ME3 is a small, portable, extensible [GNU] Emacs' like editor. Thisdocument describes how individual commands work - it is light on general usage. If you need to learn Emacs, look at the GNU, Goslings or Unipress Emacs manuals.
Copyright 1991 Craig Durland Distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License. Distributed "as is", without warranties of any kind, but comments, suggestions and bug reports are welcome.
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When describing characters or keys, the character itself is used if itis printable. Unprintable characters are made printable using 3 or more printable characters. For example, the letter "A" is printable but control-A is not and so the code "C-a" is used to describe it. The table below shows the various codes needed to map the unprintable keys.
Prefix Meaning
C- Control key. F- Function or soft key such as f1, Home, etc. M- Meta key. See META in the GLOSSARY. S- Shift. This only applies to function keys.
This is a list of "extended" keys - those not covered by ASCII. MEmaps these keys to 3 or more ASCII codes. Ignore the ME key column unless you are binding keys. The keyboard column is the key on the keyboard you press to generate the ME key which (unless rebound) fires off the function listed in the Bound to column.
Keyboard ME key Bound to
F1 F-1 F2 F-2 F3 F-3 F4 F-4 F5 F-5 F6 F-6 F7 F-7 F8 F-8 F9 F-9 F10 F-0 F11 F-a F12 F-b F13 F-c F14 F-d F15 F-e F16 F-f home F-A (beginning-of-buffer) end F-B (end-of-buffer) up arrow F-C (previous-line) down arrow F-D (next-line) right arrow F-E (next-character) left arrow F-F (previous-character) insert F-G delete F-H (delete-character) page up F-I (previous-page) page down F-J (next-page) clear line F-K (cut-line) delete line F-L insert line F-M select F-N (set-mark) roll up F-O (scroll-down) roll down F-P (scroll-up) DEL C-? (delete-character) (This is the DELete key) ESC C-[ shift tab M-I
ALT 0..9A..Z! mapped to META 0..9A..Z! Use the ALT key like the control key (ie hold it down while you press the next key).
For the MS-DOS and OS/2 versions of ME, the number pad keys (on the 101 extended keyboard) are distinguished from the grey keys (the ones between the QWERTY keys and the number pad):
Keyboard ME key Bound to
-- ---
-- NumPad? home F-{ mark-and-home NumPad? end F-} mark-and-end NumPad? up arrow F-^ previous-line NumPad? down arrow F-. next-line NumPad? right arrow F-> next-character NumPad? left arrow F-< previous-character NumPad? insert F-& toggle-overstrike NumPad? delete F-# delete-character NumPad? page up F-[ next-page NumPad? page down F-] previous-page NumPad? - F-- NumPad? + F-+ NumPad? Enter F-$ NumPad? / F-/ NumPad? * F-*
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Parameters or arguments that will be requested by the command. If [] surround the arg, then it will only be requested in certain cases.
binding See bound. bound
A key is attached or bound to a command or program. If the key is pressed, whatever it is bound to is invoked. Keys can be bound locally or globally. If a key has a local binding, pressing the key in the buffer it was bound in causes action. A global binding covers all buffers. Note that local bindings take precedence over global ones.buffer
A buffer is an internal workspace where changes are made to text. If a buffer is visible, it is shown through one or more windows. It is usually attached to a file (ie contains the contents of the file). If the buffer was created by reading in a file, the buffer name is created by removing the path from the file name (and leaving only the name and extension).
clear
A operation where something is covered over by something else. Also reset. For example: If text is cleared, it is covered by blanks. If a mark is cleared, it is reset to an initial state (pointing to nothing). See also: cut, delete.command or cmd
A ME built in command such as (read-file). These can be bound to a key to make executing them easier. Documented under COMMANDS (in me3.doc, this file). These are different from functions in that they can be bound to keys or executed by (ME-command).Command completion
ME will attempt to complete a command if the space bar is pressed and completion is on. The only time you can use command completion is when you are being queried in the minibuffer. For example, when ME is requesting a buffer name for (use-existing-buffer) and foobar is a buffer, typing "foo" and hitting space will fill in the rest of the name. ME also trys to fix typos. If you had typed "fooie" and hit the space bar, you still get "foobar". Sometimes, you will hit space and only part of the command name will appear. This is ME's way of telling you there is some ambiguity as to the full name. Type some more of the name and hit space again or press ? to get a list of possible names. See also: complete in me3mutt.doc.cut
A operation where something is saved and then removed. For example: If text is cut, it is saved in the cut buffer and then deleted. You can retrieve it later from the cut buffer. See also: cut buffer, delete, clear.Cut buffer
An invisible buffer that holds things created by deletion commands such as (cut-region) and (copy-region). Used to cut and paste, or just cut, text. If you want to move a block of text about: 1. set the mark at one end and then move the dot to the other end. 2. cut the region. 3. move the dot to the start of where you want the text to begin and 4. yank the cut buffer. Bingo. Copy and cut append to the cut buffer if last command was also a cut or copy, otherwise the cut buffer is cleared before the new text is entered. The cut buffer is also used by (filter). Other Emacs' refer to this as the kill buffer.
delete
A operation where something is removed and NOT saved. For example: If text is deleted, it is gone and can't be recovered (unless undo can get it back). See also: cut, clear.dot
The place between two characters. It is immediately to the left of the cursor. Also known as point. One per window or buffer.
