Xah Emacs Blog

Emacs Lisp: Convert Line Ending

2013-05-17T16:35:36-07:00

on its own page. Emacs Lisp: Convert Line Ending

Emacs: Open File Path Under Cursor Fast

2013-05-17T14:12:46-07:00

Emacs: Open File Path Under Cursor Fast

Truly Ergonomic Computer Keyboard Review

2013-05-15T00:13:23-07:00

video review of the Truly Ergonomic keyboard. More info at Truly Ergonomic Computer Keyboard Review

Note: for those of you who know me, i got the keyboards free, but my opinion isn't bought, judge for yourself.

Emacs Lisp: Hotkeys to Open File Fast

2013-05-14T22:42:44-07:00

updated. Now using ido for automatic completion. Emacs Lisp: Hotkeys to Open File Fast

Emacs: use ido for auto completion in your own commands

2013-05-14T22:07:23-07:00

emacs lisp: you can use ido-completing-read for your own cmds. It's bundled with emacs 24, at least. Example use:

(ido-completing-read "your prompt str:" ‹youList› )

Full example: Emacs: Change Brackets () {} [] in Text

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How I Write Blogs Using Emacs

2013-05-14T11:38:10-07:00

A video recording on how i write blogs.

emacs: how i write blogs.

The commands used are:

xah-open-file-fast 〔☛ Emacs Lisp: Hotkeys to Open File Fast〕
insert-date-tag 〔☛ Emacs Lisp: Insert Date Time Stamp〕
xhm-wrap-html-tag (from Emacs: Xah HTML Mode)
xhm-pre-source-code syntax coloring of source code in HTML.
xah-browse-url-of-buffer 〔☛ Emacs Lisp: browse-url Function to View URL in a Web Browser〕
xah-make-atom-entry 〔☛ Emacs Lisp: Updating Atom Webfeed〕
dired-jump
xah-shell-commands. See: 〈Emacs, Shell, Abbrev, and ELISP Power to Bear!〉 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKS_iIoQ0A4

The video presentation is pretty bad. I have much to learn, tech and presentation. I was using Google Plus's hangout feature with Hangout On Air to record directly to YouTube. Not sure what's a good solution on Linux yet.

also, i need to write code so that whatever command i called is displayed in a pane. So viewers can see it without me going over.

✍

Emacs: Newline Representations ^M ^J ^L

2013-05-14T09:31:27-07:00

updated, with new elisp code to change file line ending in batch. Emacs: Newline Representations ^M ^J ^L

Computer Keyboards, Layouts, Hotkeys, Macros, RSI ⌨

2013-05-13T23:01:19-07:00

Keyboard pr0n, nth update. Computer Keyboards, Layouts, Hotkeys, Macros, RSI ⌨

new update of emacs tutorial

2013-05-13T01:12:25-07:00

Dear all, a new version of my tutorial is out. I'm making this a special version, for $40. If you support it, i'd be greatful, and i'll add your name to the Xah's Emacs Tutorial: Acknowledgment as sponsor.

Buy Xah Emacs Tutorial

Another way to voice your support is funding a emacs major mode that you might want. Please visit http://pledgie.com/campaigns/19973. Please let me know if you have questions..

Thank you for support.

Emacs Lisp: Throw ＆ Catch, Exit a Loop

2013-05-13T00:30:04-07:00

updated. Emacs Lisp: Throw ＆ Catch, Exit a Loop

Truly Ergonomic Computer Keyboard Review

2013-05-12T09:40:27-07:00

Been using the Truly Ergonomic keyboard for 5 months now. Added my experience here at bottom: Truly Ergonomic Computer Keyboard Review

Emacs Lisp: Hash Table

2013-05-11T23:07:04-07:00

updated. Emacs Lisp: Hash Table

Emacs Lisp: Find/Determine OS and Emacs Version

2013-05-11T22:07:31-07:00

updated. Split into 2 pages.

Emacs Lisp: Convert Unicode String to ASCII (Zap Gremlins)

2013-05-11T19:27:57-07:00

updated. Emacs Lisp: Convert Unicode String to ASCII (Zap Gremlins)

Emacs: Change {Round, Square, Curly} Brackets in Text

2013-05-11T07:40:12-07:00

Emacs: Change {Round, Square, Curly} Brackets in Text

when you have data in different languages, sometimes you need to convert round brackets to square brackets, or curly brackets.

When you need to do that, it's often tedious. You have to do replacement twice, once for the left bracket, then right bracket. Here's a command that helps:

please see Emacs: Change Brackets () {} [] in Text

Keyboard Porn to Infinity ⌨ ∞

2013-05-11T02:26:55-07:00

there's a fantastic heart-shaped keyboard. If you haven't seen it already, see at Keyboard Porn to Infinity ⌨ ∞. The guy plans to manufacture it. To keep updated for news, watch his website at http://launch.keyboard.io/

Emacs: How Do You Insert Current Date?

2013-05-10T13:10:29-07:00

Emacs: How Do You Insert Current Date?

here's how i do it.

please see Emacs Lisp: Insert Date Time Stamp

Emacs: Xah HTML Mode: improved make citation command

2013-05-10T02:38:40-07:00

much improved “xhm-make-citation”. Now, the order of lines for {title, url, author, date} doesn't matter. Get it in Emacs: Xah HTML Mode

to learn how to write it, see Emacs Lisp: Writing a make-citation Command

keyboard geeking. One thousand function keys, redux

2013-05-10T01:52:42-07:00

keyboard geeking. 〔one thousand function keys, redux 2013-05-10 @ xahlee.blogspot.com…〕

Logic Write Style: the Incongruousness of the Word “Actually”

2013-05-09T22:50:02-07:00

inspired from emacs lisp doc: Logic Write Style: the Incongruousness of the Word “Actually”

Emacs Lisp: Text Processing: Generate a Web Links Report

2013-05-08T23:59:44-07:00

updated. Emacs Lisp: Text Processing: Generate a Web Links Report

Emacs, Shell, Abbrev, and ELISP Power to Bear!

2013-05-08T09:50:37-07:00

created a video to go alone with today's tip.

code and detail at: Emacs, Shell, Abbrev, and ELISP Power to Bear!

Emacs, Shell, Abbrev, and ELISP Power to Bear!

2013-05-08T07:14:33-07:00

Emacs, Shell, Abbrev, and ELISP Power to Bear!

The Idiocy of Happy Hacking Keyboard

2013-05-08T06:48:26-07:00

the Happy Hacking Keyboard, model “professional 2”, don't even have arrow keys. The Idiocy of Happy Hacking Keyboard

Ask Emacs Tuesday

2013-05-08T04:23:33-07:00

I had a great Ask Emacs Tuesday yesterday. Thanks for asking. Past Q＆A links at Ask Emacs Tuesday

Which Emacs to Download for Windows and Mac?

2013-05-08T03:50:34-07:00

emacs 24.3 app for Microsoft Windows is out. See Which Emacs to Download for Windows and Mac?. (thx to xfq)

Ask Emacs Tuesday

2013-05-07T06:41:00-07:00

Ask Emacs Tuesday

Unix Shell Util uniq Unicode Bug

2013-05-07T05:04:55-07:00

i was calling unix uniq from emacs. Got a unexpected result. I thought it's unicode data passing screwup. Turns out, the bug is in uniq itself. Unix Shell Util uniq Unicode Bug

How to Write grep in Emacs Lisp

2013-05-07T00:41:27-07:00

updated. How to Write grep in Emacs Lisp

Functional Programing Meta Language (ML) in Emacs Lisp!

2013-05-07T00:06:11-07:00

Functional Programing Meta Language (ML) in Emacs Lisp!

discovered that emacs has a bundled library for functional programing pattern matching! The package file is 〔pcase.el〕. It's part of GNU Emacs 24.3.1.

it's written by Stefan Monnier, a professor of functional programing research, and one of the two current leader of emacs dev.

you can get to the file by calling describe-function then pcase-let, then click on the file name.

Note: ML stands for Meta Language. It was a family of languages. Current popular decendents include OCaml and Microsoft's FSharp. 〔☛ Xah's OCaml Tutorial〕 Among functional programing languages, OCaml is one of those that's heavily used in the industry (⁖ Mldonkey, Unison 〔☛ Unison Tutorial〕), especially in math formal proof systems ⁖ Coq. And it's famously used in JaneStreet. 〔☛ OCaml Use in Industry: Janestreet Talk by Yaron Minsky 📺〕

Proof systems written in OCaml includes: Coq, HOL Light. 〔☛ State of Theorem Proving Systems 2008〕

Also, the designer of ML is Robin Milner (1934 〜 2010), he died in recent years.

Math Notations, Computer Languages, and the “Form” in Formalism

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Emacs: Xah HTML Mode

2013-05-05T18:18:35-07:00

draft version of xah-html-mode home page. Some documentation on what it do. Emacs: Xah HTML Mode

Emacs: Xah ELISP Mode

2013-05-04T18:40:20-07:00

new. Emacs: Xah ELISP Mode

Emacs Lisp Mode Syntax Coloring Problem

2013-05-04T18:26:14-07:00

updated. Emacs Lisp Mode Syntax Coloring Problem

Programing Style: Variable Naming: English Words Considered Harmful

2013-05-04T17:40:04-07:00

updated. discovered big chunck of code in emacs lisp using math symbols as function/variable names. Programing Style: Variable Naming: English Words Considered Harmful

documentary: food of a underground genius

2013-05-04T06:07:08-07:00

your host, truely, tries his hand in entertainment.

documentary: food of a underground genius

swap mouse buttons you

2013-05-04T00:58:48-07:00

you should swap middle/right mouse buttons. For why and how, in {Linux, Microsoft Windows}, see: Swap Mouse Buttons: Right-Click ＆ Middle-Click

Emacs: Xah CSS Mode: change hex color to hsl under cursor

2013-05-04T00:15:25-07:00

more improved. Emacs: Xah CSS Mode You can now convert RGB hex color under cursor to HSL format (⁖ #aabbcc ⇒ hsl(210,25%,73%)). Call xcm-hex-color-to-hsl.

why should you convert? because, #rrggbb is one of the hack from history. HSL model isn't perfect, but is much more intuitive. You can change the hue, saturation, and lightness. For some explanation of HSL model and color samples, see: CSS3 HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) Color Samples.

