To change the definition of an abbrev, just define a new definition.
When the abbrev has a prior definition, the abbrev definition commands
-ask for confirmation for replacing it.
+ask for confirmation before replacing it.
To remove an abbrev definition, give a negative argument to the abbrev
definition command: @kbd{C-u - C-x a g} or @kbd{C-u - C-x a l}. The
@table @kbd
@item M-x list-abbrevs
-Display a list of all abbrev definitions. With numeric argument, list
+Display a list of all abbrev definitions. With a numeric argument, list
only local abbrevs.
@item M-x edit-abbrevs
Edit a list of abbrevs; you can add, alter or remove definitions.
@vindex dabbrev-case-fold-search
This feature is controlled by the variable
@code{dabbrev-case-fold-search}. If it is @code{t}, case is ignored in
-this search; if @code{nil}, the word and the expansion must match in
-case. If the value of @code{dabbrev-case-fold-search} is
+this search; if it is @code{nil}, the word and the expansion must match
+in case. If the value of @code{dabbrev-case-fold-search} is
@code{case-fold-search}, which is true by default, then the variable
@code{case-fold-search} controls whether to ignore case while searching
for expansions.
@vindex dabbrev-case-fold-search
The variable @code{dabbrev-case-replace} controls whether to preserve
the case pattern of the abbrev. If it is @code{t}, the abbrev's case
-pattern is preserved in most cases; if @code{nil}, the expansion is
+pattern is preserved in most cases; if it is @code{nil}, the expansion is
always copied verbatim. If the value of @code{dabbrev-case-replace} is
@code{case-replace}, which is true by default, then the variable
@code{case-replace} controls whether to copy the expansion verbatim.
@table @kbd
@item M-x compile
Run a compiler asynchronously under Emacs, with error messages going to
-@samp{*compilation*} buffer.
+the @samp{*compilation*} buffer.
@item M-x grep
Run @code{grep} asynchronously under Emacs, with matching lines
listed in the buffer named @samp{*grep*}.
@kindex C-x `
@findex next-error
You can visit the source for any particular error message by moving
-point in @samp{*compilation*} to that error message and typing @key{RET}
-(@code{compile-goto-error}). Or click @kbd{Mouse-2} on the error message;
-you need not switch to the @samp{*compilation*} buffer first.
+point in the @samp{*compilation*} buffer to that error message and
+typing @key{RET} (@code{compile-goto-error}). Alternatively, you can
+click @kbd{Mouse-2} on the error message; you need not switch to the
+@samp{*compilation*} buffer first.
To parse the compiler error messages sequentially, type @kbd{C-x `}
(@code{next-error}). The character following the @kbd{C-x} is the
@table @kbd
@item M-x gdb @key{RET} @var{file} @key{RET}
@findex gdb
-Run GDB as a subprocess of Emacs. This command creates a buffer for
-input and output to GDB, and switches to it. If a GDB buffer already
-exists, it just switches to that buffer.
+This command runs GDB as a subprocess of Emacs. It creates a buffer
+for input and output to GDB, and switches to it. If a GDB buffer
+already exists, it just switches to that buffer.
@item M-x dbx @key{RET} @var{file} @key{RET}
@findex dbx
-Similar, but run DBX instead of GDB.
+Similar, but runs DBX instead of GDB.
@item M-x xdb @key{RET} @var{file} @key{RET}
@findex xdb
@vindex gud-xdb-directories
-Similar, but run XDB instead of GDB. Use the variable
+Similar, but runs XDB instead of GDB. Use the variable
@code{gud-xdb-directories} to specify directories to search for source
files.
@item M-x sdb @key{RET} @var{file} @key{RET}
@findex sdb
-Similar, but run SDB instead of GDB.
+Similar, but runs SDB instead of GDB.
Some versions of SDB do not mention source file names in their
messages. When you use them, you need to have a valid tags table
this buffer does not move the arrow.
You can start editing these source files at any time in the buffers
-that were made to display them. The arrow is not part of the file's
+that display them. The arrow is not part of the file's
text; it appears only on the screen. If you do modify a source file,
keep in mind that inserting or deleting lines will throw off the arrow's
positioning; GUD has no way of figuring out which line corresponded
commands are available both in the GUD buffer and globally, but with
different key bindings.
- The breakpoint commands are usually used in source file buffers,
-because that is the way to specify where to set or clear the breakpoint.
-Here's the global command to set a breakpoint:
+ The breakpoint commands are normally used in source file buffers,
+because that is the easiest way to specify where to set or clear the
+breakpoint. Here's the global command to set a breakpoint:
@table @kbd
@item C-x @key{SPC}
This defines a command named @var{function} which sends
@var{cmdstring} to the debugger process, and gives it the documentation
-string @var{docstring}. You can use the command thus defined in any
+string @var{docstring}. You can then use the command thus defined in any
buffer. If @var{binding} is non-@code{nil}, @code{gud-def} also binds
the command to @kbd{C-c @var{binding}} in the GUD buffer's mode and to
@kbd{C-x C-a @var{binding}} generally.
region as one or more Lisp expressions, evaluating them one by one.
