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* revised help.texi and m-x.texi
@ 2006-06-07 20:39 Ted Zlatanov
  0 siblings, 0 replies; only message in thread
From: Ted Zlatanov @ 2006-06-07 20:39 UTC (permalink / raw)


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I'm attaching patches for man/help.texi and man/m-x.texi

Ted


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Index: help.texi
===================================================================
RCS file: /sources/emacs/emacs/man/help.texi,v
retrieving revision 1.49
diff -c -r1.49 help.texi
*** help.texi	5 May 2006 16:09:46 -0000	1.49
--- help.texi	7 Jun 2006 20:37:54 -0000
***************
*** 11,75 ****
  @kindex C-h
  @kindex F1
  
!   Emacs provides extensive help features accessible through a single
! character, @kbd{C-h} (or @key{F1}).  @kbd{C-h} is a prefix key that is
! used for 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}.
  
  @kindex C-h C-h
  @findex help-for-help
!   @kbd{C-h C-h} (@code{help-for-help}) displays a list of the possible
! help options, each with a brief description.  You can look at the
! list, using @key{SPC} and @key{DEL} to scroll through it, then type
! the help option you want.  To cancel, type @kbd{C-g}.
! 
!   @kbd{C-h} or @key{F1} means ``help'' in various other contexts as
! well.  After a prefix key, it displays a list of the alternatives that
! can follow the prefix key.  (A few prefix keys don't support
! @kbd{C-h}, because they define other meanings for it, but they all
! support @key{F1}.)
! 
!   Most help buffers use a special major mode, Help mode, which lets you
! scroll conveniently with @key{SPC} and @key{DEL}.  It also offers
! hyperlinks to URLs and further help regarding cross-referenced names, Info
! nodes, customization buffers and the like.  @xref{Help Mode}.
  
  @cindex searching documentation efficiently
  @cindex looking for a subject in documentation
!   If you are looking for a certain feature, but don't know where
! exactly it is documented, and aren't sure of the name of a
! related command or variable, 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.
  
  @table @kbd
  @item C-h a @var{topics} @key{RET}
! This searches for commands whose names match @var{topics}, which
! should be a keyword, a list of keywords, or a regular expression
! (@pxref{Regexps}).  This command displays all the matches in a new
  buffer.  @xref{Apropos}.
  
  @item C-h i d m emacs @key{RET} i @var{topic} @key{RET}
! This looks up @var{topic} in the indices of the Emacs on-line manual.
! If there are several matches, Emacs displays the first one.  You can then
! press @kbd{,} to move to other matches, until you find what you are
! looking for.
  
  @item C-h i d m emacs @key{RET} s @var{topic} @key{RET}
  Similar, but searches for @var{topic} (which can be a regular
! expression) in the @emph{text} of the manual rather than in its
  indices.
  
  @item C-h C-f
! This brings up the Emacs FAQ.  You can use the Info commands
! to browse it.
  
  @item C-h p
! Finally, you can try looking up a suitable package using keywords
! pertinent to the feature you need.  @xref{Library Keywords}.
  @end table
  
  @menu
--- 11,69 ----
  @kindex C-h
  @kindex F1
  
!   All Emacs help features are accessed through @kbd{C-h} (or
! @key{F1}).  @kbd{C-h} is a prefix key for commands that display
! documentation.  After @kbd{C-h}, you type keys to request @dfn{help
! options}.  One help option is @kbd{C-h} (type it after the first
! @kbd{C-h}); that is how you ask for help about using @kbd{C-h}.
! Cancel help with @kbd{C-g}.  @key{F1} is equivalent to @kbd{C-h}.
  
  @kindex C-h C-h
  @findex help-for-help
!   @kbd{C-h C-h} (@code{help-for-help}) displays the available help
! options with a brief description for each one.  You can scroll through
! the list with @key{SPC} and @key{DEL}, then type the help option you
! want.  Cancel with @kbd{C-g}.
! 
!   @kbd{C-h} or @key{F1} means ``help'' in other contexts as well.
! Press it after a prefix key to see what can follow the prefix key.  (A
! few prefix keys don't support @kbd{C-h} because they define other
! meanings for it, but they all support @key{F1}.)
! 
!   Most help buffers use a special major mode, Help mode, which lets
! you scroll through the list of help options with @key{SPC} and
! @key{DEL}.  In Help mode, you can follow references as URL hyperlinks
! or as cross-referenced names, Info nodes, customization buffers and
! the like.  @xref{Help Mode}.
  
  @cindex searching documentation efficiently
  @cindex looking for a subject in documentation
!   If you are looking for a feature but don't know where to start, try
! these methods: start with an apropos command, then search the manual
! index, then look in the FAQ and the package keywords.
  
  @table @kbd
  @item C-h a @var{topics} @key{RET}
! Searches for commands whose names match the argument @var{topics}.
! The argument can be a keyword, a list of keywords, or a regular
! expression (@pxref{Regexps}).  All the matches are shown in a new
  buffer.  @xref{Apropos}.
  
  @item C-h i d m emacs @key{RET} i @var{topic} @key{RET}
! Looks up @var{topic} in the Emacs on-line manual indices.  Emacs
! displays the first match found.  Press @kbd{,} to see other matches.
  
  @item C-h i d m emacs @key{RET} s @var{topic} @key{RET}
  Similar, but searches for @var{topic} (which can be a regular
! expression) in the @emph{text} of the manual rather than in the
  indices.
  
  @item C-h C-f
! Brings up the Emacs FAQ.  Use Info navigation commands to browse it.
  
  @item C-h p
! You can look up a suitable package with pertinent keywords.
! @xref{Library Keywords}.
  @end table
  
  @menu
***************
*** 93,173 ****
  @section Help Summary
  @end ifnottex
  
!   Here is a summary of the Emacs interactive help commands.
! @xref{Help Files}, for other help commands that just display a
! pre-written file of information.  The character that follows
! @kbd{C-h} is a ``help option.''
  