Emacs: new major modes for HTML, CSS, PHP, ELISP, and Lean Emacs LISP Manual

2013-05-02T06:20:45-07:00

Emacs: project proposal.

Vote which one you want me to work on. Tell your friends please. http://pledgie.com/campaigns/19973

Emacswiki New Site Design

2013-04-25T00:06:33-07:00

Emacswiki New Site Design

Looks like emacswiki had a new site design. ⁖ http://www.emacswiki.org/emacs/DiredPlus

the new seems to be a downgrade for me.

now it's black on gray. Parts are gray on gray. Less readable than before. 〔☛ Web Design: Say No to Grey Text on White Background〕

The older logo is much better. It was a real logo, with elements of art. The new, is just plain letters. 〔☛ Purpose of Logo and Principle of Logo Design〕

worst of all, the new site requires JavaScript. Without, you lose some rather significant CSS. This is quite odd.

emacs community logo, designed by Daniel Lundin

PS you can go back to the old.

but then, that means you must have cookies on.

Emacs: Finding Functions and Documentation Lookup

2013-04-23T23:11:58-07:00

You can use apropos-variable and apropos-value to search. Updated: Emacs: Finding Functions and Documentation Lookup

ask emacs Tuesday

2013-04-23T11:27:31-07:00

am running ask emacs Tuesday, on g+ and twitter. Me at your service.

also, updated. Emacs Lisp: Writing Command to Accept universal-argument

Emacs: Power of Icicles

2013-04-22T10:19:24-07:00

Emacs: Power of Icicles

RMS learns about tabs

2013-04-22T07:01:00-07:00

Tim Pope, 2013-04-14
In which Richard Stallman learns what “tabs” are and contemplates adding them to Emacs http://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/emacs-devel/2008-03/msg02254.html

master station: one thousand function keys

2013-04-21T10:35:35-07:00

master station: one thousand function keys

detail: Keyboard Master: One Thousand Function Keys

XML Nested Syntax vs Lisp Nested Syntax

2013-04-21T09:15:22-07:00

XML Nested Syntax vs Lisp Nested Syntax

Emacs Keybinding Syntax Examples

2013-04-20T19:19:55-07:00

updated. All the ways you can set keys. Emacs is all about keys. Set any command to any key you want. Set one key today! Emacs Keybinding Syntax Examples

Emacs Keybinding Syntax Examples

2013-04-20T19:19:36-07:00

updated. All the ways you can set keys. Emacs is all about keys. Set any command to any key you want. Set one key today! Emacs Keybinding Syntax Examples

adding tabbar, ruler, to emacs

2013-04-20T10:21:45-07:00

Emacs tabbar screenshot

updated. How to Set Emacs's User Interface to Modern Conventions

thanks to Matthew L Fidler

excursion. 2 hands pen-spinning, by yours truely.

2013-04-20T08:25:18-07:00

excursion. 2 hands pen-spinning, by yours truely.

2 hands pen spinning.

solution: Emacs Bug: global-linum-mode Freeze Emacs on Big Image Files

2013-04-20T08:07:01-07:00

yesterday i wrote about a bug. Now there's solution. See: Emacs Bug: global-linum-mode Freeze Emacs on Big Image Files

Emacs Keybinding, Keyboard, RSI

2013-04-20T07:21:11-07:00

new index page. All about Emacs Keybinding, Keyboard, RSI

heart keyboard

2013-04-19T16:21:14-07:00

mark5 heart keyboard jesse 2013-04-19. img source img license

more fancy keyboards

Emacs Keybinding Syntax Examples

2013-04-19T16:20:40-07:00

updated. Emacs Keybinding Syntax Examples

Emacs: How to Evaluate Emacs Lisp Code

2013-04-19T15:05:27-07:00

updated. Emacs: How to Evaluate Emacs Lisp Code. thanks to jcs.

Emacs Bug: linum-mode Freeze Emacs

2013-04-19T14:46:45-07:00

Emacs Bug: global-linum-mode Freeze Emacs on Big Image Files

2013-04-19, as of GNU Emacs 24.3.1, global-linum-mode will freeze emacs for about 10 minutes when opening a jpg file of 10 megabytes size.

GNU Emacs 24.3.1 (i686-pc-linux-gnu, GTK+ Version 2.24.10) of 2013-03-11 on xah-p6813w

steps to reproduce:

(global-linum-mode 1)
open a jpg file of 5 megabytes file size.
emacs freezes.

1 hour wasted on this.

xah-css-mode

2013-04-19T09:07:13-07:00

xah-css-mode

wrote a CSS mode yesterday. 2 hours work, alpha stage, but works fine.

How's it diff from default CSS mode in emacs? This one is based on basic syntax coloring of CSS words only. This means, for example, if you typed p {widh:65%} where the “width” has a typo, you'll know because it won't be colored.

Right now it also supports coloring hex colors in hex format of this form #fff8dc. I plan to add coloring of forms such as hsl(0,68%,42%). I plan to add keyword completion, independent of other add-ons.

download here: https://code.google.com/p/ergoemacs/source/browse/packages/xah-css-mode.el

If you find a word that's not colored, please report it on the wiki there, or send me the line containing that CSS keyword, i'll add it.

Emacs: How to Define Super ＆ Hyper Keys

2013-04-17T14:57:57-07:00

updated. Emacs: How to Define Super ＆ Hyper Keys

ErgoEmacs Keybinding Movement Feature

2013-04-12T09:38:26-07:00

ErgoEmacs Keybinding Movement Feature

Matt has done a lot to ErgoEmacs keybinding. I haven't kept up with the features, but i'll blog as i learn. Here's one.

When you use any of the cursor movement keys, you can keep pressing movement key without holding down the Alt. For example, on QWERTY layout, press 【Alt+j j】, it'll move cursor to the left twice. You can turn this off by putting this in your init:

;; turn off ErgoEmacs repeat move without holding Alt feature
(setq ergoemacs-repeat-movement-commands 'nil)

;; set ErgoEmacs repeat movement. Example, on QWERTY, once you press any of 【Alt+i】 or 【Alt+j】 or 【Alt+k】 or 【Alt+l】, then any i j k l key will move cursor, no need to hold Alt anymore. Type any other key automatically exit.
(setq ergoemacs-repeat-movement-commands 'all)

;; set ErgoEmacs repeat move without holding Alt, but one key afterward. Example, on QWERTY, 【Alt+j j】 will move left twice
(setq ergoemacs-repeat-movement-commands 'single)

You can read more about features, settings, on his repo at https://github.com/mlf176f2/ErgoEmacs/tree/master/ergoemacs/ergoemacs-keybindings

FSF Spread FUD on Microsoft

2013-04-11T00:17:49-07:00

may be offensive. FSF Spread FUD on Microsoft

emacs lisp is primitive

2013-04-10T18:49:45-07:00

emacs lisp is so primitive. You have sort, but it can't sort vector, only list.

also, you can't have literals for hash.

and really lots primitive issues. Any of Perl, Python, Ruby, JavaScript, PHP, beats emacs lisp easily.

the only hope for this to improve is waiting for Guile Scheme Lisp to takeover Elisp. The talk has been on for perhaps a decade now. Last hopeful news i heard is about 2 years ago.

zippy the pinhead

2013-04-10T01:02:03-07:00

zippy the pinhead

this one is old-school fun.

download this file http://www.vim.org/scripts/script.php?script_id=2411

rename the file and put this in your init:

(setq yow-file "~/.emacs.d/zippy_pinhead_quotes.txt" )

now, open that file, trim out the header and tail. So, the first line should be “Zippy the pinhead data base.” and last line should be the line about “synapses”.

Now, in emacs, call yow, and a zippism will show. To insert, call universal-argument 【Ctrl+u】 first.

(via George Jones)

some digging… the zippy quote were deleted out of copyright concerns, in emacs 22. http://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/emacs-devel/2006-06/msg00290.html

if you don't know, it's a old (1970s) comics. Zippy the Pinhead. See also: Art of Robert Crumb.

Emacs: How to Make Ctrl+x Easier to Type on Dvorak Keyboard

2013-04-10T00:00:46-07:00

more update. Emacs: How to Make Ctrl+x Easier to Type on Dvorak Keyboard

Keyboard Hardware Design Flaws

2013-04-09T23:32:23-07:00

updated. Keyboard Hardware Design Flaws

emacs tips for fullscreen or multi-window

2013-04-09T02:57:59-07:00

for those of you who prefer running emacs in max/fullscreen: Emacs: Managing Split-Window Config

for those of you who prefer multiple non-fullscreen windows. Emacs: Full-Screen vs Multiple Window

Emacs 24.3 Elisp Macro Speedup

2013-04-08T01:02:22-07:00

Emacs 24.3 Elisp Macro Speedup

emacs 24.3 made elisp code much faster. Quote:

** Emacs tries to macroexpand interpreted (non-compiled) files during load.

This can significantly speed up execution of non-byte-compiled code, but can also bump into previously unnoticed cyclic dependencies. These are generally harmless: they will simply cause the macro calls to be left for later expansion (as before), but will result in a warning (“Eager macro-expansion skipped due to cycle”) describing the cycle. You may wish to restructure your code so this does not happen.

Dmitry Gutov wrote a nice article that shows the speed increase: 〔Emacs 24.3's Killer Feature: Eager Macro-Expansion 2013-04-07 By Dmitry Gutov. @ dgutov.github.io…〕

It's a bit deep. If you code elisp, you should read it. If you don't code elisp, here's the gist:

Before emacs 23.3, byte-compiled file is about 6 or 10 times faster for loading and also execution
After emacs 23.3, byte-compiled seems just twice as fast.

via Andrew Hyatt

Emacs 24 Copy Directory Change

2013-04-07T22:14:19-07:00

Emacs 24 Copy Directory Change

banish key chords

2013-04-07T15:00:50-07:00

rewrote a previous article. Now on its own. This is useful for keyboard freaks only. Banish Key Chords. See also: Keyboard Shortcut Design: Repeatable vs Non-Repeatable Commands and Keys.

no need to type space after comma

2013-04-07T02:09:28-07:00

added this to my emacs. You type a comma, and a space is automatically added.

