code{comint-input-ignoredups} controls whether successive
1280 identical inputs are stored in the input history. A non-@code{nil}
1281 value means to omit an input that is the same as the previous input.
1282 The default is @code{nil}, which means to store each input even if it is
1283 equal to the previous input.
1284
1285 @vindex comint-completion-addsuffix
1286 @vindex comint-completion-recexact
1287 @vindex comint-completion-autolist
1288 Three variables customize file name completion. The variable
1289 @code{comint-completion-addsuffix} controls whether completion inserts a
1290 space or a slash to indicate a fully completed file or directory name
1291 (non-@code{nil} means do insert a space or slash).
1292 @code{comint-completion-recexact}, if non-@code{nil}, directs @key{TAB}
1293 to choose the shortest possible completion if the usual Emacs completion
1294 algorithm cannot add even a single character.
1295 @code{comint-completion-autolist}, if non-@code{nil}, says to list all
1296 the possible completions whenever completion is not exact.
1297
1298 @vindex shell-completion-execonly
1299 Command completion normally considers only executable files.
1300 If you set @code{shell-completion-execonly} to @code{nil},
1301 it considers nonexecutable files as well.
1302
1303 @vindex shell-completion-fignore
1304 @vindex comint-completion-fignore
1305 The variable @code{shell-completion-fignore} specifies a list of file
1306 name extensions to ignore in Shell mode completion. The default
1307 setting is @code{nil}, but some users prefer @code{("~" "#" "%")} to
1308 ignore file names ending in @samp{~}, @samp{#} or @samp{%}. Other
1309 related Comint modes use the variable @code{comint-completion-fignore}
1310 instead.
1311
1312 @findex shell-dynamic-complete-command
1313 Some implementation details of the shell command completion may also be found
1314 in the lisp documentation of the @code{shell-dynamic-complete-command}
1315 function.
1316
1317 @findex shell-pushd-tohome
1318 @findex shell-pushd-dextract
1319 @findex shell-pushd-dunique
1320 You can configure the behavior of @samp{pushd}. Variables control
1321 whether @samp{pushd} behaves like @samp{cd} if no argument is given
1322 (@code{shell-pushd-tohome}), pop rather than rotate with a numeric
1323 argument (@code{shell-pushd-dextract}), and only add directories to the
1324 directory stack if they are not already on it
1325 (@code{shell-pushd-dunique}). The values you choose should match the
1326 underlying shell, of course.
1327
1328 @node Terminal emulator
1329 @subsection Emacs Terminal Emulator
1330 @findex term
1331
1332 To run a subshell in a text terminal emulator, use @kbd{M-x term}.
1333 This creates (or reuses) a buffer named @file{*terminal*}, and runs a
1334 subshell with input coming from your keyboard, and output going to
1335 that buffer.
1336
1337 @cindex line mode @r{(terminal emulator)}
1338 @cindex char mode @r{(terminal emulator)}
1339 The terminal emulator uses Term mode, which has two input modes. In
1340 @dfn{line mode}, Term basically acts like Shell mode (@pxref{Shell
1341 Mode}). In @dfn{char mode}, each character is sent directly to the
1342 subshell, as terminal input; the sole exception is the terminal escape
1343 character, which by default is @kbd{C-c} (@pxref{Term Mode}). Any
1344 echoing of your input is the responsibility of the subshell; any
1345 terminal output from the subshell goes into the buffer, advancing
1346 point.
1347
1348 Some programs (such as Emacs itself) need to control the appearance
1349 of the terminal screen in detail. They do this by emitting special
1350 control codes. Term mode recognizes and handles ANSI-standard
1351 VT100-style escape sequences, which are accepted by most modern
1352 terminals, including @command{xterm}. (Hence, you can actually run
1353 Emacs inside an Emacs Term window.)
1354
1355 The @code{term} face specifies the default appearance of text
1356 in the terminal emulator (the default is the same appearance as the
1357 @code{default} face). When terminal control codes are used to change
1358 the appearance of text, these are represented in the terminal emulator
1359 by the faces @code{term-color-black}, @code{term-color-red},
1360 @code{term-color-green}, @code{term-color-yellow}
1361 @code{term-color-blue}, @code{term-color-magenta},
1362 @code{term-color-cyan}, @code{term-color-white},
1363 @code{term-color-underline}, and @code{term-color-bold}.
1364 @xref{Faces}.
1365
1366 You can also Term mode to communicate with a device connected to a
1367 serial port. @xref{Serial Terminal}.
1368
1369 The file name used to load the subshell is determined the same way
1370 as for Shell mode. To make multiple terminal emulators, rename the
1371 buffer @file{*terminal*} to something different using @kbd{M-x
1372 rename-uniquely}, just as with Shell mode.
1373
1374 Unlike Shell mode, Term mode does not track the current directory by
1375 examining your input. But some shells can tell Term what the current
1376 directory is. This is done automatically by @code{bash} version 1.15
1377 and later.
1378
1379
1380
1381
1382 @node Term Mode
1383 @subsection Term Mode
1384 @cindex Term mode
1385 @cindex mode, Term
1386
1387 The terminal emulator uses Term mode, which has two input modes. In
1388 line mode, Term basically acts like Shell mode (@pxref{Shell Mode}).
1389 In char mode, each character is sent directly to the subshell, except
1390 for the Term escape character, normally @kbd{C-c}.
1391
1392 To switch between line and char mode, use these commands:
1393
1394 @table @kbd
1395 @kindex C-c C-j @r{(Term mode)}
1396 @findex term-line-mode
1397 @item C-c C-j
1398 Switch to line mode (@code{term-line-mode}). Do nothing if already in
1399 line mode.
1400
1401 @kindex C-c C-k @r{(Term mode)}
1402 @findex term-char-mode
1403 @item C-c C-k
1404 Switch to char mode (@code{term-char-mode}). Do nothing if already in
1405 char mode.
1406 @end table
1407
1408 The following commands are only available in char mode:
1409
1410 @table @kbd
1411 @item C-c C-c
1412 Send a literal @key{C-c} to the sub-shell.
1413
1414 @item C-c @var{char}
1415 This is equivalent to @kbd{C-x @var{char}} in normal Emacs. For
1416 example, @kbd{C-c o} invokes the global binding of @kbd{C-x o}, which
1417 is normally @samp{other-window}.
1418 @end table
1419
1420 @cindex paging in Term mode
1421 Term mode has a page-at-a-time feature. When enabled, it makes
1422 output pause at the end of each screenful:
1423
1424 @table @kbd
1425 @kindex C-c C-q @r{(Term mode)}
1426 @findex term-pager-toggle
1427 @item C-c C-q
1428 Toggle the page-at-a-time feature. This command works in both line
1429 and char modes. When the feature is enabled, the mode-line displays
1430 the word @samp{page}, and each time Term receives more than a
1431 screenful of output, it pauses and displays @samp{**MORE**} in the
1432 mode-line. Type @key{SPC} to display the next screenful of output, or
1433 @kbd{?} to see your other options. The interface is similar to the
1434 @code{more} program.
1435 @end table
1436
1437 @node Remote Host
1438 @subsection Remote Host Shell
1439 @cindex remote host
1440 @cindex connecting to remote host
1441 @cindex Telnet
1442 @cindex Rlogin
1443
1444 You can login to a remote computer, using whatever commands you
1445 would from a regular terminal (e.g., using the @code{telnet} or
1446 @code{rlogin} commands), from a Term window.
1447
1448 A program that asks you for a password will normally suppress
1449 echoing of the password, so the password will not show up in the
1450 buffer. This will happen just as if you were using a real terminal,
1451 if the buffer is in char mode. If it is in line mode, the password is
1452 temporarily visible, but will be erased when you hit return. (This
1453 happens automatically; there is no special password processing.)
1454
1455 When you log in to a different machine, you need to specify the type
1456 of terminal you're using, by setting the @env{TERM} environment
1457 variable in the environment for the remote login command. (If you use
1458 bash, you do that by writing the variable assignment before the remote
1459 login command, without a separating comma.) Terminal types
1460 @samp{ansi} or @samp{vt100} will work on most systems.