  @table @kbd
  @item C-h a @var{topics} @key{RET}
! Display a list of commands whose names match @var{topics}
  (@code{apropos-command}; @pxref{Apropos}).
  @item C-h b
! Display a table of all key bindings in effect now, in this order: minor
! mode bindings, major mode bindings, and global bindings
! (@code{describe-bindings}).
  @item C-h c @var{key}
! Show the name of the command that @var{key} runs
  (@code{describe-key-briefly}).  Here @kbd{c} stands for ``character.''
! For more extensive information on @var{key}, use @kbd{C-h k}.
  @item C-h d @var{topics} @key{RET}
! Display a list of commands and variables whose documentation matches
  @var{topics} (@code{apropos-documentation}).
  @item C-h e
! Display the @code{*Messages*} buffer
  (@code{view-echo-area-messages}).
  @item C-h f @var{function} @key{RET}
! Display documentation on the Lisp function named @var{function}
! (@code{describe-function}).  Since commands are Lisp functions,
! a command name may be used.
  @item C-h h
! Display the @file{HELLO} file, which shows examples of various character
  sets.
  @item C-h i
! Run Info, the program for browsing documentation files (@code{info}).
! The complete Emacs manual is available on-line in Info.
  @item C-h k @var{key}
! Display the name and documentation of the command that @var{key} runs
! (@code{describe-key}).
  @item C-h l
! Display a description of the last 100 characters you typed
  (@code{view-lossage}).
  @item C-h m
! Display documentation of the current major mode (@code{describe-mode}).
  @item C-h p
! Find packages by topic keyword (@code{finder-by-keyword}).
  @item C-h s
! Display the current contents of the syntax table, 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}
  (@code{describe-variable}).
  @item C-h w @var{command} @key{RET}
! Show which keys run the command named @var{command} (@code{where-is}).
  @item C-h C @var{coding} @key{RET}
! Describe 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}
! Display information on the character sets, coding systems, and input
! methods used for language environment @var{language-env}
  (@code{describe-language-environment}).
  @item C-h F @var{function} @key{RET}
! Enter Info and go to the node documenting the Emacs function @var{function}
! (@code{Info-goto-emacs-command-node}).
  @item C-h K @var{key}
! Enter Info and go to the node where the key sequence @var{key} is
! documented (@code{Info-goto-emacs-key-command-node}).
  @item C-h S @var{symbol} @key{RET}
! Display the Info documentation on symbol @var{symbol} according to the
  programming language you are editing (@code{info-lookup-symbol}).
  @item C-h .
! Display a help message associated with special text areas, such as
  links in @samp{*Help*} buffers (@code{display-local-help}).
  @end table
  
--- 87,166 ----
  @section Help Summary
  @end ifnottex
  
!   These are the interactive Emacs help commands.  @xref{Help Files},
! for other help commands that display prepared information without
! interaction.  The character after @kbd{C-h} is a @dfn{help option}.
  
  @table @kbd
  @item C-h a @var{topics} @key{RET}
! Displays the commands whose names match @var{topics}
  (@code{apropos-command}; @pxref{Apropos}).
  @item C-h b
! Displays all the minor mode, major mode, and global key bindings in
! effect.  (@code{describe-bindings}).
  @item C-h c @var{key}
! Given @var{key}, shows what command it will run
  (@code{describe-key-briefly}).  Here @kbd{c} stands for ``character.''
! Use @kbd{C-h k} for more information about @var{key}.
  @item C-h d @var{topics} @key{RET}
! Displays the commands and variables whose documentation matches
  @var{topics} (@code{apropos-documentation}).
  @item C-h e
! Displays the @code{*Messages*} buffer
  (@code{view-echo-area-messages}).
  @item C-h f @var{function} @key{RET}
! Displays documentation for the Lisp function named @var{function}
! (@code{describe-function}).  This works for interactive commands too,
! since they are also Lisp functions.
  @item C-h h
! Displays the @file{HELLO} file, which shows examples of various character
  sets.
  @item C-h i
! Runs Info, a documentation browser (@code{info}).  The complete Emacs
! manual is available on-line in Info.
  @item C-h k @var{key}
! Given @var{key}, displays the name and documentation of the command
! bound to it (@code{describe-key}).
  @item C-h l
! Displays a description of the last 100 characters you typed
  (@code{view-lossage}).
  @item C-h m
! Displays documentation for the current major mode (@code{describe-mode}).
  @item C-h p
! Finds packages by topic keyword (@code{finder-by-keyword}).
  @item C-h s
! Displays the current contents of the syntax table with an explanation
! of what they mean (@code{describe-syntax}).  @xref{Syntax}.
  @item C-h t
! Enters the Emacs interactive tutorial (@code{help-with-tutorial}).
  @item C-h v @var{var} @key{RET}
! Displays the documentation of the Lisp variable @var{var}
  (@code{describe-variable}).
  @item C-h w @var{command} @key{RET}
! Shows which keys run the command named @var{command} (@code{where-is}).
  @item C-h C @var{coding} @key{RET}
! Describes the coding system @var{coding}
  (@code{describe-coding-system}).
  @item C-h C @key{RET}
! Describes the coding systems currently in use.
  @item C-h I @var{method} @key{RET}
! Describes the input method @var{method}
! (@code{describe-input-method}).
  @item C-h L @var{language-env} @key{RET}
! Displays information on the character sets, coding systems, and input
! methods used in language environment @var{language-env}
  (@code{describe-language-environment}).
  @item C-h F @var{function} @key{RET}
! Enters Info and goes to the documentation node for the Emacs function
! @var{function} (@code{Info-goto-emacs-command-node}).
  @item C-h K @var{key}
! Enters Info and goes to the documentation node for the key sequence
! @var{key} (@code{Info-goto-emacs-key-command-node}).
  @item C-h S @var{symbol} @key{RET}
! Displays the Info documentation for symbol @var{symbol} according to the
  programming language you are editing (@code{info-lookup-symbol}).
  @item C-h .
! Displays a help message associated with special text areas, such as
  links in @samp{*Help*} buffers (@code{display-local-help}).
  @end table
  
***************
*** 176,225 ****
  
  @kindex C-h c
  @findex describe-key-briefly
!   The most basic @kbd{C-h} commands are @kbd{C-h c}
! (@code{describe-key-briefly}) and @w{@kbd{C-h k}} (@code{describe-key}).
! @kbd{C-h c @var{key}} displays in the echo area the name of the command
! that @var{key} is bound to.  For example, @kbd{C-h c C-f} displays
! @samp{forward-char}.  Since command names are chosen to describe what
! the commands do, this is a good way to get a very brief description of
! what @var{key} does.
  
  @kindex C-h k
  @findex describe-key
!   @kbd{C-h k @var{key}} is similar but gives more information: it
! displays the documentation string of the command as well as its name.
! This is too big for the echo area, so a window is used for the display.
  