(global-set-key (kbd ",") (lambda() (interactive) (insert ", ")))

it'll take a while to get used to.

idea pilfered from 〔Minimizing Keystrokes Required by Punctuation 2013-04-06 By Eric Crosson. @ ericscrosson.wordpress.com…〕

warning: he's saying nice things about me.

Keybinding Efficiency: the Uselessness of Home/End, Page Up/Down

2013-04-06T17:50:08-07:00

in the name of uber efficiency: Keybinding Efficiency: the Uselessness of Home/End, Page Up/Down

Tips on Long Term Emacs Productivity

2013-04-06T16:21:12-07:00

worth repeating. Tips on Long Term Emacs Productivity

ErgoEmacs setup tutorial

2013-04-06T01:19:19-07:00

here's ErgoEmacs setup tutorial, by Sindikat: 〔ErgoEmacs tutorial 2012-13-03 By Sindikat. @ abstractnonsense.net…〕

ErgoEmacs new version

2013-04-05T16:33:27-07:00

new version of ErgoEmacs Keybinding is out again. I'm happy to report that the current maintainer Matthew L Fidler has adopted a idea i suggested. Now, “all” of chorded keys has a non-chorded replacement! You can press them by pressing ▤ Menu key first. Here's the current keys:

;; QWERTY used to indicate key position

(" g" keyboard-quit "Quit")
(" j" ergoemacs-ctl-c "Ctl-c")
(" u" ergoemacs-ctl-c-unchorded "Ctl-c*span")
(" f" ergoemacs-ctl-x "Ctl-x")

(" h" ergoemacs-ctl-h "Ctl-h")
(" y" ergoemacs-ctl-h-unchorded "Ctl-h*")
(" m" ergoemacs-ctl-c-ctl-c "C-c C-c")
(" SPC" set-mark-command "Set Mark")

The keys are position based, and QWERTY layout is used to indicate their position. That means, doesn't matter whether you are using Dvorak, Colemak, Workman, Bépo, …, you can just look at the labels on your keyboard for the right key. The keys may not be final. But Matt is the maintainer now, so, you'd have to ask him, for suggestions or code push. Also, i haven't been keeping up my documentation of it. I hope to fix it down the road. Another new layout support is Persian standard layout, contributed by Shahin Azad. (it also supports Workman layout. and quite a few others now. You can see all layout supported in the menu 〖ErgoEmacs〗)

Matt also created a emacswiki page at http://www.emacswiki.org/emacs/ErgoemacsKeybindings, ~~so you can post there, ask for help, or help make it better~~. (Matt says that don't use the emacswiki for question, because it's automatically generated from info file.)

for why about the non-chorded keys, you might get a good idea from my notes here: The Roadmap to Completely Replace Emacs's Key System, Part 2

i think this is really great, because for years i've been thinking how to resolve the cua-mode and emacs C-x issue. Now, i think this is the answer. The implementation is simple, and we don't need the complex hack of cua-mode anymore, and the traditional C-x are still there if one wanted, and the whole system is one step more efficient and ergonomic, even beats vi-like modes. (the main issue of vi's modal ways is that you need to constantly switch modes.)

show page break ^L as line

2013-04-04T07:58:27-07:00

there's a great page-break-lines-mode by Steve Purcell. It displays FORM FEED char (^L) by a horizontal line. The package is on MELPA. Call list-packages to install. 〔☛ A Guide on Emacs 24 Package System〕

After you install, you need to specify which major modes it should activate. Like this:

(setq page-break-lines-modes (quote (emacs-lisp-mode xah-elisp-mode compilation-mode fundamental-mode text-mode org-mode ruby-mode python-mode xah-html-mode html-mode nxml-mode)) )

this package is great because there are few others but interfere with whitespace-mode settings for some reason. 〔☛ How to Use and Setup Emacs's whitespace-mode〕

Emacs: Insert Parenthesis/Brackets by Pair

2013-04-04T06:53:43-07:00

updated. Emacs: Insert Parenthesis/Brackets by Pair

Lisp Logo Latte Art

2013-04-04T05:14:59-07:00

on its own page. Lisp Logo Latte Art

Emacs: Use Alias to Increase Productivity

2013-04-02T13:48:37-07:00

updated. Emacs: Use Alias to Increase Productivity

IBM Model M keyboard, Unicomp

2013-04-01T20:01:35-07:00

the classic mechanical keyboard. IBM Model M keyboard, Unicomp

Emacs: Buffer Management

2013-03-31T18:09:12-07:00

new. edited and on its own page. Emacs: Buffer Management

Emacs Lisp: Hotkeys to Open File Fast

2013-03-31T14:04:17-07:00

updated. Emacs Lisp: Hotkeys to Open File Fast

Emacs: Open File Fast: recentf-mode

2013-03-30T23:44:00-07:00

old tip. Now on its own page. Emacs: Open File Fast: recentf-mode

emacs conference, live, right now

2013-03-30T11:22:07-07:00

emacs conference. live. right now, Steve Yegge speaking thru video hangout. http://live.forwardtechnology.co.uk/

here's the official website, with speaker schedule. http://emacsconf.org/

new version of emacs tutorial

2013-03-29T23:28:28-07:00

a new version of my emacs tutorial is out. Buy Xah Emacs Tutorial. Thank you. For those who bought it before, i'm sending the new version out.

todo list

2013-03-29T10:35:17-07:00

source: SpongeBob SquarePants cartoon.

you can use org-mode for todo

Emacs: Copy/Cut Current Line If No Selection

2013-03-28T16:03:07-07:00

updated. Emacs: Copy/Cut Current Line If No Selection

Emacs Lisp: make-backup

2013-03-28T10:31:20-07:00

tip from last year, now on its own page. Emacs Lisp: make-backup

Using Voice to Code Faster Than Keyboard 📺

2013-03-27T09:28:20-07:00

Using Voice to Code Faster Than Keyboard 📺

sacha chua interviews org-mode creator Carsten Dominik

2013-03-26T11:37:41-07:00

sacha chua, the famous female emacs hacker, (video) interviews the org-mode creator Carsten Dominik. 1 hour long. Fun to watch. http://sachachua.com/blog/2013/03/emacs-chat-carsten-dominik/

(via jcs)

Emacs: org-mode Basics, Writing Outline

Short Summery of My Typing ＆ RSI Experience: 1992 〜 2013

2013-03-26T10:45:56-07:00

Short Summery of My Typing ＆ RSI Experience: 1992 〜 2013

Emacs Lisp: Refactoring, Move Code to Files

2013-03-25T09:49:08-07:00

on its own page. Emacs Lisp: Refactoring, Move Code to Files

Microsoft's new keyboard

2013-03-24T13:09:40-07:00

Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Keyboard. Space bar is now split into a ⌫ Backspace key.

Emacs Project Poll 2013-03-23

2013-03-23T21:14:00-07:00

Emacs Project Poll 2013-03-23

inline doc links to elisp manual

2013-03-23T09:17:53-07:00

2013-03-23

Emacs 24 added a new feature. Some function's inline doc now has a link to elisp manual. For example, call describe-variable on “font-lock-defaults”. Excerpt:

font-lock-defaults is a variable defined in `font-core.el'.

…

(See also Info node `(elisp)Font Lock Basics'.)

…

actually, not sure this is new in emacs 24. I sure hope every function's inline doc links to elisp manual.

anyhow, you could easily find the elisp doc yourself. See Emacs: Finding Functions and Documentation Lookup. For elisp coders, you might define a advice so that describe-function will always have a link at bottom to elisp manual.

Tech Humor: Apache vs Node.js vs NGINX 📺

2013-03-22T21:13:03-07:00

Tech Humor: Apache vs Node.js vs NGINX 📺 The relevance of lisp is the climax.

Emacs Lisp: Writing a image-linkify Function

2013-03-22T12:55:15-07:00

old page, one of my earliest tutorial in 2007, updated. Emacs Lisp: Writing a image-linkify Function. The updating process usually involves removing verbiage and self-appraisal, and removing learning thought-flow.

Sublime Text 2 vs Vim

2013-03-21T16:22:34-07:00

got a kick out of reading this. 〔Just Use Sublime Text “Sublime Text 2 vs Vim” 2013-03-16 By Andrew Ray. @ delvarworld.github.com…〕

Emacs Rocks on Paredit

2013-03-21T15:25:17-07:00

Emacs Rocks on Paredit

ErgoEmacs home page update and new build

2013-03-21T11:32:23-07:00

slighly updated the home page of ErgoEmacs at ErgoEmacs. Window programing guru David Capello recently created a new build of ErgoEmacs app for Microsoft Windows. The download link is at the home page, or here https://code.google.com/p/ergoemacs/downloads/list.

Xah Emacs Tutorial, minor new look

2013-03-21T00:53:19-07:00

got a facelift. Xah Emacs Tutorial

Commodore 64 keyboard

2013-03-21T00:52:11-07:00

added a photo of Commodore 64 keyboard. Keyboard: Control vs Capslock Position

emacs: open file in external app

2013-03-20T17:05:30-07:00

Emacs Dired: Open File in External App. Code updated recently. If you've copied this code before, be sure to update.