1461
1462 @node Serial Terminal
1463 @subsection Serial Terminal
1464 @cindex terminal, serial
1465 @findex serial-term
1466
1467 If you have a device connected to a serial port of your computer,
1468 you can communicate with it by typing @kbd{M-x serial-term}. This
1469 command asks for a serial port name and speed, and switches to a new
1470 Term mode buffer. Emacs communicates with the serial device through
1471 this buffer just like it does with a terminal in ordinary Term mode.
1472
1473 The speed of the serial port is measured in bits per second. The
1474 most common speed is 9600 bits per second. You can change the speed
1475 interactively by clicking on the mode line.
1476
1477 A serial port can be configured even more by clicking on ``8N1'' in
1478 the mode line. By default, a serial port is configured as ``8N1'',
1479 which means that each byte consists of 8 data bits, No parity check
1480 bit, and 1 stopbit.
1481
1482 If the speed or the configuration is wrong, you cannot communicate
1483 with your device and will probably only see garbage output in the
1484 window.
1485
1486 @node Emacs Server
1487 @section Using Emacs as a Server
1488 @pindex emacsclient
1489 @cindex Emacs as a server
1490 @cindex server, using Emacs as
1491 @cindex @env{EDITOR} environment variable
1492
1493 Various programs can invoke your choice of editor to edit a
1494 particular piece of text. For instance, version control programs
1495 invoke an editor to enter version control logs (@pxref{Version
1496 Control}), and the Unix @command{mail} utility invokes an editor to
1497 enter a message to send. By convention, your choice of editor is
1498 specified by the environment variable @env{EDITOR}. If you set
1499 @env{EDITOR} to @samp{emacs}, Emacs would be invoked, but in an
1500 inconvenient way---by starting a new Emacs process. This is
1501 inconvenient because the new Emacs process doesn't share buffers, a
1502 command history, or other kinds of information with any existing Emacs
1503 process.
1504
1505 You can solve this problem by setting up Emacs as an @dfn{edit
1506 server}, so that it ``listens'' for external edit requests and acts
1507 accordingly. There are two ways to start an Emacs server:
1508
1509 @itemize
1510 @findex server-start
1511 @item
1512 Run the command @code{server-start} in an existing Emacs process:
1513 either type @kbd{M-x server-start}, or put the expression
1514 @code{(server-start)} in your init file (@pxref{Init File}). The
1515 existing Emacs process is the server; when you exit Emacs, the server
1516 dies with the Emacs process.
1517
1518 @cindex daemon, Emacs
1519 @item
1520 Run Emacs as a @dfn{daemon}, using the @samp{--daemon} command-line
1521 option. @xref{Initial Options}. When Emacs is started this way, it
1522 calls @code{server-start} after initialization, and returns control to
1523 the calling terminal instead of opening an initial frame; it then
1524 waits in the background, listening for edit requests.
1525 @end itemize
1526
1527 @cindex @env{TEXEDIT} environment variable
1528 Either way, once an Emacs server is started, you can use a shell
1529 command called @command{emacsclient} to connect to the Emacs process
1530 and tell it to visit a file. You can then set the @env{EDITOR}
1531 environment variable to @samp{emacsclient}, so that external programs
1532 will use the existing Emacs process for editing.@footnote{Some
1533 programs use a different environment variable; for example, to make
1534 @TeX{} use @samp{emacsclient}, set the @env{TEXEDIT} environment
1535 variable to @samp{emacsclient +%d %s}.}
1536
1537 @vindex server-name
1538 You can run multiple Emacs servers on the same machine by giving
1539 each one a unique ``server name'', using the variable
1540 @code{server-name}. For example, @kbd{M-x set-variable @key{RET}
1541 server-name @key{RET} foo @key{RET}} sets the server name to
1542 @samp{foo}. The @code{emacsclient} program can specify a server by
1543 name, using the @samp{-s} option (@pxref{emacsclient Options}).
1544
1545 @findex server-eval-at
1546 If you have defined a server by a unique server name, it is possible
1547 to connect to the server from another Emacs instance and evaluate Lisp
1548 expressions on the server, using the @code{server-eval-at} function.
1549 For instance, @code{(server-eval-at "foo" '(+ 1 2))} evaluates the
1550 expression @code{(+ 1 2)} on the @samp{foo} server, and returns
1551 @code{3}. (If there is no server with that name, an error is
1552 signaled.) Currently, this feature is mainly useful for developers.
1553
1554 @menu
1555 * Invoking emacsclient:: Connecting to the Emacs server.
1556 * emacsclient Options:: Emacs client startup options.
1557 @end menu
1558
1559 @node Invoking emacsclient
1560 @subsection Invoking @code{emacsclient}
1561 @cindex @code{emacsclient} invocation
1562
1563 The simplest way to use the @command{emacsclient} program is to run
1564 the shell command @samp{emacsclient @var{file}}, where @var{file} is a
1565 file name. This connects to an Emacs server, and tells that Emacs
1566 process to visit @var{file} in one of its existing frames---either a
1567 graphical frame, or one in a text terminal (@pxref{Frames}). You
1568 can then select that frame to begin editing.
1569
1570 If there is no Emacs server, the @command{emacsclient} program halts
1571 with an error message. If the Emacs process has no existing
1572 frame---which can happen if it was started as a daemon (@pxref{Emacs
1573 Server})---then Emacs opens a frame on the terminal in which you
1574 called @command{emacsclient}.
1575
1576 You can also force @command{emacsclient} to open a new frame on a
1577 graphical display, or on a text terminal, using the @samp{-c} and
1578 @samp{-t} options. @xref{emacsclient Options}.
1579
1580 If you are running on a single text terminal, you can switch between
1581 @command{emacsclient}'s shell and the Emacs server using one of two
1582 methods: (i) run the Emacs server and @command{emacsclient} on
1583 different virtual terminals, and switch to the Emacs server's virtual
1584 terminal after calling @command{emacsclient}; or (ii) call
1585 @command{emacsclient} from within the Emacs server itself, using Shell
1586 mode (@pxref{Interactive Shell}) or Term mode (@pxref{Term Mode});
1587 @code{emacsclient} blocks only the subshell under Emacs, and you can
1588 still use Emacs to edit the file.
1589
1590 @kindex C-x #
1591 @findex server-edit
1592 When you finish editing @var{file} in the Emacs server, type
1593 @kbd{C-x #} (@code{server-edit}) in its buffer. This saves the file
1594 and sends a message back to the @command{emacsclient} program, telling
1595 it to exit. Programs that use @env{EDITOR} usually wait for the
1596 ``editor''---in this case @command{emacsclient}---to exit before doing
1597 something else.
1598
1599 You can also call @command{emacsclient} with multiple file name
1600 arguments: @samp{emacsclient @var{file1} @var{file2} ...} tells the
1601 Emacs server to visit @var{file1}, @var{file2}, and so forth. Emacs
1602 selects the buffer visiting @var{file1}, and buries the other buffers
1603 at the bottom of the buffer list (@pxref{Buffers}). The
1604 @command{emacsclient} program exits once all the specified files are
1605 finished (i.e., once you have typed @kbd{C-x #} in each server
1606 buffer).
1607
1608 @vindex server-kill-new-buffers
1609 @vindex server-temp-file-regexp
1610 Finishing with a server buffer also kills the buffer, unless it
1611 already existed in the Emacs session before the server was asked to
1612 create it. However, if you set @code{server-kill-new-buffers} to
1613 @code{nil}, then a different criterion is used: finishing with a
1614 server buffer kills it if the file name matches the regular expression
1615 @code{server-temp-file-regexp}. This is set up to distinguish certain
1616 ``temporary'' files.
1617
1618 Each @kbd{C-x #} checks for other pending external requests to edit
1619 various files, and selects the next such file. You can switch to a
1620 server buffer manually if you wish; you don't have to arrive at it
1621 with @kbd{C-x #}. But @kbd{C-x #} is the way to tell
1622 @command{emacsclient} that you are finished.
1623
1624 @vindex server-window
1625 If you set the value of the variable @code{server-window} to a
1626 window or a frame, @kbd{C-x #} always displays the next server buffer
1627 in that window or in that frame.
1628
1629 @node emacsclient Options
1630 @subsection @code{emacsclient} Options
1631 @cindex @code{emacsclient} options
1632
1633 You can pass some optional arguments to the @command{emacsclient}
1634 program, such as:
1635
1636 @example
1637 emacsclient -c +12 @var{file1} +4:3 @var{file2}
1638 @end example
1639
1640 @noindent
1641 The @samp{+@var{line}} or @samp{+@var{line}:@var{column}} arguments
1642 specify line numbers, or line and column numbers, for the next file
1643 argument. These behave like the command line arguments for Emacs
1644 itself. @xref{Action Arguments}.