  @kindex C-h K
  @findex Info-goto-emacs-key-command-node
!   To find the documentation of a key sequence, type @kbd{C-h K} and
! then enter that key sequence.  This looks up the description of the
! command invoked by the key in whichever manual describes it (this need
! not be the Emacs manual).  @kbd{C-h K} runs the command
  @code{Info-goto-emacs-key-command-node}.
  
    @kbd{C-h c}, @kbd{C-h k} and @kbd{C-h K} work for any sort of key
  sequences, including function keys, menus, and mouse events.  For
! instance, you can type @kbd{C-h k} and then select a menu item from
! the menu bar, to show the documentation string of the command that
! menu item runs.
  
  @kindex C-h w
  @findex where-is
!   @kbd{C-h w @var{command} @key{RET}} tells you what keys are bound to
! @var{command}.  It displays a list of the keys in the echo area.  If it
! says the command is not on any key, you must use @kbd{M-x} to run it.
! @kbd{C-h w} runs the command @code{where-is}.
  
  @node Name Help
  @section Help by Command or Variable Name
  
  @kindex C-h f
  @findex describe-function
!   @kbd{C-h f} (@code{describe-function}) reads the name of a Lisp function
! using the minibuffer, then displays that function's documentation string
! in a window.  Since commands are Lisp functions, you can use this to get
! the documentation of a command that you know by name.  For example,
  
  @example
  C-h f auto-fill-mode @key{RET}
--- 169,219 ----
  
  @kindex C-h c
  @findex describe-key-briefly
!   The essential @kbd{C-h} commands are @kbd{C-h c}
! (@code{describe-key-briefly}) and @w{@kbd{C-h k}}
! (@code{describe-key}).  For any key @var{key}, @kbd{C-h c @var{key}}
! displays the name of the command bound to it in the echo area.  For
! example, @kbd{C-h c C-f} displays @samp{forward-char}.  Command names
! describe the commands well, so this lets you find out quickly what
! @var{key} does.
  
  @kindex C-h k
  @findex describe-key
!   @kbd{C-h k @var{key}} is similar to @kbd{C-h c}, but gives more
! information: it displays the documentation string of the command as
! well as its name.  A window is used for the display, since the echo
! area can't fit all the information.
  
  @kindex C-h K
  @findex Info-goto-emacs-key-command-node
!   Type @kbd{C-h K} and then enter a key sequence to find its
! documentation.  @kbd{C-h K} looks up the description of the command
! bound to the key in the appropriate manual (not just the Emacs
! manual).  @kbd{C-h K} runs the command
  @code{Info-goto-emacs-key-command-node}.
  
    @kbd{C-h c}, @kbd{C-h k} and @kbd{C-h K} work for any sort of key
  sequences, including function keys, menus, and mouse events.  For
! instance, after @kbd{C-h k} you can select a menu item from the menu
! bar and you'll see the documentation string of the associated command.
  
  @kindex C-h w
  @findex where-is
!   @kbd{C-h w @var{command} @key{RET}} lists the keys bound to
! @var{command} in the echo area.  If it says the command is not on any
! key, you must use @kbd{M-x} to run that command or bind it to a key
! yourself.  @kbd{C-h w} runs the command @code{where-is}.
  
  @node Name Help
  @section Help by Command or Variable Name
  
  @kindex C-h f
  @findex describe-function
!   @kbd{C-h f} (@code{describe-function}) reads the name of a Lisp
! function using the minibuffer, then displays that function's
! documentation string in a window.  Since commands are just Lisp
! functions, you can get the documentation of any command that you know
! by name.  For example,
  
  @example
  C-h f auto-fill-mode @key{RET}
***************
*** 230,347 ****
  way to get the documentation of a command that is not bound to any key
  (one which you would normally run using @kbd{M-x}).
  
!   @kbd{C-h f} is also useful for Lisp functions that you are planning
! to use in a Lisp program.  For example, if you have just written the
! expression @code{(make-vector len)} and want to check that you are
! using @code{make-vector} properly, type @kbd{C-h f make-vector
! @key{RET}}.  Because @kbd{C-h f} allows all function names, not just
! command names, you may find that some of your favorite completion
! abbreviations that work in @kbd{M-x} don't work in @kbd{C-h f}.  An
! abbreviation may be unique among command names, yet fail to be unique
! when other function names are allowed.
! 
!   The default function name for @kbd{C-h f} to describe, if you type
! just @key{RET}, is the name of the function called by the innermost Lisp
! expression in the buffer around point, @emph{provided} that is a valid,
! defined Lisp function name.  For example, if point is located following
! the text @samp{(make-vector (car x)}, the innermost list containing
! point is the one that starts with @samp{(make-vector}, so the default is
! to describe the function @code{make-vector}.
! 
!   @kbd{C-h f} is often useful just to verify that you have the right
! spelling for the function name.  If @kbd{C-h f} mentions a name from the
! buffer as the default, that name must be defined as a Lisp function.  If
! that is all you want to know, just type @kbd{C-g} to cancel the @kbd{C-h
! f} command, then go on editing.
! 
!   @kbd{C-h v} (@code{describe-variable}) is like @kbd{C-h f} but describes
! Lisp variables instead of Lisp functions.  Its default is the Lisp symbol
! around or before point, but only if that is the name of a known Lisp
  variable.  @xref{Variables}.
  
!   Help buffers describing Emacs variables and functions normally have
! hyperlinks to the definition, if you have the source files installed.
! (@xref{Hyperlinking}.)  If you know Lisp (or C), this provides the
! ultimate documentation.  If you don't know Lisp, you should learn it.
! (The Introduction to Emacs Lisp Programming, available from the FSF
! through fsf.org, is a good way to get started.)  Emacs won't be happy
! if it feels you are just @emph{using} Emacs, treating it as an object
! program.  If you really love Emacs, show that you care by reading the
! source code.
  
  @kindex C-h F
  @findex Info-goto-emacs-command-node
!   To find a specific function's documentation in a manual, use
! @kbd{C-h F} (@code{Info-goto-emacs-command-node}).  This knows
! about various manuals, not just the Emacs manual, and finds the
! right one.
  
  @node Apropos
  @section Apropos
  
!   A more sophisticated sort of question to ask is, ``What are the
! commands for working with files?''  The @dfn{apropos} commands ask
! such questions---they look for things whose names match an
! @dfn{apropos pattern}, which means either a word, a list of words, or
! a regular expression.  Each apropos command displays a list of
! matching items in a special buffer.
  