Unicode rhapsody: symbols to represent “emacs lisp”

2013-03-18T06:57:02-07:00

2013-03-18

Unicode Rhapsody: Symbols to Represent “emacs lisp”

for Unicode freaks. Found symbols to represent emacs lisp ε ℓ. In normal text, it looks like this “εℓ”. Depending on what browser and OS you are using, it may look beautiful or ugly. Alternatively, use scripted “e” ℯ. ⁖ ℯℓ.

the best way to setup to type them is emacs abbrev system. (☛ Using Emacs's Abbrev Mode for Abbreviation) So, when you type “el”, it automatically becomes “εℓ”. (you can see my current abbrevs at https://github.com/xahlee/xah_emacs_init. (it changes about every week.))

likewise, “ε” can represent “emacs” in a pinch, if you want your writing to become cryptic and symbolic logic like, like i do. 😎

though, i can't help but feel something is missing. the scripted “el” is kinda boring. Maybe we need to add a gnu head or something? Though, there's no gnu but ox and water buffalo and ram and goat. (☛ Unicode Animal ＆ Insect Icons 🐭 🐮 🐍 🐵 🐞)

How to Write a Emacs Major Mode for Syntax Coloring

2013-03-18T06:20:40-07:00

updated. How to Write a Emacs Major Mode for Syntax Coloring

Emacs Lisp “defvar” Doesn't Override

2013-03-18T05:33:13-07:00

Emacs Lisp “defvar” Doesn't Override

roller bar pointing device

2013-03-17T07:04:54-07:00

new fancy pointing device. Contour Roller Mouse.

elisp home page redesign

2013-03-17T06:35:55-07:00

elisp home page got a facelift. Xah Emacs Lisp Tutorial

the design is flow based. Am not fond of fixed-layout. (☛ Web Design: Fixed-Layout vs Flowed-Layout) If you are learning CSS, checkout CSS Tutorial.

Annoying Invisible ZERO WIDTH NO-BREAK SPACE Character from Google Plus, Twitter

2013-03-16T13:32:06-07:00

on its own page. Annoying Invisible ZERO WIDTH NO-BREAK SPACE Character from Google Plus, Twitter and how to use elisp to solve the problem.

Emacs Lisp: update-title

2013-03-16T05:05:29-07:00

on its own page. Emacs Lisp: update-title

Emacs Lisp: delete-current-file

2013-03-15T06:08:30-07:00

on its own page. Emacs Lisp: delete-current-file

TypeMatrix Keyboard Review

2013-03-15T04:12:19-07:00

TypeMatrix Keyboard Review

Docstring Convention: Python vs Emacs Lisp

2013-03-15T00:54:43-07:00

Docstring Convention: Python vs Emacs Lisp

new version of ErgoEmacs keybinding

2013-03-14T06:30:15-07:00

new version of ErgoEmacs Keybinding is out, by one advanced emacs lisp hacker Matthew L Fidler. He fixed lots hard problems and adding features. You can get a idea what's been fixed/added here: https://code.google.com/p/ergoemacs/source/list. You can also see his other emacs lisp projects here: Matthew L Fidler

Should You Type Space After Comma? and Tiny Space Bar on Japanese Keyboards

2013-03-14T04:17:55-07:00

Should You Type Space After Comma? and Tiny Space Bar on Japanese Keyboards

Emacs Lisp: Python 2to3 Wrapper

2013-03-12T20:56:31-07:00

on its own page. Emacs Lisp: Python 2to3 Wrapper

emacs 24.3 execute-extended-command in elisp

2013-03-12T07:32:10-07:00

2013-03-12

in emacs 24.3, now execute-extended-command is now written in elisp, not C code. You can see the lisp code by calling describe-function. The emacs 24.3 release notes didn't mention this. This change is made by Aaron S Hawley. Thanks Aaron.

Extending M-x in Emacs 2010-04-27 By Aaron S Hawley. @ aaronhawley.livejournal.com…
Coding Emacs's M-x in Lisp 2009-09-08 By Aaron S Hawley. @ aaronhawley.livejournal.com…

new features in emacs 24.3

2013-03-11T13:45:24-07:00

2013-03-11

One great new feature of emacs 24.3:

when you isearch a phrase (⁖ “some thing”) and if the 2 words happens to hard-wrapped into 2 lines, it'll still find it. In other words, emacs added a feature in isearch such that space can stand for a sequence of whitespaces.

This problem has been bugging me before, and i deeply blame it to the damages unix has done to computing. (☛ Programing: the Harm of Hard-wrapping Lines) But at least now emacs works-around it.

you can read more about this feature by calling view-emacs-news then search for “isearch”.

Mickey of “Mastering Emacs” wrote a easy-to-understand doc of what's new in emacs 24.3. Check it out. 〔WHAT'S NEW IN EMACS 24.3 2013-03-11 By Mickey Petersen. @ www.masteringemacs.org…〕

Truly ErgoEmacs keyboard photo

2013-03-11T11:31:24-07:00

a friend just got the Truly Ergonomic keyboard. Photo at http://www.flickr.com/photos/to1ne/8549811926/

if you gonna buy it, let me know too! Also, tell them Xah send you. Thanks.

emacs 24.3 released

2013-03-11T01:26:21-07:00

2013-03-11

emacs 24.3 is out. Download at:

release notes: http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/NEWS.24.3

if you don't know how to compile on linux, see Building Emacs on Linux — a Guide

unicode symbols JavaScript app

2013-03-10T07:34:54-07:00

wrote a JavaScript app. Go to any Unicode gallery here: Unicode Symbology ☸ ⚕ ☯ ∑ ∞ © § ♀ ♂ ♥ ☺. Mouse hover or click on a character to see its Unicode name.

Emacs: Rename Files Interactively by Pattern (regex; wdired)

2013-03-10T07:09:00-07:00

very useful, if you haven't used yet. Emacs: Rename Files Interactively by Pattern (regex; wdired)

keyboard layouts fight: qwpry entered the fray

2013-03-09T03:30:46-08:00

2013-03-09

on the keyboard layout front, there's a new layout, the qwpr. See qwpr Keyboard Layout

also, the Workman layout has vastly improved home page, plus now a forum. http://www.workmanlayout.com/

if you are not familiar with all these, see: Keyboard Layouts Fight! Dvorak, Maltron, Colemak, NEO, Bépo, Turkish-F, … (updated with images)

emacs global-set-key macro bug.

2013-03-09T01:16:33-08:00

emacs global-set-key macro bug.

The following doesn't work.

(global-set-key (kbd " u SPC") " ") ; insert non-breaking space

but this works:

(global-set-key (kbd " u SPC") (lambda () (interactive) (insert " "))) ; insert non-breaking space

GNU Emacs 24.2.1 (i686-pc-linux-gnu, GTK+ Version 2.24.10) of 2013-02-04 on xah-p6813w ErgoEmacs distribution 2.0.0

vc-annotate

2013-03-07T07:46:53-08:00

learned a great command vc-annotate from Jon's blog. See:〔vc-annotate 2013-03-07 By jcs. @ irreal.org…〕

Emacs: Personal Keybinding, Habit, Muscle Memory, Incompatible Key Sets

2013-03-05T22:45:48-08:00

Emacs: Personal Keybinding, Habit, Muscle Memory, Incompatible Key Sets

when you use your personal key for about 2 months, it becomes muscle memory. Just as people who work among {Windows, Mac, Linux}, or switch between {emacs/bash, browser, photoshop}.

you'd unconsciously learn to adopt the different systems. Though, sometimes some error key press still happen. e.g. on the Mac, emacs copy 【Alt+w】 is prone to close a window — very painful. So, when i used to use default emacs keys, i developed a habit to copy by 【⎋ Esc w】.

ideally, all systems should use the same key system, but that's ideal. haha.

sometimes i read people who reviewed ErgoEmacs keybinding and liked it, but is reserved about using it, because it's another set to learn, creating clash with bash. But the fact is, one already is exposed to so many different systems, one just adopt. (btw, current version of ErgoEmacs can generate keysets for bash or AutoHotkey.)

even web browser, doesn't agree on keys, within the same OS. e.g the keys to switch tabs is different on different browser, and few others. Same browser on diff OS also disagree on keys. ⁖ in Chrome, go back is ⌫ Backspace on Windows, but 【Alt+←】 in Linux.

then, even KDE and Gnome don't agree on many keys. What can you do?

Google plus and twitter

2013-03-05T22:34:03-08:00

i post frequently on Google Plus at ErgoEmacs. I like g+. It's very convenient for small tips and chat. So, you might give it a try. Also, i use twitter. Emacs related are posted to ErgoEmacs. So, if you want to quick contact or ask questions, follow. Thanks.

emacs trick: delete-indentation

2013-03-04T14:44:47-08:00

emacs. learned this new trick. delete-indentation. default key is 【Alt+^】. Seems it'll be very useful. (thx to Alexander Gallego)

symbology

2013-03-03T03:53:19-08:00

u ♥ (λ ∨ ∑)? 👀 𝔰𝔶𝔪𝔟𝔬𝔩𝔬𝔤𝔶 @ Xah's Programing Blog.

all i ever wanted to know about keyboard, i didn't learn in kindergarten

2013-03-03T03:07:13-08:00

all i ever wanted to know about keyboard, i didn't learn in kindergarten. Three hundred fourty images of keyboards. Keyboard Image Index

Apple Computer Keyboards Review

2013-03-01T18:41:57-08:00

updated. Apple Computer Keyboards Review

emacs packages update: xmsi-mode, ergoemacs-mode

2013-03-01T17:49:46-08:00

lots more update: Emacs Unicode Math Symbols Input Mode (xmsi-mode). You can get it either by sending me $3 paypal (to xah@xahlee.org) or on ErgoEmacs repository.

also, there's more updates and fixes and features on the ErgoEmacs Keybinding minor mode, by Matthew L Fidler. Get it on MELPA.

Kinesis has a new generation of their split keyboard, Freestyle 2.

2013-03-01T01:10:29-08:00

Kinesis has a new generation of their split keyboard, Freestyle 2. 2-Piece Split Keyboards

Emacs Lisp Multi-Pair Find＆Replace Applications

2013-03-01T00:38:08-08:00

updated. Emacs Lisp Multi-Pair Find＆Replace Applications

News. Mechanical Keyboard from Logitech!