ESCAPE
See also META. The escape key (usually marked ESC on keyboards) acts like the META key for those keyboards that don't have a META key.
file
For MS-DOS, you can use forward slashes "/" as part of the path name.function or fcn
The commands that comprise the Mutt programming language. Documented in mutt2.doc and me3mutt.doc. These differ from commands in that they cannot be bound to keys and cannot be executed by (ME-command).
help
Help is pretty much limited to reading manuals or asking gurus. Limited forms of online help are command completion (see above), typing a ? when being asked a question (see "If you are being asked a question" below), command completion, and the (help) command. Typing M-x help will get you started with the help system.
keys
Keys are used to enter text and invoke commands. The keys used to invoke can be one or two keys where each key can have one or more modifiers. modifier meaning notes M- META See META and ESCAPE. Cannot be prefixed. C- CONTROL S- SHIFT Only used with nonASCII keys F- FUNCTION NonASCII? keys See also: prefix-key in me3mutt.doc
macro
A sequence of keystrokes that can be replayed on command. Used when you don't want to spend the time writing a program. Created by going through the motions (which are actually done so you can verify that what you want to happen is actually happening) (see (start-macro) and (end-macro)). When replayed by (execute-macro), the exact sequence you typed in is replayed.
(mark)
A user settable dot. A mark is remembered for the life of the buffer and stays where you set it until you or ME moves it. (exchange-dot-and-mark) will get you to the mark from anywhere in the buffer. If the dot is at a mark and you do something (like insert text, yank text, etc), it is done between the dot and mark, that is, the mark is before the change and the dot after. Advanced note: The marks are associated with a buffer NOT with the windows attached to the buffer. Thus all windows attached to a buffer have the same marks.ME ME3
The Mutt Editor. An editor that is extensible using the Mutt programming language. ME3 is the follow on to ME2, the follow on to ME.message line or minibuffer
The bottom line of the screen. This is the place where all questions are asked, error messages sent, etc.META key
This is a modifier key that works like the control key. Your keyboard may or may not have one. On IBM PCs, this is the ALT key. To use, hold down the META key and press the key you want to modify. If your keyboard does not have a META key, use ESCAPE instead - press the ESCAPE key, let it up and then press the key you want to modify. In the ME documents, the META key will be referred to by M-x where x is the key being modified.(modeline)
Mode lines seprate windows and provide information about the buffer in the window. ** ME3 -- buffer_name 8:45am -- (mode) [Ovwrt] File:file_nameMutt
The ** is present if the buffer has been modified. It is %% if the buffer is read only, " " if we don't care about the status of the buffer and "--" if the buffer has not been modified. The time is present if (display-time) has been called. (mode) provides information about the mode the buffer is in. For example, (C) for c mode. The words in the brackets can be Ovwrt if the buffer is Overstriking or McDef? is a keyboard macro is being recorded. file_name is present only if a file is associated with the buffer.
The built in programming language. Refer to the Mutt documentation in mutt2.doc and me3mutt.doc.
n nth
Argument prefix (set by (universal-argument)). This means repeat the key (or what its bound to) or command n times. If (universal-argument) is not used then n defaults to 1.
pgm See program. point See dot. program
A program created by (defun). These are created by the user to make its editing easier. See mutt2.doc and me3mutt.doc.
(rectangle)
The rectangler region between two marks. One mark is at the upper left corner of the region and the other mark is at the lower right corner. The width is measured in characters and the height in lines.(region)
The area between two marks (usually the dot and the mark).(register)
A storage area that can hold text, rectangles or postions. See the various register commands for more info. Each register has a single character name: a character in the range "0" to "9" and "a" to "z". The contents of a register doesn't change until something is stored there (which overwrites the old contents).
syntax tables are used to determine word boundaries, etc. All commands
work with words use these tables (eg (next-word). Use (modify-syntax-entry) to change what it means to be a word.sysvar or system variable
These are a collection of user changeable variables that effect the way ME does certain things. Documented in me3mutt.doc.
window
A portion of the screen. A window provides a view of a buffer. There can be more than one window showing a buffer. Windows are separated from each by a mode line.word
A string of letters, digits, "$", "'" or "_". By modifying the syntax tables, you can change the definition of a word. See syntax tables, (modify-syntax-entry).Word wrap
When you are typing at the end of a line and cross the fill column the last "word" is wrapped to the next line. If you have some left margin you wish to preserve, bind CR to newline-and-indent (bind-to-key "newline-and-indent" "C-m"). Setting the system var word-wrap to 0 turns it off, setting it to n causes wrapping to occur at column n.