  @table @kbd
  @item C-h a @var{pattern} @key{RET}
! Search for commands whose names match @var{pattern}.
  
  @item M-x apropos @key{RET} @var{pattern} @key{RET}
! Similar, but it searches for noninteractive functions and for
! variables, as well as commands.
  
  @item M-x apropos-variable @key{RET} @var{pattern} @key{RET}
! Similar, but it searches for variables only.
  
  @item M-x apropos-value @key{RET} @var{pattern} @key{RET}
! Similar, but it searches for variables based on their values, or
! functions based on their definitions.
  
  @item C-h d @var{pattern} @key{RET}
! Search the @emph{documentation strings} (the built-in short
! descriptions) of all variables and functions (not their names) for a
! match for @var{pattern}.
  @end table
  
  @kindex C-h a
  @findex apropos-command
  @cindex apropos
!   To find the commands that work on files, type @kbd{C-h a file
! @key{RET}}.  This displays a list of all command names that contain
! @samp{file}, including @code{copy-file}, @code{find-file}, and so on.
! With each command name appears a brief description of how to use the
! command, and what keys you can currently invoke it with.  For example,
! it would say that you can invoke @code{find-file} by typing @kbd{C-x
! C-f}.  The @kbd{a} in @kbd{C-h a} stands for ``Apropos''; @kbd{C-h a}
! runs the command @code{apropos-command}.  This command normally checks
! only commands (interactive functions); if you specify a prefix
! argument, it checks noninteractive functions as well.
! 
!   If you want more information about a function definition, variable or
! symbol property listed in the Apropos buffer, you can click on it with
! @kbd{Mouse-1} or @kbd{Mouse-2}, or move there and type @key{RET}.
  
    @kbd{C-h a} with a single word can find too many matches.  Don't
  just give up; you can give Apropos a list of words to search for.
  When you specify more than one word in the apropos pattern, a name
! must contain at least two of the words in order to match.  Thus, if
! you are looking for commands to kill a chunk of text before point, you
! could try @kbd{C-h a kill back backward behind before @key{RET}}.
  
!   For even greater flexibility, you can specify a regular expression
  (@pxref{Regexps}).  An apropos pattern is interpreted as a regular
  expression if it contains any of the regular expression special
  characters, @samp{^$*+?.\[}.
  
!   Here is a set of arguments to give to @kbd{C-h a} that covers many
! classes of Emacs commands, since there are strong conventions for
! naming the standard Emacs commands.  By giving you a feel for the
! naming conventions, this set should also serve to aid you in
! developing a technique for picking Apropos keywords.
  
  @quotation
  char, line, word, sentence, paragraph, region, page, sexp, list, defun,
--- 224,337 ----
  way to get the documentation of a command that is not bound to any key
  (one which you would normally run using @kbd{M-x}).
  
!   @kbd{C-h f} is also useful for Lisp functions.  For example, if you
! have just written the expression @code{(make-vector len)} and want to
! check that you are using @code{make-vector} properly, type @kbd{C-h f
! make-vector @key{RET}}.  Because @kbd{C-h f} accepts all function
! names, not just command names, you may find that some of your favorite
! completion abbreviations that work for @kbd{M-x} don't work with
! @kbd{C-h f}.  An abbreviation unique among command names may well not
! be unique among all function names.
! 
!   @kbd{C-h f} followed by just @key{RET} describes the function called
! by the innermost Lisp expression in the buffer around point,
! @emph{provided} that the function name is valid and there is such a
! Lisp function.  For example, if point is right after the text
! @samp{(make-vector (car x)}, the innermost list containing point
! starts with @samp{(make-vector}, so @kbd{C-h f} will describe
! the function @code{make-vector}.
! 
!   Often, @kbd{C-h f} is used just to verify a function name.  If
! @kbd{C-h f} shows a name from the buffer as the default, it must be a
! Lisp function.  Just type @kbd{C-g} to cancel the @kbd{C-h f} command,
! then go on editing if you were only interested in the validity of the
! function.
! 
!   @kbd{C-h v} (@code{describe-variable}) is like @kbd{C-h f} but
! describes Lisp variables instead of Lisp functions.  Its default is
! the Lisp symbol around or before point, if that names a known Lisp
  variable.  @xref{Variables}.
  
!   Help buffers that describe Emacs variables and functions normally
! have hyperlinks to the corresponding source definitions, if you have
! the source files installed.  (@xref{Hyperlinking}.)  If you know Lisp
! (or C), this is the ultimate documentation.  If you don't know Lisp,
! you should learn it.  (The Introduction to Emacs Lisp Programming,
! available from the FSF through fsf.org, is a good way to get started.)
! Don't just use Emacs.  It won't be happy unless you show your love by
! reading the source code.
  
  @kindex C-h F
  @findex Info-goto-emacs-command-node
!   Use @kbd{C-h F} to search for a specific function's documentation in
! various manuals, not just the Emacs manual
! (@code{Info-goto-emacs-command-node})
  
  @node Apropos
  @section Apropos
  
!   The @dfn{apropos} commands answer questions such as ``What are the
! commands for working with files?''---they look for an @dfn{apropos
! pattern}, which is either a word, a list of words, or a regular
! expression.  Each apropos command displays a list of matching items in
! a special buffer.
  
  @table @kbd
  @item C-h a @var{pattern} @key{RET}
! Searches for commands whose names match @var{pattern}.
  
  @item M-x apropos @key{RET} @var{pattern} @key{RET}
! Searches for noninteractive functions and for variables, as well as
! commands (unlike @key{C-h a}, which just searches for commands).
  
  @item M-x apropos-variable @key{RET} @var{pattern} @key{RET}
! Searches for variables only.
  
  @item M-x apropos-value @key{RET} @var{pattern} @key{RET}
! Searches for variables based on their values, or functions based on
! their definitions.
  
