Mercurial > hg > xemacs-beta
diff man/xemacs-faq.texi @ 215:1f0dabaa0855 r20-4b6
Import from CVS: tag r20-4b6
author | cvs |
---|---|
date | Mon, 13 Aug 2007 10:07:35 +0200 |
parents | 78f53ef88e17 |
children | d44af0c54775 |
line wrap: on
line diff
--- a/man/xemacs-faq.texi Mon Aug 13 10:06:48 2007 +0200 +++ b/man/xemacs-faq.texi Mon Aug 13 10:07:35 2007 +0200 @@ -8,12 +8,12 @@ @titlepage @title XEmacs FAQ @subtitle Frequently asked questions about XEmacs -@subtitle Last Modified: 1997-11-10 +@subtitle Last Modified: 1997-11-18 23:08:35 EET @sp 1 @author Tony Rossini <arossini@@stat.sc.edu> @author Ben Wing <wing@@666.com> -@author Chuck Thompson <cthomp@@cs.uiuc.edu> -@author Steve Baur <steve@@miranova.com> +@author Chuck Thompson <cthomp@@xemacs.org> +@author Steve Baur <steve@@xemacs.org> @author Andreas Kaempf <andreas@@sccon.com> @page @end titlepage @@ -146,6 +146,7 @@ * Q3.0.6:: Can I force the output of @code{(face-list)} to a buffer? * Q3.0.7:: Font selections don't get saved after @code{Save Options}. * Q3.0.8:: How do I make a single minibuffer frame? +* Q3.0.9:: @code{Customize}. X Window System & Resources: * Q3.1.1:: Where is a list of X resources? @@ -420,22 +421,13 @@ @node Q1.0.2, Q1.0.3, Q1.0.1, Introduction @section What is the current version of XEmacs? -There are currently two released versions of XEmacs: - -The current stable International version of XEmacs is 20.2, released in -May, 1997. The next feature release will XEmacs 20.3. - -The current version of XEmacs without international language support is -XEmacs 19.16 and is the last release of v19. This version was released -in November, 1997. - -We also run a patch-page with official bugfixes for 19.15 at: - -@example -<URL:http://www.xemacs.org/xemacs-19.15-patches/patch-page.html> -@end example - -The page is maintained by Vinnie Shelton @code{<acs@@acm.org>}. +The current stable version of XEmacs is 20.3, released in November, +1997. + +The next feature release will be XEmacs 20.4. + +XEmacs 19.16 was the last release of v19, released in November, 1997, +which was also the last version without international language support. @node Q1.0.3, Q1.0.4, Q1.0.2, Introduction @section Where can I find it? @@ -584,26 +576,26 @@ @node Q1.0.10, Q1.0.11, Q1.0.9, Introduction @section Is there a port of XEmacs to Microsoft ('95 or NT)? -Altrasoft is actively seeking corporate and government sponsors to help -fund a fully native port of XEmacs to Windows 95 and NT using full-time, -senior-level staff working under a professionally managed project -structure. See <URL:http://www.altrasoft.com/> for more details or -contact Altrasoft directly at 1-888-ALTSOFT. - -A private effort is being put forth by David Hobley -<URL:http://www.angelfire.com/wa/hobley>. - -He can be reached at the following email addresses: -@example -<davidh@@wr.com.au> (home) -@end example - -@example -<david_hobley@@optusvision.com.au> (work) -@end example - -The closest is @dfn{Win-Emacs}, which is based on Lucid Emacs 19.6. -Available from <URL:http://www.pearlsoft.com/>. +Thanks to efforts of many people, coordinated by David Hobley +<davidh@@wr.com.au> and Marc Paquette <marcpa@@cam.org>, beta versions +of XEmacs now run on 32-bit Windows platforms (NT and 95). The current +betas require having an X server to run XEmacs; however, a native NT/95 +port is in alpha, thanks to Jonathan Harris <jhar@@tardis.ed.ac.uk>. + +The NT development is now coordinated by a mailing list at +<xemacs-nt@@xemacs.org>. If you are willing to contribute or want to +follow the progress, mail to <xemacs-nt-request@@xemacs.org> to +subscribe. + +Furthermore, Altrasoft is seeking corporate and government sponsors to +help fund a fully native port of XEmacs to Windows 95 and NT using +full-time, senior-level staff working under a professionally managed +project structure. See <URL:http://www.altrasoft.com/> for more details +or contact Altrasoft directly at 1-888-ALTSOFT. + + +The closest existing port is @dfn{Win-Emacs}, which is based on Lucid +Emacs 19.6. Available from <URL:http://www.pearlsoft.com/>. There's a port of GNU Emacs (not XEmacs) at @example @@ -753,7 +745,7 @@ version of the FAQ (listed in alphabetical order): @itemize @bullet -@item Steven L Baur <steve@@miranova.com> +@item SL Baur <steve@@xemacs.org> @item Hrvoje Niksic <hniksic@@srce.hr> @@ -804,10 +796,71 @@ XEmacs v20 is the version of XEmacs that includes MULE (Asian-language) support. XEmacs 20.0 was released in February 1997, followed by XEmacs -20.2 in May. When compiled without MULE support 20.2 is currently very -similar to 19.16 (except for some changes to the byte-code format, some -new primitive types including @code{char}, @code{char-table}, and -@code{range-table}) and equally stable. +20.2 in May and XEmacs 20.3 in November. When compiled without MULE +support, 20.3 is approximately as stable as 19.16, and probably faster +(due to additional optimization work.) + +As of XEmacs 20.3, version 20 is @emph{the} supported version of +XEmacs. This means that 19.16 will optionally receive stability fixes +(if any), but that all the real development work will be done on the v20 +tree. + +The incompatible changes in XEmacs 20 include the additional byte-codes, +new primitive data types (@code{character}, @code{char-table}, and +@code{range-table}). This means that the character-integer equivalence +inherent to all the previous Emacs and XEmacs releases no longer +applies. + +However, to avoid breaking old code, many functions that should normally +accept characters work with integers, and vice versa. For more +information, see the Lisp reference manual. Here is a relevant excerpt, +for your convenience. + +@quotation + In XEmacs version 19, and in all versions of FSF GNU Emacs, a +@dfn{character} in XEmacs Lisp is nothing more than an integer. +This is yet another holdover from XEmacs Lisp's derivation from +vintage-1980 Lisps; modern versions of Lisp consider this equivalence +a bad idea, and have separate character types. In XEmacs version 20, +the modern convention is followed, and characters are their own +primitive types. (This change was necessary in order for @sc{MULE}, +i.e. Asian-language, support to be correctly implemented.) + + Even in XEmacs version 20, remnants of the equivalence between +characters and integers still exist; this is termed the @dfn{char-int +confoundance disease}. In particular, many functions such as @code{eq}, +@code{equal}, and @code{memq} have equivalent functions (@code{old-eq}, +@code{old-equal}, @code{old-memq}, etc.) that pretend like characters +are integers are the same. Byte code compiled under any version 19 +Emacs will have all such functions mapped to their @code{old-} equivalents +when the byte code is read into XEmacs 20. This is to preserve +compatibility -- Emacs 19 converts all constant characters to the equivalent +integer during byte-compilation, and thus there is no other way to preserve +byte-code compatibility even if the code has specifically been written +with the distinction between characters and integers in mind. + + Every character has an equivalent integer, called the @dfn{character +code}. For example, the character @kbd{A} is represented as the +@w{integer 65}, following the standard @sc{ASCII} representation of +characters. If XEmacs was not compiled with @sc{MULE} support, the +range of this integer will always be 0 to 255 -- eight bits, or one +byte. (Integers outside this range are accepted but silently truncated; +however, you should most decidedly @emph{not} rely on this, because it +will not work under XEmacs with @sc{MULE} support.) When @sc{MULE} +support is present, the range of character codes is much +larger. (Currently, 19 bits are used.) + + FSF GNU Emacs uses kludgy character codes above 255 to represent +keyboard input of @sc{ASCII} characters in combination with certain +modifiers. XEmacs does not use this (a more general mechanism is +used that does not distinguish between @sc{ASCII} keys and other +keys), so you will never find character codes above 255 in a +non-@sc{MULE} XEmacs. + + Individual characters are not often used in programs. It is far more +common to work with @emph{strings}, which are sequences composed of +characters. @xref{String Type}. +@end quotation @node Q1.3.2, Q1.3.3, Q1.3.1, Introduction @section What is the status of Asian-language support, aka MULE? @@ -1461,7 +1514,7 @@ a symbolic link. @end quotation -Steve L. Baur <steve@@miranova.com> writes: +SL Baur <steve@@xemacs.org> writes: @quotation If you build against a recent libc-5.4 (late enough to have caused @@ -2345,7 +2398,7 @@ Movemail used to work fine in 19.14 but has stopped working in 19.15 and 20.x. I