@kbd{M-x eval-current-buffer} is similar but evaluates the entire
buffer. This is a reasonable way to install the contents of a file of
-Lisp code that you are just ready to test. Later, as you find bugs and
+Lisp code that you are ready to test. Later, as you find bugs and
change individual functions, use @kbd{C-M-x} on each function that you
change. This keeps the Lisp world in step with the source file.
@item Button Down Event
A button down event is the kind of input event generated right away when
-you press a mouse button. @xref{Mouse Buttons}.
+you press down on a mouse button. @xref{Mouse Buttons}.
@item By Default
See `default.'
@item Current Paragraph
The current paragraph is the paragraph that point is in. If point is
-between paragraphs, the current paragraph is the one that follows point.
-@xref{Paragraphs}.
+between two paragraphs, the current paragraph is the one that follows
+point. @xref{Paragraphs}.
@item Current Defun
-The current defun is a defun (q.v.@:) that point is in. If point is
+The current defun is the defun (q.v.@:) that point is in. If point is
between defuns, the current defun is the one that follows point.
@xref{Defuns}.
@item Deletion of Messages
Deleting a message means flagging it to be eliminated from your mail
file. Until you expunge (q.v.@:) the Rmail file, you can still undelete
-the messages you have deleted. @xref{Rmail Deletion}.
+the messages you have flagged to be deleted. @xref{Rmail Deletion}.
@item Deletion of Windows
Deleting a window means eliminating it from the screen. Other windows
more newlines in addition to self-insertion.
@item End Of Line
-End of line is a character or characters which signal an end of a text
+End of line is a character or characters which signal the end of a text
line. On GNU and Unix systems, this is a newline (q.v.@:), but other
systems have other conventions. @xref{Coding Systems,end-of-line}.
Emacs can recognize several end-of-line conventions in files and convert
@item Global Substitution
Global substitution means replacing each occurrence of one string by
-another string through a large amount of text. @xref{Replace}.
+another string throughout a large amount of text. @xref{Replace}.
@item Global Variable
The global value of a variable (q.v.@:) takes effect in all buffers
See `incremental search.'
@item Justification
-Justification means adding extra spaces to lines of text to make them
-come exactly to a specified width. @xref{Filling,Justification}.
+Justification means adding extra spaces within lines of text to make
+them align exactly to a specified width.
+@xref{Filling,Justification}.
@item Keyboard Macro
Keyboard macros are a way of defining new Emacs commands from
@item Killing
Killing means erasing text and saving it on the kill ring so it can be
yanked (q.v.@:) later. Some other systems call this ``cutting.''
-Most Emacs commands to erase text do killing, as opposed to deletion
-(q.v.@:). @xref{Killing}.
+Most Emacs commands that erase text perform killing, as opposed to
+deletion (q.v.@:). @xref{Killing}.
@item Killing a Job
Killing a job (such as, an invocation of Emacs) means making it cease
@item Rectangle
A rectangle consists of the text in a given range of columns on a given
range of lines. Normally you specify a rectangle by putting point at
-one corner and putting the mark at the opposite corner.
+one corner and putting the mark at the diagonally opposite corner.
@xref{Rectangles}.
@item Recursive Editing Level
@item Remote File
A remote file is a file that is stored on a system other than your own.
Emacs can access files on other computers provided that they are
-connected to the same network as your machine. @xref{Remote Files}.
+connected to the same network as your machine, and (obviously) that
+you have a supported method to gain access to those files.
+@xref{Remote Files}.
@item Repeat Count
See `numeric argument.'
@item Simultaneous Editing
Simultaneous editing means two users modifying the same file at once.
-Simultaneous editing if not detected can cause one user to lose his
+Simultaneous editing, if not detected, can cause one user to lose his
work. Emacs detects all cases of simultaneous editing and warns one
of the users to investigate.
@xref{Interlocking,Interlocking,Simultaneous Editing}.
@xref{Bugs}.
@item Text
-Two meanings (@pxref{Text}):
+`Text' has two meanings (@pxref{Text}):
@itemize @bullet
@item
@c This is part of the Emacs manual.
-@c Copyright (C) 1985, 86, 87, 93, 94, 95, 97, 2000
+@c Copyright (C) 1985, 86, 87, 93, 94, 95, 97, 2000, 2001
@c Free Software Foundation, Inc.
@c See file emacs.texi for copying conditions.
@node Help, Mark, M-x, Top
Emacs provides extensive help features accessible through a single
character, @kbd{C-h}. @kbd{C-h} is a prefix key that is used only for
-documentation-printing commands. The characters that you can type after
+commands that display documentation. The characters that you can type after
@kbd{C-h} are called @dfn{help options}. One help option is @kbd{C-h};
that is how you ask for help about using @kbd{C-h}. To cancel, type
@kbd{C-g}. The function key @key{F1} is equivalent to @kbd{C-h}.