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C-h or Backspace Delete character left of the cursor. C-g Terminate the command. C-j Same as C-m. C-l Redraw the screen. Handy if you messed it up with help and want to see the original contents. C-m or return (enter) End the question and return your answer. C-q Quote the next character. C-qC-j is the code for the end of a line - if you search for "C-qC-jstart of line" you will find "start of line" if it is the first thing on a line. C-^ Quote next key (same as C-q)
? Show choices (if available). This shows the possible responses for this command. This is available whenever command completion is. Space Command completion (if available for this command). You can customize this key. See complete-key in me3mutt.doc.
C-f Next character C-b Previous character C-a Beginning of line C-e End of line
C-u Delete everything and start over. C-d Delete character C-k Delete to end of line
M-f Next word M-b Previous word
C-p Previous history C-n Next history C-r Search back though history M-> Youngest history entry M-< Oldest history entry
If you answer the question by hitting <return or enter> and the line is empty, you have entered the null line zone. This can be interpreted as: 1. An empty line. It will then be ignored or complained about or stop the command. 2. A C-m. (bind-to-key) does this. 3. A request to use the default. This is usually the current thing being manipulated (where thing is buffer, file, etc). eg (write-file) defaults to current file name and (delete-buffer) defaults to current buffer name.
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(beginning-of-line)). If the command is bound, you can execute the command by pressing the keys it is bound to. For example, (beginning-of-line) is bound to C-a, so holding down the control key and pressing A will move the cursor the the beginning of the line. If the command is not bound (or you don't remember or want to use the binding), you can also execute the command by using (ME-command).
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ME supports several command line options. They are processed in the order they appear on the command line. The list of options is extendible - see cmdline.mut.
Here are the default options:
"file" Visit file using visit-file.
"-all" Process all the remaining command line options. Normally, processing stops after the first file is read (the "file" option) (actually, the option processing stops just before the next file is visited). Some times you want to read a bunch of files all at once, use -all. See also next-file.
"+n file" Visit file (using visit-file) and then goto line n.
"-i file" "-insert file" Insert file (using insert-file) in the current buffer at the dot.
"-l file" "-load file" Load a file of Mutt code (file.mco) using load.
"-f program" "-funcall program" Run the Mutt named program (same as (ME-command program)).
Examples:
me3 foo -f show-buffer-stats This will read in foo and display some stats in the minibuffer.
me3 +5 mail This will visit mail and put the cursor on line 5.
me3 -l ganoi Run the towers of hanoi first thing.
me3 +5 mail -f set-the-mark -f end-of-buffer -f cut-region -i reply This visits the file mail, removes all text after line 5 and inserts the file reply there.
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These all return a BOOLEAN (the ones written in Mutt might not).Note: All of commands listed are actually written in Mutt. Some are
built-in (to ME) and others must be loaded. The ones that must be loaded are marked with a "*". In all cases, the Mutt file that they are defined in is listed after the command. If you are using the standard distribution of ME, the commands that need to be loaded will be when you run the command.
(abort) C-g basic.mut
Back out of anything. If remembering a macro, forget it. If executing a program, stop it. This only works when ME is waiting for a key press (ie it won't halt programs in a infinite loop or runaway programs that aren't looking at the keyboard).(apropos) M-? args: keyword basic.mut
List all commands and programs that have a keyword in them. For example, if you apropos commands with "mark" in them you might get something like: PROGRAMS: mark-and-end F-B mark-and-home F-A COMMANDS: exchange-dot-and-mark C-xC-x set-mark C-@ M- F-N On the left is the command name. On the right are the key(s) bound to the command. So, in this case, (set-the-mark) is bound to control-@, meta-space and softkey-N. Command completion is on. See also: (describe-bindings).
(beginning-of-buffer) M-< basic.mut
Move the dot to the first character of the buffer. See also: (end-of-buffer).(beginning-of-line) C-a basic.mut
Move the dot to the first character of the line. See also: (end-of-line).(bind-local-key) Not Bound basic.mut
Args: command name, keystroke(s) Same as (bind-to-key) but the binding is in effect only in the buffer it was bound in. Note that local bindings take precedence over global ones. See: (bind-to-key)(bind-to-key) Not Bound basic.mut
Args: command name, keystroke(s) Attach a key to a command or program. When ever the key is pressed, the command or program will be executed (except when a question is being asked). Possible keys are single key strokes and combo keystrokes. Combo keys are prefixed keys, softkeys or modified keys. When asked for the key just press the key(s). You might have to use C-q to quote the keys, in that case it often easier to just type "C-a" if you mean control a. If programming, use the keycode. Keycodes are ASCII (ie no control characters and such) representations of a key. For example, META-D is represented by the 3 characters M-d, control-C by C-c and function key 1 (aka soft key 1) by F-1. Keycodes should be used when programming to avoid screwing up things like printers (when you print out the file). eg (bind-to-key "foo" "F-1"). To unbind a key, bind it to "". (bind-to-key "" "F-1") will remove anything bound to F-1 and make F-1 self insert. Command completion is on. See also: (bind-local-key), (defun), keys (in the glossary above).(bug-report) Not Bound basic.mut
If you find a bug and would like report it or send comments about ME, you can use this command.