2013-02-28T15:04:28-08:00

News. Mechanical Keyboard from Logitech!

hot keyboard news! Logitech now also makes mechanical keyboard. Very Cool! amazon

Logitech Gaming Keyboards review

There are 3 major form factor in keyboards: • ergonomic. • split. • normal (straight). If you don't care for ergonomic or split ones, then, i think this is the best among straight, for programers, because:

Mechanical key switch. It uses Cherry MX Brown switch, best for typing. (majority of mechanical gaming keyboards go for Red or Black. Red is not bad, but i definitely didn't like Black) (☛ Keyboarding: Effect of Mechanical Key Switches on You)
A roller for sound level control. This is much better than using buttons to control sound.
physical multimedia keys. One finger hits next song. Beats those virtual ones with Fn. Those with Fn is close to useless, 2 fingers plus groping!
Full functional keys, in traditional 3 groups of 4. Easy to hit without visual contact. (☛ Increase Productivity Using F1 … F12 Keys)
6 extra programmable function keys. There's your copy, cut, paste, undo, redo.
Full modifier key set, including a right ❖ Win key and ▤ Menu key. This means, you can have your Meta and Super and Hyper in Linux or Emacs. You can have a layer for inserting math symbols or APL Keyboard.
full number pad. This means, you can press 1 to switch to emacs, 2 to browser, 3 to terminal, 4 to switch workspace, …, and single keys for prev/next tabs/windows/apps. Basically 15 programmable keys in your control. (☛ Keyboard Tip: One Key to Switch to {Firefox, Emacs, Terminal} for {Linux, Mac, Windows})
Backlighting. Not something programer might care, but sys admins in dark corners….
Not super expensive! just $99.99.

You can compare this with lots other mechanical keyboard in straight form. First, they all start about at least $70, and lots of them are over $100, many at $120 without much features. Many of them don't have any multimedia keys, nor sound wheel. Some don't have function keys.

the other one that i think is as good is Corsair K60, K90.

emacs dired trick: dired-do-kill-lines

2013-02-27T21:13:38-08:00

emacs dired tip: hiding some files

learned a new command. In dired, call dired-do-kill-lines 【k】 to hide marked files. Amazing. Using dired for over a decade and didn't know this command. This is useful when you call find-dired to show all subdirs when you want to do dired-do-query-replace-regexp, but some files you don't want to work on.

new to emacs? onto

List of Keyboards with Mechanical Switch

2013-02-27T20:40:02-08:00

updated. List of Keyboards with Mechanical Switch

keyboards keyboards and news

2013-02-27T06:04:21-08:00

Ducky keyboard and KeyBoardCheer keyboard!

discovered that the Ducky keyboard from Taiwan makes real quality keyboards. Check out their website. ~~I don't think you can easily buy it in USA though. But you might be able to buy from the company's site via oversea shipping~~. (KBC is also quality.)

KBC Poker Keyboard, Ducky Keyboard

this gonna be a keyboard week. Lots updates, all about keyboards.

i'll also have lots to say about my new-found-love the Truly Ergonomic Computer Keyboard (TECP). I'll be telling you my experience in adopting the new physical layout.

there are lots new keyboards out there too, including from hushhush and hushhush, won't tell till i write it out.

also, exclusive news, that i'll be writing the firmware for TECP, and tell you how you can help, or sources, etc. For now, just run and buy TECP first. ☺

if you just subscribed to my emacs blog, there's lots existing articles. Do browse around for many tips. After blogging about emacs for 5 years, most generic tips are covered. A good tip is to browse one article a day.

there are still lots of elisp areas i haven't covered and need to learn myself. ℯℊ font system, text overlay, window/frame/buffer manipulation, deep understanding of keymap system, process manipulation, networking, minor mode, lisp macros, comprehensive coverage of emacs's completion system, …, i'll gradually do so in the future. So far, the one elisp area i think i pretty much covered is writing interactive or batch text processing commands/scripts. This is probably the most useful.

also, i am starting to do ask emacs Tuesday again. I found that usually i won't be able to answer questions satisfactorily, because the questions are diverse, and usually not about using emacs or elisp, but rather about best modes for xyz or how to make xyz mode do abc. In anycase, i think it's still good to have ask/answer sessions. So, on every Tuesday, you can ask me on any social network, and i'll try my best to answer.

also, again, if you haven't gotten my tutorial, do buy it, as it'll help me really churn out the deeper elisp parts, and create more useful packages (they are all in ErgoEmacs project repo). Only $5 bucks.

Keyboarding: the Effect of Mechanical Key Switches on You

2013-02-26T18:57:17-08:00

Keyboarding: the Effect of Mechanical Key Switches on You.

Keyboard key switch mechanism is surprisingly important. Here's a simple story.

before (2005 〜 2012), i was using Microsoft Natural 4000 and Microsoft Natural. In {g+, Google Reader, Twitter, Facebook}, you can press {j, k} keys to go down/up by post. (on Dvorak layout, that's QWERTY'S {c, v}). It's nice, but i recall for some reason i just don't like using it.

now, i'm on Truly Ergonomic Keyboard, it has mechanical keys, and i find that i started to use {j, k} keys for post navigation.

the ease of pressing the keys made a difference.

I have used mechanical switch keyboards before. Earlist is 1991, IBM Model M keyboard that came with IBM PS/2. Used it for half a year. My second one is “Matias Tactile” amazon, around 2002. Really nice. I realized the quality in keys just by touch and look, without being familiar with the phrase “mechanical keyboard”. But, i have been crazy keyboard nerd since about 2008.

Programing Challenge: Replace String Pairs

2013-02-26T01:33:52-08:00

Programing Challenge: Replace String Pairs

should be fun. This problem started in elisp for me few years ago. Over the years, tried several elisp approaches… but overall i was stung twice. Few weeks ago, found a bug in my code. Rewrote it with a new algorithm thinking it's much better, but bang, another bug. That is, incorrect behavior.

Now i think i have a good solution, but still has certain limitations. So, am posting this as a fun coding problem, pulling on the talent pool.

am posting this as a general programing problem, not specific to emacs lisp. I do have a elisp solution, but can be easily translated to any other lang.

Programing Language Design: Why Lisp Macro Sucks

2013-02-25T18:07:12-08:00

Programing Language Design: Why Lisp Macro Sucks (YMMV very much!)

Levetron Mech gaming keyboard

2013-02-25T12:31:13-08:00

another keyboard post.

I don't think this is for emacs users, but a fun funky keyboard, with mechanical keys (Cherry MX Black). Levetron Mech gaming keyboard

it uses Cherry MX Black, which is linear but require more force to press. I've tried Cherry MX Black, didn't like it at all.

there's a interesting bit about gaming keyboards. For gaming, many don't like any “click” in key press, because imagine pressing the fire button. You need to press it fast repeatedly, so clicky may not be good.

so, ALMOST ALL gaming keyboards, mechanical switch or not, are designed with linear feel.

in particular, all of Logitech's gaming keyboards (which do not use mechanical switch)

i've tried Logitech keyboard, don't like the key feel at all.

another interesting bit about gaming keyboard is that they are actually the vanguard of keyboard tech. 6 to 20 extra function keys, robust and easy-to-use software for on-the-fly key recording, onboard memory (no need to diddle with AutoHotkey or whatnot xmodmap, wmctrl, xdotool), backlighting, built-in display, all from gaming keyboards.

also, many gaming keyboards do have mechanical keys. I think most uses the Cherry MX Black, but some uses Blue (which is most clicky), or Brown (which is kinda standard for typing). (☛ Guide to Computer Keyboard Key Switch Mechanisms)

how unhappy i am with the Happy Hacking Keyboard

2013-02-24T14:35:08-08:00

update on the Happy Hacking keyboard. I love it not. But you might. Just drew the layout diagram of Happy Hacking Keyboard in SVG. The Idiocy of the Happy Hacking Keyboard

PS if you gonna buy it, buy it from my amazon link!

Ben Wing, XEemacs, RSI

2013-02-24T13:21:26-08:00

One of the major developer of xemacs was Ben Wing. He also suffered from severe RSI.

I was not able to find any info about him before, but a friend helped today.

See his linkedin profile at Celebrity Programers with RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)

lisp logo latte art

2013-02-22T14:54:15-08:00

lisp logo latte art. by Yuko Honda of http://geeklatte.com/. (img src, (CC BY-SA 2.0))

Ruby Creator Matz on How Emacs Changed My Life, annotated

2013-02-21T11:40:23-08:00

just annotated Matz's talk, with links, photos, comments, history. Ruby Creator Matz on How Emacs Changed My Life

xkcd change

2013-02-21T09:08:56-08:00

“every change breaks someone's workflow” http://xkcd.com/1172/

Ruby Creator Matz on How Emacs Changed My Life

2013-02-20T15:09:53-08:00

updated. Ruby Creator Matz on How Emacs Changed My Life

converting python 2 to python 3

2013-02-20T05:01:21-08:00

Emacs Lisp: Python 2to3 Wrapper

EmacsGolf Challenge 2

2013-02-19T11:33:04-08:00

Emacs Power Challenge!

another Emacs Power Challenge from jcs. These “emacs golf” problems, seemingly trivial and irrelevant in real world, but is often the most fun way to horn your skills and learn new tricks, which will then burn into your muscle memory and increase your emacs power. Check it out.

〔EmacsGolf Challenge 2 2013-02-19 By Jon Snader. @ irreal.org…〕

Emacs Lisp Wrapper for Perl/Python/Ruby Scripts

2013-02-19T06:21:25-08:00

updated. Emacs Lisp Wrapper for Perl/Python/Ruby Scripts

emacs lisp get command line arguments

2013-02-18T10:30:11-08:00

you can use emacs lisp as a command line script just like Ruby, Python, Perl. Here's how to: Emacs Lisp: Getting Command Line Arguments.

