Re: Emacs for new users

[Stephen Eilert <spedrosa@gmail.com>]

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On Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 4:35 PM, Les Harris <lharris@gnome.org> wrote:

> Lennart Borgman <lennart.borgman@gmail.com> writes:
>
> > It is quite strange to not include Emacs. On the other hand it points
> > to how important it is too make it easy to start using Emacs. I think
> > we should have to move to adhere better to existing GUI standards (CUA
> > for example, but that is a hot potato).
>
> First let's get the tautologies out of the way: Emacs is a complex
> system with many features and extreme extensibility.
>
> With that axiom in mind I would argue that any attempt to add a veneer
> of simplicity over the top is doing a disservice to would-be emacs
> users.
>

The extensibility part comes with need. As users become more familiar with
Emacs, they might want to extend it to improve their workflow.

However, to reach that point, it is necessary that they become familiar with
it to begin with. I don't think anyone is suggesting that Emacs is "dumbed
down". Rather, the idea should be to make it easier for new users to
transfer their existing skills.


--Stephen

programmer, n:
       A red eyed, mumbling mammal capable of conversing with inanimate
monsters.

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