Re: mouse and Delete key

[Baloff <washdc@wash.edu>]

"Drew Adams" <drew.adams@oracle.com> writes:

>    
> 
>     Mouse Commands for Editing
>     ==========================
>     ...
>        If you select a region with any of these mouse commands, and then
>     immediately afterward type the <DELETE> function key, it deletes the
>     region that you selected.
> 
> The text goes on to say this (next sentence):
> 
>  The <BACKSPACE> function key and the ASCII
>  character <DEL> do not do this; if you type any other key in between
>  the mouse command and <DELETE>, it does not do this.
> 
> 
> This kind of info always helps us help you: What emacs version are you
> running? Do this to find out: `C-h v emacs-version' (or choose Help>About
> Emacs in the menu).

emacs-version's value is "21.4.1"

> 
> I'd guess that you are trying to use the Backspace key, also known as `DEL',
> not the Delete key. On my (PC) keyboard, the Delete key is labeled "Delete"
> and is just below the Insert key in the middle keypad (which is just to the
> left of the numeric keypad).

yes, it is exactly as you described, in my Logitech Internet
Keyboard. Delete key under the Insert in the middle keypad.

> 
> An alternative to using Delete is to use `C-d'. If you don't have a Delete
> key, try that.
> 
> Try this: `C-h k <hit the key that you _think_ is "Delete">
> 
> It should say something like this:
> 
>  C-d (translated from <delete>) runs the command delete-char
>     which is an interactive built-in function in `C source code'.
>  It is bound to C-d, <deletechar>.
>  (delete-char n &optional killflag)
> 
>  Delete the following n characters (previous if n is negative).
>  Optional second arg killflag non-nil means kill instead (save in kill
> ring).
>  Interactively, n is the prefix arg, and killflag is set if
>  n was explicitly specified.
> 
true, thanks, that works

> Keep reading and experimenting - you're on the right track now.
thanks for the encouragements, I needed it.
> 
> BTW - If you are using the mouse anyway, the quickest way to delete the
> selection (region) you've created is just to click mouse-3 again, without
> moving the mouse. For example: mouse-1; move mouse; mouse-3; mouse-3.
> 
> This does put the region in the kill ring. But so does the method above:
> mouse-1; move mouse; mouse-3; <Delete>.
> 
> Why don't you want the region in the kill ring? Are you aware that you can
> get to (that is, paste) older kill-ring entries by using `C-y M-y M-y...'?
> 
> HTH