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(mh-e)Conventions

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GNU Emacs Terms and Conventions
===============================

   If you're an experienced Emacs user, you can skip the following
conventions and definition of terms and go directly to Note: Getting
Started below.  The conventions are as follows:

`C-x'
     Hold down the <CTRL> (Control) key and press the `x' key.

`M-x'
     Hold down the <META> or <ALT> key and press the `x' key.

     Since some keyboards don't have a <META> key, you can generate
     `M-x', for example, by pressing <ESC> (Escape), _releasing it_, (1)
     and then pressing the `x' key.

`RET'
     Press the <RETURN> or <ENTER> key.  This is normally used to
     complete a command.

`SPC'
     Press the space bar.

`TAB'
     Press the <TAB> key.

`DEL'
     Press the <DELETE> key.

`BS'
     Press the <BACKSPACE> key. (2)

   A "prefix argument" allows you to pass an argument to any Emacs
function.  To pass an argument, type `C-u' before the Emacs command or
keystroke.  Numeric arguments can be passed as well.  For example, to
insert five f's, use `C-u 5 f'.  There is a default of four when using
`C-u', and you can use multiple prefix arguments to provide arguments
of powers of four.  To continue our example, you could insert four f's
with `C-u f', 16 f's with `C-u C-u f', 64 f's with `C-u C-u C-u f', and
so on.  Numeric and valueless negative arguments can also be inserted
with the <META> key.  Examples include `M-5' to specify an argument of
5, or `M--' which specifies a negative argument with no particular
value.



                                *NOTE*
     The prefix `C-u' or `M-' is not necessary in mh-e's MH-Folder
     modes (Note: Reading Mail Tour).  In these modes, simply enter
     the numerical argument before entering the command.

   There are several other terms that are used in Emacs that you should
know.  The "point" is where the cursor currently is.  You can save your
current place in the file by setting a "mark".  This operation is
useful in several ways.  The mark can be later used when defining a
"region", which is the text between the point and mark.  Many commands
operate on regions, such as those for deleting text or filling
paragraphs.  A mark can be set with `C-@' (or `C-SPC').

   The "minibuffer" is the bottom line of the Emacs window, where all
prompting and multiple-character input is directed.  If you are prompted
for information in the minibuffer, such as a filename, Emacs can help
you complete your answer if you type <SPC> or <TAB>.  A second <SPC> or
<TAB> will list all possibilities at that point.  The minibuffer is
also where you enter Emacs function names after typing `M-x'.  For
example, in the first paragraph, I mentioned that you could obtain help
with `C-h t' (`help-with-tutorial').  What this means is that you can
get a tutorial by typing either `C-h t' or `M-x help-with-tutorial'.
In the latter case, you are prompted for `help-with-tutorial' in the
minibuffer after typing `M-x'.

   In case of trouble: Emacs can be interrupted at any time with `C-g'.
For example, if you've started a command that requests that you enter
something in the minibuffer, but then you change your mind, type `C-g'
and you'll be back where you started.  If you want to exit Emacs
entirely, use `C-x C-c'.

   ---------- Footnotes ----------

   (1) This is emphasized because pressing ESC twice or holding it down
a second too long so that it repeats gives you an error message.

   (2) If you are using Version 20 or earlier of Emacs, you will need
to use the <DEL> key.