(calculator)* Not Bound calc.mut
A simple programmers calculator for those times when you don't want to use the one sitting next to the keyboard. Supports arithmetic in many different bases. For more info, run calculator and press "?".(capitalize-word) M-c case.mut
Capitalize word after dot. If dot is between words, searches forward to the start of the next word and capitalizes that one. If the dot is in the middle of a word, the letter after the dot is capitalized. See also: (modify-syntax-entry), (upcase-region), (downcase-region), (capitalize-region).(capitalize-region) Not Bound case.mut
Capitalize all words in a region. If dot is between words, searches forward to the start of the next word and capitalizes that one. If the dot is in the middle of a word, the letter after the dot is capitalized. See also: (modify-syntax-entry), (upcase-region), (downcase-region), (capitalize-word).(center-cursor) F-G (Insert key) me3.mut
The same things as C-uC-l - puts the cursor in the center of the window.(center-screen-around-cursor-horizontally) Not bound window.mut (clear-rectangle) Not Bound me3.mut
Set the rectangle to blanks. See also: (copy-rectangle), (cut-rectangle), (delete-rectangle).(compile)* Not bound compile.mut
Run make (or a command of your choice (such as cc)), collect output in a buffer and while the compile is running, optionally visit the files that have errors. See documentation in package.doc under "External Processes". Notes: Only works on machines running unix and the compute server. Modeled after compile in GNU Emacs. To run the compute server, use "comserver $HOME/.ME2.socket". Since the compute server is quite verbose, you will want to run it in its own window. If that is not possible (or desirable), use this command: comserver $HOME/.ME2.socket >/dev/null 2>/dev/null &
(copy-region) M-w basic.mut
Copy a region to the cut buffer. If the last command was a cut command, append to the cut buffer. The region is unaffected. Returns TRUE if region copied, FALSE if no region. See also: (cut-region), (yank).(copy-rectangle) Not Bound me3.mut
Copy a rectangle to the cut buffer. See also: (cut-rectangle), (delete-rectangle), (clear-rectangle), (copy-region-to-rectangle).(copy-region-to-rectangle) C-xr register.mut
Copy a rectangle (marked by the dot and mark) to a register. With an argument, the rectangle is deleted. The command querys you for the register (a single character in the range 0-9 a-z). See also: (insert-register), (copy-to-register), (copy-rectangle).(copy-to-register) C-xx register.mut
Copy the region to a register. With an argument, the region is deleted. The command querys you for the register (a single character in the range 0-9 a-z). See also: (insert-register), (copy-region-to-rectangle).(cut-the-line) F-5 me3.mut
Delete the entire line the cursor is on.(cut-line) C-k or F-K (clear line) basic.mut
Delete text from dot to the end of the line. If an argument is given: If n = 0: Cut from beginning of line to dot. If n > 0: Cut forward over n newlines. If n < 0: Cut backward over n newlines. The deleted text is put into the cut buffer or appended to the cut buffer if the last command was also a cut command. Other Emacs' call this kill-line. See also: (cut-word), (cut-previous-word), (cut-region), (yank).(cut-previous-word) M-C-h (M-backspace) basic.mut
Delete the previous word. Save them in the cut buffer. See also: (modify-syntax-entry).(cut-rectangle) Not Bound me3.mut
Copy a rectangle and delete a rectangle to the cut buffer. In GNU Emacs, this is called kill-rectangle. See also: (copy-rectangle), (delete-rectangle), (clear-rectangle).(cut-region) C-w basic.mut
Delete a region and save it in the cut buffer. If the last command was a cut command, append to the cut buffer. See also: (copy-region), (cut-line), (yank). Other Emacs' call this kill-region.(cut-word) M-d or M-C-? (M-DEL) basic.mut
Delete a word. Save them in the cut buffer. See also: (modify-syntax-entry).