@cindex searching documentation efficiently
@cindex looking for a subject in documentation
If you are looking for a certain feature, but don't know where
-exactly it is documented, and aren't even sure what is the name of the
+exactly it is documented, and aren't even sure of the name of the
related command or option, we recommend trying these methods. Usually
it is best to start with an apropos command, then try searching the
manual index, then finally look in the FAQ and the package keywords.
@item C-h a @var{topic} @key{RET}
This searches for commands whose names match @var{topic}, which should
be a regular expression (@pxref{Regexps}). Browse the buffer popped
-up by Emacs, to find what you are looking for. @xref{Apropos}.
+up by Emacs to find what you are looking for. @xref{Apropos}.
@item M-x apropos @key{RET} @var{topic} @key{RET}
This works like @kbd{C-h a}, but it also searches for user options and
mode bindings, major mode bindings, and global bindings
(@code{describe-bindings}).
@item C-h c @var{key}
-Print the name of the command that @var{key} runs
+Show the name of the command that will be run if @var{key} is typed
(@code{describe-key-briefly}). Here @kbd{c} stands for ``character.''
For more extensive information on @var{key}, use @kbd{C-h k}.
@item C-h f @var{function} @key{RET}
@item C-h m
Display documentation of the current major mode (@code{describe-mode}).
@item C-h n
-Display documentation of Emacs changes, most recent first
-(@code{view-emacs-news}).
+Display documentation of changes to Emacs and its packages, most
+recent first (@code{view-emacs-news}).
@item C-h P
Display info on known problems with Emacs and possible workarounds
(@code{view-emacs-problems}).
@item C-h p
Find packages by topic keyword (@code{finder-by-keyword}).
@item C-h s
-Display current contents of the syntax table, plus an explanation of
+Display the current contents of the syntax table, plus an explanation of
what they mean (@code{describe-syntax}). @xref{Syntax}.
@item C-h t
Enter the Emacs interactive tutorial (@code{help-with-tutorial}).
@item C-h v @var{var} @key{RET}
-Display the documentation of the Lisp variable @var{var}
+Display the documentation for the Lisp variable @var{var}
(@code{describe-variable}).
@item C-h w @var{command} @key{RET}
-Print which keys run the command named @var{command} (@code{where-is}).
+Display the list of keys that will run the command named @var{command}
+(@code{where-is}).
@item C-h C @var{coding} @key{RET}
-Describe coding system @var{coding}
+Describe a coding system @var{coding}
(@code{describe-coding-system}).
@item C-h C @key{RET}
Describe the coding systems currently in use.
@item C-h I @var{method} @key{RET}
Describe an input method (@code{describe-input-method}).
@item C-h L @var{language-env} @key{RET}
-Describe information on the character sets, coding systems and input
-methods used for language environment @var{language-env}
+Display information on the character sets, coding systems and input
+methods used for a language environment @var{language-env}
(@code{describe-language-environment}).
@item C-h C-c
Display the copying conditions for GNU Emacs.
among command names yet fail to be unique when other function names are
allowed.
- The function name for @kbd{C-h f} to describe has a default which is
+ The name of the function that @kbd{C-h f} describes has a default which is
used if you type @key{RET} leaving the minibuffer empty. The default is
the function called by the innermost Lisp expression in the buffer around
point, @emph{provided} that is a valid, defined Lisp function name. For
@section Help for International Language Support
You can use the command @kbd{C-h L}
-(@code{describe-language-environment}) to find out the support for a
-specific language environment. @xref{Language Environments}. This
-tells you which languages this language environment is useful for, and
-lists the character sets, coding systems, and input methods that go with
-it. It also shows some sample text to illustrate scripts.
+(@code{describe-language-environment}) to find out information about
+the support for a specific language environment. @xref{Language
+Environments}. This tells you which languages this language
+environment is useful for, and lists the character sets, coding
+systems, and input methods that go with it. It also shows some sample
+text to illustrate scripts.
The command @kbd{C-h h} (@code{view-hello-file}) displays the file
@file{etc/HELLO}, which shows how to say ``hello'' in many languages.
@node Help Mode
@section Help Mode Commands
- Help buffers provide the commands of View mode (@pxref{Misc File
-Ops}), plus a few special commands of their own.
+ Help buffers provide the same commands commands as the View mode
+(@pxref{Misc File Ops}), plus a few special commands of their own.
@table @kbd
@item @key{SPC}
@cindex on-line manuals
@kbd{C-h i} (@code{info}) runs the Info program, which is used for
browsing through structured documentation files. The entire Emacs manual
-is available within Info. Eventually all the documentation of the GNU
+is available within Info. Eventually all of the documentation of the GNU
system will be available. Type @kbd{h} after entering Info to run
a tutorial on using Info.
