GNU Info

(emacs)Strict Completion

---

Next: Completion Options Prev: Completion Commands Up: Completion

---

Enter node , (file) or (file)node

Strict Completion
-----------------

   There are three different ways that <RET> can work in completing
minibuffers, depending on how the argument will be used.

   * "Strict" completion is used when it is meaningless to give any
     argument except one of the known alternatives.  For example, when
     `C-x k' reads the name of a buffer to kill, it is meaningless to
     give anything but the name of an existing buffer.  In strict
     completion, <RET> refuses to exit if the text in the minibuffer
     does not complete to an exact match.

   * "Cautious" completion is similar to strict completion, except that
     <RET> exits only if the text was an exact match already, not
     needing completion.  If the text is not an exact match, <RET> does
     not exit, but it does complete the text.  If it completes to an
     exact match, a second <RET> will exit.

     Cautious completion is used for reading file names for files that
     must already exist.

   * "Permissive" completion is used when any string whatever is
     meaningful, and the list of completion alternatives is just a
     guide.  For example, when `C-x C-f' reads the name of a file to
     visit, any file name is allowed, in case you want to create a
     file.  In permissive completion, <RET> takes the text in the
     minibuffer exactly as given, without completing it.

   The completion commands display a list of all possible completions in
a window whenever there is more than one possibility for the very next
character.  Also, typing `?' explicitly requests such a list.  If the
list of completions is long, you can scroll it with `C-M-v' (Note:
Other Window).