@item
The @code{min-colors} face attribute, used for tailoring faces to
limited-color displays, does not exist. If in doubt, use colors like
-``white'' and ``black'', which ought to be defined everywhere.
+``white'' and ``black,'' which ought to be defined everywhere.
@item
The @code{tty-color-mode} frame parameter does not exist. You should
@item
Many programming shortcuts have been deleted, to provide you with the
-enjoyment of ``rolling your own''. The macros @code{while-no-input},
+enjoyment of ``rolling your own.'' The macros @code{while-no-input},
@code{with-local-quit}, and @code{with-selected-window}, along with
@code{dynamic-completion-table} and @code{lazy-completion-table} no
longer exist. Also, there are no built-in progress reporters;
use.
If @var{filename} is @code{nil} or the empty string, that stands for
-``no visited file''. In this case, @code{set-visited-file-name} marks
+``no visited file.'' In this case, @code{set-visited-file-name} marks
the buffer as having no visited file, without changing the buffer's
modified flag.
button and modifier keys. The information about the window part is kept
elsewhere in the event---in the coordinates. But
@code{read-key-sequence} translates this information into imaginary
-``prefix keys'', all of which are symbols: @code{header-line},
+``prefix keys,'' all of which are symbols: @code{header-line},
@code{horizontal-scroll-bar}, @code{menu-bar}, @code{mode-line},
@code{vertical-line}, and @code{vertical-scroll-bar}. You can define
meanings for mouse clicks in special window parts by defining key
@defvar unread-command-char
This variable holds a character to be read as command input.
-A value of -1 means ``empty''.
+A value of -1 means ``empty.''
This variable is mostly obsolete now that you can use
@code{unread-command-events} instead; it exists only to support programs
change the major mode of the current buffer temporarily to a special
major mode, which should have a command to go back to the previous mode.
(The @kbd{e} command in Rmail uses this technique.) Or, if you wish to
-give the user different text to edit ``recursively'', create and select
+give the user different text to edit ``recursively,'' create and select
a new buffer in a special mode. In this mode, define a command to
complete the processing and go back to the previous buffer. (The
@kbd{m} command in Rmail does this.)
@var{body-forms}, and the value of the last of @var{body-forms} becomes
the value of the @code{cond}. The remaining clauses are ignored.
-If the value of @var{condition} is @code{nil}, the clause ``fails'', so
+If the value of @var{condition} is @code{nil}, the clause ``fails,'' so
the @code{cond} moves on to the following clause, trying its
@var{condition}.
@subsection Examples of @code{catch} and @code{throw}
One way to use @code{catch} and @code{throw} is to exit from a doubly
-nested loop. (In most languages, this would be done with a ``go to''.)
+nested loop. (In most languages, this would be done with a ``go to.'')
Here we compute @code{(foo @var{i} @var{j})} for @var{i} and @var{j}
varying from 0 to 9:
indicate truncated and continued lines (@pxref{Fringes}). On a text
terminal, a @samp{$} in the rightmost column of the window indicates
truncation; a @samp{\} on the rightmost column indicates a line that
-``wraps''. (The display table can specify alternate characters to use
+``wraps.'' (The display table can specify alternate characters to use
for this; @pxref{Display Tables}).
@defopt truncate-lines
This is the only valid way to change the endpoints of an overlay. Do
not try modifying the markers in the overlay by hand, as that fails to
update other vital data structures and can cause some overlays to be
-``lost''.
+``lost.''
@end defun
@defun remove-overlays &optional start end name value
A non-@code{nil} value specifies an italic font.
@end table
- For compatibility, you can still set these ``attributes'', even
+ For compatibility, you can still set these ``attributes,'' even
though they are not real face attributes. Here is what that does:
@table @code
@end ifnottex
@item disabled
-Specifies transforming the image so that it looks ``disabled''.
+Specifies transforming the image so that it looks ``disabled.''