@kbd{C-h b} (@code{describe-bindings}) and @kbd{C-h s}
(@code{describe-syntax}) present other information about the current
Emacs mode. @kbd{C-h b} displays a list of all the key bindings now in
-effect; the local bindings defined by the current minor modes first,
+effect, showing the local bindings defined by the current minor modes first,
then the local bindings defined by the current major mode, and finally
the global bindings (@pxref{Key Bindings}). @kbd{C-h s} displays the
contents of the syntax table, with explanations of each character's
@findex describe-project
@kindex C-h P
@findex view-emacs-problems
- The other @kbd{C-h} options display various files of useful
+ The other @kbd{C-h} options display various files containing useful
information. @kbd{C-h C-w} displays the full details on the complete
absence of warranty for GNU Emacs. @kbd{C-h n} (@code{view-emacs-news})
displays the file @file{emacs/etc/NEWS}, which contains documentation on
@section Help on Active Text and Tooltips
@cindex tooltips
-@cindex ballon help
+@cindex balloon help
When a region of text is ``active,'' so that you can select it with
the mouse or a key like @kbd{RET}, it often has associated help text.
Areas of the mode line are examples. This help will normally be
printed in the echo area when you move point into the active text. In
-a window system you can display the help text as a ``tooltip.''
-@xref{Tooltips}.
+a window system you can display the help text as a ``tooltip''
+(sometimes known as ``balloon help''). @xref{Tooltips}.
@c WideCommands
@table @kbd
@item @key{TAB}
-Indent current line ``appropriately'' in a mode-dependent fashion.
+Indent the current line ``appropriately'' in a mode-dependent fashion.
@item @kbd{C-j}
Perform @key{RET} followed by @key{TAB} (@code{newline-and-indent}).
@item M-^
-Merge two lines (@code{delete-indentation}). This would cancel out
-the effect of @kbd{C-j}.
+Merge the previous and the current line (@code{delete-indentation}).
+This would cancel out the effect of @kbd{C-j}.
@item C-M-o
-Split line at point; text on the line after point becomes a new line
-indented to the same column that it now starts in (@code{split-line}).
+Split the line at point; text on the line after point becomes a new line
+indented to the same column where point is located (@code{split-line}).
@item M-m
Move (forward or back) to the first nonblank character on the current
line (@code{back-to-indentation}).
@item C-M-\
-Indent several lines to same column (@code{indent-region}).
+Indent several lines to the same column (@code{indent-region}).
@item C-x @key{TAB}
-Shift block of lines rigidly right or left (@code{indent-rigidly}).
+Shift a block of lines rigidly right or left (@code{indent-rigidly}).
@item M-i
Indent from point to the next prespecified tab stop column
(@code{tab-to-tab-stop}).
indents to the next tab stop column. You can set the tab stops with
@kbd{M-x edit-tab-stops}.
- Normally, @key{TAB} inserts a mix of tabs and spaces to indent lines.
-@xref{Just Spaces}, for how to override that.
+ Normally, @key{TAB} inserts an optimal mix of tabs and spaces to
+indent lines. @xref{Just Spaces}, for how to override that.
@menu
* Indentation Commands:: Various commands and techniques for indentation.
area tells you what is happening.
The delete commands include @kbd{C-d} (@code{delete-char}) and
-@key{DEL} (@code{delete-backward-char}), which delete only one character at
-a time, and those commands that delete only spaces or newlines. Commands
-that can destroy significant amounts of nontrivial data generally kill.
-The commands' names and individual descriptions use the words @samp{kill}
-and @samp{delete} to say which they do.
+@key{DEL} (@code{delete-backward-char}), which delete only one
+character at a time, and those commands that delete only spaces or
+newlines. Commands that can destroy significant amounts of nontrivial
+data generally do a kill operation instead. The commands' names and
+individual descriptions use the words @samp{kill} and @samp{delete} to
+say which kind of operation they perform.
@cindex Delete Selection mode
@cindex mode, Delete Selection
Why do we say ``or it should be''? When Emacs starts up using a
window system, it determines automatically which key or keys should be
-equivalent to @key{DEL}. So the @key{BACKSPACE} and/or @key{DELETE}
+equivalent to @key{DEL}. As a result, @key{BACKSPACE} and/or @key{DELETE}
keys normally do the right things. But in some unusual cases Emacs
gets the wrong information from the system. If these keys don't do
what they ought to do, you need to tell Emacs which key to use for
fit your keyboard. The uniform plan is that the ASCII @key{DEL}
character deletes, and the ASCII @key{BS} (backspace) character asks
for help (it is the same as @kbd{C-h}). If this is not right for your
-keyboard, if you find that the key which ought to delete backwards
+keyboard, i.e.@: if you find that the key which ought to delete backwards
enters Help instead, see @ref{DEL Gets Help}.