𝔗𝔥𝔬𝔲 𝔖𝔥𝔞𝔩𝔱 𝔘𝔰𝔢 𝔈𝔪𝔞𝔠𝔰 𝔏𝔦𝔰𝔭

2013-02-17T09:41:31-08:00

𝔉𝔬𝔯 𝔞 𝔩𝔦𝔱𝔱𝔩𝔢 𝔣𝔲𝔫 𝔱𝔬𝔡𝔞𝔶, 𝔦 𝔴𝔯𝔬𝔱𝔢 “𝔯𝔢𝔭𝔩𝔞𝔠𝔢-𝔩𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔫-𝔞𝔩𝔭𝔥𝔞𝔟𝔢𝔱-𝔱𝔬-𝔤𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔠”. 𝔗𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔯𝔢𝔭𝔩𝔞𝔠𝔢 𝔞𝔩𝔩 𝔈𝔫𝔤𝔩𝔦𝔰𝔥 𝔞𝔩𝔭𝔥𝔞𝔟𝔢𝔱 𝔟𝔶 𝔊𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔠 𝔳𝔢𝔯𝔰𝔦𝔬𝔫 (𝔞𝔨𝔞 𝔅𝔩𝔞𝔠𝔨𝔩𝔢𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔯, 𝔉𝔯𝔞𝔨𝔱𝔲𝔯) 𝔱𝔥𝔞𝔱'𝔰 𝔞𝔳𝔞𝔦𝔩𝔞𝔟𝔩𝔢 𝔦𝔫 𝔘𝔫𝔦𝔠𝔬𝔡𝔢 𝔞𝔰 𝔠𝔥𝔞𝔯𝔞𝔠𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔰. ℌ𝔢𝔯𝔢'𝔰 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔠𝔬𝔡𝔢. 𝔗𝔥𝔬𝔲 𝔖𝔥𝔞𝔩𝔱 𝔘𝔰𝔢 𝔈𝔪𝔞𝔠𝔰 𝔏𝔦𝔰𝔭

emacs in linux: sync x11 copy/paste

2013-02-16T15:21:33-08:00

for Linux users.

;; after copy Ctrl+c in X11 apps, you can paste by `yank' in emacs
(setq x-select-enable-clipboard t)

;; after mouse selection in X11, you can paste by `yank' in emacs
(setq x-select-enable-primary t)

aspell's Dismal Vocabulary Size

2013-02-16T05:11:16-08:00

tangential to emacs. aspell's Dismal Vocabulary Size

bottom line: add words to your aspell.

linux: sync x11 primary selection and clipboard

2013-02-15T07:50:25-08:00

might be useful to emacsers. In linux, sync X11 primary selection with clipboard, so you can copy/paste by both mouth and hand in unison. Linux: Commands Related to GUI Apps

also note, in emacs 24, a change is made to how emacs handle x11 copy/paste mechanism, so its more compatible with the rest linux apps. see: New Features in Emacs 24

Is it true that keyboards before PC have Control key right besides the A key?

2013-02-14T23:29:21-08:00

Is it true that keyboards before PC have Control key right besides the A key?. Answer: Keyboard: Control vs Capslock Position

Emacs Lisp: Delete Trailing Whitespace on Save and Compact Empty Lines

2013-02-14T06:14:05-08:00

Emacs Lisp: Delete Trailing Whitespace on Save and Compact Empty Lines

shell in emacs printed password in clear

2013-02-13T08:25:17-08:00

when doing git push to github in shell inside emacs, it prints the password you typed.

Username for 'https://github.com': xahlee
Password for 'https://xahlee@github.com': 123456

not sure who to blame here.

normally, typed password isn't shown in the clear. But am not sure how emacs detect that. Anyone knows?

best keyboard for emacs

2013-02-13T04:22:31-08:00

every now and then, people will ask what's the best keyboard for emacs. I thought i'll start a article dedicated to that. Best Keyboard for Emacs

Why Emacs's Keyboard Shortcuts are Painful

2013-02-12T02:49:03-08:00

updated. Why Emacs's Keyboard Shortcuts are Painful

geeks vs non-geek on repetitive tasks

2013-02-11T10:18:56-08:00

geek vs non-geek repetitive tasks

reminds me something about emacs.

run emacs lisp script from command line

2013-02-10T23:05:09-08:00

you can run emacs lisp as executable script from command line, just like other languages.

Emacs Lisp Idioms for Text Processing in Batch Style

Emacs Lisp: Writing Command to Accept universal-argument

emacs golf at Irreal

2013-02-09T06:50:26-08:00

emacs golf at Irreal

jcs over at Irreal is thinking of starting a blog or website dedicated to “emacs golf”. I submitted a problem and Jon wrote about it.

See: 〔A First Emacs Challenge 2013-02-09 By Jon Snader. @ irreal.org…〕

What approach would you take?

emacs lisp extract-url

2013-02-07T20:21:07-08:00

learning emacs lisp: output to separate buffer

yesterday, we had a elisp problem about extending the code for “extract-url” function. Did you understand the code? Here's simpler version with explanation. Emacs Lisp: Writing a Command to Extract URL

Emacs Lisp Exercise: Extract URL

2013-02-07T02:27:57-08:00

updated this function recently. It extract all URL in current text block or text selection in a HTML file.

please see Elisp Exercise: Extract URL

emacs: tricks in ido-mode

2013-02-06T04:43:24-08:00

emacs: ido-mode open file tricks

learned a new trick in ido-mode. When calling ido-find-file, you can use ↑ and ↓ to go to prev/next subdir. Here's a summery.

{↑, ↓} prev/next subdir
{←, →} prev/next file.
{//} root dir.
【Ctrl+d】 open dir in dired
【Ctrl+f】 switch to default find-file interface.
【Tab ↹】 explicit completion, display all files in a split pane.

not sure what's ido-mode? See:

Emacs on Linux vs Windows

2013-02-05T20:01:35-08:00

if you work between Microsoft Windows and Linux, this might be interesting to you. Linux: Speed Comparison: Linux Perl vs Cygwin Perl vs Strawberry Perl vs ext4 vs NTFS. (The Price You Pay for Layers and Emulations)

emacs on Microsoft Windows is much inferior when compared to Linux version. Here's quick list.

FTP doesn't work.
Emacs won't display images.
File name with Unicode characters (ℯℊ Chinese) display as gibberish in dired.
grep, rgrep, and many others won't work.
If you have installed Cygwin, it's very painful to get path and environment variable correct.
even if you have Cygwin set up well, grep or cygwin python/perl etc others don't work well work with Unicode strings (or, extremely complex to setup).
calling unix rsync won't work in shell inside emacs.
many unix commands won't work in shell inside emacs, that otherwise works perfectly in Linux.
It is perhaps 5 times slower for anything going thru Cygwin.

We try to fixed many of these in ErgoEmacs, but still, many just can't be fixed.

emacs: search value of variables

2013-02-04T21:42:31-08:00

elisp tip. You can call apropos-value to search a string in emacs variables.

Emacs: Commands and Keys to Navigate Brackets

2013-02-04T03:15:35-08:00

more update. Emacs: Commands and Keys to Navigate Brackets If you have used the functions there in your init, you might want to update too.

best mouse? trackball?

2013-02-03T18:55:50-08:00

Emacs users typically spit on mouse. Still, you need a mouse or similar device, because it is the best device for browsing web, or manipulating 3D objects. What interesting ones do you use?

Kensington Expert Mouse vs Slimblade Trackball. 1024×768 photo by ronin amazon

Updated. Best Trackball Mouse

Difference Between Apple and PC keyboards

2013-02-03T18:53:08-08:00

learned that the ⌘ Cmd key and ❖ Win are really identical in keyboard hardware. They send out the same scancode. Similarly, ⌥ Opt and Alt are identical. Updated: Difference Between Apple and PC keyboards

emacs tutorial

2013-02-03T07:10:27-08:00

Just send off new version of emacs tutorial. Thank you for support.

If you like it, please tell friends.

If you bought my tutorial but isn't on the mailing list, please email me (xah@xahlee.org). Or, if you want to be taken off the list, just reply with “unsubscribe”. It'll be send out at most once a month.

If you haven't bought, buy it here: Buy Xah Emacs Tutorial. Ask me if you have questions.

How to Avoid the Emacs Pinky Problem

2013-02-02T03:29:50-08:00

updated. How to Avoid the Emacs Pinky Problem

set kill-line to kill-whole-line

2013-01-31T23:18:49-08:00

oldie but goodie. Emacs: Single Key to Delete Whole Line I don't think i ever do kill-line since 2010.

new version of Xah's emacs tutorial

2013-01-31T15:04:05-08:00

a new version of emacs tutorial is available. Get it for just $5. Buy Xah Emacs Tutorial.

new version will be sent out to previous buyers tonight.

The Roadmap to Completely Replace Emacs's Key System, Part 2

2013-01-31T12:33:55-08:00

yesterday's article on its own page. The Roadmap to Completely Replace Emacs's Key System, Part 2

Emacs: Insert Parenthesis/Brackets by Pair

2013-01-31T04:32:35-08:00

updated code. Emacs: Insert Parenthesis/Brackets by Pair

a system to replace emacs one thousand keys

2013-01-30T01:30:42-08:00

a system to replace emacs one thousand keys

i'll have a lot to say about remapping keys in emacs soon.

now, i have a entire system to replace emacs 1000 default keybindings, and efficient, and very satisfactory to me.

this system, makes emacs compatible with all other software on linux, mac, windows. e.g. open ,close, cut, copy, etc about 9 keys are the same. (this part is already true of ergoemacs keybinding)

yet, for all other thousand keys, it's far more efficient. It's even beyond ergoemacs. I'm current not sure it'll be part of future ergoemacs, because it's rather radical. It's only for those who diddle keys a lot, e.g. you Dvorak users, heavy AutoHotkey users, or heavy diddler of Linux Window Manager or other key tools.

basically, this system relies on key sequences. So, all commands, is just pressing no more than 3 keys, no key combination as part of it, not even ⇧ Shift key (so, there'd be no key involving {%, !}, for example.). Just 3 single one-finger keys. Key choices are based on command call frequency and key ease position. The starting, activation key (what emacs call prefix key), is critical. It must be a most easy key. Example of such keys are: Caps Lock, Alt, ▤ Menu, or even Space bar (that'd be best if possible). The ▤ Menu as activation key can be easily done in emacs across OSes, but for other you'll need a tool outside of emacs.

anyhow, i'll probably write up more detail later, but i actually already typed out most of it. haha. Right now, the issue is the exact choice of keys for emacs's thousands of commands. This i haven't got down yet, but, for myself, i've been on this road for about half a year now, and have sketched out a map of about 200 commands, especially pushed further by having the Truly Ergonomic keyboard hardware few weeks ago. It's supreme!

from 1999 to 2005, i use GNU Emacs in terminal only, all default keys. But today, the default key i use in emacs is about maybe 6, and 4 of them being the arrow keys, one ⌫ Backspace. LOL. The other one is F1.

