XEmacsNull Blog

Quadratics

2008-10-27T22:00:00.001-05:00

Now, some documents on math, squares, and quadratic functions.

Show Quads10

This notebook will take a quick look at the quadratic / square function.

Glen

Graph Square Function

2008-09-09T22:00:00.001-05:00

A graph of the square function, ranged from -2 to 2.

Math Musings

Glen

Equation 10: The Linear

2008-09-05T23:00:00.002-05:00

Here it is, the first page of my Math Musings.

Math Musings

The above is not very interesting. However, it is certainly a graph of one of the simplest functions. There, this is a math musing - the first most. (Yes, not a post, more like a math-post / most.) (Confusion is intentional.)

Click: the Talk Func varx plus one Child.

Glen

Powering Up

2008-08-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

Hi, I'm back.

= The FloatingPoint Designs web site was in transition. Now, the 3 blogs of (XEmacs, Linux, and Blogset) FPD are merged into MediaBin.

= Next, I'm starting a new blog on Math Forms. Stay tuned.

Glen

Update: Dec 2006

2006-12-21T18:00:00.000-06:00

Here it is, December 2006 already. Where did the year go?

I've had fun doing XEmacs posts & digging deep into this complex editor. This isn't the end of tips on XEmacs. However, the frequency has slowed, and "I believe" all the basics to using XEmacs are done.

Things are going to be changing on my web site, soon. I'll try to occasionally post here.

Glen

Tip: Grab A Value

2006-01-10T09:00:00.000-06:00

Question: Ok, I've typed this magic number in my document & need to run a calculation on it. How can I bring it into calc? . . .

Answer: Use the grab command of the calc package.

= First type your number, in the document. Then, select it to the end of your number, and grab.

• Find your number, move to the first digit, select start, and go to end: Ctrl-space.
• Grab command: Alt-#, g.
• Perform your calculations. If you have a result to return to the document? Move to the line with the desired result, and kill that line & quit (calc): Alt-k, q. (Otherwise, leave with a q.)
• Last yank it back: Ctrl-y.

= Note: Just hitting the q key. Quits out of calc. It isn't necessary to Alt-#, c; to leave.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Run A Quick Calc

2006-01-08T10:00:00.000-06:00

Question: Ok, do I have to enter this calc mode & mess with it's buffer? . . .

Answer: No, you don't. There is a quick calc command, also. However, you cannot kill (the answer) to paste it.

= It will let you enter the expression in the mini-buffer (or echo area) and not jump you to another buffer view. Thus, the quick moniker, and it vanishes. When you resume typing on the file.

• Enter the quick calc mode: Alt-#, q.
• Enter an algebraic expression, hit enter, and view your answer.
• Exit quick calc mode: Alt-#, q.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Paste Your Result

2006-01-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

Question: After calculating some special value. How do I paste it into XEmacs? . . .

Answer: Just a matter of getting this routine, into your finger memory.

• Enter the calc mode: Alt-#, c.
• Run your expression.
• Move (usually up) to the numbered line with your result. (Try 1: 400. If you ran '100+300, enter.) Kill the current result without deleting: Alt-k.

• Exit calc mode: Alt-#, c.
• Then yank it: Ctrl-y.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Calc Info Screen

2006-01-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

Question: How do I pull up the "info viewer" screen on Calc? . . .

Answer: When you're inside XEmacs. It is the best way to learn more, read up on new concepts, and study it further.

• Enter the calc mode: Alt-#, c.
• Invoke Info Viewer on calc: ?, h, i
• Kill the Info View buffer: Ctrl-x, k, enter.
• Exit calc mode: Alt-#, c.

= At step three, you are probably asking. How do I return to the calculator window? Just use Alt-#, c, again, once or twice.
= Otherwise, I'd have to recommend. Use the mouse and select your original file buffer. (I'll check into the keyboard sequence to jump around buffers [or views], later.)

• Normal command to pull up the Info Viewer: Ctrl-h, i (or Alt-?, i also.)

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Topic: Calc Tutorial

2006-01-02T09:00:00.000-06:00

Question: How do I evaluate plain algebraic expressions? . . .

Answer: Not really that hard. Just try it out.

• Enter the calc mode: Alt-#, c.
• Use the apostrophe command: ', (100+200)*3-500 / 7, enter.
• Exit calc mode: Alt-#, c.

= Want to learn more? Read up on the (shorter) XEmacs calculator tutorial.

= What if? I write something illegal? (100++2). Revert back to our old friend: Ctrl-g. That'll escape and clear the expression, for you.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Topic: Using Calc

2005-12-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

Question: How can I evaluate numeric expressions, in XEmacs? . . .

Answer: Another package to the rescue. The calc package, usually installed in most installations.

• Enter the calc mode: Alt-#, c.
• Running in HP Calculator form. You can evaluate expressions with a stack-based system: 100, enter, 200, + and so on.
• Exit calc mode: Alt-#, c.

= There is an algebraic mode, also. See next post.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Tip: Hex File Inserting

2005-12-28T08:00:00.001-06:00

Question: Ok, now we have all these long commands. hexl-mode, hexl-mode-exit, hexl-insert-hex-string, and hexl-insert-hex-char. (Just two hexidecimal digits.) What can we do to reduce typing them? . . .

Answer: Define some new keys for yourself. If you're going to use these often. Why not customize it, for yourself.

(1) See Topic: Defining Key Bindings, all about Key Bindings.

(2) Use Ctrl-c, ???; for whatever bindings you prefer. Such as, Ctrl-c, h; to enter Hexl mode.

  (global-set-key '[(control c)(h)] 'hexl-mode)

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Topic: Hex File Editing

2005-12-26T18:00:00.000-06:00

Need to edit a file in Hex mode? XEmacs answers the call, also. . . .

= There is a mode for hex editing of a file. The command notes below should tell you enough, to figure it out. Just load up the file, as normal.

• Switch to Hexl mode: Alt-x, hexl-mode, enter.
= Now, you can "replace characters" just as they are on your keyboard.
• To place a hex value sequence, over this file in binary mode. (1) Make sure you are "pointed" (where) you want the hex-string placed. (2) Alt-x, hexl-insert-hex-string, enter, ????. (Your hexadecimal sequence.), then enter, when done.
• Exit Hexl mode: Alt-x, hexl-mode-exit, enter.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

PS. When you switch from ASCII to Hexl mode. It'll will say, "Converting to (or from) hexl mode will drop Undo info, continue." Type y for yes! Now, you have a binary hexadecimal editor, for free, too!

Tip: Set Pixel Map Background

2005-12-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

Question: How do you set the background to a nicer graphic pattern? Such as, a paper background theme. . . .

Answer: Again, edit your ~/.xemacs/custom.el file. Add the following line.

  (set-face-background-pixmap 'default "/home/auser/pics/vegatative_fog.xpm")

= This will set it globally. You won't be able to override via a command line switch.

= Where can you get Pixmap files / images? Open a Jpeg with Gimp as save as an image.xpm, to make it a pixmap formatted file. How to locate a paper graphic on Linux? Use locate paper, for one. Or go to /usr/share, and ls -lR | egrep -i paper | less. Or try find /usr/share -name '*.xpm' -print.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Set Background Color

2005-12-22T12:00:00.000-06:00

Question: How do you set on start-up the background color with XEmacs? . . .

Answer: You'll need to edit your ~/.xemacs/custom.el file. Add the following line.

 (set-face-background 'default  "white") ; frame background

= This will set it globally. You won't be able to override via a command line switch. You can find your X11 colors in this post.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Reset Abbreviations

2005-12-20T12:00:00.000-06:00

Question: So, I've saved all these abbreviations & I want to clear them out, to setup more new ones. . . .

= Just so, you don't have to exit XEmacs, and restart without loading your abbreviations file. There is a command to clear abbreviations.

• Clear Abbrevs: Alt-x, kill-all-abbrevs, enter.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Tip: Save Your Abbrevs

2005-12-18T12:00:00.000-06:00

Question: Ok, so now, I've built up several abbreviations. How do I save and load these? . . .

Details: Certainly, you'll have to save them. Command follows.

• Save Abbrevs: Alt-x, write-abbrevs-file, ???
= Then, you're prompted to state a file name. Which, normally, this will default to your ~/ home directory. However, if you are editing a common set of files, in the "adir/set1" directory. I'd suggest, you type "adir/set1/.abbrev_defs" for your ".abbrev_defs" (hidden Unix file).

Why? Because, when you want to recall them, as below.