@kindex M-\
characters before and after point. @kbd{M-@key{SPC}}
(@code{just-one-space}) does likewise but leaves a single space after
point, regardless of the number of spaces that existed previously (even
-zero).
+if there were none before).
@kbd{C-x C-o} (@code{delete-blank-lines}) deletes all blank lines
after the current line. If the current line is blank, it deletes all
When @kbd{C-k} is given a positive argument, it kills that many lines
and the newlines that follow them (however, text on the current line
-before point is spared). With a negative argument @minus{}@var{n}, it
+before point is not killed). With a negative argument @minus{}@var{n}, it
kills @var{n} lines preceding the current line (together with the text
on the current line before point). Thus, @kbd{C-u - 2 C-k} at the front
of a line kills the two previous lines.
with point shown by @point{}. If you type @kbd{M-d M-@key{DEL} M-d
M-@key{DEL}}, killing alternately forward and backward, you end up with
@samp{a line of sample} as one entry in the kill ring, and @samp{This
-is@ @ text.} in the buffer. (Note the double space, which you can clean
-up with @kbd{M-@key{SPC}} or @kbd{M-q}.)
+is@ @ text.} in the buffer. (Note the double space between @samp{is}
+and @samp{text}, which you can clean up with @kbd{M-@key{SPC}} or
+@kbd{M-q}.)
Another way to kill the same text is to move back two words with
@kbd{M-b M-b}, then kill all four words forward with @kbd{C-u M-d}.
text in the buffer changes to match. Enough @kbd{M-y} commands can move
the pointer to any entry in the ring, so you can get any entry into the
buffer. Eventually the pointer reaches the end of the ring; the next
-@kbd{M-y} moves it to the first entry again.
+@kbd{M-y} loops back around to the first entry again.
@kbd{M-y} moves the ``last yank'' pointer around the ring, but it does
not change the order of the entries in the ring, which always runs from
@table @kbd
@item M-x append-to-buffer
-Append region to contents of specified buffer.
+Append region to the contents of specified buffer.
@item M-x prepend-to-buffer
-Prepend region to contents of specified buffer.
+Prepend region to the contents of specified buffer.
@item M-x copy-to-buffer
-Copy region into specified buffer, deleting that buffer's old contents.
+Copy region into a specified buffer, deleting that buffer's old contents.
@item M-x insert-buffer
-Insert contents of specified buffer into current buffer at point.
+Insert the contents of specified buffer into current buffer at point.
@item M-x append-to-file
-Append region to contents of specified file, at the end.
+Append region to the contents of specified file, at the end.
@end table
To accumulate text into a buffer, use @kbd{M-x append-to-buffer}.
@code{append-to-buffer} creates the buffer. The text is inserted
wherever point is in that buffer. If you have been using the buffer for
editing, the copied text goes into the middle of the text of the buffer,
-wherever point happens to be in it.
+starting from wherever point happens to be at that moment.
Point in that buffer is left at the end of the copied text, so
successive uses of @code{append-to-buffer} accumulate the text in the
@kbd{M-x prepend-to-buffer} is just like @code{append-to-buffer}
except that point in the other buffer is left before the copied text, so
successive prependings add text in reverse order. @kbd{M-x
-copy-to-buffer} is similar except that any existing text in the other
+copy-to-buffer} is similar, except that any existing text in the other
buffer is deleted, so the buffer is left containing just the text newly
copied into it.
When you must specify a rectangle for a command to work on, you do it
by putting the mark at one corner and point at the opposite corner. The
rectangle thus specified is called the @dfn{region-rectangle} because
-you control it in about the same way the region is controlled. But
+you control it in much the same way as the region is controlled. But
remember that a given combination of point and mark values can be
interpreted either as a region or as a rectangle, depending on the
command that uses them.
Insert @var{string} on each line of the rectangle.
@end table
- The rectangle operations fall into two classes: commands deleting and
-inserting rectangles, and commands for blank rectangles.
+ The rectangle operations fall into two classes: commands for
+deleting and inserting rectangles, and commands for blank rectangles.
@kindex C-x r k
@kindex C-x r d
rectangle. The commands for these two ways are @kbd{C-x r d}
(@code{delete-rectangle}) and @kbd{C-x r k} (@code{kill-rectangle}). In
either case, the portion of each line that falls inside the rectangle's
-boundaries is deleted, causing following text (if any) on the line to
+boundaries is deleted, causing any following text on the line to
move left into the gap.
Note that ``killing'' a rectangle is not killing in the usual sense; the
(@code{yank-rectangle}). Yanking a rectangle is the opposite of killing
one. Point specifies where to put the rectangle's upper left corner.
The rectangle's first line is inserted there, the rectangle's second
-line is inserted at a position one line vertically down, and so on. The
-number of lines affected is determined by the height of the saved
-rectangle.
+line is inserted at the same horizontal, but one line vertically down,
+and so on. The number of lines affected is determined by the height of
+the saved rectangle.