1645
1646 The other optional arguments recognized by @command{emacsclient} are
1647 listed below:
1648
1649 @table @samp
1650 @item -a @var{command}
1651 @itemx --alternate-editor=@var{command}
1652 Specify a command to run if @code{emacsclient} fails to contact Emacs.
1653 This is useful when running @code{emacsclient} in a script.
1654
1655 As a special exception, if @var{command} is the empty string, then
1656 @code{emacsclient} starts Emacs in daemon mode (as @command{emacs
1657 --daemon}) and then tries connecting again.
1658
1659 @cindex @env{ALTERNATE_EDITOR} environment variable
1660 The environment variable @env{ALTERNATE_EDITOR} has the same effect as
1661 the @samp{-a} option. If both are present, the latter takes
1662 precedence.
1663
1664 @cindex client frame
1665 @item -c
1666 Create a new graphical @dfn{client frame}, instead of using an
1667 existing Emacs frame. See below for the special behavior of @kbd{C-x
1668 C-c} in a client frame. If Emacs cannot create a new graphical frame
1669 (e.g., if it cannot connect to the X server), it tries to create a
1670 text terminal client frame, as though you had supplied the @samp{-t}
1671 option instead.
1672
1673 On MS-Windows, a single Emacs session cannot display frames on both
1674 graphical and text terminals, nor on multiple text terminals. Thus,
1675 if the Emacs server is running on a text terminal, the @samp{-c}
1676 option, like the @samp{-t} option, creates a new frame in the server's
1677 current text terminal. @xref{Windows Startup}.
1678
1679 If you omit a filename argument while supplying the @samp{-c} option,
1680 the new frame displays the @file{*scratch*} buffer by default. You
1681 can customize this behavior with the variable @code{initial-buffer-choice}
1682 (@pxref{Entering Emacs}).
1683
1684 @item -F @var{alist}
1685 @itemx --frame-parameters=@var{alist}
1686 Set the parameters for a newly-created graphical frame
1687 (@pxref{Frame Parameters}).
1688
1689 @item -d @var{display}
1690 @itemx --display=@var{display}
1691 Tell Emacs to open the given files on the X display @var{display}
1692 (assuming there is more than one X display available).
1693
1694 @item -e
1695 @itemx --eval
1696 Tell Emacs to evaluate some Emacs Lisp code, instead of visiting some
1697 files. When this option is given, the arguments to
1698 @command{emacsclient} are interpreted as a list of expressions to
1699 evaluate, @emph{not} as a list of files to visit.
1700
1701 @item -f @var{server-file}
1702 @itemx --server-file=@var{server-file}
1703 @cindex @env{EMACS_SERVER_FILE} environment variable
1704 Specify a @dfn{server file} for connecting to an Emacs server via TCP.
1705
1706 An Emacs server usually uses an operating system feature called a
1707 ``local socket'' to listen for connections. Some operating systems,
1708 such as Microsoft Windows, do not support local sockets; in that case,
1709 the server communicates with @command{emacsclient} via TCP.
1710
1711 @vindex server-auth-dir
1712 @cindex server file
1713 @vindex server-port
1714 When you start a TCP Emacs server, Emacs creates a @dfn{server file}
1715 containing the TCP information to be used by @command{emacsclient} to
1716 connect to the server. The variable @code{server-auth-dir} specifies
1717 the directory containing the server file; by default, this is
1718 @file{~/.emacs.d/server/}. To tell @command{emacsclient} to connect
1719 to the server over TCP with a specific server file, use the @samp{-f}
1720 or @samp{--server-file} option, or set the @env{EMACS_SERVER_FILE}
1721 environment variable.
1722
1723 @item -n
1724 @itemx --no-wait
1725 Let @command{emacsclient} exit immediately, instead of waiting until
1726 all server buffers are finished. You can take as long as you like to
1727 edit the server buffers within Emacs, and they are @emph{not} killed
1728 when you type @kbd{C-x #} in them.
1729
1730 @item --parent-id @var{id}
1731 Open an @command{emacsclient} frame as a client frame in the parent X
1732 window with id @var{id}, via the XEmbed protocol. Currently, this
1733 option is mainly useful for developers.
1734
1735 @item -q
1736 @itemx --quiet
1737 Do not let @command{emacsclient} display messages about waiting for
1738 Emacs or connecting to remote server sockets.
1739
1740 @item -s @var{server-name}
1741 @itemx --socket-name=@var{server-name}
1742 Connect to the Emacs server named @var{server-name}. The server name
1743 is given by the variable @code{server-name} on the Emacs server. If
1744 this option is omitted, @command{emacsclient} connects to the first
1745 server it finds. (This option is not supported on MS-Windows.)
1746
1747 @item -t
1748 @itemx --tty
1749 @itemx -nw
1750 Create a new client frame on the current text terminal, instead of
1751 using an existing Emacs frame. This behaves just like the @samp{-c}
1752 option, described above, except that it creates a text terminal frame
1753 (@pxref{Non-Window Terminals}).
1754
1755 On MS-Windows, @samp{-t} behaves just like @samp{-c} if the Emacs
1756 server is using the graphical display, but if the Emacs server is
1757 running on a text terminal, it creates a new frame in the current text
1758 terminal.
1759 @end table
1760
1761 The new graphical or text terminal frames created by the @samp{-c}
1762 or @samp{-t} options are considered @dfn{client frames}. Any new
1763 frame that you create from a client frame is also considered a client
1764 frame. If you type @kbd{C-x C-c} (@code{save-buffers-kill-terminal})
1765 in a client frame, that command does not kill the Emacs session as it
1766 normally does (@pxref{Exiting}). Instead, Emacs deletes the client
1767 frame; furthermore, if the client frame has an @command{emacsclient}
1768 waiting to regain control (i.e., if you did not supply the @samp{-n}
1769 option), Emacs deletes all other frames of the same client, and marks
1770 the client's server buffers as finished, as though you had typed
1771 @kbd{C-x #} in all of them. If it so happens that there are no
1772 remaining frames after the client frame(s) are deleted, the Emacs
1773 session exits.
1774
1775 As an exception, when Emacs is started as a daemon, all frames are
1776 considered client frames, and @kbd{C-x C-c} never kills Emacs. To
1777 kill a daemon session, type @kbd{M-x kill-emacs}.
1778
1779 Note that the @samp{-t} and @samp{-n} options are contradictory:
1780 @samp{-t} says to take control of the current text terminal to create
1781 a new client frame, while @samp{-n} says not to take control of the
1782 text terminal. If you supply both options, Emacs visits the specified
1783 files(s) in an existing frame rather than a new client frame, negating
1784 the effect of @samp{-t}.
1785
1786 @node Printing
1787 @section Printing Hard Copies
1788 @cindex hardcopy
1789 @cindex printing
1790
1791 Emacs provides commands for printing hardcopies of either an entire
1792 buffer or part of one. You can invoke the printing commands directly,
1793 as detailed below, or using the @samp{File} menu on the menu bar.
1794
1795 @findex htmlfontify-buffer
1796 Aside from the commands described in this section, you can also
1797 print hardcopies from Dired (@pxref{Operating on Files}) and the diary
1798 (@pxref{Displaying the Diary}). You can also ``print'' an Emacs
1799 buffer to HTML with the command @kbd{M-x htmlfontify-buffer}, which
1800 converts the current buffer to a HTML file, replacing Emacs faces with
1801 CSS-based markup. Furthermore, Org mode allows you to ``print'' Org
1802 files to a variety of formats, such as PDF (@pxref{Org Mode}).
1803
1804 @table @kbd
1805 @item M-x print-buffer
1806 Print hardcopy of current buffer with page headings containing the
1807 file name and page number.