• Read Abbrevs: Alt-x,read-abbrevs-file, ???
= If you are still running inside the "adir/set1" directory. Then, you can simply type ".abbrev_defs". (Or give file completion a hint, typing .abb , and such.)

= Then, it recalls those globally defined abbreviations, for just that directory. Otherwise, you can "default" everything to your home directory. (When you "read-abbrev-file", you'll have to backspace delete to the home directory.)

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Topic: Make Your Own Abbreviations

2005-12-16T12:00:00.000-06:00

So, after all that work for custom key bindings. Now, you tell me about making an abbreviation? . . .

Answer: Well, yes, why? Because, everyone else starts with the easy stuff and goes to the hard stuff. I'd rather have you think a little. Get into deep stuff, relax, take a brake, understand it, if even only half way, then jump back to something refreshing.

= Remember, even though, this can be (and should be) used as a XEmacs tip database. The real goal is a kind of two day gradual learning program. You could call it a class. Only, I don't have pop quizzes or give multiple multiple choice questions. (Yes, Dr. Erickson actually administered such tests in our CS 174 NDSU Computer Science courses. Multiple choice might be easy. However, when each question interactively affects the others and it becomes a patchwork of answers. This isn't your plain Jane MC Exam.)

= Using the abbreviation's feature is one of XEmacs minor modes. You'll have to turn it on, in order to have it expand your definitions.

= Then, we can start defining some word-based abbreviations.

• Turn the mode on: Alt-x, abbrev-mode, enter.
• Create abbreviation for "prging" to programming.

Type your expansion: programming
Define the abbreviation (globally): Ctrl-x, a, g, ??? (See next item.)
Enter your abbreviate word: prging, enter.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

PS. If you would rather "disable" your abbreviations, for a while? Simple turn the abbreviate mode off. Alt-x abbrev-mode, enter. It toggles, you see.

Topic: Important Keys

2005-12-14T20:00:00.000-06:00

Question: Have you been working out with the Alt-?, Ctrl-k "Lookup Key Binding" function. There is a deeper reason to learn it and it's kin. . . .

Answer: Well, so far, we have been searching for functions, testing if key bindings are connected to a function and guess what? The whole family of Info Functions follow this pattern. (See, there is a reasoning to XEmacs design.)

Info (Table of) Contents: Alt-?, i
Lookup Key Binding: Alt-?, Ctrl-k
Lookup Command: Alt-?, Ctrl-c
Lookup Function: Alt-?, Ctrl-f
Lookup Topic: Alt-?, Ctrl-i

So, now, you can look up tons of things.

Alt-?, i # Shows the info viewer.
Alt-?, Ctrl-k, Ctrl-x, Ctrl-c, # Shows the save-buffers-kill-emacs
Alt-?, Ctrl-c, save-buffers-kill-emacs # Shows the help info screen, on the above.
Alt-?, Ctrl-f, save-current-buffer # Shows what you would expect.
Alt-?, Ctrl-i. Xemacs, enter # Shows the manual.

• Did you try, Alt-?, Ctrl-f, save-buffers-kill-emacs ? It isn't there why?

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Menu Jump Bookmark

2005-12-12T20:00:00.000-06:00

Question: Can I jump by the menu system, how to bookmark-jump? . . .

= Yes, you can. Personally, I believe a user should do things, any way that is most conveniant to themselves.

Answer 1: Ctrl-x, r, b, ??? (enter name.)
Answer 2: Menu, View, Bookmark, Jump To, ??? (a list of them).

Review:

Ctrl-x, r, b (b for bookmark, to jump to.) Function: bookmark-jump
Ctrl-x, r, l (l for list.) Function: list-bookmarks
Ctrl-x, r, m (m for memorize.) Function: bookmark-set
Alt-x, bookmark-save, enter. (save bookmarks in default [global] file).Function: bookmark-save
Alt-x, bookmark-load, filename, enter. Function: bookmark-set
Alt-x, bookmark-write, filename, enter. Function: bookmark-write

= Why isn't there a Ctrl-x, r, s (save?) or Ctrl-x, r, l (load?) ? XEmacs wasn't setup this way. However, it doesn't mean you can't change it. You'll notice the "mentioning" of functions creeping in. This is intentional and "if you? are" going to become an even more capable XEmacs power user. You'll have to start learning about functions.

= Then, you can "rewrite" XEmacs to be your tool, and not XEmacs tooling you.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Topic: Details Listed on Key Bindings

2005-12-10T10:00:00.000-06:00

Question: Some manuals say use Ctrl-h, k; to find the function tied to a key binding. You mentioned Alt-?, Ctrl-k? . . .

= Answer: Yes, there are several key binding help commands, only three real ones - I am aware of. Here is the rundown.

Ctrl-h, c, ??? (enter your key binding to check): This is the describe-key-briefly function. Just shows which function is bound to it.
Ctrl-h, k, ???: This is the describe-key function. Pulls up the "formal documentation" inside XEmacs for the key binding. Perhaps, I should of pointed you at this one, first? However, I think the point is to "get using" XEmacs. You'll find almost everything can be done in some unique, different, and or alternate way.
Alt-?, Ctrl-k, ???: This is the Info-goto-emacs-key-command-node function, used in earlier posts. It'll pull up the Info screen help system to detail the function around it's key binding.

= Reminder: If you want to cancel "searching" for a key binding & don't have a result yet. Ctrl-g, as always. Otherwise, when you get the info or man page screens. Ctrl-x, 1. Ctrl-x, k, enter.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Have you tried looking up the function for Ctrl-x, 1?
Whenever, I start XEmacs with more than one file. I end up using it, to run in one frame only. Now, that I know the function to call. Soon, I'll get it to run it, during start-up, check if multiple files, and tame this shrew.

Tip: Tougher Key Bindings

2005-12-08T20:00:00.000-06:00

Question: What if, I want to bind to Ctrl-c, b, 3? . . .

Answer: Well, again, using the (kbd function comes to our rescue. Only, this way we'll put it into a different place.

(global-set-key  (kbd "C-c b 3") " a sample ") # one
(global-set-key  (kbd "C-c b 3") 'your-own-elisp-function) # two

= If you try the other way. There doesn't seem to be an easy way, to connect with a long shortcut sequence to an action.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Writing Lines from Bindings

2005-12-06T18:00:00.000-06:00

Question: So, I can setup some bindings to write text. What if I want to write several lines? . . .

Problem: Using the

(global-set-key '[(control c)(n)] "str1" "str2" "str3")

doesn't work. Well, the global-set-key LISP function only expects one string as the last parameter. Or you could embed control characters in the string.

Solution 1: One way is to include a \n newline character.

"str1\nstr2\nstr3"

Solution 2: Or you can use the (kbd function and keep a cleaner look.

"str1 RET str2 RET str3 RET"

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

PS. Next time, I show how to do this by setting up abbreviations, instead.

Topic: Defining Key Bindings

2005-12-04T20:00:00.000-06:00

Question: Ok, how do I encode some custom key bindings? . . .

= There are several ways, to do this. You can setup a key binding on the fly. However, what is the use of this? If I want a key binding known and bother to set it up. I want it assigned for a longer term. ie. Globally. For the moment, I'll just cover the first most direct way, with a global duration.

= Bear in mind, though, if you "redefine" a binding which is used by your major / minor modes. You'll overwrite it.

• Safe Copy and Edit the ~/.xemacs/custom.el file. Add the following line, after the last statements.

(global-set-key '[(control c)(n)] "Your Name ")

The last member of the list ("Your Name ") is an instruction to directly type this. However, normally, you would call a LISP function. I hope to introduce a generic LISP XEmacs function. So, you can use it to derive more compact custom key bindings. Rather than manually binding them, one by one, here. (Although, placing your function somewhere and the time XEmacs spends loading functions [and libraries] will slow down you speed up time. What did you expect for infinite power? Nothing?)

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

PS. An example of messing up your exit function.

(global-set-key '[(control x)(control c)] 'count-words-buffer)

Now, if you Ctrl-x, Ctrl-c. You can't exit and see a word count of the current buffer. (Menu still works to exit or call Alt-x, save-buffers-kill-emacs, enter.

To restore it, even though, you can just delete the above offending global-set-key, see below.

(global-set-key '[(control x)(control c)] 'save-buffers-kill-emacs)

Tip: Save All

2005-12-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

Question: Often, I'll edit several files at once. After changing several, how do I save some (all) buffers? . . .

If you exit XEmacs? It will prompt you and manually ask to confirm, saving each file. However, normally, use use the Save Some Buffers command.