  @item C-h d @var{pattern} @key{RET}
! Searches @emph{documentation strings} (built-in short descriptions) of
! all variables and functions for @var{pattern}.  Does not look at
! names.
  @end table
  
  @kindex C-h a
  @findex apropos-command
  @cindex apropos
!   Type @kbd{C-h a file @key{RET}} to find commands that work on files.
! You'll get a list of the command names that contain @samp{file}:
! @code{copy-file}, @code{find-file}, and others.  Each command name has
! a brief description to show how to use the command, and what keys can
! invoke it.  For example, you'll see that you can invoke
! @code{find-file} by typing @kbd{C-x C-f}.  The @kbd{a} in @kbd{C-h a}
! stands for ``Apropos''; @kbd{C-h a} runs the command
! @code{apropos-command}.  @kbd{C-h a} normally checks only commands
! (interactive functions); with a prefix argument it checks
! noninteractive functions as well.
! 
!   For more information about a function definition, variable or symbol
! property listed in the Apropos buffer, click on it with @kbd{Mouse-1}
! or @kbd{Mouse-2}, or move there and type @key{RET}.
  
    @kbd{C-h a} with a single word can find too many matches.  Don't
  just give up; you can give Apropos a list of words to search for.
  When you specify more than one word in the apropos pattern, a name
! must contain at least two (but not necessarily all!) the words in
! order to match.  Thus, if you are looking for commands to kill a chunk
! of text before point, you could try @kbd{C-h a kill back backward
! behind before @key{RET}}.
  
!   You can specify a regular expression for even more flexibility
  (@pxref{Regexps}).  An apropos pattern is interpreted as a regular
  expression if it contains any of the regular expression special
  characters, @samp{^$*+?.\[}.
  
!   There are strong conventions for naming the standard Emacs commands.
! Here is a set of arguments you can give to @kbd{C-h a} that covers
! many classes of Emacs commands.  This set should also help you pick
! good Apropos keywords by showing you the Emacs naming conventions.
  
  @quotation
  char, line, word, sentence, paragraph, region, page, sexp, list, defun,
***************
*** 352,390 ****
  @end quotation
  
  @findex apropos
!   To list all Lisp symbols that contain a match for an Apropos pattern,
! not just the ones that are defined as commands, use the command
! @kbd{M-x apropos} instead of @kbd{C-h a}.  This command does not check
! key bindings by default; specify a numeric argument if you want it to
! check them.
  
  @findex apropos-variable
!   To list user-customizable variables that match an apropos pattern,
! use the command @kbd{M-x apropos-variable}.  If you specify a prefix
! argument, it checks all variables.
  
  @kindex C-h d
  @findex apropos-documentation
    The @code{apropos-documentation} command is like @code{apropos}
  except that it searches documentation strings instead of symbol names
! for matches for the specified Apropos pattern.
  
  @findex apropos-value
    The @code{apropos-value} command is like @code{apropos} except that
! it searches variables' values for matches for the pattern.  With a
! prefix argument, it also checks symbols' function definitions and
! property lists.
  
  @vindex apropos-do-all
!   If the variable @code{apropos-do-all} is non-@code{nil}, the commands
! above all behave as if they had been given a prefix argument.
  
  @vindex apropos-sort-by-scores
  @cindex apropos search results, order by score
    By default, Apropos lists the search results in alphabetical order.
  If the variable @code{apropos-sort-by-scores} is non-@code{nil},
! Apropos tries to guess the relevance of each result, and displays the
! most relevant ones first.
  
  @vindex apropos-documentation-sort-by-scores
    By default, Apropos lists the search results for
--- 342,381 ----
  @end quotation
  
  @findex apropos
!   Use @kbd{M-x apropos} instead of @kbd{C-h a} to list all the Lisp
! symbols that match an Apropos pattern, not just the symbols that are
! commands.  This command does not check key bindings by default;
! specify a numeric argument if you want it to do so.
  
  @findex apropos-variable
!   Use @kbd{M-x apropos-variable} to list user-customizable variables
! that match an apropos pattern.  With a prefix argument, it checks all
! variables.
  
  @kindex C-h d
  @findex apropos-documentation
    The @code{apropos-documentation} command is like @code{apropos}
  except that it searches documentation strings instead of symbol names
! for the specified Apropos pattern.
  
  @findex apropos-value
    The @code{apropos-value} command is like @code{apropos} except that
! it searches variables' values for the pattern.  With a prefix
! argument, it also checks symbols' function definitions and property
! lists.
  
  @vindex apropos-do-all
!   If the variable @code{apropos-do-all} is non-@code{nil}, the
! commands @code{apropos}, @code{apropos-variable},
! @code{apropos-documentation}, and @code{apropos-value} behave as if
! they had been given a prefix argument.
  
  @vindex apropos-sort-by-scores
  @cindex apropos search results, order by score
    By default, Apropos lists the search results in alphabetical order.
  If the variable @code{apropos-sort-by-scores} is non-@code{nil},
! Apropos guesses the relevance of each result and displays the most
! relevant ones first.
  
  @vindex apropos-documentation-sort-by-scores
    By default, Apropos lists the search results for
***************
*** 444,466 ****
  @section Help for International Language Support
  
    You can use the command @kbd{C-h L}
! (@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 it operates on.  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.
  
    The command @kbd{C-h I} (@code{describe-input-method}) describes
! information about input methods---either a specified input method, or by
! default the input method in use.  @xref{Input Methods}.
  
    The command @kbd{C-h C} (@code{describe-coding-system}) describes
! information about coding systems---either a specified coding system, or
! the ones currently in use.  @xref{Coding Systems}.
  
  @node Help Mode
  @section Help Mode Commands
--- 435,457 ----
  @section Help for International Language Support
  
    You can use the command @kbd{C-h L}
! (@code{describe-language-environment}) to learn about the support for
! a specific language environment.  @xref{Language Environments}.  This
! tells you for which languages you can use this language environment.
! @kbd{C-h L} also lists the character sets, coding systems, and input
! methods for the language environment, and finally shows some sample
! text to illustrate scripts.
  
    The command @kbd{C-h h} (@code{view-hello-file}) displays the file
  @file{etc/HELLO}, which shows how to say ``hello'' in many languages.
  
    The command @kbd{C-h I} (@code{describe-input-method}) describes
! input methods---either a specific one, or by default the one currently
! in use.  @xref{Input Methods}.
  
    The command @kbd{C-h C} (@code{describe-coding-system}) describes
! coding systems---either a specific one, or the ones currently in use.
! @xref{Coding Systems}.
  