i think i might talk to David Capello and Matthew L Fidler about making this into part of ergoemacs, but will ask them what they think first, have them use it and convinced it's real good, because it's rather radical. (if we integrate it into ergoemacs, am pretty sure it'll be optional, and off by default)

In summery:

Every command is done by a sequence of 2 to 3 single keys. (except commands that need to be repeated, such as arrow, forward-word, isearch.)
the starting key, activation key (what emacs call “prefix key”) is critical. It must be a key that's most easy to press. Examples are: the thumb keys on Kinesis or Maltron, or the giant Alt on Microsoft Natural, or the left Space bar on Truly Ergonomic Keyboard. On a normal PC keyboard , the Caps Lock, or ❖ Win, ▤ Menu. Ideally, we should have 2 activation keys, one situated for left hand, one for right hand. There'll also be a fall back key, currently in my setting that's F6.
The key choices must be based on key positions on keyboard, not the letter. So, the positions don't change with key layout (same in ErgoEmacs keybinding).
The second key (which is the key after the activation key), should be a key hit by 2nd and 3rd finger, on home row and the row above it. In QWERTY notation, that's r e d f for left hand, and u i j k for right hand. For key sequence that's more than 2, the second key should be one of these.
The 8 or so universally standard keys, will still be there, as in ErgoEmacs. ℯℊ open, close, save, copy, cut, undo. (this means that any person can use emacs without knowing anything about the new system of keys. While those who dig further, can benefit in this system)

here's a sample of implementation, my current setup, to illustrate the idea. The choice of keys is actually in flux, and i have yet to exam the default thousand keys and think what key each of them should be. For my own emacs use daily, i've been using this for about half a year now, and tweaking keys daily.

;; -*- coding: utf-8 -*-

;; generic

(define-key key-translation-map (kbd "") (kbd ""))
(define-key key-translation-map (kbd "") (kbd "")) ; F6 is fall back

(define-prefix-command 'xah-keymap)
(global-set-key (kbd "") xah-keymap)

;; Truly Ergonomic keyboard + Dvorak layout
;; \` 1234 5 6 7890 []
;; \z ',.p y f gcrl /=
;;    aoeu i d htns
;;    ;qjk x b mwv-

;; prefix keys (on Dvorak) should be
;; .p gc
;; eu ht

;; u is for unicode insert
;; e is mode-specific
;; h is help-map
;; t is generic dump space
;; x is for ctl-x-map

;; add find-file
;; keyboard-quit

;; stars indicate frequency of use
;; ★★★ every minute
;; ★★ every hour
;; ★ few times a day

(global-set-key (kbd " ") 'smex)
(global-set-key (kbd " ") 'delete-current-file)
(global-set-key (kbd " ") 'ergoemacs-cut-all)
(global-set-key (kbd " ") 'ergoemacs-copy-all)

(global-set-key (kbd " '") 'nil)
(global-set-key (kbd " ,") 'shell-command-on-region)
(global-set-key (kbd " -") 'xc-comment-smart) ; ★★★ , comment-dwim
(global-set-key (kbd " .") 'shell-command)   ; ★★★

(global-set-key (kbd " /") 'nil)
(global-set-key (kbd " 0") 'delete-window)
(global-set-key (kbd " 1") 'copy-to-register-1)
(global-set-key (kbd " 2") 'paste-from-register-1)
(global-set-key (kbd " 3") 'delete-other-windows) ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " 4") 'split-window-vertically) ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " 5") 'nil) ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " 6") 'run-current-file) ;; immediate, but dangerous eval-buffer
(global-set-key (kbd " 7") 'xah-open-file-at-cursor) ; ★★★ find-file-at-point
(global-set-key (kbd " 8") 'dired-jump)              ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " 9") 'ispell-word) ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " ;") 'nil)
(global-set-key (kbd " =") 'nil)
(global-set-key (kbd " SPC") 'set-mark-command) ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " [") 'remove-square-brackets)
(global-set-key (kbd " \\") 'escape-quotes)
(global-set-key (kbd " ]") 'indent-region)
(global-set-key (kbd " `") 'make-backup)
(global-set-key (kbd " a") 'mark-whole-buffer) ; ★★
(global-set-key (kbd " b") 'flyspell-buffer) ; ★★
(global-set-key (kbd " c") 'nil)
(global-set-key (kbd " d") 'ergoemacs-open-in-desktop)
(global-set-key (kbd " e") 'nil)  ; mode specific
(global-set-key (kbd " f") 'copy-file-path)

(global-set-key (kbd " g 0") ")")
(global-set-key (kbd " g 1") "!")
(global-set-key (kbd " g 2") "@")
(global-set-key (kbd " g 3") "#")
(global-set-key (kbd " g 4") "$")
(global-set-key (kbd " g 5") "%")
(global-set-key (kbd " g 6") "^")
(global-set-key (kbd " g 7") "&")
(global-set-key (kbd " g 8") "*")
(global-set-key (kbd " g 9") "(")
(global-set-key (kbd " g a") "A")
(global-set-key (kbd " g b") "B")
(global-set-key (kbd " g c") "C")
(global-set-key (kbd " g d") "D")
(global-set-key (kbd " g e") "E")
(global-set-key (kbd " g f") "F")
(global-set-key (kbd " g g") "G")
(global-set-key (kbd " g h") "H")
(global-set-key (kbd " g i") "I")
(global-set-key (kbd " g j") "J")
(global-set-key (kbd " g k") "K")
(global-set-key (kbd " g l") "L")
(global-set-key (kbd " g m") "M")
(global-set-key (kbd " g n") "N")
(global-set-key (kbd " g o") "O")
(global-set-key (kbd " g p") "P")
(global-set-key (kbd " g q") "Q")
(global-set-key (kbd " g r") "R")
(global-set-key (kbd " g s") "S")
(global-set-key (kbd " g t") "T")
(global-set-key (kbd " g u") "U")
(global-set-key (kbd " g v") "V")
(global-set-key (kbd " g w") "W")
(global-set-key (kbd " g x") "X")
(global-set-key (kbd " g y") "Y")
(global-set-key (kbd " g z") "Z")

(global-set-key (kbd " h") help-map) ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " i d") 'insert-date)
(global-set-key (kbd " i r h") 'insert-random-hex)
(global-set-key (kbd " i r n") 'insert-random-number)
(global-set-key (kbd " i r s") 'insert-random-string)
(global-set-key (kbd " i r u") 'insert-random-uuid)
(global-set-key (kbd " i t") 'insert-date-time)
(global-set-key (kbd " j") 'nil)
(global-set-key (kbd " k") 'nil)
(global-set-key (kbd " l") 'recenter-top-bottom)
(global-set-key (kbd " m c") 'calc)
(global-set-key (kbd " m e") 'emacs-lisp-mode)
(global-set-key (kbd " m h") 'xah-html-mode)
(global-set-key (kbd " m l") 'linum-mode)
(global-set-key (kbd " m s") 'shell)
(global-set-key (kbd " m t") 'text-mode)
(global-set-key (kbd " m v") 'visual-line-mode)
(global-set-key (kbd " m w") 'whitespace-mode)
(global-set-key (kbd " n") 'ergoemacs-new-empty-buffer) ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " o SPC") 'xah-open-file-fast)
(global-set-key (kbd " o b") 'ibuffer)
(global-set-key (kbd " o f") 'ido-find-file)
(global-set-key (kbd " o l") 'bookmark-bmenu-list)
(global-set-key (kbd " o r") 'recentf-open-files) ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " o s") 'ido-switch-buffer)  ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " p") 'nil)
(global-set-key (kbd " q") 'quoted-insert) ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " r '") 'replace-straight-quotes)
(global-set-key (kbd " r ,") 'remove-punctuation-trailing-redundant-space)
(global-set-key (kbd " r .") 'convert-english-chinese-punctuation)
(global-set-key (kbd " r d") 'delete-matching-lines) ; ★★
(global-set-key (kbd " r e") 'query-replace) ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " r f") 'xah-find-text)
(global-set-key (kbd " r l") 'list-matching-lines) ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " r p") 'convert-ideographic/ascii-space)
(global-set-key (kbd " r r") 'xah-find-replace-text)
(global-set-key (kbd " r u") 'query-replace-regexp)
(global-set-key (kbd " s") 'save-buffer) ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " t c") 'xah-cite)
(global-set-key (kbd " t f") 'xah-open-file-from-clipboard)
(global-set-key (kbd " t l") 'xah-clean-whitespace)
(global-set-key (kbd " t n") 'make-frame-command)
(global-set-key (kbd " t o") 'ergoemacs-open-last-closed)
(global-set-key (kbd " t r") 'repeat-complex-command)
(global-set-key (kbd " t s") 'title-case-string-region-or-line)
(global-set-key (kbd " t w") 'delete-trailing-whitespace)

(global-set-key (kbd " u -") "—") ; EM DASH
(global-set-key (kbd " u .") "…") ; HORIZONTAL ELLIPSIS
(global-set-key (kbd " u 4") "◆") ; black diamond
(global-set-key (kbd " u 7") "＆") ; full width ampersand
(global-set-key (kbd " u 8") "•") ; bullet
(global-set-key (kbd " u ") "⇒")
(global-set-key (kbd " u ") "→")
(global-set-key (kbd " u B") 'insert-pair-white-lenticular-bracket〖〗)
(global-set-key (kbd " u M") 'insert-pair-white-corner-bracket『』)
(global-set-key (kbd " u W") 'insert-pair-double-angle-bracket《》)
(global-set-key (kbd " u \\") "、") ; IDEOGRAPHIC COMMA
(global-set-key (kbd " u b") 'insert-pair-black-lenticular-bracket【】)
(global-set-key (kbd " u c") "=") ; equal
(global-set-key (kbd " u f") 'insert-pair-single-straight-quote)
(global-set-key (kbd " u g") 'insert-pair-double-straight-quote)
(global-set-key (kbd " u h") 'insert-pair-brace)              ;{}
(global-set-key (kbd " u i") 'insert-pair-single-curly-quote‘’)
(global-set-key (kbd " u m") 'insert-pair-corner-bracket「」)
(global-set-key (kbd " u n") 'insert-pair-bracket)            ;[]
(global-set-key (kbd " u p") 'insert-pair-double-angle-quote«»)
(global-set-key (kbd " u r") "+") ; plus
(global-set-key (kbd " u t") 'insert-pair-paren)              ;()
(global-set-key (kbd " u u") 'insert-pair-double-curly-quote“”)
(global-set-key (kbd " u w") 'insert-pair-angle-bracket〈〉)
(global-set-key (kbd " u x") 'insert-pair-tortoise-shell-bracket〔〕)
(global-set-key (kbd " u y") 'insert-pair-single-angle-quote‹›)

