How do I execute ("evaluate") a piece of Emacs Lisp code?
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There are a number of ways to execute ("evaluate", in Lisp lingo) an
Emacs Lisp "form":
* If you want it evaluated every time you run Emacs, put it in a file
named `.emacs' in your home directory. This is known as "your
`.emacs' file," and contains all of your personal customizations.
* You can type the form in the `*scratch*' buffer, and then type
<LFD> (or `C-j') after it. The result of evaluating the form will
be inserted in the buffer.
* In `emacs-lisp-mode', typing `M-C-x' evaluates a top-level form
before or around point.
* Typing `C-x C-e' in any buffer evaluates the Lisp form immediately
before point and prints its value in the echo area.
* Typing `M-:' or `M-x eval-expression' allows you to type a Lisp
form in the minibuffer which will be evaluated once you press
<RET>.
* You can use `M-x load-file' to have Emacs evaluate all the Lisp
forms in a file. (To do this from Lisp use the function `load'
instead.)
The functions `load-library', `eval-region',
`eval-current-buffer', `require', and `autoload' are also useful;
see Note:Emacs Lisp documentation, if you want to learn more
about them.