  @node Help Mode
  @section Help Mode Commands
***************
*** 470,522 ****
  
  @table @kbd
  @item @key{SPC}
! Scroll forward.
  @item @key{DEL}
! Scroll backward.
  @item @key{RET}
! Follow a cross reference at point.
  @item @key{TAB}
! Move point forward to the next cross reference.
  @item S-@key{TAB}
! Move point back to the previous cross reference.
  @item Mouse-1
  @itemx Mouse-2
! Follow a cross reference that you click on.
  @item C-c C-c
! Show all documentation about the symbol at point.
  @end table
  
    When a function name (@pxref{M-x,, Running Commands by Name}),
! variable name (@pxref{Variables}), or face name (@pxref{Faces}) appears
! in the documentation, it normally appears inside paired single-quotes.
! You can click on the name with @kbd{Mouse-1} or @kbd{Mouse-2}, or move
! point there and type @key{RET}, to view the documentation of that
! command, variable or face.  Use @kbd{C-c C-b} to retrace your steps.
  
  @cindex URL, viewing in help
  @cindex help, viewing web pages
  @cindex viewing web pages in help
  @cindex web pages, viewing in help
  @findex browse-url
!   You can follow cross references to URLs (web pages) as well.  When
! you follow a cross reference that is a URL, the @code{browse-url}
! command is used to view the web page in a browser of your choosing.
! @xref{Browse-URL}.
  
  @kindex @key{TAB} @r{(Help mode)}
  @findex help-next-ref
  @kindex S-@key{TAB} @r{(Help mode)}
  @findex help-previous-ref
!   There are convenient commands for moving point to cross references in
! the help text.  @key{TAB} (@code{help-next-ref}) moves point down to the
! next cross reference.  Use @kbd{S-@key{TAB}} to move point up to the
! previous cross reference (@code{help-previous-ref}).
! 
!   You can view all documentation about any symbol name that appears in
! the text, by moving point to the symbol name and typing @kbd{C-c C-c}
! (@code{help-follow-symbol}).  This shows all available documentation
! about the symbol as a variable, function and/or face.  @kbd{C-c C-b}
! works in this case also, to retrace your steps.
  
  @node Misc Help
  @section Other Help Commands
--- 461,511 ----
  
  @table @kbd
  @item @key{SPC}
! Scrolls forward.
  @item @key{DEL}
! Scrolls backward.
  @item @key{RET}
! Follows a cross reference at point.
  @item @key{TAB}
! Moves point forward to the next cross reference.
  @item S-@key{TAB}
! Moves point back to the previous cross reference.
  @item Mouse-1
  @itemx Mouse-2
! Follows a cross reference that you click on.
  @item C-c C-c
! Shows all documentation about the symbol at point.
  @end table
  
    When a function name (@pxref{M-x,, Running Commands by Name}),
! variable name (@pxref{Variables}), or face name (@pxref{Faces})
! appears in the documentation, it normally appears inside paired
! single-quotes.  Cclick on the name with @kbd{Mouse-1} or
! @kbd{Mouse-2}, or move point there and type @key{RET} to view the
! corresponding documentation.  Use @kbd{C-c C-b} to retrace your steps.
  
  @cindex URL, viewing in help
  @cindex help, viewing web pages
  @cindex viewing web pages in help
  @cindex web pages, viewing in help
  @findex browse-url
!   You can follow cross references to URLs (web pages).  The
! @code{browse-url} command will launch the web page in a browser of
! your choosing.  @xref{Browse-URL}.
  
  @kindex @key{TAB} @r{(Help mode)}
  @findex help-next-ref
  @kindex S-@key{TAB} @r{(Help mode)}
  @findex help-previous-ref
!   There are convenient commands to move point to cross references in
! the help text.  @key{TAB} (@code{help-next-ref}) moves down to the
! next cross reference.  @kbd{S-@key{TAB}} moves up to the previous
! cross reference (@code{help-previous-ref}).
! 
!   Move point to a symbol name in any text and type @kbd{C-c C-c} to
! see the documentation about it (@code{help-follow-symbol}).  All the
! available documentation about the symbol as a variable, function, or
! face is consulted.  @kbd{C-c C-b} lets you retrace your steps.
  
  @node Misc Help
  @section Other Help Commands
***************
*** 526,547 ****
  @cindex Info
  @cindex manuals, on-line
  @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
! system will be available.  Type @kbd{h} after entering Info to run
! a tutorial on using Info.
  
  @cindex find Info manual by its file name
    With a numeric argument, @kbd{C-h i} selects an Info buffer with the
! number appended to the default @samp{*info*} buffer name
! (e.g. @samp{*info*<2>}).  This is useful if you want to browse
! multiple Info manuals simultaneously.  If you specify just @kbd{C-u}
! as the prefix argument, @kbd{C-h i} prompts for the name of a
! documentation file.  This way, you can browse a file which doesn't
! have an entry in the top-level Info menu.  It is also handy when you
! need to get to the documentation quickly, and you know the exact name
! of the file.
  
    The help commands @kbd{C-h F @var{function} @key{RET}} and @kbd{C-h
  K @var{key}}, described above, enter Info and go straight to the
--- 515,533 ----
  @cindex Info
  @cindex manuals, on-line
  @cindex on-line manuals
!   @kbd{C-h i} (@code{info}) runs the Info program, which can browse
! structured documentation files.  The entire Emacs manual is available
! within Info.  Eventually all the documentation of the GNU system will
! be available.  Type @kbd{h} in Info to run a tutorial on using Info.
  
  @cindex find Info manual by its file name
    With a numeric argument, @kbd{C-h i} selects an Info buffer with the
! number appended to its default @samp{*info*} buffer name
! (e.g. @samp{*info*<2>}).  Use this to browse multiple Info manuals at
! once.  With just @kbd{C-u} as the prefix argument, @kbd{C-h i} prompts
! for the name of a documentation file, so you can browse a file without
! an entry in the top-level Info menu, or if you know the exact name of
! the file.
  
    The help commands @kbd{C-h F @var{function} @key{RET}} and @kbd{C-h
  K @var{key}}, described above, enter Info and go straight to the
***************
*** 550,605 ****
  @kindex C-h S
  @findex info-lookup-symbol
    When editing a program, if you have an Info version of the manual
! for the programming language, you can use the command @kbd{C-h S}
! (@code{info-lookup-symbol}) to refer to the manual documentation for a
! symbol (keyword, function or variable).  The details of how this
! command works depend on the major mode.
  
  @kindex C-h l
  @findex view-lossage
!   If something surprising happens, and you are not sure what commands you
! typed, use @kbd{C-h l} (@code{view-lossage}).  @kbd{C-h l} displays the last
! 100 command characters you typed in.  If you see commands that you don't
! know, you can use @kbd{C-h c} to find out what they do.
  
