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(emacs)Lisp Interaction


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Lisp Interaction Buffers
========================

   The buffer `*scratch*' which is selected when Emacs starts up is
provided for evaluating Lisp expressions interactively inside Emacs.

   The simplest way to use the `*scratch*' buffer is to insert Lisp
expressions and type `C-j' after each expression.  This command reads
the Lisp expression before point, evaluates it, and inserts the value
in printed representation before point.  The result is a complete
typescript of the expressions you have evaluated and their values.

   The `*scratch*' buffer's major mode is Lisp Interaction mode, which
is the same as Emacs-Lisp mode except for the binding of `C-j'.

   The rationale for this feature is that Emacs must have a buffer when
it starts up, but that buffer is not useful for editing files since a
new buffer is made for every file that you visit.  The Lisp interpreter
typescript is the most useful thing I can think of for the initial
buffer to do.  Type `M-x lisp-interaction-mode' to put the current
buffer in Lisp Interaction mode.

   An alternative way of evaluating Emacs Lisp expressions interactively
is to use Inferior Emacs-Lisp mode, which provides an interface rather
like Shell mode (Note: Shell Mode) for evaluating Emacs Lisp
expressions.  Type `M-x ielm' to create an `*ielm*' buffer which uses
this mode.


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