Basic Emacs Editing

There are two ways to start emacs to create or modify the file "my.file".

1. If you have connected to another machine using "rlogin" or "telnet" and you haven't set the DISPLAY variable, type emacs my.file This command will start emacs in the existing window.

   otherwise,

2. type emacs my.file &

   This command will pop up a new window and run emacs in this window. The '&' at the end of the line runs emacs in the background and permits you to type more commands.

There are three parts to an emacs window. The top part is the work area, where you type text. The "Mode Line" would be better named "Information Bar". It contains information about the file that you are editing. In the above picture, the file is called "intro-emacs.html". The "**" indicates that the file has been modified.

The "Mini Buffer" should be called "Command Area". Commands for the emacs editor are entered in this area.

To get started, all you need to do start typing. Use the backspace key to delete charactors in front of the cursor. If you want to change something elsewhere in the document either point the mouse where you want to make a change and click the left mouse button, or use the arrow keys to move the cursor to the place where you want to make a change.

To save the file type C-x C-s, that is press the control key and the 'x' key at the same time, then press the control key and the 's' key at the same time. The file will be saved. To quit emacs type C-x C-c. That's all you need to know to use emacs. Other commands give you more power. One such command, C-k, kills part of the line that the cursor; it kills from the cursor to the end of the line.

The panic button is C-g (control and the 'g' at the same time). Hit this several times if necesary. Emacs will just beep at you if it isn't.

Summary of Basic Emacs Commands