am using Linux. -Steven L Baur <steve@@miranova.com> writes: +SL Baur <steve@@xemacs.org> writes: @quotation Movemail on Linux used to default to using flock file locking. With @@ -2374,6 +2427,7 @@ * Q3.0.6:: Can I force the output of @code{(face-list)} to a buffer? * Q3.0.7:: Font selections don't get saved after @code{Save Options}. * Q3.0.8:: How do I make a single minibuffer frame? +* Q3.0.9:: @code{Customize}. X Window System & Resources: * Q3.1.1:: Where is a list of X resources? @@ -2578,7 +2632,7 @@ (setq options-save-faces t) @end lisp -@node Q3.0.8, Q3.1.1, Q3.0.7, Customization +@node Q3.0.8, Q3.0.9, Q3.0.7, Customization @section How do I get a single minibuffer frame? Vin Shelton <acs@@acm.org> writes: @@ -2604,7 +2658,21 @@ taste, and there any number of other XEmacs options settings that may make it difficult or inconvenient to use. -@node Q3.1.1, Q3.1.2, Q3.0.8, Customization +@node Q3.0.9, Q3.1.1, Q3.0.8, Customization +@section @code{Customize}. + +Strating with XEmacs 20.2 there is new system 'Customize' for customizing +XEmacs options. + +You can access @code{Customize} from the @code{Options} menu +or invoking one of customize commands byt typing eg. +@kbd{M-x customize}, @kbd{M-x customize-face}, +@kbd{M-x customize-variable} or @kbd{M-x customize-apropos}. + +Strating with XEmacs 20.3 there is also new `browser' mode for Customize. +Try it out with @kbd{M-x customize-browse} + +@node Q3.1.1, Q3.1.2, Q3.0.9, Customization @section Where is a list of X resources? Search through the @file{NEWS} file for @samp{X Resources}. A fairly @@ -2882,22 +2950,34 @@ line number: @lisp -(setq line-number-mode t) +(line-number-mode 1) @end lisp Use the following to display the column number: @lisp -(display-column-mode) +(column-number-mode 1) @end lisp +Or select from the @code{Options} menu + @code{Customize->Emacs->Editing->Basics->Line Number Mode} +and/or + @code{Customize->Emacs->Editing->Basics->Column Number Mode} + +Or type @kbd{M-x customize RET editing-basics RET}. + @node Q3.3.3, Q3.3.4, Q3.3.2, Customization @section How do I get XEmacs to put the time of day on the modeline? +Add the following line to your @file{.emacs} file to display the +time: + @lisp (display-time) @end lisp +See @code{Customize} from the @code{Options} menu for customization. + @node Q3.3.4, Q3.3.5, Q3.3.3, Customization @section How do I turn off current chapter from AUC TeX modeline? @@ -3083,14 +3163,16 @@ @end lisp However, some modes explicitly bind @kbd{Delete}, so you would need to -add a hook that does @code{local-set-key} for them. If what you want to +add a hook that does @code{local-set-key} for them. If what you want to do is make the Backspace and Delete keys work more PC/Motif-like, then -take a look at the @file{delbackspace.el} package. +take a look at the @file{delbs.el} package. New in XEmacs 19.14 is a variable called @code{key-translation-map} -which makes it easier to bind @kbd{Delete}. @file{delbackspace.el} is a +which makes it easier to bind @kbd{Delete}. @file{delbs.el} is a good example of how to do this correctly. +Also @xref{Q3.5.10}. + @node Q3.5.5, Q3.5.6, Q3.5.4, Customization @section Scrolling one line at a time. @@ -3121,6 +3203,11 @@ (setq scroll-step 1) @end lisp +You can change this also with Customize. +Select from the @code{Options} menu +@code{Customize->Emacs->Environment->Windows->Scroll Step...} +or type @kbd{M-x customize RET windows RET}. + @node Q3.5.6, Q3.5.7, Q3.5.5, Customization @section How to map @kbd{Help} key alone on Sun type4 keyboard? @@ -3193,6 +3280,11 @@ set things up, and @code{delbs-disable-delete-forward} to revert to ``normal'' behavior. +You can change this also with Customize. +Select from the @code{Options} menu +@code{Customize->Emacs->Editing->Basics->Delete Key Deletes Forward} +or type @kbd{M-x customize RET editing-basics RET}. + Also @xref{Q3.5.4}. @node Q3.5.10, Q3.6.1, Q3.5.9, Customization @@ -3228,6 +3320,11 @@ (setq bar-cursor 'anything-else) @end lisp +You can also change these with Customize. +Select from the @code{Options} menu +@code{Customize->Emacs->Environment->Display->Bar Cursor...} +or type @kbd{M-x customize RET display RET}. + You can use a color to make it stand out better: @example @@ -3241,6 +3338,11 @@ (setq bar-cursor nil) @end lisp +You can also change this with Customize. +Select from the @code{Options} menu +@code{Customize->Emacs->Environment->Display->Bar Cursor...