(dabbrev-expand) M-/ Autoloaded dabbrev.mut
Takes the word the cursor is on and looks around in the buffer for another word that starts with the same characters. When one is found, it is used to replace the word at the cursor. Pressing M-/ again looks for a different word.(delete-buffer) C-xk delbuf.mut
Remove a buffer. It disappears into ness-ness land. If the buffer has been modified, ask before deleting. If the buffer is on the screen, replace it with the (next-buffer). If it is the only buffer, replace it with "*scratch*". If n, remove the window it was displayed in. Defaults to the current buffer. Buffer name completion is on. See also: (delete-current-window).(delete-character) C-d, C-? (DEL) or F-H (delete) basic.mut
Delete the character after the dot (visually under the cursor). If at the end of the line, the next line is joined to the current line. If given an argument, deleted characters are put into the cut buffer.(delete-current-window) C-x0 window.mut
Delete the current window.(delete-horizontal-space) Not bound wspace.mut
Remove all whitespace surrounding the cursor. See also: delete-whitespace.(delete-other-windows) C-x1 window.mut
Make the current window the only window on the screen. See also: (split-window-vertically).(delete-previous-character) C-h (backspace) basic.mut
Delete the character before the dot (visually to the left of the cursor). If at the beginning of the line, the current line is joined to the end of the previous line. If given an argument, deleted characters are put into the cut buffer.(delete-rectangle) Not Bound me3.mut
Delete the rectangle. See also: (copy-rectangle), (cut-rectangle), (clear-rectangle).(delete-whitespace) F-1 wspace.mut
Remove all the whitespace to the right of (and including) the cursor. See also: delete-horizontal-space.(describe-bindings) Not bound basic.mut
List all commands and programs along with their key bindings in the same format as (apropos). See also: (apropos).(describe-key) Not Bound me3.mut
Tells you what a key is bound to.(display-time) Not Bound mltime.mut
Display the current time in the modeline. The time is updated every minute (ME is idle). This command toggles - if the time is being displayed, (display-time) turns it off. Notes: Time is only updated while ME is idle. While running a program or waiting for input (in the minibuffer), the time is not updated. display-time returns TRUE if the time was turned on, FALSE if turned off.(downcase-region) C-xC-l case.mut
Convert a region to lower case. See also: (upcase-region), (downcase-word), (upcase-word).(downcase-word) M-l case.mut
Convert word to lower case. See (capitalize-word) for edge conditions. See also: (modify-syntax-entry), (upcase-word), (downcase-region), (upcase-region).
(end-macro) C-x) basic.mut
Stop remembering keystrokes. The keystrokes are stored in the macro buffer ready to be replayed by (execute-macro). See also: (execute-macro), (start-macro).(end-of-buffer) M-> basic.mut
Move the dot to the bottom of the buffer. See also: (beginning-of-buffer).(end-of-line) C-e basic.mut
Move the dot to the end of the line. See also: (beginning-of-line).(exchange-dot-and-mark) C-xC-x basic.mut
Move the dot to the mark and set the mark to old dot value. Visually, move to where the mark was set. Repeating this command will undo it. See also: (set-the-mark).(execute-macro) C-xe basic.mut
Replay the keystrokes saved in the macro buffer. See also: (start-macro), (end-macro).(exit) C-c C-xC-c args: [yes or no] basic.mut
Exit ME. If there is a modified buffer (one that has changed since it was last saved), you are asked about it. If n, quit no matter what and without making any noise.
(filter) Not bound filter.mut
Take a region and feed it to a filter as standard input. Take the output of the filter and use it to replace the region. For example: If the region is a list of words and sort is a program that sorts text then (filter "sort") will replace the region with a sorted copy. If you don't want to remove anything, use universal argument (C-u) or make a null region (set the mark at the dot). eg C-u (filter "ls") will insert a directory listing at the dot. The region is saved in the cut buffer. See OS-filter (in me3mutt.doc) for info on environment variables.(findit)* Not bound findit.mut
Search or search and replace across many files. See documentation in package.doc under "findit". See also: grep.(forward-re-search) M-C-s search.mut
Same as (forward-search) but using regular expressions. See regexp.doc for regular expression syntax. See also: (query-replace), (forward-search), (reverse-re-search). in me3mutt.doc: case-fold-search, get-matched, looking-at(forward-search) Not Bound search.mut
Search for a string. CR ends patterns, LF (^J) => end of line. The pattern is saved across searches. (forward-search) The dot is after the last character matched. (reverse-search) The dot is before the last character matched, or put another way, to the left of the first character of the search string. Examples: To search for "foobar", type: foobar<Enter> To search for "foobar"<end of line>, type: foobar^Q^J<Enter> To search for <start of line>"foobar", type: ^Q^Jfoobar<Enter> Note that, in this case, the very first line will not match (this is because the first line has no preceding line and therefore no end of line marker before it). See also: (reverse-search), (forward-re-search), (isearch), (query-replace), (re-query-replace), case-fold-search (in me3mutt.doc)
(get-sysvar) Not Bound sysvar.mut
Display the value of a ME3 system variable. See me3mutt.doc for a list and what they do. Command completion is on. See also: (set-sysvar), (sysvars).(Goto-line) M-g me3.mut
Move the dot to the beginning of the nth line in the current buffer. First line of the buffer is 1. If n is negative, got the nth line from the end of the buffer. Returns FALSE is try to move off either end of the buffer. In that case the dot is left at the buffer edge it tried to move across (at the start of the line). Notes: Line 0 does not really exist so (goto-line 0) returns FALSE. If you ignore the error, (goto-line 0) is the same as (goto-line 1). See also: goto-line (in me3mutt.doc).(grep)* Not bound compile.mut
Run grep, collect output in a buffer and while the grep is running, visit all the files grep finds matches in. See documentation in package.doc under "compile". Notes: Only works on machines running unix and the compute server. Modeled after grep in GNU Emacs. See also: findit.(grow-window) C-x^ window.mut
Enlarge the current window by a line. To grow the window by n lines, use C-u n C-x^. If n is negative, the window will shrink. See also: (shrink-window).