You can convert single-column lists into double-column lists using
rectangle killing and yanking; kill the second half of the list as a
syntactical properties of characters appearing in the buffer.
@xref{Syntax}.
- The major modes fall into three major groups. Lisp mode (which has
-several variants), C mode, Fortran mode and others are for specific
-programming languages. Text mode, Nroff mode, SGML mode, @TeX{} mode
-and Outline mode are for normal text, plain or marked up. The remaining
-major modes are not intended for use on users' files; they are used in
-buffers created for specific purposes by Emacs, such as Dired mode for
-buffers made by Dired (@pxref{Dired}), Mail mode for buffers made by
-@kbd{C-x m} (@pxref{Sending Mail}), and Shell mode for buffers used for
-communicating with an inferior shell process (@pxref{Interactive
-Shell}).
+ The major modes fall into three major groups. The first group
+contains Lisp mode (which has several variants), C mode, Fortran mode
+and others. These modes are for specific programming languages. The
+second group contains Text mode, Nroff mode, SGML mode, @TeX{} mode
+and Outline mode. These modes are for normal text, plain or marked
+up. The remaining major modes are not intended for use on users'
+files; they are used in buffers created for specific purposes by
+Emacs, such as Dired mode for buffers made by Dired (@pxref{Dired}),
+Mail mode for buffers made by @kbd{C-x m} (@pxref{Sending Mail}), and
+Shell mode for buffers used for communicating with an inferior shell
+process (@pxref{Interactive Shell}).
Most programming-language major modes specify that only blank lines
separate paragraphs. This is to make the paragraph commands useful.
For example, one element normally found in the list has the form
@code{(@t{"\\.c\\'"} . c-mode)}, and it is responsible for selecting C
mode for files whose names end in @file{.c}. (Note that @samp{\\} is
-needed in Lisp syntax to include a @samp{\} in the string, which is
-needed to suppress the special meaning of @samp{.} in regexps.) If the
+needed in Lisp syntax to include a @samp{\} in the string, which must
+be used to suppress the special meaning of @samp{.} in regexps.) If the
element has the form @code{(@var{regexp} @var{mode-function}
@var{flag})} and @var{flag} is non-@code{nil}, then after calling
@var{mode-function}, the suffix that matched @var{regexp} is discarded
@noindent
tells Emacs to use Lisp mode. Such an explicit specification overrides
-any defaulting based on the file name. Note how the semicolon is used
+any defaults based on the file name. Note how the semicolon is used
to make Lisp treat this line as a comment.
Another format of mode specification is
mode Emacs would choose automatically: use the command @kbd{M-x
normal-mode} to do this. This is the same function that
@code{find-file} calls to choose the major mode. It also processes
-the file's local variables list if any.
+the file's local variables list (if any).
@vindex change-major-mode-with-file-name
The commands @kbd{C-x C-w} and @code{set-visited-file-name} change to
@findex exchange-point-and-mark
Ordinary terminals have only one cursor, so there is no way for Emacs
to show you where the mark is located. You have to remember. The usual
-solution to this problem is to set the mark and then use it soon, before
+solution to this problem is to set the mark and then use it before
you forget where it is. Alternatively, you can see where the mark is
with the command @kbd{C-x C-x} (@code{exchange-point-and-mark}) which
puts the mark where point was and point where the mark was. The extent
@kbd{C-x C-x} is also useful when you are satisfied with the position
of point but want to move the other end of the region (where the mark
is); do @kbd{C-x C-x} to put point at that end of the region, and then
-move it. A second use of @kbd{C-x C-x}, if necessary, puts the mark at
+move it. Using @kbd{C-x C-x} a second time, if necessary, puts the mark at
the new position with point back at its original position.
For more facilities that allow you to go to previously set marks, see
@itemize @bullet
@item
To set the mark, type @kbd{C-@key{SPC}} (@code{set-mark-command}).
-This makes the mark active; as you move point, you will see the region
-highlighting grow and shrink.
+This makes the mark active; as you move point, you will see the
+highlighted region grow and shrink.
@item
The mouse commands for specifying the mark also make it active. So do
region active again by typing @kbd{C-x C-x}.
@item
-Commands like @kbd{M->} and @kbd{C-s} that ``leave the mark behind'' in
-addition to some other primary purpose do not activate the new mark.
+Commands like @kbd{M->} and @kbd{C-s} that ``leave the mark behind'', in
+addition to some other primary purpose, do not activate the new mark.
You can activate the new region by executing @kbd{C-x C-x}
(@code{exchange-point-and-mark}).
in their own documentation.
@end itemize
- Highlighting of the region uses the @code{region} face; you can
-customize how the region is highlighted by changing this face.
-@xref{Face Customization}.
+ The highlighting of the region uses the @code{region} face; you can
+customize the appearance of the highlighted region by changing this
+face. @xref{Face Customization}.