1808 @item M-x lpr-buffer
1809 Print hardcopy of current buffer without page headings.
1810 @item M-x print-region
1811 Like @code{print-buffer} but print only the current region.
1812 @item M-x lpr-region
1813 Like @code{lpr-buffer} but print only the current region.
1814 @end table
1815
1816 @findex print-buffer
1817 @findex print-region
1818 @findex lpr-buffer
1819 @findex lpr-region
1820 @vindex lpr-switches
1821 @vindex lpr-commands
1822 On most operating system, the above hardcopy commands submit files
1823 for printing by calling the @command{lpr} program. To change the
1824 printer program, customize the variable @code{lpr-command}. To
1825 specify extra switches to give the printer program, customize the list
1826 variable @code{lpr-switches}. Its value should be a list of option
1827 strings, each of which should start with @samp{-} (e.g., the option
1828 string @code{"-w80"} specifies a line width of 80 columns). The
1829 default is the empty list, @code{nil}.
1830
1831 @vindex printer-name
1832 @vindex lpr-printer-switch
1833 To specify the printer to use, set the variable @code{printer-name}.
1834 The default, @code{nil}, specifies the default printer. If you set it
1835 to a printer name (a string), that name is passed to @command{lpr}
1836 with the @samp{-P} switch; if you are not using @command{lpr}, you
1837 should specify the switch with @code{lpr-printer-switch}.
1838
1839 @vindex lpr-headers-switches
1840 @vindex lpr-add-switches
1841 The variable @code{lpr-headers-switches} similarly specifies the
1842 extra switches to use to make page headers. The variable
1843 @code{lpr-add-switches} controls whether to supply @samp{-T} and
1844 @samp{-J} options (suitable for @command{lpr}) to the printer program:
1845 @code{nil} means don't add them (this should be the value if your
1846 printer program is not compatible with @command{lpr}).
1847
1848 @menu
1849 * PostScript:: Printing buffers or regions as PostScript.
1850 * PostScript Variables:: Customizing the PostScript printing commands.
1851 * Printing Package:: An optional advanced printing interface.
1852 @end menu
1853
1854 @node PostScript
1855 @subsection PostScript Hardcopy
1856
1857 These commands convert buffer contents to PostScript,
1858 either printing it or leaving it in another Emacs buffer.
1859
1860 @table @kbd
1861 @item M-x ps-print-buffer
1862 Print hardcopy of the current buffer in PostScript form.
1863 @item M-x ps-print-region
1864 Print hardcopy of the current region in PostScript form.
1865 @item M-x ps-print-buffer-with-faces
1866 Print hardcopy of the current buffer in PostScript form, showing the
1867 faces used in the text by means of PostScript features.
1868 @item M-x ps-print-region-with-faces
1869 Print hardcopy of the current region in PostScript form, showing the
1870 faces used in the text.
1871 @item M-x ps-spool-buffer
1872 Generate and spool a PostScript image for the current buffer text.
1873 @item M-x ps-spool-region
1874 Generate and spool a PostScript image for the current region.
1875 @item M-x ps-spool-buffer-with-faces
1876 Generate and spool a PostScript image for the current buffer, showing the faces used.
1877 @item M-x ps-spool-region-with-faces
1878 Generate and spool a PostScript image for the current region, showing the faces used.
1879 @item M-x ps-despool
1880 Send the spooled PostScript to the printer.
1881 @item M-x handwrite
1882 Generate/print PostScript for the current buffer as if handwritten.
1883 @end table
1884
1885 @findex ps-print-region
1886 @findex ps-print-buffer
1887 @findex ps-print-region-with-faces
1888 @findex ps-print-buffer-with-faces
1889 The @code{ps-print-buffer} and @code{ps-print-region} commands print
1890 buffer contents in PostScript form. One command prints the entire
1891 buffer; the other, just the region. The commands
1892 @code{ps-print-buffer-with-faces} and
1893 @code{ps-print-region-with-faces} behave similarly, but use PostScript
1894 features to show the faces (fonts and colors) of the buffer text.
1895
1896 Interactively, when you use a prefix argument (@kbd{C-u}), the command
1897 prompts the user for a file name, and saves the PostScript image in that file
1898 instead of sending it to the printer.
1899
1900 @findex ps-spool-region
1901 @findex ps-spool-buffer
1902 @findex ps-spool-region-with-faces
1903 @findex ps-spool-buffer-with-faces
1904 The commands whose names have @samp{spool} instead of @samp{print},
1905 generate the PostScript output in an Emacs buffer instead of sending
1906 it to the printer.
1907
1908 @findex ps-despool
1909 Use the command @code{ps-despool} to send the spooled images to the
1910 printer. This command sends the PostScript generated by
1911 @samp{-spool-} commands (see commands above) to the printer. With a
1912 prefix argument (@kbd{C-u}), it prompts for a file name, and saves the
1913 spooled PostScript image in that file instead of sending it to the
1914 printer.
1915
1916 @findex handwrite
1917 @cindex handwriting
1918 @kbd{M-x handwrite} is more frivolous. It generates a PostScript
1919 rendition of the current buffer as a cursive handwritten document. It
1920 can be customized in group @code{handwrite}. This function only
1921 supports ISO 8859-1 characters.
1922
1923 @node PostScript Variables
1924 @subsection Variables for PostScript Hardcopy
1925
1926 @vindex ps-lpr-command
1927 @vindex ps-lpr-switches
1928 @vindex ps-printer-name
1929 All the PostScript hardcopy commands use the variables
1930 @code{ps-lpr-command} and @code{ps-lpr-switches} to specify how to print
1931 the output. @code{ps-lpr-command} specifies the command name to run,
1932 @code{ps-lpr-switches} specifies command line options to use, and
1933 @code{ps-printer-name} specifies the printer. If you don't set the
1934 first two variables yourself, they take their initial values from
1935 @code{lpr-command} and @code{lpr-switches}. If @code{ps-printer-name}
1936 is @code{nil}, @code{printer-name} is used.
1937
1938 @vindex ps-print-header
1939 The variable @code{ps-print-header} controls whether these commands
1940 add header lines to each page---set it to @code{nil} to turn headers
1941 off.
1942
1943 @cindex color emulation on black-and-white printers
1944 @vindex ps-print-color-p
1945 If your printer doesn't support colors, you should turn off color
1946 processing by setting @code{ps-print-color-p} to @code{nil}. By
1947 default, if the display supports colors, Emacs produces hardcopy output
1948 with color information; on black-and-white printers, colors are emulated
1949 with shades of gray. This might produce illegible output, even if your
1950 screen colors only use shades of gray.
1951
1952 Alternatively, you can set @code{ps-print-color-p} to @code{black-white} to
1953 print colors on black/white printers.
1954
1955 @vindex ps-use-face-background
1956 By default, PostScript printing ignores the background colors of the
1957 faces, unless the variable @code{ps-use-face-background} is
1958 non-@code{nil}. This is to avoid unwanted interference with the zebra
1959 stripes and background image/text.
1960
1961 @vindex ps-paper-type
1962 @vindex ps-page-dimensions-database
1963 The variable @code{ps-paper-type} specifies which size of paper to
1964 format for; legitimate values include @code{a4}, @code{a3},
1965 @code{a4small}, @code{b4}, @code{b5}, @code{executive}, @code{ledger},
1966 @code{legal}, @code{letter}, @code{letter-small}, @code{statement},
1967 @code{tabloid}. The default is @code{letter}. You can define
1968 additional paper sizes by changing the variable
1969 @code{ps-page-dimensions-database}.
1970
1971 @vindex ps-landscape-mode
1972 The variable @code{ps-landscape-mode} specifies the orientation of
1973 printing on the page. The default is @code{nil}, which stands for
1974 ``portrait'' mode. Any non-@code{nil} value specifies ``landscape''
1975 mode.
1976
1977 @vindex ps-number-of-columns
1978 The variable @code{ps-number-of-columns} specifies the number of
1979 columns; it takes effect in both landscape and portrait mode. The
1980 default is 1.
1981
1982 @vindex ps-font-family
1983 @vindex ps-font-size
1984 @vindex ps-font-info-database
1985 The variable @code{ps-font-family} specifies which font family to use
1986 for printing ordinary text. Legitimate values include @code{Courier},
1987 @code{Helvetica}, @code{NewCenturySchlbk}, @code{Palatino} and
1988 @code{Times}. The variable @code{ps-font-size} specifies the size of
1989 the font for ordinary text. It defaults to 8.5 points.