@end table
@item :mask @var{mask}
@subsection Abstract Display Example
Here is a simple example using functions of the ewoc package to
-implement a ``color components display'', an area in a buffer that
+implement a ``color components display,'' an area in a buffer that
represents a vector of three integers (itself representing a 24-bit RGB
value) in various ways.
@section Window Systems
Emacs works with several window systems, most notably the X Window
-System. Both Emacs and X use the term ``window'', but use it
+System. Both Emacs and X use the term ``window,'' but use it
differently. An Emacs frame is a single window as far as X is
concerned; the individual Emacs windows are not known to X at all.
to get credit for their work, while not being considered responsible
for modifications made by others.
-This License is a kind of ``copyleft'', which means that derivative
+This License is a kind of ``copyleft,'' which means that derivative
works of the document must themselves be free in the same sense. It
complements the GNU General Public License, which is a copyleft
license designed for free software.
contains a notice placed by the copyright holder saying it can be
distributed under the terms of this License. Such a notice grants a
world-wide, royalty-free license, unlimited in duration, to use that
-work under the conditions stated herein. The ``Document'', below,
+work under the conditions stated herein. The ``Document,'' below,
refers to any such manual or work. Any member of the public is a
-licensee, and is addressed as ``you''. You accept the license if you
+licensee, and is addressed as ``you.'' You accept the license if you
copy, modify or distribute the work in a way requiring permission
under copyright law.
A section ``Entitled XYZ'' means a named subunit of the Document whose
title either is precisely XYZ or contains XYZ in parentheses following
text that translates XYZ in another language. (Here XYZ stands for a
-specific section name mentioned below, such as ``Acknowledgements'',
-``Dedications'', ``Endorsements'', or ``History''.) To ``Preserve the Title''
+specific section name mentioned below, such as ``Acknowledgements,''
+``Dedications,'' ``Endorsements,'' or ``History.'') To ``Preserve the Title''
of such a section when you modify the Document means that it remains a
section ``Entitled XYZ'' according to this definition.
G. Preserve in that license notice the full lists of Invariant Sections
and required Cover Texts given in the Document's license notice.@*
H. Include an unaltered copy of this License.@*
-I. Preserve the section Entitled ``History'', Preserve its Title, and add
+I. Preserve the section Entitled ``History,'' Preserve its Title, and add
to it an item stating at least the title, year, new authors, and
publisher of the Modified Version as given on the Title Page. If
there is no section Entitled ``History'' in the Document, create one
You may omit a network location for a work that was published at
least four years before the Document itself, or if the original
publisher of the version it refers to gives permission.@*
-K. For any section Entitled ``Acknowledgements'' or ``Dedications'',
+K. For any section Entitled ``Acknowledgements'' or ``Dedications,''
Preserve the Title of the section, and preserve in the section all
the substance and tone of each of the contributor acknowledgements
and/or dedications given therein.@*
list of Invariant Sections in the Modified Version's license notice.
These titles must be distinct from any other section titles.
-You may add a section Entitled ``Endorsements'', provided it contains
+You may add a section Entitled ``Endorsements,'' provided it contains
nothing but endorsements of your Modified Version by various
parties--for example, statements of peer review or that the text has
been approved by an organization as the authoritative definition of a
In the combination, you must combine any sections Entitled ``History''
in the various original documents, forming one section Entitled
-``History''; likewise combine any sections Entitled ``Acknowledgements'',
+``History''; likewise combine any sections Entitled ``Acknowledgements,''
and any sections Entitled ``Dedications.'' You must delete all sections
Entitled ``Endorsements.''
@sp 1
the translation and the original version of this License or a notice
or disclaimer, the original version will prevail.
-If a section in the Document is Entitled ``Acknowledgements'',
-``Dedications'', or ``History'', the requirement (section 4) to Preserve
+If a section in the Document is Entitled ``Acknowledgements,''
+``Dedications,'' or ``History,'' the requirement (section 4) to Preserve
its Title (section 1) will typically require changing the actual
title.