Loading up via "xemacs day*.txt" or "xemacs -nw *.txt," for examples.

Answer 1: Ctrl-x, s, and "press y" for yes, at each prompt.

Answer 2: Menu, File, Save Some Buffers, and click the "Yes All" button.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Topic: Used Key Bindings

2005-11-30T18:00:00.000-06:00

Which keys are used under Ctrl-x? . . .

= Here are the used XEmacs bindings, in my setup. version: XEmacs 21.4 (patch 12) All Ctrl-x, ??? combos. (They are followed by the LISP functions tied to each.)

b: switch-to-buffer
h: mark-whole-buffer
i: insert-file
j: jump-to-register
k: kill-buffer
l: count-lines-page
m: compose-mail
o: other-window
q: kbd-macro-query
s: save-some-buffers
u: advertised-undo
x: copy-to-register

• So, what keys are available? a c d e f g n p r t v w y z. Fourteen of them. That doesn't seem to leave a lot. What else can we do?

= Do you want to "dare" toss away the standard key bindings, above. (A few are your rudimentary file command keys.) Royally scramble up your mode-support to key map? I don't think so. But, there has to be another way. Or a better way?

= Next, I show how to "define" a text string to a key binding. Then, we'll think about this problem, and look at other suggestions.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Topic: Creating Key Bindings

2005-11-28T22:30:00.000-06:00

Question: How do I assign my own key bindings? ie. Hit hotkey combination and get XEmacs to type, something personalized. . . .

= This is a rather deeper subject. So, I will have to introduce a few things. First, what is the XEmacs way? Answer: Using letters of the alphabet with the Ctrl-x key binding, is the recommended practice for assigning custom key bindings.

= How do I check, if a key binding is already in use?

Lookup Key Binding: Alt-?, Ctrl-k, key-binding.
Example to check: Ctrl-x, u. List: Alt-?, Ctrl-k, Ctrl-x, u.

Results: When it shows, "Look up key in XEmacs manual (still)". Then, it hasn't been allocated (by the major or minor modes, you are using).

= (A) Otherwise, if you see, a function name? Then, it is taken.

= (B) If you get stuck in a enter sequence, Don't forget Ctrl-g, in most instances. Othewise, if it is about buffer confusion. Use Ctrl-x, 1, (then) Ctrl-x, k, enter.

= ~~If you try; Ctrl-x, Ctrl-c to test: You will see: Found save-buffers-kill-emacs.~~ All the letters from a to z are available for Ctrl-c, ??? combinations. Also, capital A to Z are unique from the lower letters, as well. If you care to confuse yourself some more? (Full Correction)

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

PS. Yes, there are conflicts with Ctrl-x, and various letters. Just as "u" for Undo is one such letter. Ctrl-x keys typically are file-related, Ctrl-c being mode-specific bindings, and Ctrl-h for help.

• Key binding is a rather large subject. What can go wrong? (1) If you want to set it globally. (2) Or just override, when loading specifically. (3) Or what to run it with your own LISP functions. (4) Or dealing with mode-compatibility. ie. Not stepping on your file's mode toes. (5) Or assigning recorded macros. (6) Or just creating plain type shortcut keys, as the Windows people say.

= So, I'll apologize in advance. If I turn out to be not fully accurate. It is rather vacous and I'll assure you. I have spent three hours on key binding, so far, to reduce your time at, off the bat.

Tip: Show X11 Colors

2005-11-26T10:00:00.000-06:00

Question: What colors do I have in XEmacs with the X11 Window system? . . .

Answer: Presuming you are running in an X11 Windows system? Several colors are available, as long as you aren't running 16 color mode or something.

List Colors: Alt-x, list-colors-display, enter.

= Your colors are listed in a resource file under the X11 directory. rgb.txt at /usr/X11R6/lib/X11.

= What if I want to state a color via the command line?

  xemacs -bg wheat sample.txt

Cautions: (1) The above -bg color command doesn't work in console mode. (2) If you have a pixmap setup? You won't be able to override it, via the command line.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Note: A Note from the Author

2005-11-24T11:30:00.000-06:00

Yes, greetings, this post is more of a signpost for my readers. If I were putting this into a book, at this point, there would be a big stop sign. . . .

• I'm starting to get into some hard material, now. Yes, I know, finally starting to run out of "newbie" topics. (Not insulting you newbies, just keep working it.) (Yes, I was a newbie, once. Actually, I have been several times, for that matter. )

• Anyhow, digging into deeper issues, customization, and "reasons to use" LISP code inside XEmacs are hard posts. I will strive to give you all the facts, be precise about "every detail" necessary, to make such and such work. However, please be aware, Unix as great as it is. There are times, things just don't work, as someone else says. (I find this a lot. While, researching the details for material on these posts.) (A good example, assigning custom control keys for your own "key bindings.")

• Plus, you have to pay a lot of attention, to every keystroke, the "exact" way code is written, and occasionally "reflect" why is it written that way. Until, you get it working the first time, which should be considerably easier for you, since I'm giving very explicit instructions. You have to be prepared for a little bit of a bumpy road, at times. If you get frustrated or need a break. Take one, cool off. You'll never master LISP in one night. (Unless, your mind really is a LISP state machine. Mine is not.)

= Several of these instructions, how you set it up, and "actually" getting it to work; are particular things. This means, it is quite likely E-macs and XEmacs differ a little or a lot, in doing the same thing. Also, it can quickly become version (to XEmacs) specific or particular. (Although, I haven't observed such a problem, yet. Just using the current newest / recent Debian release.)

= Here are the version specifics to two of my systems. xemacs --version will reveal this on the command line.


XEmacs 21.4 (patch 12) "Portable Code" [Lucid]
XEmacs 21.4 (patch 17) "Jumbo Shrimp" [Lucid] (i386-debian-linux, Mule)

Now, I've said all this. Enjoy.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Tip: Jump to Listed Bookmark

2005-11-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

Question: I can see a list of my bookmarks. Now, how do I just jump to one of them? . . .

Answer: Yes, you have to list bookmarks. Move to the line with the bookmark you want. Then, hit the "v" key and it will jump to it, in your file. (ie. Select bookmark, where its line point is located.)

List bookmarks: Ctrl-x, r, l, enter. (Again, a letter L.)
Move to line with desired bookmark: v.
Help inside bookmark list frame: Ctrl-h, m.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Tip: Remembered Bookmarks

2005-11-20T09:00:00.000-06:00

Question: How do I show my saved bookmarks? Why can't I jump to it? Just like when I created (only one) during the original editing session? . . .

This is where it gets a little bumpy. Remember, I mentioned XEmacs remembers a "blanked" bookmark named "matching" the filename? When you run, Ctrl-x, r, m, enter, and your file is named, "sample.txt."

= It actually named the bookmark, "sample.txt." However, when you first Mark this bookmark. You can simply jump to it, via: Ctrl-x, r, b, enter. Then, when you leave XEmacs and re-enter anew. It don't work.

Answer: The second time around, you'll have to enter: Ctrl-x, r, b, sample.txt, enter. Then, it remembers. If your installation of XEmacs is not remembering it persistently? First, look for a ~/.emacs.bmk file in your home directory.

= If it isn't there? You need to turn on saving your bookmarks. The bookmark-save-flag needs to be set to 1. (True) This is something to configure in the custom.el file. (There is a way to change it's value through the menus, too.)

= Next, as an advanced feature, you can also write your bookmarks to a different file. The use for doing this, is when you are really deep into editing several text files, and have several special locations you want to remember.

= Perhaps, you edit several "similar" named files, in just different sets of directories, and you want to keep the bookmark files separated? (This is definately, using XEmacs for advanced editing.)

Write bookmarks to File: Alt-x, hotBmarks.txt, enter.
List bookmarks: Ctrl-x, r, l, enter. (Again, a letter L.)

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

PS. A rather thick post. However, until you try using new things in more complicated ways. You won't master deeper XEmacs.

Bookmarks

2005-11-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

How do you set one? Can you make more than one? Are they persistent between XEmacs sessions? . . .

= Yes, XEmacs has the ability to create, list, and remember bookmarks. Just a matter of practicising the keystrokes. When would I use it?

• Only when it is a file, you are editing over the course of days. Otherwise, for casual files or short-term ones, I presume not too much reason to use. Even though, XEmacs is more than happy to remember (easily) at least one bookmark per file. (It is even named. Guess what? The same name as the file.)

= This post will explain the first basic bookmark commands. Then, I'll touch on the harder issues, later.