1990
1991 @vindex ps-multibyte-buffer
1992 @cindex Intlfonts for PostScript printing
1993 @cindex fonts for PostScript printing
1994 Emacs supports more scripts and characters than a typical PostScript
1995 printer. Thus, some of the characters in your buffer might not be
1996 printable using the fonts built into your printer. You can augment
1997 the fonts supplied with the printer with those from the GNU Intlfonts
1998 package, or you can instruct Emacs to use Intlfonts exclusively. The
1999 variable @code{ps-multibyte-buffer} controls this: the default value,
2000 @code{nil}, is appropriate for printing @acronym{ASCII} and Latin-1
2001 characters; a value of @code{non-latin-printer} is for printers which
2002 have the fonts for @acronym{ASCII}, Latin-1, Japanese, and Korean
2003 characters built into them. A value of @code{bdf-font} arranges for
2004 the BDF fonts from the Intlfonts package to be used for @emph{all}
2005 characters. Finally, a value of @code{bdf-font-except-latin}
2006 instructs the printer to use built-in fonts for @acronym{ASCII} and Latin-1
2007 characters, and Intlfonts BDF fonts for the rest.
2008
2009 @vindex bdf-directory-list
2010 To be able to use the BDF fonts, Emacs needs to know where to find
2011 them. The variable @code{bdf-directory-list} holds the list of
2012 directories where Emacs should look for the fonts; the default value
2013 includes a single directory @file{/usr/local/share/emacs/fonts/bdf}.
2014
2015 Many other customization variables for these commands are defined and
2016 described in the Lisp files @file{ps-print.el} and @file{ps-mule.el}.
2017
2018 @node Printing Package
2019 @subsection Printing Package
2020 @cindex Printing package
2021
2022 The basic Emacs facilities for printing hardcopy can be extended
2023 using the Printing package. This provides an easy-to-use interface
2024 for choosing what to print, previewing PostScript files before
2025 printing, and setting various printing options such as print headers,
2026 landscape or portrait modes, duplex modes, and so forth. On GNU/Linux
2027 or Unix systems, the Printing package relies on the @file{gs} and
2028 @file{gv} utilities, which are distributed as part of the GhostScript
2029 program. On MS-Windows, the @file{gstools} port of Ghostscript can be
2030 used.
2031
2032 @findex pr-interface
2033 To use the Printing package, add @code{(require 'printing)} to your
2034 init file (@pxref{Init File}), followed by @code{(pr-update-menus)}.
2035 This function replaces the usual printing commands in the menu bar
2036 with a @samp{Printing} submenu that contains various printing options.
2037 You can also type @kbd{M-x pr-interface @key{RET}}; this creates a
2038 @file{*Printing Interface*} buffer, similar to a customization buffer,
2039 where you can set the printing options. After selecting what and how
2040 to print, you start the print job using the @samp{Print} button (click
2041 @kbd{Mouse-2} on it, or move point over it and type @key{RET}). For
2042 further information on the various options, use the @samp{Interface
2043 Help} button.
2044
2045 @node Sorting
2046 @section Sorting Text
2047 @cindex sorting
2048
2049 Emacs provides several commands for sorting text in the buffer. All
2050 operate on the contents of the region.
2051 They divide the text of the region into many @dfn{sort records},
2052 identify a @dfn{sort key} for each record, and then reorder the records
2053 into the order determined by the sort keys. The records are ordered so
2054 that their keys are in alphabetical order, or, for numeric sorting, in
2055 numeric order. In alphabetic sorting, all upper-case letters @samp{A}
2056 through @samp{Z} come before lower-case @samp{a}, in accordance with the
2057 @acronym{ASCII} character sequence.
2058
2059 The various sort commands differ in how they divide the text into sort
2060 records and in which part of each record is used as the sort key. Most of
2061 the commands make each line a separate sort record, but some commands use
2062 paragraphs or pages as sort records. Most of the sort commands use each
2063 entire sort record as its own sort key, but some use only a portion of the
2064 record as the sort key.
2065
2066 @findex sort-lines
2067 @findex sort-paragraphs
2068 @findex sort-pages
2069 @findex sort-fields
2070 @findex sort-numeric-fields
2071 @vindex sort-numeric-base
2072 @table @kbd
2073 @item M-x sort-lines
2074 Divide the region into lines, and sort by comparing the entire
2075 text of a line. A numeric argument means sort into descending order.
2076
2077 @item M-x sort-paragraphs
2078 Divide the region into paragraphs, and sort by comparing the entire
2079 text of a paragraph (except for leading blank lines). A numeric
2080 argument means sort into descending order.
2081
2082 @item M-x sort-pages
2083 Divide the region into pages, and sort by comparing the entire
2084 text of a page (except for leading blank lines). A numeric
2085 argument means sort into descending order.
2086
2087 @item M-x sort-fields
2088 Divide the region into lines, and sort by comparing the contents of
2089 one field in each line. Fields are defined as separated by
2090 whitespace, so the first run of consecutive non-whitespace characters
2091 in a line constitutes field 1, the second such run constitutes field
2092 2, etc.
2093
2094 Specify which field to sort by with a numeric argument: 1 to sort by
2095 field 1, etc. A negative argument means count fields from the right
2096 instead of from the left; thus, minus 1 means sort by the last field.
2097 If several lines have identical contents in the field being sorted, they
2098 keep the same relative order that they had in the original buffer.
2099
2100 @item M-x sort-numeric-fields
2101 Like @kbd{M-x sort-fields} except the specified field is converted
2102 to an integer for each line, and the numbers are compared. @samp{10}
2103 comes before @samp{2} when considered as text, but after it when
2104 considered as a number. By default, numbers are interpreted according
2105 to @code{sort-numeric-base}, but numbers beginning with @samp{0x} or
2106 @samp{0} are interpreted as hexadecimal and octal, respectively.
2107
2108 @item M-x sort-columns
2109 Like @kbd{M-x sort-fields} except that the text within each line
2110 used for comparison comes from a fixed range of columns. See below
2111 for an explanation.
2112
2113 @findex reverse-region
2114 @item M-x reverse-region
2115 Reverse the order of the lines in the region. This is useful for
2116 sorting into descending order by fields or columns, since those sort
2117 commands do not have a feature for doing that.
2118 @end table
2119
2120 For example, if the buffer contains this:
2121
2122 @smallexample
2123 On systems where clash detection (locking of files being edited) is
2124 implemented, Emacs also checks the first time you modify a buffer
2125 whether the file has changed on disk since it was last visited or
2126 saved. If it has, you are asked to confirm that you want to change
2127 the buffer.
2128 @end smallexample
2129
2130 @noindent
2131 applying @kbd{M-x sort-lines} to the entire buffer produces this:
2132
2133 @smallexample
2134 On systems where clash detection (locking of files being edited) is
2135 implemented, Emacs also checks the first time you modify a buffer
2136 saved. If it has, you are asked to confirm that you want to change
2137 the buffer.
2138 whether the file has changed on disk since it was last visited or
2139 @end smallexample
2140
2141 @noindent
2142 where the upper-case @samp{O} sorts before all lower-case letters. If
2143 you use @kbd{C-u 2 M-x sort-fields} instead, you get this:
2144
2145 @smallexample
2146 implemented, Emacs also checks the first time you modify a buffer
2147 saved. If it has, you are asked to confirm that you want to change
2148 the buffer.
2149 On systems where clash detection (locking of files being edited) is
2150 whether the file has changed on disk since it was last visited or
2151 @end smallexample
2152
2153 @noindent
2154 where the sort keys were @samp{Emacs}, @samp{If}, @samp{buffer},
2155 @samp{systems} and @samp{the}.
2156
2157 @findex sort-columns
2158 @kbd{M-x sort-columns} requires more explanation. You specify the
2159 columns by putting point at one of the columns and the mark at the other
2160 column. Because this means you cannot put point or the mark at the
2161 beginning of the first line of the text you want to sort, this command
2162 uses an unusual definition of ``region'': all of the line point is in is
2163 considered part of the region, and so is all of the line the mark is in,
2164 as well as all the lines in between.
2165
2166 For example, to sort a table by information found in columns 10 to 15,
2167 you could put the mark on column 10 in the first line of the table, and
2168 point on column 15 in the last line of the table, and then run
2169 @code{sort-columns}. Equivalently, you could run it with the mark on
2170 column 15 in the first line and point on column 10 in the last line.
2171
2172 This can be thought of as sorting the rectangle specified by point and
2173 the mark, except that the text on each line to the left or right of the
2174 rectangle moves along with the text inside the rectangle.