@sp 1
or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation;
with no Invariant Sections, no Front-Cover Texts, and no Back-Cover Texts.
A copy of the license is included in the section entitled ``GNU
-Free Documentation License''.
+Free Documentation License.''
@end group
@end smallexample
stored in the same directory as the file you are editing.
When you access files using NFS, there may be a small probability that
-you and another user will both lock the same file ``simultaneously''.
+you and another user will both lock the same file ``simultaneously.''
If this happens, it is possible for the two users to make changes
simultaneously, but Emacs will still warn the user who saves second.
Also, the detection of modification of a buffer visiting a file changed
@end defun
@defun file-name-extension filename &optional period
-This function returns @var{filename}'s final ``extension'', if any,
+This function returns @var{filename}'s final ``extension,'' if any,
after applying @code{file-name-sans-versions} to remove any
version/backup part. The extension, in a file name, is the part that
starts with the last @samp{.} in the last name component (minus
possibly others to be added in the future. It need not implement all
these operations itself---when it has nothing special to do for a
certain operation, it can reinvoke the primitive, to handle the
-operation ``in the usual way''. It should always reinvoke the primitive
+operation ``in the usual way.'' It should always reinvoke the primitive
for an operation it does not recognize. Here's one way to do this:
@smallexample
form @code{(@var{on-state} . @var{off-state})}. Whenever the cursor
type equals @var{on-state} (comparing using @code{equal}), the
corresponding @var{off-state} specifies what the cursor looks like
-when it blinks ``off''. Both @var{on-state} and @var{off-state}
+when it blinks ``off.'' Both @var{on-state} and @var{off-state}
should be suitable values for the @code{cursor-type} frame parameter.
There are various defaults for how to blink each type of cursor, if
@defun visible-frame-list
This function returns a list of just the currently visible frames.
@xref{Visibility of Frames}. (Terminal frames always count as
-``visible'', even though only the selected one is actually displayed.)
+``visible,'' even though only the selected one is actually displayed.)
@end defun
@defun next-frame &optional frame minibuf
Most window systems use a desktop metaphor. Part of this metaphor is
the idea that windows are stacked in a notional third dimension
perpendicular to the screen surface, and thus ordered from ``highest''
-to ``lowest''. Where two windows overlap, the one higher up covers
+to ``lowest.'' Where two windows overlap, the one higher up covers
the one underneath. Even a window at the bottom of the stack can be
seen if no other window overlaps it.
@cindex lowering a frame
A window's place in this ordering is not fixed; in fact, users tend
to change the order frequently. @dfn{Raising} a window means moving
-it ``up'', to the top of the stack. @dfn{Lowering} a window means
+it ``up,'' to the top of the stack. @dfn{Lowering} a window means
moving it to the bottom of the stack. This motion is in the notional
third dimension only, and does not change the position of the window
on the screen.
A dialog box is a variant of a pop-up menu---it looks a little
different, it always appears in the center of a frame, and it has just
one level and one or more buttons. The main use of dialog boxes is
-for asking questions that the user can answer with ``yes'', ``no'',
+for asking questions that the user can answer with ``yes,'' ``no,''
and a few other alternatives. With a single button, they can also
force the user to acknowledge important information. The functions
@code{y-or-n-p} and @code{yes-or-no-p} use dialog boxes instead of the
These functions provide a way to determine which color names are
valid, and what they look like. In some cases, the value depends on the
@dfn{selected frame}, as described below; see @ref{Input Focus}, for the
-meaning of the term ``selected frame''.
+meaning of the term ``selected frame.''
@defun color-defined-p color &optional frame
This function reports whether a color name is meaningful. It returns
server.