  @kindex C-h e
  @findex view-echo-area-messages
!   To review messages that recently appeared in the echo area, use
! @kbd{C-h e} (@code{view-echo-area-messages}).  This displays the
! buffer @code{*Messages*}, where those messages are kept.
  
  @kindex C-h m
  @findex describe-mode
!   Emacs has numerous major modes, each of which redefines a few keys and
! makes a few other changes in how editing works.  @kbd{C-h m}
! (@code{describe-mode}) displays documentation on the current major mode,
! which normally describes all the commands that are changed in this
! mode.
  
  @kindex C-h b
  @findex describe-bindings
    @kbd{C-h b} (@code{describe-bindings}) and @kbd{C-h s}
! (@code{describe-syntax}) present other information about the current
! Emacs mode.  @kbd{C-h b} displays a list of all the key bindings now in
! 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
! syntax (@pxref{Syntax}).
! 
!   You can get a similar list for a particular prefix key by typing
! @kbd{C-h} after the prefix key.  (There are a few prefix keys for which
! this does not work---those that provide their own bindings for
  @kbd{C-h}.  One of these is @key{ESC}, because @kbd{@key{ESC} C-h} is
  actually @kbd{C-M-h}, which marks a defun.)
  
  @node Help Files
  @section Help Files
  
!   The Emacs help commands described above display the state of data
! bases within Emacs.  Emacs has a few other help commands that display
! pre-written help files.  These commands all have the form @kbd{C-h
! C-@var{char}}; that is, @kbd{C-h} followed by a control character.
  
  @kindex C-h C-c
  @findex describe-copying
--- 536,590 ----
  @kindex C-h S
  @findex info-lookup-symbol
    When editing a program, if you have an Info version of the manual
! for the programming language, you can use @kbd{C-h S}
! (@code{info-lookup-symbol}) look up a symbol (keyword, function or
! variable) in that manual.  The exact effect of this command depends on
! the major mode.
  
  @kindex C-h l
  @findex view-lossage
!   If something surprising happens, and you are not sure what you just
! did, use @kbd{C-h l} (@code{view-lossage}).  @kbd{C-h l} displays the
! last 100 command characters you typed in.  If you see commands that
! you don't know, you can use @kbd{C-h c} to find out what they do.
  
  @kindex C-h e
  @findex view-echo-area-messages
!   To review recent echo area messages, use @kbd{C-h e}
! (@code{view-echo-area-messages}) to see the buffer @code{*Messages*},
! where those messages are kept.
  
  @kindex C-h m
  @findex describe-mode
!   Emacs major modes usually redefine some keys and make some changes
! in how editing works.  @kbd{C-h m} (@code{describe-mode}) shows
! documentation about the current major mode, including the commands
! that it changes.
  
  @kindex C-h b
  @findex describe-bindings
    @kbd{C-h b} (@code{describe-bindings}) and @kbd{C-h s}
! (@code{describe-syntax}) show information about the current Emacs
! mode.  @kbd{C-h b} lists all the key bindings in effect: first the
! local bindings defined by the current minor modes, then the local
! bindings defined by the current major mode, and finally the global
! bindings (@pxref{Key Bindings}).  @kbd{C-h s} shows the syntax table
! with explanations of each character's syntax (@pxref{Syntax}).
! 
!   You can get a list of bindings for a particular prefix key by typing
! @kbd{C-h} after the prefix key.  (There are a few prefix keys for
! which this does not work---those that provide their own bindings for
  @kbd{C-h}.  One of these is @key{ESC}, because @kbd{@key{ESC} C-h} is
  actually @kbd{C-M-h}, which marks a defun.)
  
  @node Help Files
  @section Help Files
  
!   The Emacs help commands described above display dynamic help within
! Emacs (depending on its current state).  Emacs has a few other help
! commands that display pre-written, static help files.  These commands
! all have the form @kbd{C-h C-@var{char}}; that is, @kbd{C-h} followed
! by a control character.
  
  @kindex C-h C-c
  @findex describe-copying
***************
*** 617,640 ****
  @findex view-emacs-todo
  @kindex C-h C-w
  @findex describe-no-warranty
!   The other @kbd{C-h} options display various files containing useful
! information.
  
  @table @kbd
  @item C-h C-c
! Displays the Emacs copying conditions (@code{describe-copying}).
! These are the rules under which you can copy and redistribute Emacs.
  @item C-h C-d
! Displays information on how to download or order the latest version of
! Emacs and other GNU software (@code{describe-distribution}).
  @item C-h C-e
! Displays the list of known Emacs problems, sometimes with suggested
  workarounds (@code{view-emacs-problems}).
  @item C-h C-f
! Displays the Emacs frequently-answered-questions list (@code{view-emacs-FAQ}).
  @item C-h C-n
! Displays the Emacs ``news'' file, which lists new Emacs features, most
! recent first (@code{view-emacs-news}).
  @item C-h C-p
  Displays general information about the GNU Project
  (@code{describe-project}).
--- 602,625 ----
  @findex view-emacs-todo
  @kindex C-h C-w
  @findex describe-no-warranty
!   The other @kbd{C-h} options display various useful information.
  
  @table @kbd
  @item C-h C-c
! Displays the Emacs copying conditions (@code{describe-copying}), which
! govern copying and redistributing Emacs.
  @item C-h C-d
! Explains how to download or order the latest version of Emacs and
! other GNU software (@code{describe-distribution}).
  @item C-h C-e
! Displays the known Emacs problems, sometimes with suggested
  workarounds (@code{view-emacs-problems}).
  @item C-h C-f
! Displays the Emacs frequently-answered-questions (@dfn{FAQ}) list
! (@code{view-emacs-FAQ}).
  @item C-h C-n
! Displays the Emacs ``news'' file, showing new Emacs features starting
! with the most recent (@code{view-emacs-news}).
  @item C-h C-p
  Displays general information about the GNU Project
  (@code{describe-project}).
***************
*** 652,663 ****
  @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.  On graphical displays, the help
  text is displayed as a ``tooltip'' (sometimes known as ``balloon
! help''), when you move the mouse over the active text.  @xref{Tooltips}.
! On some systems, it is shown in the echo area.  On text-only
! terminals, Emacs may not be able to follow the mouse and hence will
! not show the help text on mouse-over.
  