2175 @xref{Rectangles}.
2176
2177 @vindex sort-fold-case
2178 Many of the sort commands ignore case differences when comparing, if
2179 @code{sort-fold-case} is non-@code{nil}.
2180
2181 @c Picture Mode documentation
2182 @ifnottex
2183 @include picture-xtra.texi
2184 @end ifnottex
2185
2186
2187 @node Editing Binary Files
2188 @section Editing Binary Files
2189
2190 @cindex Hexl mode
2191 @cindex mode, Hexl
2192 @cindex editing binary files
2193 @cindex hex editing
2194 There is a special major mode for editing binary files: Hexl mode. To
2195 use it, use @kbd{M-x hexl-find-file} instead of @kbd{C-x C-f} to visit
2196 the file. This command converts the file's contents to hexadecimal and
2197 lets you edit the translation. When you save the file, it is converted
2198 automatically back to binary.
2199
2200 You can also use @kbd{M-x hexl-mode} to translate an existing buffer
2201 into hex. This is useful if you visit a file normally and then discover
2202 it is a binary file.
2203
2204 Ordinary text characters overwrite in Hexl mode. This is to reduce
2205 the risk of accidentally spoiling the alignment of data in the file.
2206 There are special commands for insertion. Here is a list of the
2207 commands of Hexl mode:
2208
2209 @c I don't think individual index entries for these commands are useful--RMS.
2210 @table @kbd
2211 @item C-M-d
2212 Insert a byte with a code typed in decimal.
2213
2214 @item C-M-o
2215 Insert a byte with a code typed in octal.
2216
2217 @item C-M-x
2218 Insert a byte with a code typed in hex.
2219
2220 @item C-x [
2221 Move to the beginning of a 1k-byte ``page''.
2222
2223 @item C-x ]
2224 Move to the end of a 1k-byte ``page''.
2225
2226 @item M-g
2227 Move to an address specified in hex.
2228
2229 @item M-j
2230 Move to an address specified in decimal.
2231
2232 @item C-c C-c
2233 Leave Hexl mode, going back to the major mode this buffer had before you
2234 invoked @code{hexl-mode}.
2235 @end table
2236
2237 @noindent
2238 Other Hexl commands let you insert strings (sequences) of binary
2239 bytes, move by @code{short}s or @code{int}s, etc.; type @kbd{C-h a
2240 hexl-@key{RET}} for details.
2241
2242
2243 @node Saving Emacs Sessions
2244 @section Saving Emacs Sessions
2245 @cindex saving sessions
2246 @cindex restore session
2247 @cindex remember editing session
2248 @cindex reload files
2249 @cindex desktop
2250
2251 @vindex desktop-restore-frames
2252 Use the desktop library to save the state of Emacs from one session
2253 to another. Once you save the Emacs @dfn{desktop}---the buffers,
2254 their file names, major modes, buffer positions, and so on---then
2255 subsequent Emacs sessions reload the saved desktop. By default,
2256 the desktop also tries to save the frame and window configuration.
2257 To disable this, set @code{desktop-restore-frames} to @code{nil}.
2258 (See that variable's documentation for some related options
2259 that you can customize to fine-tune this behavior.)
2260
2261 @findex desktop-save
2262 @vindex desktop-save-mode
2263 You can save the desktop manually with the command @kbd{M-x
2264 desktop-save}. You can also enable automatic saving of the desktop
2265 when you exit Emacs, and automatic restoration of the last saved
2266 desktop when Emacs starts: use the Customization buffer (@pxref{Easy
2267 Customization}) to set @code{desktop-save-mode} to @code{t} for future
2268 sessions, or add this line in your init file (@pxref{Init File}):
2269
2270 @example
2271 (desktop-save-mode 1)
2272 @end example
2273
2274 @vindex desktop-auto-save-timeout
2275 @noindent
2276 When @code{desktop-save-mode} is active and the desktop file exists,
2277 Emacs auto-saves it every @code{desktop-auto-save-timeout}
2278 seconds, if that is non-@code{nil} and non-zero.
2279
2280 @findex desktop-change-dir
2281 @findex desktop-revert
2282 @vindex desktop-path
2283 If you turn on @code{desktop-save-mode} in your init file, then when
2284 Emacs starts, it looks for a saved desktop in the current directory.
2285 (More precisely, it looks in the directories specified by
2286 @var{desktop-path}, and uses the first desktop it finds.)
2287 Thus, you can have separate saved desktops in different directories,
2288 and the starting directory determines which one Emacs reloads. You
2289 can save the current desktop and reload one saved in another directory
2290 by typing @kbd{M-x desktop-change-dir}. Typing @kbd{M-x
2291 desktop-revert} reverts to the desktop previously reloaded.
2292
2293 Specify the option @samp{--no-desktop} on the command line when you
2294 don't want it to reload any saved desktop. This turns off
2295 @code{desktop-save-mode} for the current session. Starting Emacs with
2296 the @samp{--no-init-file} option also disables desktop reloading,
2297 since it bypasses the init file, where @code{desktop-save-mode} is
2298 usually turned on.
2299
2300 @vindex desktop-restore-eager
2301 By default, all the buffers in the desktop are restored at one go.
2302 However, this may be slow if there are a lot of buffers in the
2303 desktop. You can specify the maximum number of buffers to restore
2304 immediately with the variable @code{desktop-restore-eager}; the
2305 remaining buffers are restored ``lazily'', when Emacs is idle.
2306
2307 @findex desktop-clear
2308 @vindex desktop-globals-to-clear
2309 @vindex desktop-clear-preserve-buffers-regexp
2310 Type @kbd{M-x desktop-clear} to empty the Emacs desktop. This kills
2311 all buffers except for internal ones, and clears the global variables
2312 listed in @code{desktop-globals-to-clear}. If you want this to
2313 preserve certain buffers, customize the variable
2314 @code{desktop-clear-preserve-buffers-regexp}, whose value is a regular
2315 expression matching the names of buffers not to kill.
2316
2317 If you want to save minibuffer history from one session to
2318 another, use the @code{savehist} library.
2319
2320 @node Recursive Edit
2321 @section Recursive Editing Levels
2322 @cindex recursive editing level
2323 @cindex editing level, recursive
2324
2325 A @dfn{recursive edit} is a situation in which you are using Emacs
2326 commands to perform arbitrary editing while in the middle of another
2327 Emacs command. For example, when you type @kbd{C-r} inside of a
2328 @code{query-replace}, you enter a recursive edit in which you can change
2329 the current buffer. On exiting from the recursive edit, you go back to
2330 the @code{query-replace}. @xref{Query Replace}.
2331
2332 @kindex C-M-c
2333 @findex exit-recursive-edit
2334 @cindex exiting recursive edit
2335 @dfn{Exiting} the recursive edit means returning to the unfinished
2336 command, which continues execution. The command to exit is @kbd{C-M-c}
2337 (@code{exit-recursive-edit}).
2338
2339 You can also @dfn{abort} the recursive edit. This is like exiting,
2340 but also quits the unfinished command immediately. Use the command
2341 @kbd{C-]} (@code{abort-recursive-edit}) to do this. @xref{Quitting}.
2342
2343 The mode line shows you when you are in a recursive edit by displaying
2344 square brackets around the parentheses that always surround the major and
2345 minor mode names. Every window's mode line shows this in the same way,
2346 since being in a recursive edit is true of Emacs as a whole rather than
2347 any particular window or buffer.
2348
2349 It is possible to be in recursive edits within recursive edits. For
2350 example, after typing @kbd{C-r} in a @code{query-replace}, you may type a
2351 command that enters the debugger. This begins a recursive editing level
2352 for the debugger, within the recursive editing level for @kbd{C-r}.
2353 Mode lines display a pair of square brackets for each recursive editing
2354 level currently in progress.
2355
2356 Exiting the inner recursive edit (such as with the debugger @kbd{c}
2357 command) resumes the command running in the next level up. When that
2358 command finishes, you can then use @kbd{C-M-c} to exit another recursive
2359 editing level, and so on. Exiting applies to the innermost level only.
2360 Aborting also gets out of only one level of recursive edit; it returns
2361 immediately to the command level of the previous recursive edit. If you
2362 wish, you can then abort the next recursive editing level.
2363
2364 Alternatively, the command @kbd{M-x top-level} aborts all levels of
2365 recursive edits, returning immediately to the top-level command
2366 reader. It also exits the minibuffer, if it is active.