(hanoi)* Not bound ganoi.mut
A towers of hanoi solver that shows the disks moving around. To load it: M-x load <Enter> ganoi <Enter> See also: (Queens).(help) Not bound help.mut
This is front end to the web hyper text document browser (see web.mut in package.doc). It pops up a menu so you can pick a topic to browse.
(indent-rigidly) C-xC-i indent.mut
Shift a block left or right. A block is all the lines of text between the dot and mark inclusive. With no arg: asks for the amount to shift the region. Positive for right shift, negative for left shift. With arg (ie C-u): shifts the region by the difference between the dot and the first nonblank character on that line. eg use this to shift the top line of the region over to the cursor. Removes white space from blank lines. When doing a negative shift, text won't be shifted left of the left margin.
(insert-file) C-xi args: file name basic.mut
Insert a file into the buffer at the dot. The file is unaffected. Command completion is on. The mark is left after the inserted text. See also: (read-file), (visit-file), (write-file), file-to-buffer (me3mutt.doc).(insert-file-name) Not bound me3.mut
Use command completion to get a file name and insert the name at the dot.(insert-register) C-xg register.mut
Insert the contents of a register at the dot. If the register contains a rectangle, a rectangle is inserted. The command querys you for the register (a single character in the range 0-9 a-z). For text, the dot is left after the inserted text and the mark is before. With an argument, the dot is left before and the mark after. See also: (copy-to-register), (copy-region-to-rectangle).(isearch-forward) C-s or C-\ isearch.mut
Search as you type - shows you where the string you have typed so far would be found. Keys: C-h (Backspace): Remove the last character from the search pattern. Don't move. C-s: Search forward for existing pattern. If haven't entered a pattern, the old pattern is used. C-\: Same as C-s. C-r: Search reverse for pattern. C-q: Quote the next character into the search pattern. Useful for searching for control characters (like tab). C-w: Add the rest of the word to the search pattern. C-g: Exit search. C-m (Enter): Drop to non incremental search if haven't done anything yet. Control characters and combo keys (eg cursor motion, C-x=, etc) terminate the search. The key is then executed. For example, searching for text and then pressing C-p will cause the cursor to move to the line above the matched text.
If you want to call isearch from a Mutt program, prime and start searching, just pass in a search string. eg (isearch TRUE "foobar") will start a incremental search at the point and search for foobar. Use FALSE to search backwards.
See also: (isearch-reverse), (forward-search).(isearch-reverse) C-r isearch.mut
See (isearch-forward) for info.
(list-buffers) C-xC-b bstats.mut
List all the buffers currently in ME along with some info about them. With arg, run buffer-menu. For example: Flags Size Buffer File
.--- 81 *Help* -u-- 2732 bstats.mut /users/craig/tools/me3/mutt/bstats.mut Mu-- 37434 me3.doc /users/craig/tools/me3/doc/me2.doc
40527 bytes (943 lines) in 3 buffers.
Here is what the flags (MuhH?) mean: M : M if the buffer has been modified and we care. u : u if undo is turned on. H : if the buffer is "hard" hidden. h : if the buffer is "soft" hidden. If any of the flags is off, a "-" is used in place of the letter (except for modified where a "." is used). See also: (show-buffer-stats), buffer-menu (a package).(load) Not bound args: code-file-name basic.mut
Load a Mutt executable code file compiled with the Mutt compiler (MC2). Notes: The extension (on the code file) MUST be ".mco" but you don't have to type it in (ie I'll change it to ".mco" no matter what it is). The environment variable ME3 is used as a search path for load. See load-code (in me3mutt.doc for how it is parsed (basically like $PATH)). Warnings: If a code file is loaded that has the same name (ignoring path) as an already loaded code file, it overwrites the old file. All keys bound to functions in the old file are removed. See autoload.mut for more about loading and late binding. See also: load-code (in me3mutt.doc).
(mark-and-end) F-B (End key) me3.mut
Set the mark and move the dot to the end of the buffer.(mark-and-home) F-A (Home key) me3.mut
Set the mark and move the dot to the start of the buffer.(ME-command) M-x args: command or program name basic.mut
Run a command or program. ie one of the things listed in this document. When asked what to Execute: use the name as listed here (without the "()"'s). eg Execute: describe-bindings Command completion is in effect.