Mark your bookmark: Ctrl-x, r, m, enter.
List bookmarks: Ctrl-x, r, l, enter. (That is a letter L, before the enter.)
Jump to bookmark: Ctrl-x, r, b, name-of-file, enter.

When you list your bookmarks, it is useful to close that buffer. ie. Use the kill buffer command.
Kill buffer: Ctrl-x, k, enter

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Tip: Calling Tramp SCP Direct

2005-11-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

Question: Can I simply call a SCP file without "manually" typing everything, inside XEmacs, too? . . .

Answer: Certainly. If you want it to start inside a console. Simply put the following into a shell script and customize it, yourself.

The same points mentioned with Tip: Calling Ange-FTP Direct, are pertinent here, as well.

• I find this handy, if you have a file you are always using. Plus, all communication to / from, besides where it is stored, is private. (Unless, someone sees your open editor session.)


xemacs -nw /[ssh/auser@www.cs.ndsu.nodak.
............... edu]~/data/sample.txt

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Jump a Word

2005-11-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

Question: Sometimes, I just want to jump a word, backwards or forwards. Do I have to use Alt-f or Alt-b? . . .

= True, you can use Alt-f and Alt-b for forwards and back. However, sometimes, I don't want to tie up two fingers. If you remember, ESC is the meta key, also. Although, figuring out how to set this up, can be difficult. (It depends on your Linux distribution. Where is the config file? If it is a system wide issue or user related? ((Seems like .Xdefault is the file.)) Most come setup with it working.)

Of course, if you try this? And it works. Then, you don't have an issue. So there.

Answer: Try this inside of XEmacs. ESC (release), arrow left. Did it jump right? If so, yes, your keyboard mapping is setup for it.

• Also, you will notice ESC, f - then ESC, b - then ESC, a - then ESC, e; work, too.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Apps: E-macs Code Browser

2005-11-12T09:00:00.000-06:00

Of course, XEmacs applies special modes for almost any computer language. However, if you want a system of informational windows, akin to an Integrated Development Environment. . . .

One that works hand and hand with: functions / methods / classes, directory trees, history of recently visited files, plus a speedbar.

You should try ECB. The E-macs Code Browser

I'll be compiling XEmacs from scratch and adding in ECB, by hand. Around mid-December, I hope to have a Gallery service running and I'll show some screen shots. Plus, I'll write up an in-depth review and tell you guys and gals. What I think of it?

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

External: Resources about Packages

2005-11-10T11:00:00.000-06:00

What are all the available packages with XEmacs? . . .

A listing of all the Lisp routines in (or available) for XEmacs.

FAQ (Questions) about XEmacs

Solutions: Emacsen Common Problem Guide: Several Windows specific, how to fix this problem answers.

XEmacs Quickstart Package Guide

An overview of the XEmacs Packaging System

Solutions to Common Problems with E-macs and XEmacs

Level: Advanced
GlR

Network: Writing by SCP

2005-11-08T11:00:00.000-06:00

Also, how to edit a file by SCP? . . .

Yep, you guessed it, there is another package for it.

TRAMP User Manual This manual discusses the package. However, I didn't find it too useful, as to how to use it, admittedly, (TRAMP = Transparent Remote (file) Access, Multiple Protocol, btw.)

The preferred way to access any remote system is via "scp." As I mentioned in my first Ange-FTP post. You do not want to use telnet or ftp, on any remote systems. Why? Because, the password and all information is sent in plain-text. There is no encryption or even attempt to scramble the data.

• Ergo, my own motive and why I highly suggest you only use Tramp. It will reference scp or ssh, to connect to a remote system. (However, I need to verify. If FTP is available, at first? Does it go to scp, as a default? It should!!!)

So, without further adieu, you should have it installed. Otherwise, you can get it and instructions on installing the package from the web site, above.

• One starting point, though, it works easier, if you have the file already present. If you can? Enter the site and create a blank or partial file, for it, at first. Otherwise, you certainly can create new files, as well.)


= Ctrl-x, Ctrl-f
= /[ssh/auser@www.cs.ndsu.nodak.edu]~/data/sample.txt, enter.
= Prepare to wait a while, before the password prompt, and 
............ watch all the behind the scenes work.
= Once, your file is up, you can edit it, save it, or exit 
............ and save the file.

Note: The [ssh ...] is important. One, if you don't have ssh. Ange-FTP will take over. Two, this is a syntactic difference between E-macs and XEmacs. (The first, I have found actually.)

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Calling Ange-FTP Direct

2005-11-06T10:00:00.000-06:00

Question: Can I simply call a FTP file without "manually" typing everything, inside XEmacs? . . .

Answer: Certainly. If you want it to start inside a console. Simply put the following into a shell script and customize it, yourself.

However, if you want to work with other files, or not always the same file. Then, you'll have to plan some new ideas for your shell script.

You could have a standard base file on the remote system. Load it and edit it, then save it under another name. (Ctrl-x, Ctrl-w, newname.txt, enter)

xemacs -nw /auser@ftp.cs.ndsu.edu:sample.txt

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: How to List Packages

2005-11-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

Question: Where do I find the command to list my packages in XEmacs? . . .

One way is to find your XEmacs directory and it's installation, the lisp directory.

Answer: However, the real way is simply in the menus.

Menu: Tools, Packages, List and Install

If you don't have the Tramp package installed? You can check here. (Soon, to be posted.)

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Network: Writing by FTP

2005-11-02T10:00:00.000-06:00

What if, you could edit a file through FTP? . . .

Yes, you can actually do this with XEmacs. Why is it useful?

Simply put, you can edit files through FTP. XEmacs will retrieve the file by FTP, then it is stored in XEmacs's buffer. When you are done, just write it out, by FTP again. You will have to enter your password, once. When you save or exit XEmacs. It won't prompt you for the password, then.

• Another excellent example of packages working for you and extending XEmacs, to new horizons. Your installation might not have the package to support this? However, you simply have to obtain and install the Ange-FTP package or contact your System Administrator. Most XEmacs editors are pre-built with it.

= Start XEmacs
= Call Ange-FTP through the read file command: Ctrl-x, Ctrl-f
= Now, enter the file syntax to load via FTP: You will probably see. ~/ You need to delete this. So, backspace delete, twice over it.
= Now, type the FTP invocation: /auser@ftp.cs.ndsu.nodak.edu:~/afile.txt, enter.

= Then, wait for the FTP process to launch and ask for password.
= Once, it is up. and running. You are live.

= Edit file and save (often) or just exit, as normal.

• Note: If you want to force a X11 system to run XEmacs in a console? Just launch as xemacs -nw sample.txt.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

PS. I don't recommend FTP connections. Using scp is preferred. Soon, I'll discuss the next package which does use scp. Other note, connecting to remote systems isn't always reliable. Please bear in mind, XEmacs does not control the network or Internet. File transfers are often probablematic, when the Internet is flaky.

Growing List

2005-10-30T09:00:00.000-06:00

Here is a growing list of countries, viewing my blogs. This is based on November 2005 Stats. Buried it in October to hide it some. . .

Nov 01: Japan, US
Nov 02: Mexico, United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, Japan, Poland
Nov 01: Japan, US
Nov 02: Mexico, United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, Poland
Nov 06: Croatia (Hrvatska), Australia, Brazil
Nov 09: Seychelles, Netherlands, Germany, France, China
Nov 10: Pakistan, Canada
Nov 21: Austria, Philippines
Nov 23: Taiwan, Russian Federation

Information
GlR

External: Wikipedia

2005-10-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

What do they say about XEmacs and E-macs in Wikipedia? . . .

Vim is a very good editor, as well. It's commands are more key symbolic. Vim stands for Vi Improved. The benefit of Vim over XEmacs is load-up time and installation size. Almost every Linux system comes with vim or vi. XEmacs and E-macs do tend to occupy a lot of space, around 50 megs or some such number. Installations frugal on space or minimal number of installed packages, leaving Emacsen editors out of the install choices, gives you a noticeable savings.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

External: The XEmacs/GNU E-macs Schism

2005-10-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

What happened? Why the Split? How different are these two fellow Emacsen? . . .

The Lemacs/FSFmacs Schism Only the top part of this page has the information. The remaining 70% are the emails showing the "unbalance" between the two main players. Jamie Zawinski and Richard Stallman

The timeline behind these events, and maintainers involved.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: List Keys Used

2005-10-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Question: How can I show keys and commands, I just entered? . . .

