Re: Problems binding odd C- & M-keys in Elisp

[Kevin Rodgers <ihs_4664@yahoo.com>]

Joe Fineman wrote:
> I can bind commands to the following odd combinations using M-x
> global-set-key, but I cannot figure out how to express the same
> bindings in Elisp for inclusion in .emacs:
> 
> C-; ("\C-\;" gives "Invalid modifier in string")
> C-<tab> ("\C-\t" gives the same)
> M-<left>
> M-<up>
> 
> What am I missing?

The [Customizing] Key Bindings node of the Emacs manual has a subnode
called Init Rebinding (aka Rebinding Keys in Your Init File), which
explains that non-ASCII characters such as `C-;' and `C-TAB' must be
represented using the more general vector (vs. string) notation:
[?\C-;] and [?\C-\t]
[M-left] and [M-up]

Note that since <left> and <up> are function keys, not characters,
M-<left> and M-<right> are modified function keys, not characters.

The Changing Key Bindings node of the Emacs Lisp manual describes an
alternate syntax: '(control ?;) and '(control ?\t) or '(control tab)
'(meta left) and '(meta up)

Finally, there is the kbd function: (kbd "C-;") and (kbd "C-TAB")
(kbd "M-<left>") and (kbd "M-<up>")

-- 
Kevin Rodgers