When the developers of X labelled software distributors as
-``vendors'', they showed their false assumption that no system could
+``vendors,'' they showed their false assumption that no system could
ever be developed and distributed noncommercially.
@end defun
practice).
We often identify functions with the symbols used to name them. For
-example, we often speak of ``the function @code{car}'', not
+example, we often speak of ``the function @code{car},'' not
distinguishing between the symbol @code{car} and the primitive
subr-object that is its function definition. For most purposes, the
distinction is not important.
In Lisp, a function is a list that starts with @code{lambda}, a
byte-code function compiled from such a list, or alternatively a
-primitive subr-object; names are ``extra''. Although usually functions
+primitive subr-object; names are ``extra.'' Although usually functions
are defined with @code{defun} and given names at the same time, it is
occasionally more concise to use an explicit lambda expression---an
anonymous function. Such a list is valid wherever a function name is.
@item
This License applies to any program or other work which contains
a notice placed by the copyright holder saying it may be distributed
-under the terms of this General Public License. The ``Program'', below,
+under the terms of this General Public License. The ``Program,'' below,
refers to any such program or work, and a ``work based on the Program''
means either the Program or any derivative work under copyright law:
that is to say, a work containing the Program or a portion of it,
either verbatim or with modifications and/or translated into another
language. (Hereinafter, translation is included without limitation in
-the term ``modification''.) Each licensee is addressed as ``you''.
+the term ``modification.'') Each licensee is addressed as ``you.''
Activities other than copying, distribution and modification are not
covered by this License; they are outside its scope. The act of
Each version is given a distinguishing version number. If the Program
specifies a version number of this License which applies to it and ``any
-later version'', you have the option of following the terms and conditions
+later version,'' you have the option of following the terms and conditions
either of that version or of any later version published by the Free
Software Foundation. If the Program does not specify a version number of
this License, you may choose any version ever published by the Free Software
Keys which are numbers are ``the same'' if they are @code{equal}, that
is, if they are equal in value and either both are integers or both
are floating point numbers; otherwise, two distinct objects are never
-``the same''.
+``the same.''
@item eq
Any two distinct Lisp objects are ``different'' as keys.
@item equal
-Two Lisp objects are ``the same'', as keys, if they are equal
+Two Lisp objects are ``the same,'' as keys, if they are equal
according to @code{equal}.
@end table
when it was chosen.
@item too_small_ok
-Non-@code{nil} means don't delete this window for becoming ``too small''.
+Non-@code{nil} means don't delete this window for becoming ``too small.''
@item height_fixed_p
This field is temporarily set to 1 to fix the height of the selected
representations of Lisp objects into actual Lisp objects, and vice
versa. @xref{Printed Representation}, for more details. You, the
person reading this manual, are thought of as ``the programmer'' and are
-addressed as ``you''. ``The user'' is the person who uses Lisp
+addressed as ``you.'' ``The user'' is the person who uses Lisp
programs, including those you write.
@cindex fonts in this manual
@end example
@noindent
-You can read this as ``@code{(car '(1 2))} evaluates to 1''.
+You can read this as ``@code{(car '(1 2))} evaluates to 1.''
When a form is a macro call, it expands into a new form for Lisp to
evaluate. We show the result of the expansion with
Note the symbols which the bindings are ``made for''; these appear
inside square brackets, in the key sequence being defined. In some
cases, this symbol is the same as the command name; sometimes it is
-different. These symbols are treated as ``function keys'', but they are
+different. These symbols are treated as ``function keys,'' but they are
not real function keys on the keyboard. They do not affect the
functioning of the menu itself, but they are ``echoed'' in the echo area
when the user selects from the menu, and they appear in the output of
@code{rassoc} is like @code{assoc} except that it compares the @sc{cdr} of
each @var{alist} association instead of the @sc{car}. You can think of
-this as ``reverse @code{assoc}'', finding the key for a given value.
+this as ``reverse @code{assoc},'' finding the key for a given value.