} +or type @kbd{M-x customize RET display RET}. + @node Q3.6.3, Q3.7.1, Q3.6.2, Customization @section Can I make the cursor blink? @@ -3563,6 +3665,11 @@ (setq zmacs-regions nil) @end lisp +You can also change these with Customize. +Select from the @code{Options} menu +@code{Customize->Emacs->->Editing->Basics->Zmacs Regions} +or type @kbd{M-x customize RET editing-basics RET}. + To change the face for selection, look at @code{Options->Customize} on the menubar. @@ -3580,7 +3687,7 @@ To get this behavior, add the following line to your @file{.emacs}: @lisp -(require 'pending-del) +(turn-on-pending-delete) @end lisp Note that this will work with both Backspace and Delete. @@ -3597,6 +3704,9 @@ (setq isearch-highlight nil) @end lisp +You can also change these with Customize. +Type @kbd{M-x customize-variable RET isearch-highlight RET}. + Note also that isearch-highlight affects query-replace and ispell. Instead of disabling isearch-highlight you may find that a better solution consists of customizing the @code{isearch} face. @@ -3612,6 +3722,8 @@ @strong{Warning: This command turns off all region highlighting.} +Also @xref{Q3.10.1}. + @node Q3.10.5, , Q3.10.4, Customization @section The region disappears when I hit the end of buffer while scrolling. @@ -3937,7 +4049,7 @@ full-featured web browser. @node Q4.2.1, Q4.2.2, Q4.1.3, Subsystems -@section GNUS, (ding) Gnus, Gnus 5, September Gnus, Red Gnus, Mamey Sapote Gnus, argh! +@section GNUS, (ding) Gnus, Gnus 5, September Gnus, Red Gnus, Quassia Gnus, argh! The Gnus numbering issues are not meant for mere mortals to know them. If you feel you @emph{must} enter the muddy waters of Gnus, visit the @@ -3947,6 +4059,11 @@ <URL:http://www.ccs.neu.edu/software/gnus/> @end example +See also Gnus home page +@example +<URL:http://www.gnus.org/> +@end example + @node Q4.2.2, Q4.2.3, Q4.2.1, Subsystems @section This question intentionally left blank. @@ -4480,6 +4597,9 @@ to your @file{.emacs}. See the file @file{etc/sample.emacs} for more examples. +See also @code{Syntax Highlighting} from the @code{Options} menu. +Remember to save options. + @node Q5.0.2, Q5.0.3, Q5.0.1, Miscellaneous @section I do not like cc-mode. How do I use the old c-mode? @@ -4523,6 +4643,9 @@ It will work for C, C++ and Lisp. +See also @code{Syntax Highlighting} from the @code{Options} menu. +Remember to save options. + @node Q5.0.4, Q5.0.5, Q5.0.3, Miscellaneous @section How can I enable auto-indent? @@ -4541,6 +4664,11 @@ ;;; and others ... @end lisp +You can customize filling and adaptive filling with Customize. +Select from the @code{Options} menu +@code{Customize->Emacs->->Editing->Fill->Fill...} +or type @kbd{M-x customize RET fill RET}. + Note that well-behaving text-lookalike modes will run @code{text-mode-hook} by default (e.g. that's what Message does). For the nasty ones, you'll have to provide the @code{add-hook}s yourself. @@ -5596,11 +5724,14 @@ @node Q6.0.2, Q6.0.3, Q6.0.1, Current Events @section What is new in 20.3? -XEmacs release 20.3 is planned for november 1997. It will contain many +XEmacs 20.3 will be released in November 1997. It will contain many bugfixes, and a number of new features, including Autoconf 2 based configuration, multiple TTY frames, further customizations, synches with GNU Emacs 20, advanced Perl-like regexp features, and more. +XEmacs 20.3 will be the first non-beta v20 release, and will be the +basis for all further development. + @node Q6.0.3, , Q6.0.2, Current Events @section Procedural changes in XEmacs development. @@ -5613,13 +5744,17 @@ the list. Please note this is a developers mailing list for people who have an active interest in the development process. +The discussion of NT XEmacs development is taking place on a separate +mailing list. Send mail to <xemacs-nt-request@@xemacs.org> to +subscribe. + @item Due to the long development cycle in between releases, it has been decided that intermediate versions will be made available in source only form for the truly interested. -XEmacs 19.16 will be the last 19 release, basically consisting of 19.15 -plus the collected bugfixes. +XEmacs 19.16 was the last 19 release, basically consisting of 19.15 plus +the collected bugfixes. @item As of December 1996, Steve Baur <steve@@altair.xemacs.org> has become