(newline) C-m basic.mut
Insert a newline before the dot (visually before the cursor). See also: (newline-and-indent), (open-line).(newline-and-indent) C-j or M-C-o (oh, not zero) basic.mut
Insert a newline before the dot and duplicate the indentation of the previous line (the one the dot just left). Notes: If tab-stops is 0, tabs are used where possible. Otherwise only blanks are used. If the cursor is in the middle of whitespace at the start of a line, the indent will be the same as the cursor. This makes newline-and-indent at the start of a line work "right". If the current line is blank but has whitespace on it, the whitespace is removed. See also: (newline), (open-line), tab-stops (me3mutt.doc).(next-buffer) F-2 hidebuf.mut
Replace the current buffer with the next buffer in the buffer list, skipping the hidden buffers. The buffer list is in alphabetical order. The buffer list is circular, ie, the last buffer is followed by the first buffer. See also: (list-buffers), (switch-to-buffer), (use-existing-buffer).(next-character) C-f or F-E (right arrow) basic.mut
Move right a character. See also: (previous-character).(next-file) C-xf basic.mut
Read the next file on the command line. By default, ME only reads the first file on the command line. This command will read the next one. Note that wildcards must be expanded by the shell (MS-DOS users take note). Use C-u to read in lots of files at once. See also: The section titled "Command Line Options".(next-line) C-n or F-D (down arrow) basic.mut
Move the dot vertically down the screen. Trys to stay in the same column. Note: Don't use this in a program unless you want column tracking (for example binding an arrow key). In most cases the column tracking gets in the way and will confuse your program. Use forward-line instead. (see me3mutt.doc). See also: (forward-line), (previous-line).(next-page) C-v or F-J (page down) window.mut
Scroll forwards a page (window size -2). See also: (previous-page).(next-window) C-xo (oh, as in other) window.mut
Move to the next window down the screen and make it the current window. See also: (previous-window)(next-word) M-f basic.mut
Move forwards until dot is after the end of a word or end of buffer. See also: glossary, (previous-word), (cut-previous-word), (cut-word), (modify-syntax-entry).(not-modified) Not bound me3.mut
Reset the modified bit on the current buffer.
(open-line) C-o (oh, not zero) basic.mut
Insert a newline after the dot. The dot does not move. See also: (newline), (newline-and-indent).
(p-match) F-6 pmatch.mut
Paren matcher. Works on (){}. Put the cursor at a paren, execute p-match. The cursor is moved to the matching paren, sits there for a while so you can see the matching paren and then cursor is restored. The mark is left at the matching paren so you can (exchange-dot-and-mark) at your convenience.(point-to-register) C-x/ register.mut
Mark the current buffer and position in a register. You can return to that point (from anywhere) with (register-to-point).(previous-character) C-b or F-F (left arrow) basic.mut
Move the dot backwards by a character. See also: (next-character).(previous-line) C-p or F-C (up arrow) basic.mut
Move the dot vertically up the screen. Tries to stay in the same column. Note: Don't use this in a program unless you want column tracking (for example binding an arrow key). In most cases the column tracking gets in the way and will confuse your program. Use forward-line instead. (see me3mutt.doc). See also: (forward-line), (next-line).(previous-page) M-v or F-I (page up) window.mut
Scroll backwards a page (window size -2). See also: (next-page).(previous-window) C-xp window.mut
Move to the window immediately above the current window and make it the current window. See also: (next-window).(previous-word) M-b basic.mut
Move backwards until dot is at the beginning of a word or beginning of buffer. See also: (cut-previous-word), (cut-word), (next-word), (modify-syntax-entry).
(Queens)* Not Bound queen.mut
A "how do you place N queens on a NxN? chess board so they don't attack each other?" solver that shows the queens moving around. To load it: M-x load <Enter> queen <Enter> See also: (hanoi).
(query-replace) M-% or M-q qr.mut
Interactively search and replace strings. If the replacements are successful, the cursor is left where the replace started and the mark is after the last replacement. If terminated, the cursor is left where the abort occurred and the mark is where the replace started. n : No, don't replace. Go on to next match. <SPACE>, y : Yes, replace and go to next match. ! : Replace all the rest without asking. C-g : Stop. The command stops and the cursor is left where it is. To get to the start of the query-replace, use (exchange-dot-and-mark). ? : Popup a window with some documentation in it. C-l : Redraw the screen and put the cursor in a "reasonable" place. A few others. Use "?".
If you hit a character not in the list, the query-replace stops. Patterns are saved across searches. If you want to call this from a Mutt program, the optional args are: (query-replace search-pattern replace-pattern) Note that the query-replace remains interactive. See also: (re-query-replace), search-replace (me3mutt.doc), case-fold-search (in me3mutt.doc).(quote) C-q or C-^ (control-^) basic.mut
Insert the next character typed into the buffer. This is how to get control characters and the like into the buffer. Notes: If you quote ALT keys or softkeys it will be pretty boring. C-q0 (zero) will ask for a decimal number that is converted into a character. For example, C-q065 will insert "A" into the buffer.