2367
2368 The text being edited inside the recursive edit need not be the same text
2369 that you were editing at top level. It depends on what the recursive edit
2370 is for. If the command that invokes the recursive edit selects a different
2371 buffer first, that is the buffer you will edit recursively. In any case,
2372 you can switch buffers within the recursive edit in the normal manner (as
2373 long as the buffer-switching keys have not been rebound). You could
2374 probably do all the rest of your editing inside the recursive edit,
2375 visiting files and all. But this could have surprising effects (such as
2376 stack overflow) from time to time. So remember to exit or abort the
2377 recursive edit when you no longer need it.
2378
2379 In general, we try to minimize the use of recursive editing levels in
2380 GNU Emacs. This is because they constrain you to ``go back'' in a
2381 particular order---from the innermost level toward the top level. When
2382 possible, we present different activities in separate buffers so that
2383 you can switch between them as you please. Some commands switch to a
2384 new major mode which provides a command to switch back. These
2385 approaches give you more flexibility to go back to unfinished tasks in
2386 the order you choose.
2387
2388 @ignore
2389 @c Apart from edt and viper, this is all obsolete.
2390 @c (Can't believe we were saying ``most other editors'' into 2014!)
2391 @c There seems no point having a node just for those, which both have
2392 @c their own manuals.
2393 @node Emulation
2394 @section Emulation
2395 @cindex emulating other editors
2396 @cindex other editors
2397 @cindex EDT
2398 @cindex vi
2399 @cindex WordStar
2400
2401 GNU Emacs can be programmed to emulate (more or less) most other
2402 editors. Standard facilities can emulate these:
2403
2404 @table @asis
2405 @item CRiSP/Brief (PC editor)
2406 @findex crisp-mode
2407 @vindex crisp-override-meta-x
2408 @findex scroll-all-mode
2409 @cindex CRiSP mode
2410 @cindex Brief emulation
2411 @cindex emulation of Brief
2412 @cindex mode, CRiSP
2413 @kbd{M-x crisp-mode} enables key bindings to emulate the CRiSP/Brief
2414 editor. Note that this rebinds @kbd{M-x} to exit Emacs unless you set
2415 the variable @code{crisp-override-meta-x}. You can also use the
2416 command @kbd{M-x scroll-all-mode} or set the variable
2417 @code{crisp-load-scroll-all} to emulate CRiSP's scroll-all feature
2418 (scrolling all windows together).
2419
2420 @item EDT (DEC VMS editor)
2421 @findex edt-emulation-on
2422 @findex edt-emulation-off
2423 Turn on EDT emulation with @kbd{M-x edt-emulation-on}; restore normal
2424 command bindings with @kbd{M-x edt-emulation-off}.
2425
2426 Most of the EDT emulation commands are keypad keys, and most standard
2427 Emacs key bindings are still available. The EDT emulation rebindings
2428 are done in the global keymap, so there is no problem switching
2429 buffers or major modes while in EDT emulation.
2430
2431 @item TPU (DEC VMS editor)
2432 @findex tpu-edt-on
2433 @cindex TPU
2434 @kbd{M-x tpu-edt-on} turns on emulation of the TPU editor emulating EDT.
2435
2436 @item vi (Berkeley editor)
2437 @findex viper-mode
2438 Viper is an emulator for vi. It implements several levels of
2439 emulation; level 1 is closest to vi itself, while level 5 departs
2440 somewhat from strict emulation to take advantage of the capabilities of
2441 Emacs. To invoke Viper, type @kbd{M-x viper-mode}; it will guide you
2442 the rest of the way and ask for the emulation level. @inforef{Top,
2443 Viper, viper}.
2444
2445 @item vi (another emulator)
2446 @findex vi-mode
2447 @kbd{M-x vi-mode} enters a major mode that replaces the previously
2448 established major mode. All of the vi commands that, in real vi, enter
2449 ``input'' mode are programmed instead to return to the previous major
2450 mode. Thus, ordinary Emacs serves as vi's ``input'' mode.
2451
2452 Because vi emulation works through major modes, it does not work
2453 to switch buffers during emulation. Return to normal Emacs first.
2454
2455 If you plan to use vi emulation much, you probably want to bind a key
2456 to the @code{vi-mode} command.
2457
2458 @item vi (alternate emulator)
2459 @findex vip-mode
2460 @kbd{M-x vip-mode} invokes another vi emulator, said to resemble real vi
2461 more thoroughly than @kbd{M-x vi-mode}. ``Input'' mode in this emulator
2462 is changed from ordinary Emacs so you can use @key{ESC} to go back to
2463 emulated vi command mode. To get from emulated vi command mode back to
2464 ordinary Emacs, type @kbd{C-z}.
2465
2466 This emulation does not work through major modes, and it is possible
2467 to switch buffers in various ways within the emulator. It is not
2468 so necessary to assign a key to the command @code{vip-mode} as
2469 it is with @code{vi-mode} because terminating insert mode does
2470 not use it.
2471
2472 @inforef{Top, VIP, vip}, for full information.
2473
2474 @item WordStar (old wordprocessor)
2475 @findex wordstar-mode
2476 @kbd{M-x wordstar-mode} provides a major mode with WordStar-like
2477 key bindings.
2478 @end table
2479 @end ignore
2480
2481
2482 @node Hyperlinking
2483 @section Hyperlinking and Navigation Features
2484
2485 The following subsections describe convenience features for handling
2486 URLs and other types of links occurring in Emacs buffer text.
2487
2488 @menu
2489 * Browse-URL:: Following URLs.
2490 * Goto Address mode:: Activating URLs.
2491 * FFAP:: Finding files etc. at point.
2492 @end menu
2493
2494 @node Browse-URL
2495 @subsection Following URLs
2496 @cindex World Wide Web
2497 @cindex Web
2498 @findex browse-url
2499 @findex browse-url-at-point
2500 @findex browse-url-at-mouse
2501 @cindex Browse-URL
2502 @cindex URLs
2503
2504 @table @kbd
2505 @item M-x browse-url @key{RET} @var{url} @key{RET}
2506 Load a URL into a Web browser.
2507 @end table
2508
2509 The Browse-URL package allows you to easily follow URLs from within
2510 Emacs. Most URLs are followed by invoking a web browser;
2511 @samp{mailto:} URLs are followed by invoking the @code{compose-mail}
2512 Emacs command to send mail to the specified address (@pxref{Sending
2513 Mail}).
2514
2515 The command @kbd{M-x browse-url} prompts for a URL, and follows it.
2516 If point is located near a plausible URL, that URL is offered as the
2517 default. The Browse-URL package also provides other commands which
2518 you might like to bind to keys, such as @code{browse-url-at-point} and
2519 @code{browse-url-at-mouse}.
2520
2521 @vindex browse-url-mailto-function
2522 @vindex browse-url-browser-function
2523 You can customize Browse-URL's behavior via various options in the
2524 @code{browse-url} Customize group. In particular, the option
2525 @code{browse-url-mailto-function} lets you define how to follow
2526 @samp{mailto:} URLs, while @code{browse-url-browser-function} lets you
2527 define how to follow other types of URLs. For more information, view
2528 the package commentary by typing @kbd{C-h P browse-url @key{RET}}.
2529
2530 @node Goto Address mode
2531 @subsection Activating URLs
2532 @findex goto-address-mode
2533 @cindex mode, Goto Address
2534 @cindex Goto Address mode
2535 @cindex URLs, activating
2536
2537 @table @kbd
2538 @item M-x goto-address-mode
2539 Activate URLs and e-mail addresses in the current buffer.
2540 @end table
2541
2542 @kindex C-c RET @r{(Goto Address mode)}
2543 @findex goto-address-at-point
2544 You can make Emacs mark out URLs specially in the current buffer, by
2545 typing @kbd{M-x goto-address-mode}. When this buffer-local minor mode
2546 is enabled, it finds all the URLs in the buffer, highlights them, and
2547 turns them into clickable buttons. You can follow the URL by typing
2548 @kbd{C-c @key{RET}} (@code{goto-address-at-point}) while point is on
2549 its text; or by clicking with @kbd{Mouse-2}, or by clicking
2550 @kbd{Mouse-1} quickly (@pxref{Mouse References}). Following a URL is
2551 done by calling @code{browse-url} as a subroutine
2552 (@pxref{Browse-URL}).