@end defun
@defun assq key alist
@code{rassq} is like @code{assq} except that it compares the @sc{cdr} of
each @var{alist} association instead of the @sc{car}. You can think of
-this as ``reverse @code{assq}'', finding the key for a given value.
+this as ``reverse @code{assq},'' finding the key for a given value.
For example:
This function asks the user a question, expecting input in the echo
area. It returns @code{t} if the user types @kbd{y}, @code{nil} if the
user types @kbd{n}. This function also accepts @key{SPC} to mean yes
-and @key{DEL} to mean no. It accepts @kbd{C-]} to mean ``quit'', like
+and @key{DEL} to mean no. It accepts @kbd{C-]} to mean ``quit,'' like
@kbd{C-g}, because the question might look like a minibuffer and for
that reason the user might try to use @kbd{C-]} to get out. The answer
is a single character, with no @key{RET} needed to terminate it. Upper
When the user responds with @var{char}, @code{map-y-or-n-p} calls
@var{function}. If it returns non-@code{nil}, the object is considered
-``acted upon'', and @code{map-y-or-n-p} advances to the next object in
+``acted upon,'' and @code{map-y-or-n-p} advances to the next object in
@var{list}. If it returns @code{nil}, the prompt is repeated for the
same object.
It is best to design your hook functions so that the order in which they
are executed does not matter. Any dependence on the order is ``asking
-for trouble''. However, the order is predictable: normally,
+for trouble.'' However, the order is predictable: normally,
@var{function} goes at the front of the hook list, so it will be
executed first (barring another @code{add-hook} call). If the optional
argument @var{append} is non-@code{nil}, the new hook function goes at
When you defined a major mode using @code{define-derived-mode}, it
automatically makes sure these conventions are followed. If you
-define a major mode ``from scratch'', not using
+define a major mode ``from scratch,'' not using
@code{define-derived-mode}, make sure the major mode command follows
these and other conventions. @xref{Major Mode Conventions}. You use
these functions to do it properly.
@end smallexample
@noindent
-This defines a minor mode named ``Hungry mode'', a command named
+This defines a minor mode named ``Hungry mode,'' a command named
@code{hungry-mode} to toggle it, a variable named @code{hungry-mode}
which indicates whether the mode is enabled, and a variable named
@code{hungry-mode-map} which holds the keymap that is active when the
sequence of @dfn{bits} (digits which are either zero or one). A bitwise
operation acts on the individual bits of such a sequence. For example,
@dfn{shifting} moves the whole sequence left or right one or more places,
-reproducing the same pattern ``moved over''.
+reproducing the same pattern ``moved over.''
The bitwise operations in Emacs Lisp apply only to integers.
@cindex atom
Because cons cells are so central to Lisp, we also have a word for
-``an object which is not a cons cell''. These objects are called
+``an object which is not a cons cell.'' These objects are called
@dfn{atoms}.
@cindex parenthesis
A @dfn{primitive function} is a function callable from Lisp but
written in the C programming language. Primitive functions are also
called @dfn{subrs} or @dfn{built-in functions}. (The word ``subr'' is
-derived from ``subroutine''.) Most primitive functions evaluate all
+derived from ``subroutine.'') Most primitive functions evaluate all
their arguments when they are called. A primitive function that does
not evaluate all its arguments is called a @dfn{special form}
(@pxref{Special Forms}).@refill
padding. It also affects decisions about whether to scroll part of the
screen or repaint---even when using a window system. (We designed it
this way despite the fact that a window system has no true ``output
-speed'', to give you a way to tune these decisions.)
+speed,'' to give you a way to tune these decisions.)
The value is measured in baud.