  @kindex C-h .
  @findex display-local-help
--- 637,648 ----
  @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 like that.  On graphical displays, the help
  text is displayed as a ``tooltip'' (sometimes known as ``balloon
! help''), when you move the mouse over the active text.
! @xref{Tooltips}.  On some systems, it is shown in the echo area.  On
! text-only terminals, Emacs may not be able to follow the mouse and
! hence will not show the help text on mouse-over.
  
  @kindex C-h .
  @findex display-local-help

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diff -c -r1.9 m-x.texi
*** m-x.texi	5 Feb 2006 22:41:31 -0000	1.9
--- m-x.texi	1 Jun 2006 20:30:14 -0000
***************
*** 5,35 ****
  @node M-x, Help, Minibuffer, Top
  @chapter Running Commands by Name
  
!   Every Emacs command has a name that you can use to run it.  Commands
! that are used often, or that must be quick to type, are also bound to
! keys---short sequences of characters---for convenient use.  You can
! run them by typing the keys, or run them by name if you don't remember
! the keys.  Other Emacs commands that do not need to be quick are not
! bound to keys; the only way to run them is by name.  @xref{Key
! Bindings}, for the description of how to bind commands to keys.
! 
!   By convention, a command name consists of one or more words,
! separated by hyphens; for example, @code{auto-fill-mode} or
! @code{manual-entry}.  The use of English words makes the command name
! easier to remember than a key made up of obscure characters, even
! though it is more characters to type.
  
  @kindex M-x
!   The way to run a command by name is to start with @kbd{M-x}, type the
! command name, and finish it with @key{RET}.  @kbd{M-x} uses the
! minibuffer to read the command name.  @key{RET} exits the minibuffer and
! runs the command.  The string @samp{M-x} appears at the beginning of the
! minibuffer as a @dfn{prompt} to remind you to enter the name of a
! command to be run.  @xref{Minibuffer}, for full information on the
! features of the minibuffer.
  
!   You can use completion to enter the command name.  For example, you
! can invoke the command @code{forward-char} by name by typing either
  
  @example
  M-x forward-char @key{RET}
--- 5,33 ----
  @node M-x, Help, Minibuffer, Top
  @chapter Running Commands by Name
  
!   Every Emacs command has a name that you can use to run it.  For
! convenience, Emacs binds many common commands to keys---short
! sequences of characters---by default.  You can run those commands by
! typing the corresponding keys, or by name if you don't remember the
! keys.  Many Emacs commands are not bound to keys by default; they have
! to be run by name.  To learn how to bind command to keys, @xref{Key
! Bindings}.
! 
!   By convention, a command name is one or more words separated by
! hyphens; for example, @code{auto-fill-mode} or @code{manual-entry}.
! Command names use complete English words to be easily remembered.
! Acronyms and abbreviations require less typing but are harder to
! remember.
  
  @kindex M-x
!   Run a command by name with @kbd{M-x}, which requests the command
! name in the minibuffer.  Type the command name and finish it with
! @key{RET}, which will run it.  The @dfn{prompt} @samp{M-x} appears at
! the beginning of the minibuffer to remind you to enter a command name.
! @xref{Minibuffer}, to find out about the minibuffer.
  
!   You can use completion to enter the command name.  For example,
! invoke the command @code{forward-char} by name with either
  
  @example
  M-x forward-char @key{RET}
***************
*** 43,80 ****
  @end example
  
  @noindent
! Note that @code{forward-char} is the same command that you invoke with
! the key @kbd{C-f}.  You can run any Emacs command by name using
! @kbd{M-x}, whether or not any keys are bound to it.
! 
!   If you type @kbd{C-g} while the command name is being read, that
! cancels the @kbd{M-x} command and exits the minibuffer, so you end up
! back at command level.
  
    To pass a numeric argument to the command you are invoking with
! @kbd{M-x}, specify the numeric argument before the @kbd{M-x}.  @kbd{M-x}
! passes the argument along to the command it runs.  The argument value
! appears in the prompt while the command name is being read.
  
  @vindex suggest-key-bindings
!   If the command you type has a key binding of its own, Emacs mentions
! this in the echo area after running the command.  For example, if you
! type @kbd{M-x forward-word}, the message says that you can run the
! same command more easily by typing @kbd{M-f}.  You can turn off these
! messages by setting the variable @code{suggest-key-bindings} to
! @code{nil}.
! 
!   Normally, when describing in this manual a command that is run by
! name, we omit the @key{RET} that is needed to terminate the name.  Thus
! we might speak of @kbd{M-x auto-fill-mode} rather than @kbd{M-x
! auto-fill-mode @key{RET}}.  We mention the @key{RET} only when there is
! a need to emphasize its presence, such as when we show the command
! together with following arguments.
  
  @findex execute-extended-command
!   @kbd{M-x} works by running the command
! @code{execute-extended-command}, which is responsible for reading the
! name of another command and invoking it.
  
  @ignore
     arch-tag: b67bff53-9628-4666-b94e-eda972a7ba56
--- 41,72 ----
  @end example
  
  @noindent
! Note that @code{forward-char} can also be run with @kbd{C-f}.  Any
! Emacs command can be run by name with @kbd{M-x}.
! 
!   Type @kbd{C-g} before @key{RET} to cancel the @kbd{M-x} command.
! The minibuffer is closed when @kbd{M-x} is aborted.
  
    To pass a numeric argument to the command you are invoking with
! @kbd{M-x}, specify the numeric argument before @kbd{M-x}.  @kbd{M-x}
! passes the argument to the command it runs.  The argument value
! appears in the prompt before @samp{M-x}.
  
  @vindex suggest-key-bindings
!   When the command you name has its own key binding, Emacs will
! mention it in the echo area after running the command.  For example,
! type @kbd{M-x forward-word} and the message will say it is also
! available with @kbd{M-f}.  You can turn off these suggestions by
! setting @code{suggest-key-bindings} to @code{nil}.
! 
!   Normally, this manual omits the @key{RET} that terminates the
! command name for @kbd{M-x}.  Thus @kbd{M-x auto-fill-mode} really
! means @kbd{M-x auto-fill-mode @key{RET}}.  You'll see the @key{RET}
! only for emphasis, such as when the command is followed by arguments.
  
  @findex execute-extended-command
!   @kbd{M-x} runs @code{execute-extended-command}, which reads the name
! of a command and invokes it.
  
  @ignore
     arch-tag: b67bff53-9628-4666-b94e-eda972a7ba56

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2006-06-07 20:39 revised help.texi and m-x.texi Ted Zlatanov

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