Answer: Well, yes, you can see what you have been typing. The view-lossage function, it's technical name.

View Last 100 Keypresses: Ctrl-h, l.
Close the buffer: Ctrl-x, k, enter. (When you are done looking at the buffer.)

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Apps: E-macs Speaks

2005-10-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

What? You can talk to your editor? Why would you do that? . . .

This should be the next "new!" revolution in computer use. Voice applications and text to voice, voice to text.

Of course, there already are several such applications and OS supported programs. However, until everyone has it on their computer and it becomes "normal" to talk to your computer. The revolution won't be underway, until that point, to me. (People with disabilities are already using such systems.) (I've always wanted to learn braille and get a braille computer output display. Not a bad option to have open for getting older.)

• So, what does XEmacs have to do with speech-enabled applications? Just so happens, there is an E-macspeaks package. I'm not going to cover it here, yet. I don't have such a system. Wish I did. (This is the other Emacsen editor. However, I'm sure the package will work on XEmacs, as well. This gives me something to check into and confirm, later.)

However, here is a manual on it. Feel free to read it and think about the possibilities.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

External: Searching the Blog

2005-10-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Question: Why use this blog? . . .

A newbie to advanced user "tip bank" for XEmacs users. Plus, for my own use in composing XEmacs ideas and new directions to check out.

The best way to "search it," is by the search feature. (This is for the Behind Nullx; second edition blog, only.) Simply, go to "search this blog" section and enter a few keywords.

• XEmacs is a fantastic editor and very powerful. However, there are indeed so many keyboard particulars. Plus, even with a reference sheet in hand. Remembering, "how did I do that," becomes a sticky problem.

This is exactly one of the largest issues, I use this blog to solve, also.

GlR

PS. Perhaps, in time, I'll create a cross reference of common terms. However, until there is a large blog base. The Movable Type search is certainly powerful enough. It even supports regex searching.

External: Emacsen Hot Links

2005-10-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

What is Emacsen? A generic term for "all E-macs" family based editors.

Yes, there are actually Emacsen editors outside of E-macs and XEmacs, as well.

Here are the links. . . .

E-macs Quotes

Alex Shinn's E-macs Shrine

E-macs FAQ Text

Joe Keane Elisp files

Dennis Howe Elisp files

Turnbull Tools Web Site

Debian apt-cache search list of E-macs

Eric Ludlam: CEDET: Collection of E-macs Development Environment Tools

E-macs Goodies: Barry Warsaw

Things LISP

SWIG: Tutorial

GR: Customing E-macs Site

Martin Schwenke: E-macs Hacks

Michael Kifer: Viper, Ediff: E-macs page

Wonderworks: Kyle Jones

Noah Friedman E-macs Code

M. Grigni E-macs Hacks

Socha: my.gnus.org: Text Message Reader

WOW! E-macs Tiny Tools Site

Newbie Tutorial Reference Card

The E-macs Wiki

Stephen Eglen's amazing Elisp collection.

Eglen's E-macs LISP List

Open Directory Project: E-macs Page

DMOZ OPD: Editors

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

External: Info Page's Sites

2005-10-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

XEmacs Info.gz TOC

Gnu Info: Library Site One

Gnu Info: Library Site Two Larger

XEmacs Man Page: FreeBSD Site

I believe this matches the Info Viewer of XEmacs? It is handy to have an Internet resource though.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Save As File

2005-10-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Question: So, I'm editing a file and I want to save it under another name. How do I do that? . . .

Why would I need to? Quite often, it is useful to "change a file" in steps. So, you'll save it with different names after each stage. Such as: fileedit.txt, fileed10,txt, fileed11.txt, fileed12.txt, fileeg20.txt, and so on.

Answer 1: The keyboard sequence is Ctrl-x, Ctrl-w. Then, type the name of your file.

Answer 2: Menu, File, Save As, and type your name. Although, the dired viewer will popup. You still have to type the name in full.

• I will cover dired, later. Just another one of those applications within XEmacs.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Tip: Transpose Words

2005-10-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Question: How to flip two words. . . .

Answer: Occasionally, you'll run into circumstances to flip words. They have to be beside each other of course. Simply use the transpose command.

A curious thing is it works by ignoring symbols. So, if you want to switch a boolean variables value. Try this.

statePrinting = TRUE; // FALSE

Place the cursor on the // and try it out.

Capitalize Word: Alt-t

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Modes: Info Mode

2005-10-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Question: Why should I care about modes? . . .
First off, if you haven't already. Please read about major and minor modes in the E-macs HOW-TO. It clearly describes the modes & more. Beside, the several options Emacsen have.

• XEmacs has an Info browser within itself. (Although, there is also an Info viewer on most Unix systems.) This is a documentation portal to an extensive online reference of XEmacs, components of XE, and programs connected to XE.

If your system doesn't have it installed? Simply google it, talk to your Sys Admin, or install a different Linux. No big deal.

Info Window: Alt-x info, enter.
(If you get a directory not found error? Just Ctrl-x, 1, and go to the Info Buffer frame.)

= Check it out: Move to an italicized topic and hit enter. (When you are in Info Browser. p for previous sub-topic, n for next sub-topic, t for top, h for HELP with Info.)
Close the Buffer: Ctrl-x, k, enter

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: More Changing

2005-10-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Question: I just want to change a the casing of a whole word. How can I do it? . . .

Answer: If you just need to change case of a word? Of course, XEmacs can. (The cursor must be place on it, as expected.)

You do need to place it at the starting letter of the word. Otherwise, it will only start from the letter it is on.

Upcase (whole) Word: Alt-u
Downcase Word: Alt-l
Capitalize Word: Alt-c

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Tip: Replacing Control Characters

2005-10-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Question: What is a control character? Why would I want to replace them? . . .

First, control character is a term for any non-printable symbol in an ASCII section of your text. Usually, they told a teletype to perform some sort of action. Which "transformed" into telling our ASCII printers to echo it. Then, the next generation became involved (after 1980) and now we have "outright anarchy." Anyhow.

• Why replace them? Here is why. Because, text files often get littered with them. Or you need to change LF/CR pairs to CR for Unix editing. (Although, usually I use unix2dos or dos2unix for the LF conversions.)

Steps:

Move to where the control character is.
Select it as a region
Start the regex Search-Replace command
Replace one occurence and then all the rest.

= Details

Move there.
Select Region: Ctrl-space, then cursor right
Copy the region: Alt-y
Start Regex Search-Replace: Alt-%
= Yank back character: Ctrl-y, enter
= Type replace character(s) or nada: **, enter
= Hit "y" to replace once, "n" to skip one, then "!" to just replace the rest.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Copy the Shell

2005-10-04T20:00:00.000-05:00

Coder Habit: Quite often as a System Administrator you need to capture the contents of a bash shell window. Why? So, you can save pertinent information or "create special" shell scripts to manage files, directories, or networks.

Quite often, I'll be running this sequence of commands. Simply: launch shell, issue commands, mark entire buffer, kill buffer (the shell), yank (killed) buffer.

Launch Shell: Alt-x, shell, enter
Issue a command: ls -ltr

Select whole buffer: Ctrl-x, h, enter
Copy region: Alt-w
Kill buffer: Ctrl-x, k, enter
Yank buffer: Ctrl-y

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Multiple Undo

2005-10-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Question: I just typed something, erased my whole buffer, or ran out tons of wrong commands. How do I restore my text?

Answer 1: First, if you don't need to save changes and simply want to release the original file. You can just exit XEmacs and don't save changes.

If you decide to "just exit" XEmacs? Please be aware, usually XEmacs will auto-save your file, after so many minutes. (This is an option you can configure, of course. However, changing the custom.el file is a later topic.)

Answer 2: Or simply invoke Undo. Ctrl-x, u, and repeat to your preference.

Exit: Ctrl-x, Ctrl-c, (to not save!), n, (leave with modified buffers?) yes, enter.
Undo: Ctrl-x, u
Multiple Undo: Repeat the above line.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

External: Blog Revisions

2005-09-30T17:23:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

Finally got some time to read the queue & double check terms and wording. Yes, I found quite a bit.

Essentially, there is too much work in maintaining two copies. So, consider XEmacs Null as the first edition and Behind Nullx as the second, most corrected version. Of course, if you have suggestions for improvement and such. Post a comment. Oh well.

Category: Overall
GlR

Tip: Select A Buffer

2005-09-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

Question: Why doesn't the select work like - I might expect it to?

It might seem like a bit of a drag. However, once you issue the command below. It seems like you are being asked to type the whole filename (and you can, if you care to).