@end defvar
before continuing execution. When you create an asynchronous
subprocess, it can run in parallel with the Lisp program. This kind of
subprocess is represented within Emacs by a Lisp object which is also
-called a ``process''. Lisp programs can use this object to communicate
+called a ``process.'' Lisp programs can use this object to communicate
with the subprocess or to control it. For example, you can send
signals, obtain status information, receive output from the process, or
send input to it.
that the field represents and, in the case of multibyte fields, how
the bytes are ordered within the field. The two possible orderings
are ``big endian'' (also known as ``network byte ordering'') and
-``little endian''. For instance, the number @code{#x23cd} (decimal
+``little endian.'' For instance, the number @code{#x23cd} (decimal
9165) in big endian would be the two bytes @code{#x23} @code{#xcd};
and in little endian, @code{#xcd} @code{#x23}. Here are the possible
type values:
should save the argument and arrange to return it on the next call.
This is called @dfn{unreading} the character; it happens when the Lisp
reader reads one character too many and wants to ``put it back where it
-came from''. In this case, it makes no difference what value
+came from.'' In this case, it makes no difference what value
@var{function} returns.
@end itemize
@defun terpri &optional stream
@cindex newline in print
This function outputs a newline to @var{stream}. The name stands
-for ``terminate print''.
+for ``terminate print.''
@end defun
@defun write-char character &optional stream
@code{defun} defines a symbol as a function, creating a lambda
expression and storing it in the function cell of the symbol. This
lambda expression thus becomes the function definition of the symbol.
-(The term ``function definition'', meaning the contents of the function
+(The term ``function definition,'' meaning the contents of the function
cell, is derived from the idea that @code{defun} gives the symbol its
definition as a function.) @code{defsubst} and @code{defalias} are two
other ways of defining a function. @xref{Functions}.
table. This is for the sake of C++. Each style of comment syntax has
its own comment-start sequence and its own comment-end sequence. Each
comment must stick to one style or the other; thus, if it starts with
-the comment-start sequence of style ``b'', it must also end with the
-comment-end sequence of style ``b''.
+the comment-start sequence of style ``b,'' it must also end with the
+comment-end sequence of style ``b.''
The two comment-start sequences must begin with the same character; only
the second character may differ. Mark the second character of the
@item
What kind of comment is active: @code{nil} for a comment of style
``a'' or when not inside a comment, @code{t} for a comment of style
-``b'', and @code{syntax-table} for a comment that should be ended by a
+``b,'' and @code{syntax-table} for a comment that should be ended by a
generic comment delimiter character.
@item
@item
The documentation string for a variable that is a yes-or-no flag should
-start with words such as ``Non-nil means@dots{}'', to make it clear that
+start with words such as ``Non-nil means,'' to make it clear that
all non-@code{nil} values are equivalent and indicate explicitly what
@code{nil} and non-@code{nil} mean.
@item
The documentation string for a function that is a yes-or-no predicate
-should start with words such as ``Return t if @dots{}'', to indicate
-explicitly what constitutes ``truth''. The word ``return'' avoids
-starting the sentence with lower-case ``t'', which is somewhat
+should start with words such as ``Return t if,'' to indicate
+explicitly what constitutes ``truth.'' The word ``return'' avoids
+starting the sentence with lower-case ``t,'' which could be somewhat
distracting.
@item
@item
Never change the case of a Lisp symbol when you mention it in a doc
-string. If the symbol's name is @code{foo}, write ``foo'', not
+string. If the symbol's name is @code{foo}, write ``foo,'' not
``Foo'' (which is a different symbol).
This might appear to contradict the policy of writing function
@end example
@cindex closures not available
- Some Lisp dialects have ``closures'', objects that are like functions
+ Some Lisp dialects have ``closures,'' objects that are like functions
but record additional variable bindings. Emacs Lisp does not have
closures.
@defun kill-all-local-variables
This function eliminates all the buffer-local variable bindings of the
-current buffer except for variables marked as ``permanent''. As a
+current buffer except for variables marked as ``permanent.'' As a
result, the buffer will see the default values of most variables.
This function also resets certain other information pertaining to the