@vindex highlight-nonselected-windows
When multiple windows show the same buffer, they can have different
window highlights its region (@pxref{Windows}). However, if the
variable @code{highlight-nonselected-windows} is non-@code{nil}, then
each window highlights its own region (provided that Transient Mark mode
-is enabled and the window's buffer's mark is active).
+is enabled and the mark in the buffer's window is active).
When Transient Mark mode is not enabled, every command that sets the
mark also activates it, and nothing ever deactivates it.
Evaluate it as Lisp code with @kbd{M-x eval-region} (@pxref{Lisp Eval}).
@end itemize
- Most commands that operate on the text in the
-region have the word @code{region} in their names.
+ Most commands that operate on text in the region have the word
+@code{region} in their names.
@node Marking Objects
@section Commands to Mark Textual Objects
@table @kbd
@item M-@@
-Set mark after end of next word (@code{mark-word}). This command and
+Set mark after the end of next word (@code{mark-word}). This command and
the following one do not move point.
@item C-M-@@
-Set mark after end of following balanced expression (@code{mark-sexp}).
+Set mark after the end of following balanced expression (@code{mark-sexp}).
@item M-h
-Put region around current paragraph (@code{mark-paragraph}).
+Put region around the current paragraph (@code{mark-paragraph}).
@item C-M-h
-Put region around current defun (@code{mark-defun}).
+Put region around the current defun (@code{mark-defun}).
@item C-x h
-Put region around entire buffer (@code{mark-whole-buffer}).
+Put region around the entire buffer (@code{mark-whole-buffer}).
@item C-x C-p
-Put region around current page (@code{mark-page}).
+Put region around the current page (@code{mark-page}).
@end table
@kbd{M-@@} (@code{mark-word}) puts the mark at the end of the next
the mark at the end of that paragraph (@pxref{Paragraphs}). It prepares
the region so you can indent, case-convert, or kill a whole paragraph.
- @kbd{C-M-h} (@code{mark-defun}) similarly puts point before and the
-mark after the current or following major top-level definition, or
+ @kbd{C-M-h} (@code{mark-defun}) similarly puts point before, and the
+mark after, the current or following major top-level definition, or
defun (@pxref{Moving by Defuns}). @kbd{C-x C-p} (@code{mark-page})
puts point before the current page, and mark at the end
(@pxref{Pages}). The mark goes after the terminating page delimiter
feature more useful, each buffer remembers 16 previous locations of the
mark, in the @dfn{mark ring}. Commands that set the mark also push the
old mark onto this ring. To return to a marked location, use @kbd{C-u
-C-@key{SPC}} (or @kbd{C-u C-@@}); this is the command
+C-@key{SPC}} (or @kbd{C-u C-@@}); this is the same as the command
@code{set-mark-command} given a numeric argument. It moves point to
where the mark was, and restores the mark from the ring of former
marks. Thus, repeated use of this command moves point to all of the old
@vindex mark-ring-max
The variable @code{mark-ring-max} specifies the maximum number of
entries to keep in the mark ring. If that many entries exist and
-another one is pushed, the last one in the list is discarded. Repeating
+another one is pushed, the earliest one in the list is discarded. Repeating
@kbd{C-u C-@key{SPC}} cycles through the positions currently in the
ring.
@cindex default argument
Sometimes a @dfn{default argument} appears in parentheses after the
colon; it too is part of the prompt. The default will be used as the
-argument value if you enter an empty argument (for example, just type
+argument value if you enter an empty argument (that is, just type
@key{RET}). For example, commands that read buffer names always show a
default, which is the name of the buffer that will be used if you type
just @key{RET}.
with @kbd{C-x ^}.
@vindex resize-mini-windows
- The minibuffer window expands vertically as necessary to hold the text
-that you put in the minibuffer if @code{resize-mini-windows} is
+ The minibuffer window expands vertically as necessary to hold the
+text that you put in the minibuffer if @code{resize-mini-windows} is
non-@code{nil}. If @code{resize-mini-windows} is @code{t}, the window
is always resized to fit the size of the text it displays. If
@code{resize-mini-windows} is the symbol @code{grow-only}, the window
-is enlarged only, until it becomes empty again, at which point it
-shrinks to its normal size again.
+is enlarged when the size of displayed text grows, but never shrinked
+until it becomes empty, at which point it shrinks back to its normal
+size.
@vindex max-mini-window-height
The variable @code{max-mini-window-height} controls the maximum
If while in the minibuffer you issue a command that displays help text
of any sort in another window, you can use the @kbd{C-M-v} command while
in the minibuffer to scroll the help text. This lasts until you exit
-the minibuffer. This feature is especially useful if a completing
+the minibuffer. This feature is especially useful if the
minibuffer gives you a list of possible completions. @xref{Other Window}.