XEmacs provides an alternative. It is called Filename completion. Simply type the starting part of the filename as a hint & hit the tab key. If the name is very unique in your current directory. It will appear directly. Otherwise, if there are several alternatives. You'll have to provide more of a hint.

XEmacs will show a list of the expansions. So, yes, you will have to type a little more and there you go.

Select Buffer: Ctrl-x, b,
Escape if you "don't care to" run it, after all: Ctrl-g.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Close A Buffer

2005-09-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Question: Why would you want to?

Essentially, there are several ways to pull up additional buffers.(Such as the Sep 22--24, 2005 posts, Titles: Launch Shell, Accessing Man) When you need to kill them, is the problem. Especially, if you are without the X-Windows GUI interface. You can close the buffer by "killing" it.

Close the Buffer: Ctrl-x, k, enter
Select Buffer: Ctrl-x, b,

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Accessing Man

2005-09-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Question: How do I pull up man pages from inside XEmacs?

Answer: You can go to the shell & try it there. Although, you can also pull it up directly inside XEmacs. (Of course, this presumes you are on a Unix system or running Cygwin on Windows & XEmacs has access to the Cygwin man pages.)

Launch the Man Page Viewer: Alt-x, man, enter, "xemacs", enter
Close the Buffer: Ctrl-x, k, enter

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Launch Shell

2005-09-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Question: Why would I use a shell? Or why shell from inside XEmacs, either?

Answer: I'll answer the second question, first. Simply programmers get lazy and "don't care" to leave their editor or find a shell (console), elsewhere.

The command prompt is a shell. Personally, I consider it the "true natural" (or raw) interface to a computer system. If you are in Windows land and "have to find" a command / application / tool; to do whatever it is? You need. Personally, it is just a lot of mousing around to me. I can type far faster than mouse, myself.

Launch to a Shell: Alt-x, shell, enter.
Close the Buffer: Ctrl-x, k, enter

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Changing Case

2005-09-20T22:29:00.000-05:00

Question: Why would you want to switch the case of text?

Simple answer, you'll forget to upper case the first letter of your sentence.
As for changing case of a whole word or region. Quite often, you'll receive an email in need a more gentle look. (Some people love screaming in upper-case.)

Answer 1: Changing the case of a letter. You will have to select it, as a region first. Keyboard: Ctrl-x, Ctrl-u # for upper case. Ctrl-x, Ctrl-l # for lower case. (Of course, to change case of one letter. Might as well, do it manually. Less key strokes.)

Answer 2: Menu Commands, Change Case, Upcase Region # or Downcase, Capitalize, or Title-Case Region.

Start Region: Ctrl-Space (then move to the end of it.)
Upcase Region: Ctrl-x, Ctrl-u
Downcase Region: Ctrl-x, Ctrl-d

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Topic: Kill Text?

2005-09-18T23:30:00.000-05:00

Question: Why would you kill text? (Quick Answer: Everything to do with copy and paste.)

Vim the other most popular Unix text editor, applies the copy / paste maxim, this way. You "yank" and then "put" (paste) text. Vim-Doc.

• XEmacs though thinks just a little differently. First, you kill the text (usually region selected). Then, yank it back. (Notice the opposite of Vim.) So, try it out a few times and make it second nature. That's it.

Kill Region: Ctrl-w
Copy to kill ring: Alt-w
Yank (back) Region: Ctrl-y

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Topic: Marking

2005-09-16T19:48:00.000-05:00

Question: What do you have to do, before paste and copy?

Answer: You have to mark the region. (Otherwise, you can mark a paragraph, page, or the whole buffer. Usually, I just mark the region.)

I'll show you how to start and end your marked region, here. Next post, we'll cover paste and yank.

First, you'll need to set your mark, from where you want the region started. Lastly, move to the end of your region, and kill it or copy to the kill ring.

Set the Mark: Ctrl-@
Kill Region: Ctrl-w
Copy to kill ring: Alt-w

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

The File-Related Category

2005-09-14T22:00:00.000-05:00

It might not be obvious, to most readers. However, I'll just mention this here and be done with it.

Earlier, I wrote about Files and Buffers. Well, in the sense of how XEmacs works. When you are editing a file. You are only altering it's buffer (image). Once, you save, then the changes are commited, of course.

= Perhaps, I should of created a Buffers category. However, for the purposes of this blog. I'll simply include those entries under File Related.

GlR

PS. You'll have to visit my Behind Nullx blog, to see the category breakdown. Behind Nullx

Opinion: E-macs or XEmacs

2005-09-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

You might of noticed, I cast them both in their own light. Why is this?

Ahem, no reason, really. Just I started with XEmacs first and it (seems) is easiest to install anywhere.

If you want read the full details. Why is this? The Deep Divide of E-macs vs XEmacs.

Otherwise, I spell them both differently, just for purpose of distinction. Emacs as E-macs & Xemacs as XEmacs. Just a personal preference.

As a rough guess, except for some basic things (the config file; custom.el vs. .emacs), most things are the same. Around 95 percent, I believe. (When it comes to the extensions, the packages. Of coure, they aren't compatible.)

GlR

External: Follow-up HOW-TO

2005-09-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

After reading the previous mentioned - HOW-TO article. Here is what I thought.

(1) It is well written and aimed at anyone. (Yes, even Windows users.)

(2) I like the very first section. What is E-macs. I couldn't of said it better. (Yes, to some people, it is a religion. Not to me, though.) Indeed a very flexible text editor.

(3) Getting E-macs. I already covered that in --- the Tuesday, May 10, 2005 post, titled: Availability.

(4) The mini-buffer, he mentions is the bottom-most line in the E-macs screen. Makes sense. Not that, I've used it that deeply. (Even after "more than a year" of using XEmacs. You just take things for granted, I guess.)

(5) Terms he defines: Files & Buffers (I have covered this, too.), Point & Region, the Windows of the editor, and Frames. (Personally, I avoid the frames. I prefer working with split-windows (the frame) and such.)

(6) Then, discussion about the command keys. (Yes, I've discussed this before, as well.)

(7) Commands for jumping to various places in the buffer.

(8) Essential commands. I should check these out, further.

(9) Then, he discusses the tutorial. Which, again, I have mentioned it and I encourage everyone to spend 15 minutes - following it.

(10) The modes: E-macs, major / minor, then programming mode.

(11) Then, he lists modes which E-macs supports by file typing, for the editor. I'll just list the ones he covers here.

List: C/C++/Java, Perl, Python, shell scripts, (text), Sed? Tcl?, Makefile, authoring, spell-checking (via ispell), HTML, TeX, SGML, & VC (version control). Plus, shell mode. Where you go to the shell, of course.

(12) Then, he writes about customization (.emacs config file) and using packages inside E-macs. (Such as, mail applications)

(13) A list of the E-macs newsgroups. (I should dig up the XEmacs ones & add them here, too.)

GlR

External: Ramping Up for More

2005-09-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

Sorry, it has been a while - since, I last posted. (Yes, this blog isn't too active. But, that isn't why I post on it, anyhow.)

Summer is over. The kids are back in school and time marches on. Plus, MediaBin is "back online," again. (Hopefully, it will stay that way, now. ??? high security modes!)

So, without further adieu, I hope to continue on the two day schedule.

Here is an interesting page, the E-macs beginer HOW-TO. (Or the author's site and his HOW-TO page.)

Please read it. My next posts will cover many of it's interesting points. However, it certainly is quite thorough.

GlR

Topic: Common Keys

2005-06-30T22:21:00.000-05:00

Topic: When you are using basic XEmacs without a GUI. What are the basic useful keys, for common actions?

Forward word: Alt-f
Backwards word: Alt-b
Forward screen: Ctrl-v
Backwards screen: Meta-v

Search forward: Ctrl-s
Search backwards Ctrl-r

End of line: End key or Ctrl-e
Head of line: Home key or Ctrl-a

Escape Sequences. What do I mean? Well, under odd conditions. You might seem to be locked from leaving a command sequence. Here are the key presses, to get out of it.

One: ESC
Two: Ctrl-g
Three: Ctrl-g Three times!

Head of file: Meta-<
End of file: Meta->

The reverse of vim.

Kill text: (Select region before killing text) Ctrl-w
Yank text: Ctrl-y (Then yank it back.)

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Tip: Changing Cases

2005-06-22T23:47:00.000-05:00

Question: How do you change the case of letters, without re-typing?

Answer: Like most text editors, XEmacs has an in-built command for it.