2553
2554 It can be useful to add @code{goto-address-mode} to mode hooks and
2555 hooks for displaying an incoming message
2556 (e.g., @code{rmail-show-message-hook} for Rmail, and
2557 @code{mh-show-mode-hook} for MH-E). This is not needed for Gnus,
2558 which has a similar feature of its own.
2559
2560 @node FFAP
2561 @subsection Finding Files and URLs at Point
2562 @findex find-file-at-point
2563 @findex ffap
2564 @findex dired-at-point
2565 @findex ffap-next
2566 @findex ffap-menu
2567 @cindex finding file at point
2568
2569 The FFAP package replaces certain key bindings for finding files,
2570 such as @kbd{C-x C-f}, with commands that provide more sensitive
2571 defaults. These commands behave like the ordinary ones when given a
2572 prefix argument. Otherwise, they get the default file name or URL
2573 from the text around point. If what is found in the buffer has the
2574 form of a URL rather than a file name, the commands use
2575 @code{browse-url} to view it (@pxref{Browse-URL}).
2576
2577 This feature is useful for following references in mail or news
2578 buffers, @file{README} files, @file{MANIFEST} files, and so on. For
2579 more information, view the package commentary by typing @kbd{C-h P
2580 ffap @key{RET}}.
2581
2582 @cindex FFAP minor mode
2583 @findex ffap-mode
2584 To enable FFAP, type @kbd{M-x ffap-bindings}. This makes the
2585 following key bindings, and also installs hooks for additional FFAP
2586 functionality in Rmail, Gnus and VM article buffers.
2587
2588 @table @kbd
2589 @item C-x C-f @var{filename} @key{RET}
2590 @kindex C-x C-f @r{(FFAP)}
2591 Find @var{filename}, guessing a default from text around point
2592 (@code{find-file-at-point}).
2593 @item C-x C-r
2594 @kindex C-x C-r @r{(FFAP)}
2595 @code{ffap-read-only}, analogous to @code{find-file-read-only}.
2596 @item C-x C-v
2597 @kindex C-x C-v @r{(FFAP)}
2598 @code{ffap-alternate-file}, analogous to @code{find-alternate-file}.
2599 @item C-x d @var{directory} @key{RET}
2600 @kindex C-x d @r{(FFAP)}
2601 Start Dired on @var{directory}, defaulting to the directory name at
2602 point (@code{dired-at-point}).
2603 @item C-x C-d
2604 @code{ffap-list-directory}, analogous to @code{list-directory}.
2605 @item C-x 4 f
2606 @kindex C-x 4 f @r{(FFAP)}
2607 @code{ffap-other-window}, analogous to @code{find-file-other-window}.
2608 @item C-x 4 r
2609 @code{ffap-read-only-other-window}, analogous to
2610 @code{find-file-read-only-other-window}.
2611 @item C-x 4 d
2612 @code{ffap-dired-other-window}, like @code{dired-other-window}.
2613 @item C-x 5 f
2614 @kindex C-x 5 f @r{(FFAP)}
2615 @code{ffap-other-frame}, analogous to @code{find-file-other-frame}.
2616 @item C-x 5 r
2617 @code{ffap-read-only-other-frame}, analogous to
2618 @code{find-file-read-only-other-frame}.
2619 @item C-x 5 d
2620 @code{ffap-dired-other-frame}, analogous to @code{dired-other-frame}.
2621 @item M-x ffap-next
2622 Search buffer for next file name or URL, then find that file or URL.
2623 @item S-Mouse-3
2624 @kindex S-Mouse-3 @r{(FFAP)}
2625 @code{ffap-at-mouse} finds the file guessed from text around the position
2626 of a mouse click.
2627 @item C-S-Mouse-3
2628 @kindex C-S-Mouse-3 @r{(FFAP)}
2629 Display a menu of files and URLs mentioned in current buffer, then
2630 find the one you select (@code{ffap-menu}).
2631 @end table
2632
2633 @node Amusements
2634 @section Other Amusements
2635 @cindex boredom
2636
2637 @findex animate-birthday-present
2638 @cindex animate
2639 The @code{animate} package makes text dance (e.g., @kbd{M-x
2640 animate-birthday-present}).
2641
2642 @findex blackbox
2643 @findex mpuz
2644 @findex 5x5
2645 @cindex puzzles
2646 @kbd{M-x blackbox}, @kbd{M-x mpuz} and @kbd{M-x 5x5} are puzzles.
2647 @code{blackbox} challenges you to determine the location of objects
2648 inside a box by tomography. @code{mpuz} displays a multiplication
2649 puzzle with letters standing for digits in a code that you must
2650 guess---to guess a value, type a letter and then the digit you think it
2651 stands for. The aim of @code{5x5} is to fill in all the squares.
2652
2653 @findex bubbles
2654 @kbd{M-x bubbles} is a game in which the object is to remove as many
2655 bubbles as you can in the smallest number of moves.
2656
2657 @findex decipher
2658 @cindex ciphers
2659 @cindex cryptanalysis
2660 @kbd{M-x decipher} helps you to cryptanalyze a buffer which is
2661 encrypted in a simple monoalphabetic substitution cipher.
2662
2663 @findex dissociated-press
2664 @kbd{M-x dissociated-press} scrambles the text in the current Emacs
2665 buffer, word by word or character by character, writing its output to
2666 a buffer named @file{*Dissociation*}. A positive argument tells it to
2667 operate character by character, and specifies the number of overlap
2668 characters. A negative argument tells it to operate word by word, and
2669 specifies the number of overlap words. Dissociated Press produces
2670 results fairly like those of a Markov chain, but is however, an
2671 independent, ignoriginal invention; it techniquitously copies several
2672 consecutive characters from the sample text between random jumps,
2673 unlike a Markov chain which would jump randomly after each word or
2674 character. Keep dissociwords out of your documentation, if you want
2675 it to be well userenced and properbose.
2676
2677 @findex dunnet
2678 @kbd{M-x dunnet} runs an text-based adventure game.
2679
2680 @findex gomoku
2681 @cindex Go Moku
2682 If you want a little more personal involvement, try @kbd{M-x gomoku},
2683 which plays the game Go Moku with you.
2684
2685 @cindex tower of Hanoi
2686 @findex hanoi
2687 If you are a little bit bored, you can try @kbd{M-x hanoi}. If you are
2688 considerably bored, give it a numeric argument. If you are very, very
2689 bored, try an argument of 9. Sit back and watch.
2690
2691 @findex life
2692 @cindex Life
2693 @kbd{M-x life} runs Conway's ``Life'' cellular automaton.
2694
2695 @findex landmark
2696 @cindex landmark game
2697 @kbd{M-x landmark} runs a relatively non-participatory game in which
2698 a robot attempts to maneuver towards a tree at the center of the
2699 window based on unique olfactory cues from each of the four
2700 directions.
2701
2702 @findex morse-region
2703 @findex unmorse-region
2704 @findex nato-region
2705 @cindex Morse code
2706 @cindex --/---/.-./.../.
2707 @kbd{M-x morse-region} converts the text in the region to Morse
2708 code; @kbd{M-x unmorse-region} converts it back. @kbd{M-x
2709 nato-region} converts the text in the region to NATO phonetic
2710 alphabet; @kbd{M-x denato-region} converts it back.
2711
2712 @findex pong
2713 @cindex Pong game
2714 @findex tetris
2715 @cindex Tetris
2716 @findex snake
2717 @cindex Snake
2718 @kbd{M-x pong}, @kbd{M-x snake} and @kbd{M-x tetris} are
2719 implementations of the well-known Pong, Snake and Tetris games.
2720
2721 @findex solitaire
2722 @cindex solitaire
2723 @kbd{M-x solitaire} plays a game of solitaire in which you jump pegs
2724 across other pegs.
2725
2726 @findex zone
2727 The command @kbd{M-x zone} plays games with the display when Emacs
2728 is idle.
2729
2730 @findex doctor
2731 @cindex Eliza
2732 Finally, if you find yourself frustrated, try describing your
2733 problems to the famous psychotherapist Eliza. Just do @kbd{M-x
2734 doctor}. End each input by typing @key{RET} twice.
2735
2736 @ifnottex
2737 @lowersections
2738 @end ifnottex