@vindex enable-recursive-minibuffers
type @key{SPC}, it finds that the completion is @samp{auto-fill-mode},
but it stops completing after @samp{fill-}. This gives
@samp{auto-fill-}. Another @key{SPC} at this point completes all the
-way to @samp{auto-fill-mode}. @key{SPC} in the minibuffer when
+way to @samp{auto-fill-mode}. Typing @key{SPC} in the minibuffer when
completion is available runs the command
@code{minibuffer-complete-word}.
@item Mouse-2
Clicking mouse button 2 on a completion in the list of possible
completions chooses that completion (@code{mouse-choose-completion}).
-You normally use this command while point is in the minibuffer; but you
+You normally use this command while point is in the minibuffer, but you
must click in the list of completions, not in the minibuffer itself.
@findex switch-to-completions
lists of completions---those always mention all possible completions.
@vindex completion-auto-help
- Normally, a completion command that finds the next character is undetermined
-automatically displays a list of all possible completions. If the variable
-@code{completion-auto-help} is set to @code{nil}, this does not happen,
-and you must type @kbd{?} to display the possible completions.
+ Normally, a completion command that finds that the next character is
+undetermined automatically displays a list of all possible
+completions. If the variable @code{completion-auto-help} is set to
+@code{nil}, this does not happen, and you must type @kbd{?} to display
+the possible completions.
@cindex Partial Completion mode
@vindex partial-completion-mode
Clear out the region-rectangle with spaces
(@code{picture-clear-rectangle}). With argument, delete the text.
@item C-c C-w @var{r}
-Similar but save rectangle contents in register @var{r} first
+Similar, but save rectangle contents in register @var{r} first
(@code{picture-clear-rectangle-to-register}).
@item C-c C-y
Copy last killed rectangle into the buffer by overwriting, with upper
@findex picture-yank-rectangle
@findex picture-yank-rectangle-from-register
The Picture mode commands for yanking rectangles differ from the
-standard ones in overwriting instead of inserting. This is the same way
-that Picture mode insertion of other text differs from other modes.
-@kbd{C-c C-y} (@code{picture-yank-rectangle}) inserts (by overwriting)
-the rectangle that was most recently killed, while @kbd{C-c C-x}
-(@code{picture-yank-rectangle-from-register}) does likewise for the
-rectangle found in a specified register.
+standard ones in that they overwrite instead of inserting. This is
+the same way that Picture mode insertion of other text differs from
+other modes. @kbd{C-c C-y} (@code{picture-yank-rectangle}) inserts
+(by overwriting) the rectangle that was most recently killed, while
+@kbd{C-c C-x} (@code{picture-yank-rectangle-from-register}) does
+likewise for the rectangle found in a specified register.
initialized from that environment variable.
@item In-reply-to
-This field contains a piece of text describing a message you are
+This field contains a piece of text describing the message you are
replying to. Some mail systems can use this information to correlate
related pieces of mail. Normally this field is filled in by Rmail
when you reply to a message in Rmail, and you never need to
Mail mode is normally used in buffers set up automatically by the
@code{mail} command and related commands. However, you can also switch
-to Mail mode in a file-visiting buffer. That is a useful thing to do if
-you have saved draft message text in a file.
+to Mail mode in a file-visiting buffer. This is a useful thing to do if
+you have saved the text of a draft message in a file.
@menu
* Mail Sending:: Commands to send the message.
For completion purposes, the valid mailing addresses are taken to be
the local users' names plus your personal mail aliases. You can
-specify additional sources of valid addresses; look at customization
+specify additional sources of valid addresses; look at the customization
group @samp{mailalias} to see the options for this
(@pxref{Customization Groups}).
Insert the contents of @var{file} at the end of the outgoing message
(@code{mail-attach-file}).
@item M-x ispell-message
-Do spelling correction on the message text, but not on citations from
+Perform spelling correction on the message text, but not on citations from
other messages.
@end table
the end of the message to say more about who you are. The text comes
from the file @file{~/.signature} in your home directory. To insert
your signature automatically, set the variable @code{mail-signature} to
-@code{t}; then starting a mail message automatically inserts the
+@code{t}; after that, starting a mail message automatically inserts the
contents of your @file{~/.signature} file. If you want to omit your
signature from a particular message, delete it from the buffer before
you send the message.
The main difference between these hooks is just when they are
invoked. Whenever you type @kbd{M-x mail}, @code{mail-mode-hook} runs
as soon as the @samp{*mail*} buffer is created. Then the
-@code{mail-setup} function puts in the default contents of the buffer.
+@code{mail-setup} function inserts the default contents of the buffer.
After these default contents are inserted, @code{mail-setup-hook} runs.
@node Mail Amusements
@xref{MH-E,,,mh-e, The Emacs Interface to MH}. @xref{Message,,,message,
Message Manual}. You can choose any of them as your preferred method.
The commands @code{C-x m}, @code{C-x 4 m} and @code{C-x 5 m} use
-whichever agent you have specified. So do various other Emacs commands
+whichever agent you have specified, as do various other Emacs commands
and facilities that send mail.
@vindex mail-user-agent