Simply select the text with your cursor. Then, Ctrl-x, Ctrl-u; for Upper.
Or Ctrl-x, Ctrl-l; for Lower.
If you don't have a GUI available, to mouse dragging. Simply use the keyboard, move to the first end of the region, hold the shift key, and move to the other key. This selects a region of text, as well.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Tip: Goto Line

2005-06-20T21:39:00.000-05:00

Question: How to goto a specified line number?

Answer: This is in the Menus, too. However, the direct way is to use the shortcut key.

Meta-g, translated: Alt-g, 100,

Zap, you are on line 100.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Topic: Configuration File

2005-06-18T10:35:00.000-05:00

Question: Where is the config file? Why should I care? How do you read it?

Answer 1: Linux systems at a sub-directory, under your home directory. Labeled .xemacs and a file inside it called: custom.el


(custom-set-variables
- '(paren-mode (quote paren) nil (paren))
- '(column-number-mode t)
- '(line-number-mode t)
- '(blink-cursor-mode t nil (blink-cursor)))
(custom-set-faces
- '(default ((t (:size "12pt" :family "Courier"))) t))

Answer 2: So, you can customize XEmacs to your liking.
Answer 3: This is a little more difficult. If you've studied LISP or Scheme? It looks obvious. Otherwise, you have to learn a little about Scheme and variable declarations.

However, except for the harder to get at customizations. You can "Save Options" inside XEmacs, itself. Then, it will update this config file, for you. (Options menu, "save options to init file".)

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Topic: Buffer 2

2005-06-14T22:31:00.000-05:00

Buffers. I decided the last post still wasn't clear enough. Then, decided to check out XEmacs web site and GNU's documentation on it.

You can find the extensive manuals, from easy to advanced, here.
XEmacs.Org Docs

The term "buffer" is really sort of over-used. It really just means.

An area in a window.
An active editing view to a file.
Plus, there are buffers for temporary regions, system areas (or information on XEmacs for XEmacs) (Such as, the file list loaded.)
Plus, several of the File Menu commands really pertain to buffers. (Again a file being handled inside a buffer.)

* This must be the base definition? When using XEmacs a file is simply handled inside a buffer, for whatever purposes we might need.

Platform: Linux
GlR

Topic: Buffers

2005-06-10T23:15:00.000-05:00

Question: XEmacs has buffers. What is a buffer? Why not call it a file or document or text?

(1) It is just the way (at first) E-macs was built.
(2) Using the term buffer is natural. Natural for allowing all kinds of other text sources. Enter the editor. (Help files, web browsing, and managing multiple windows.)

(3) Just get used to: handling the image of a file (it's text), is a buffer.
(4) Creating temporary buffers allows the editor and you, to do more things. (Sorry, this is another deeper concept. I'll have to explain it more, later.)

So, why introduce buffers, now? Because, soon, we'll delve into understanding. How does XEmacs work with files and the text windows.

Platform: Linux
GlR

Tip: Insert File

2005-06-08T22:11:00.000-05:00

Often you'll have a file already open and simply need to insert the contents of another file, into it.

Question: How to insert a file?

Answer 1: The keyboard sequence is Ctrl-X, i. Then, type the name of your file. If you don't know it. (Linux) Filename completion does work, as well.
Answer 2: Menu, File, Insert, then pick select it visually. However, I've found using the menus for accessing filenames is awkward.

Usually, I'll locate it, then type it from the screen. (Note: A post to make clearer.)

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Editors: Motivation

2005-06-06T10:47:00.000-05:00

Unless, you are a computer uber-geek, and then you probably already have your favorite text editor. Everyone else is probably saying. What? Use a text editor? I'm using MS Word already. It edits text, too. What else do I need?

Short Answer: There is a difference between pure text and GUI previewers. Which presume to the user, it is text. However, it really isn't. Due to styles, fonts, paragraph formatting, column layout, and such.

So, why is learning XEmacs useful? Because, they are true "raw file" editors. There isn't binary data around anything. You text is left in human readable form. Nothing is locked from you.

When you need to search a 100 documents. (1) No need to rely on your Word Processor vendor's limited tools. Or start their application. (2) If you aren't on your own system? You can still edit, search, revise, and manage your documents. (3) The Unix world is network friendly. So, running, from one machine, to another, off of another; isn't verbotten. (4) At times, you need to "handle text documents" as a data source. What if, you're boss says. I need a run down or "how many" emails about file sharing, going through our network.

Otherwise, my primary motivation is "learning new skills." Plus, XEmacs really has many powerful tools and capabilities. Which in the months to come. We will be tapping into.

Platform: Linux
GlR

Advice: The Keyboard

2005-06-04T23:49:00.000-05:00

XEmacs has this one odd thing. I'm sure people who love Emacs-editors consider it, a strength. Personally, I'm rather un-decided. I'd rather have succinct, then compact keyboard short-cut combinations, for any application. No doubt, Mr. Richard Stallman must of been behind these ideas.

So, enough already, what is it? Why the meta-key, the shift-key, and the control-key short-cuts.

Now, sure, a control-x makes sense. It is just a symbolic convention. Next, using shift-x is the same. (Just waxxing here. Don't get hitting blank-x, to see what happens.) But, meta-x? What is that?

Well, I presume the confusion came about because of old keyboards. Back before the days of IBM PCs, and everyone having 101 or more keyboards. There were terminals. Terminals actually came from teletypes (tty). A throwback to an older era, of the telegraph and morse code.

Anyhow, these old terminals quite often had very unusual keyboards. Usually quite small keyboards and the "besides control or shift" second function keys varied. Varied from being not present or present as odd combinations / sequences, or labeled something different.

Thus, I presume the reasoning for meta-key. Meta-key to indicate an additional shift-like secondary effect key. When used in conjunction with the normal (direct) keys of the keyboard. Allows additional unique signals to be sent to the application.

Summary: Suffice it to say, this is a deep issue. If you are really interested in such mundane matters. Most persons reading this, it is simply the ESC key. However, how you use it on a Linux system is different, than simply holding the shift key at the same time, to indicate shift-x.

Instead, you press and release ESC first, then the key being modified. For instance, the "transpose words" command is defined by Meta-t. Place the cursor between two words, hit and release ESC, then hit "t," and there you go. (To re-switch, either leave the file and don't save changes. Or Meta-b, Ctrl-b, Meta-t.)

Platform: Linux
GlR

Advice: Common Actions

2005-06-02T23:05:00.000-05:00

Theme: If I had to compare every text editor? What "number one" features, do I need to run it well enough, for basic use?

First, there are the primitives.

Open File, Save File, Save As File, Close File, & Exit
Read new file, Insert file
How to print, Options you can change for printing, and such.
Help System: Use of use, Can you find simple answers with little effort, Tutorial present

Then, there are the intermediate (utilitarian) uses.

Search for word, Replace word, Regex search and replace
Save Bookmark (location), Jump to bookmark
Formatting Commands, if it makes sense. (Bold a word, underline, Capitalize letters, centering
Clipboard Actions: Copy, Paste, Cut, Delete, Create new (temporary) file / buffer
Pure Text options: line width, line re-formatting, indenting, outdenting

Lastly, the advanced features.

Save different default settings into the Configuration file
Changing start-up appearances: font size, default font, window location?, etc.
Spell checking, abbreviation support, tie-in to other applications

Now, that I've gleaned several of the most primitive issues of XEmacs. It is time to start getting deeper. Perhaps, I'll just start tearing into each of these bullet items, one by one. Then, things will be clearer for jumping into deeper issues.

Platform: Linux
GlR

Activity: Tools!

2005-05-30T20:47:00.000-05:00

Look at the "Tools" menu. Here are the major groups, you have. (You'll have to be running in the GUI version of XEmacs, to see this.)

Any suggestions, where to start, first?

* Packages
* Internet

* Grep
* Compile
* Debug
* Shell
* Tags

* Calendar
* Games

* VC
* Compare
* Merge
* Apply Patch
* Ediff

* Directory Search
* PCL CVS

Platform: Linux
GlR

Tip: Kill the Split Window

2005-05-28T23:21:00.000-05:00

When you start XEmacs from the command line with more than two files. It shows both by creating a split window.

Question: How do I get rid of this splitting?

Answer 1: The keyboard sequence is Ctrl-X, 1.
Answer 2: Menu, View, Un-split option.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Activity: Running Tutorials

2005-05-22T20:09:00.000-05:00

Running tutorials? Why should anyone want to do one?