(global-set-key (kbd " v") 'nil)
(global-set-key (kbd " w") 'ergoemacs-close-current-buffer) ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " x") ctl-x-map) ; ★★★
(global-set-key (kbd " y") 'universal-argument) ; ★★
(global-set-key (kbd " z") 'nil)

(define-key help-map (kbd "c") 'describe-char)
(define-key help-map (kbd "5") 'man)
(define-key help-map (kbd "7") 'lookup-google)
(define-key help-map (kbd "8") 'lookup-wikipedia)
(define-key help-map (kbd "9") 'lookup-word-definition)
(define-key help-map (kbd "`") 'elisp-index-search)
(define-key help-map (kbd "m") 'ergoemacs-describe-major-mode)
(define-key help-map (kbd "o") 'nil)  ; ergoemacs-where-is-old-binding
(define-key help-map (kbd "h") 'nil) ; view-hello-file


;; example of mode-specific setting

(defun xah-html-mode-keys ()
  "Modify keymaps used by `html-mode'."
  ;; .p gc
  ;; eu ht

  (local-set-key (kbd " e .") 'xah-browse-url-of-buffer)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e 0") 'xhm-remove-html-tags)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e 5") 'mark-unicode)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e 7") 'htmlize-or-dehtmlize-pre-block)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e 8") 'get-pre-block-make-new-file)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e ") 'sgml-delete-tag)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e ") 'sgml-skip-tag-backward)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e ") 'sgml-skip-tag-forward)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e a") 'xwe-annotate)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e b") 'make-blogger-entry)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e c") 'xhm-make-citation)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e d") 'insert-date-tag)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e e") 'xhm-wrap-html-tag)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e f") 'xah-copy-url-current-file)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e k") 'xhm-htmlize-keyboard-shortcut-notation)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e l 6") 'xhm-source-url-linkify)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e l c") 'xwe-chinese-linkify)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e l d") 'perldoc-ref-linkify)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e l e") 'emacs-ref-linkify)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e l f") 'full-size-img-linkify)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e l i") 'image-linkify)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e l j") 'image-file-to-html-figure-tag)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e l l") 'xhm-lines-to-html-list)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e l p") 'php-ref-linkify)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e l t") 'xwe-word-etymology-linkify)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e l u") 'xhm-wrap-url)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e l w") 'xhm-wikipedia-linkify)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e l z") 'amazon-linkify)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e m a") 'xah-make-atom-entry)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e m l") 'xah-add-to-related-links)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e p") 'xhm-wrap-p-tag)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e r ,") 'replace-html-chars-to-unicode)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e r .") 'replace-html-chars-to-entities)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e r 3") 'xhm-update-title)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e r 4") 'xahsite-update-article-timestamp)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e r c") 'code-bracket-to-html-tag)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e r e") 'curly-quotes-to-emacs-function-tag)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e r k") 'emacs-to-windows-kbd-notation)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e r m") 'xhm-make-html-table)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e r t") 'title-bracket-to-html-tag)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e t c") 'insert-random-color-hsl)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e t r") 'xhm-rename-html-inline-image)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e t u") 'xhm-extract-url)
  (local-set-key (kbd " e u") 'xah-all-linkify)

  )
(add-hook 'html-mode-hook 'xah-html-mode-keys)
(add-hook 'xah-html-mode-hook 'xah-html-mode-keys)

I've written detailed account in the past on i think all aspects of this design. If you like to read more, see Computer Keyboards, Layouts, Hotkeys, Macros, RSI ⌨

ErgoEmacs version 2.0 release candidate is out

2013-01-29T01:19:04-08:00

ErgoEmacs version 2.0 release candidate is out. (for Microsoft Windows) http://code.google.com/p/ergoemacs/downloads/list

test it out!

if you have a earlier version of ErgoEmacs installed, you should un-install that first, from Window's Control Panel “Programs and Features”.

much thanks to the Window programing guru David Capello (David wrote many apps for Microsoft Windows, the most popular is probably the pixel editor aseprite http://www.aseprite.org/ check it out.)

Symbol, Semantics, Design: Unicode for “e.g.” (exempli gratia)

2013-01-28T17:32:05-08:00

this might be of interest to lispers and sorts who love emacs. Symbol, Semantics, Design: Unicode for “e.g.” (exempli gratia)

emacs: shift indentation in python

2013-01-28T12:44:16-08:00

in the default python mode shipped with emacs 24.2, you can do this to shift the indentation.

python-shift-right 【Ctrl+c >】
python-shift-left 【Ctrl+c <】

ErgoEmacs review, and new build coming soon

2013-01-27T17:20:17-08:00

a review on ErgoEmacs. 〔ErgoEmacs: Emacs, dragged kicking ＆ screaming into the 1990s! 2013-01-27 By Liam Proven. @ liam-on-linux.livejournal.com…〕

more reviews here Testimonial for ErgoEmacs Keybinding

David Capello is going to help build a new binary. Expect in a few days.

toggle comment of current line

2013-01-27T07:00:43-08:00

here's a working prototype of comment command. It toggles comment of current line. http://code.google.com/p/ergoemacs/source/browse/packages/xah-comment.el. Patch or fork welcome.

vi man

2013-01-26T03:58:43-08:00

oldie

vi man

solution to emacs exercise: Generate Columns A to Z

2013-01-24T21:49:32-08:00

solution to the last problem. Emacs Exercise: Generate Columns A to Z

ErgoEmacs keybinding stable

2013-01-24T01:44:55-08:00

the brand-new ErgoEmacs keybinding code is now stable. All thanks to Matthew L Fidler's work.

the ErgoEmacs home page's key layout diagram is slightly outdated. But with the new version, you can generate your own layout diagram, by calling ergoemacs-extras (it may take about 30 seconds, because it's generating lots different files.). The files are generated at 〔~/.emacs.d/〕.

emacs, AutoHotkey, and keys, keys, keys

2013-01-23T14:12:53-08:00

emacs, AutoHotkey, and keys, keys, keys

If you are on Microsoft Windows, then AutoHotkey is indispensible. It lets you set keys outside of emacs, but, actually indispensible for emacs too, because, for example, you can set Caps Lock to Ctrl, which you cannot do with emacs. Another example: in vi, the Esc key is a pain. You should set it to a easy key, such as Caps Lock or {Alt, ❖ Win, ▤ Menu}.

Updated: Windows Programing: AutoHotkey Example Scripts

for Mac and Linux, see:

I have about 18 years of experience with tweaking keys on Mac, starting by using ResEdit to create a Dvorak layout in ≈1992. (Apple didn't bundle Dvorak layout untill ≈1997.) (☛ Dvorak Keyboard Layout and My Experiences) Throughout 1990s, i also used QuicKeys extensively. At the time, it's the best key macro tool beyond any. As far as i remember, it's even better than anything that exists today. QuicKeys also lets you record mouse clicks, dialogues, etc, in a easy-to-use GUI, and the software is robust. I stopped using QuicKeys around 2002 when Mac switched to OS X and the new OS X version of QuicKeys sucked. (i bought QuicKeys for $60 or so and for each new version upgrades. The OS X version pissed me off, because its features at the time is a fraction of what it used to be, and the price doubled, and is full of bugs.)

for Microsoft Windows, i switched from Mac to PC in 2009. (☛ Why I'm Switching from Mac to Windows) Since, i have explored key macro tools for Microsoft Windows extensively. It's quite a trip. There's AutoHotkey, which is the most versatile, but the lang really sucks, worse than perl. (☛ Perl Basics)

I also wrote a ahk mode. Emacs AutoHotkey Mode (xahk-mode) (you can get it by paypal xah@xahlee.org $3 or in ErgoEmacs repository.)

then, there's Microsoft IntelliType, which is really a nice tool that comes with Microsoft keyboards.

AutoHotkey is a time drain. You have to spend huge amount of time to learn a bit of it. It's full of idiosyncratic quirks and bugs, a hack upon hack.

Microsoft IntelliType is real nice, smooth, so easy to use. But, you can't do things it doesn't provide. Hacking on its key definition file or registry is not worth it, at all. (☛ Microsoft IntelliType Hacks) My countless hours spent on it is rather wasted.

then, there's also builtin mechanisms with Microsoft Windows. starting with the easiest, the default shortcuts:

and the default way to invoke menu commands by key sequence. e.g. 【Alt f n】 opens new file, and 【Alt+Space c】 close window. This key sequence tied with menu is actually the most powerful, versatile, ergonomic, system. Unfortunately, it's kinda going away. Very few people appreciate it.

then, there's the hotkey system built into file shortcuts (☛ Disable Ctrl+Alt+S Shortcut for HP Support Information, PC Doctor) This is also quite nice and reliable, but it's very hard to manage once you have a few custom hotkeys.

then, there's the Registry, for serious hacking of key swaps or disable keys. (☛ Microsoft Windows Registry Tutorial) Very painful to do, prone to fuck up your system, and impossible to manage, and not portable across machines.

then, on Microsoft Windows, it also has its own conventions and quirks in keys. e.g. in general, when is 【Alt+‹key›】 used, when is 【Ctrl+‹key›】 used, when is it good to use other modifiers (⇧ Shift, ❖ Win) or combination of them (with respect to robustness, support, general applicability, quirks). (☛ Windows: Setting a Key to Launch App, Disable Caps Lock, Windows Key, and Other Keyboard FAQ)

oh, and the Windows Console Key Shortcuts is a pain in the ass.

Only Linux key tools i haven't had much experience, only started to explore this year.