Well, unless, you really are one of those persons whom memorizes everything, from one reading, and can simply follow what you've read. Learning by trial and error, works for me.

So, if you haven't already. Run throught the tutorial. You already know enough, to load a file, leave the editor (when you want to), and use the mouse to work the menu system. (This is presuming, you are running with a GUI version of XEmacs.

So, go to the Help menu, select the Tutorail item, and pick one for your language. Next, we'll review how the tutorial went. Of course, I can't speak for you (few). However, if I find an ackward part or two. I'll write about it in two days.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic

GlR

Tip: Delete Leftover Files

2005-05-20T23:02:00.000-05:00

Description: After you have left XEmacs. You'll notice some temporary files. (Running ls -ltr, shows them.)

XEmacs style is as such, after editing sample.txt, there might be a #sample.txt# file.

Question: How do I delete this file?

Answer 1: rm -iv \#samp*, the press "y" (for yes) to confirm.
Why the backslash-#? Because pound symbols are metacharacters in the bash shell.

Answer 2: Using a GUI file manager, such a konqueror or nautilus. Left click on the file, get the popup menu to appear, select the delete (or move to trash) menu option, and select it. Probably, a confirm to really do this, will occur.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

About: Start-up Time

2005-05-18T23:28:00.000-05:00

There are two basic points, I would like to cover.

(1) Why would (or should) a new user, use or learn XEmacs?

* Known problem issues in learning XEmacs.
(1) Learning the ackward keyword control sequences.
(2) Understanding the "meta key" business, besides control and shift.
(3) Why does it start-up, so slow?

Also, XEmacs isn't just for Linux people. It blows Notepad away. Except for the usage of control keys. It is a very direct editing text editor.

My motive in sharing XEmacs skills with you. Isn't just about text editing. XEmacs is such a powerful editor. It has many non-text related features. (Shows a calendar, can check your email, and so on.) Besides, you can customize it and change it, too!

In response to question 3. There is a lot of power under the hood. Yes, start-up time can be lengthy. However, if you simply run it all the time. Then, the performance hit should be less, for new file edits.

Yes, learning the keyboard sequences is the hardest thing. Although, there is an excellant menu system and "sometimes." It is seems only possible to find the magic command (or option), in the menus. Once, you know the keyboard workings. It isn't so bad. (Plus, you can even change this. If you want? However, I won't be covering that for a few months.)

Lastly, about the keyboard sequences. It is a rather long topic. Once, I have prepared a straighter list, for you. I'll place parts of it, here. Then, we can all go with it.

GlR

PS. XEmacs has an excellent tutorial in the editor. Enter the "help" menu, select the "tutorial" option.

Tip: Quit XEmacs

2005-05-16T22:17:00.000-05:00

Question: How do you exit XEmacs?

Answer 1: Using the menu (by mouse). Select File, then Exit.
Answer 2: Keyboard: Ctrl-x, Ctrl-c.

Here is one of the ackward parts of XEmacs. If you have changed the file, in any way? It will ask you three questions.
1. "Do you want to save the file". You say "n". (for no)
2. Then, "Modified buffers exist. Do you want to leave anyway?" You say "yes".
3. Then, application ends.
1. Or "Do you want to save the file". You say "y". (for yes)
2. Then, application ends, unless there are more buffers (loaded files) to prompt caution about.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic

GlR

Freemind: Mind Maps

2005-05-14T14:08:00.000-05:00

What is Freemind? A valuable mapping diagram tool and free software. It has many uses. Which ever maps, problems, documents, or ideas (to map); you could care to apply it to.

Why am I using it on Nullx?

It'll add value by allowing you quicker access to these tips. Based on your proficiency, XEmacs user preference, or anything else. I can dream up. (Feel free to suggest other organization patterns. If you have a good suggestion.)

Also, it will provide one of the two forms of my TOC (table of contents), of Nullx. Grant it, Freemind requires Java to run. however, it runs very well, on Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, and even FreeBSD. What else can you ask for? Besides, just being free!

Where can I get it? Simply, go to Freemind's web site, in the links on the left. All instructions are there.

Otherwise, my Mega-Nullx map is here.

Starting User mind map, here.
Layman mind map, here.

If you don't have Java capability. The MediaBin Wiki has the page for a pure HTML TOC page, also.

GlR

Tip: Save File + Disclaimer

2005-05-12T20:53:00.000-05:00

What follows is a necessary evil, of how things are today.

Anyhow. Bear in mind, I only provide you with tips here. It is up to you, to ensure you understand. What you are doing. Plus, I will not send you emails. Nor do I want to know, anyone's email address.

This is a disclaimer entry. So, no guarantee, promise, or implied warranty of liability to your computer or files.

i.e. If you don't have enough common sense, to use your computer correctly. Then, perhaps, you should go back to pen and paper.

Harsh words. But, we all need to learn new things & do it, quickly. Enough said, here is the next tip.

How to Save a file.

Answer 1: Using the menu (by mouse). Select File, then Save.

Answer 2: Keyboard: Ctrl-x, Ctrl-s.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Availability

2005-05-10T20:52:00.000-05:00

Where do you get XEmacs? What if you run on Windows? Or lucky enough to work with Linux.

Easy answer, if you have Linux or running on a Linux server. It should already be installed. Otherwise, your local Sys Admin shouldn't have a problem installing it, for you.

The home page for XEmacs is? XEmacs Home Page
Download Page

XEmacs Version: 21.4 (part 13?) (Ignore the patch number, for now. This is very current.)

For the impatient. If you really want to see. What is there for XEmacs. Click Here

GlR

Blog Licensing

2005-05-08T22:07:00.000-05:00

Yes, there is a license to the contents on this blog.

I chose the Creative Commons license, at the bottom. This really is meant, to be a publicly available and shared resource. However, so we all know. What to expect, in the future. Best to have a license.

Essentially, this might become interesting material for a writing project, of mine. So, I need to place some terms, on it. Namely, no one can use my text (/ efforts) for commercial gain. Also, when others decide to contibute material. I have no qualms against this either. I will grant, the terms. If you place material on here. I cannot use it for commercial reasons, either. (Unless, you agree to allow it.) As appropriate, everyone will certainly be credited.

However, please understand. Everything is just a matter of perspective. If someone goes and mirrors my blog, with another editor. I guess, there is not too much, I could do? Anyhow. (Don't presume, I won't come after you though!)

Otherwise, enjoy the blog. I hope, in time, this will grow to be a valuable (free) Internet resource.

Glen Ritchie

Tip: Open File

2005-05-06T23:53:00.000-05:00

Question: How do you open a file with Xemacs?

Answer 1: Using the menu (by mouse). Select File, then Open.

Details: Then, using the mouse, find your file in the explorer window. Click it and highlight the name. Then, click the Ok button.

Answer 2: Or simply by files named on command line, when opening.
Answer 3: Keyboard: Ctrl-x, Ctrl-f.

Details: You'll have to type the name of the file. Then, hit Enter key.

Level: Basic
GlR

Delayed Launch

2005-05-02T13:51:00.000-05:00

Due to factors, out of my control,

The launch has been delayed to May 6th. (Latest at May 8th). 2005

One Linux system & my only Windows computer - both had to be re-installed. One a motherboard issue. The other, crashed partitions & massive data loss. (Perhaps, the hard drive.)

Plus, (perhaps?) before the launch, I'll need to post some rules, define the format, update the Grin Tool site section (supporting Nullx), and "see if?," I can work-up a varying template of Nullx. Interesting stuff. (Plus, a few words about licensing & public expectation - Creative Commons license seems the best, for everyone.)

GlR

Status Report

2005-04-24T20:38:00.000-05:00

Well,

There are several ideas, I have available. Soon, I'll start posting entries, every two days. The launch date will be April 30, Saturday.

Remember, this is "just to cover" anything XEmacs. So, there will be a lot of basic posts. Once, they are out of the way. We will all get into the harder stuff.

Yet, that is one of my major reasons for this resource. So, if you are stranded at work, and can't find one decent book on using Emacs. Then, I hope this will carry you over grepping the Net.

GlR

PS. There will be a bit of introduction, sample text files, and special posts; placed on grin.sourceforge.net. Plus, I hope to put the TOC up there, too.

New XEmacs Blog

2005-04-22T13:30:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

Well, this is my new blog. The theme will be about "using XEmacs."

You can consider this a growing tip, how-to, faq; resource on XEmacs.

I can't start it yet. However, I will soon. Need to work up some ideas, the taxonomy, and standard format.

GlR