(re-query-replace) M-C-q qr.mut
Same as (query-replace) but using regular expressions. See regexp.doc for regular expression syntax. See also: (query-replace), case-fold-search (in me3mutt.doc)(read-file) C-xC-r args: file name, [yes or no] basic.mut
Clear the current buffer (asking if the buffer has been modified) and read in a file. The file name defaults to the file name of the current buffer. Command completion is on. See also: (insert-file), (visit-file), (write-file) and read-file-hook (in me3mutt.doc).(refresh-screen) C-l window.mut
Repaint the screen. If n, then center the dot vertically in the window. See also: (reposition-window).(register-to-point) C-xj register.mut
Jump to the buffer and point saved in a register by (point-to-register).(rename-buffer) Not bound me3.mut
Change the name of the file that is attached to the current buffer. After you do this, saving the buffer will cause it to write to the new file name. If you want to detach the buffer from the file system, use "" as the new file name.(reposition-window) M-! window.mut
Move the current window so that the line the dot is on is n lines from the top of the window. The default is to move the line the dot is on to the top of the window. If n < 0, move the dot so that it is n lines from the bottom. If n == 0, the dot is centered vertically centered in the window. See also: (refresh-screen).(reverse-re-search) Not Bound search.mut
Same as (reverse-search) but using regular expressions. See regexp.doc for regular expression syntax. See also: (reverse-search), (forward-re-search).(reverse-search) Not Bound search.mut
See (forward-search) for info.
(save-buffer) C-xC-s basic.mut
Write the current buffer to the file associated with it. Does not do anything if the buffer has not been modified. If you want to force a write, use (write-file). See also: (write-file).(scroll-down) C-xC-n or F-O (oh) (roll up) window.mut
Move the current window down by a line. Visually, the dot moves up the screen.(scroll-left) C-x< window.mut
Scroll the current window left - ie move the text in the window to the left. With an arg, moves that many columns, otherwise, moves 3 less than the screen width. See also: (scroll-right).(scroll-other-window) M-C-v window.mut
Page the "next" window (the one you would get to with next-window).(scroll-right) C-x> window.mut
Scroll the current window right - ie move the text in the window to the right. With an arg, moves that many columns, otherwise, moves 3 less than the screen width. See also: (scroll-left).(scroll-up) C-xC-p or F-P (roll down) window.mut
Move the current window up by a line. Visually, the dot moves down the screen.(set-the-mark) C-@ or M-SPACE or F-N (select), sometimes C-space basic.mut
Set the mark at the dot. Visually, under the cursor. See also: (exchange-dot-and-mark).(set-sysvar) Not Bound sysvar.mut
Set a ME system variable. See me3mutt.doc for a list and what they do. Command completion is on. set-sysvar knows "off" and "hard" as 0, "on" as 1 and reconizes numbers. See also: (get-sysvar), (sysvars).(shell-command) C-x! args: op sys command basic.mut
Call the operating system to perform a command or run a program and then return to editing. MS-DOS example: To copy a file: (shell-command "copy foo bar") To get a directory listing: (shell-command "ls"). See also: (filter), (spawn-shell), enter-ME-hook, leave-ME-hook and OS-command (in me3mutt.doc).(shell-region) Not bound me3.mut
Use the region as input to (shell-command). For example: foo.c has a comment in it that shows how to compile: /* cc -o foo foo.c -lX11 */ By setting dot and mark around the text and using shell-region, you can compile foo. Notes: Don't use a very big region - shell-command gets very upset at more then 256 characters. See also: (shell-command).(show-buffer-stats) C-x= bstats.mut
Display some info about the current buffer.(shrink-window) C-xC-z window.mut
Shrink the current window by a line. With an arg, shrink by that many lines. See also: (grow-window), window-length (me3mutt.doc).(spawn-shell) C-z basic.mut
Jump to the operating system shell for a while. ME is still loaded and will sit in the background until you exit the shell (via "exit" in MS-DOS). In UNIX and MS-DOS, you can specify your shell with the SHELL environment variable (eg set SHELL=MUSH.EXE). On UNIX systems that support job control, C-uC-z will suspend ME. This is (usually) much faster than forking a new shell (use the fg command (or equivalent) to return to ME). A major drawback of this is trying to use it from a shell that does not support job control (such as sh) or from a program (such as mail) that fired off ME via the C system() command (it uses sh). In these cases the shell hangs and it is difficult to recover. See also: (shell-command), (filter), enter-ME-hook and leave-ME-hook (in me3mutt.doc).(spell-buffer)* Unix only spell.mut
Check the spelling of every word in the current buffer using the Unix spell program. For each incorrect word, you are asked for the correct spelling and then put into a query-replace to fix some or all occurrences. If you do not want to change a word, just press Return - the query replace will be skipped. If you hit Return too many times, press "-" and you will be asked about the previous incorrect word. Case is important.(spell-region)* Unix only spell.mut
Check the spelling of words in a region.(spell-string)* Unix only spell.mut
Check the spelling of one or more words you type in. No query replace is done.(spell-word)* M-$ Unix only spell.mut
Check the spelling of the words the cursor is on.(split-window-vertically) C-x2 window.mut
Make 2 windows out of the current window. A window with less than 3 lines cannot be split. See also: (delete-other-windows).(start-macro) C-x( basic.mut
Start remembering keystrokes until (end-macro). (abort) will terminate and back out of the macro. See also: (end-macro), (execute-macro).(switch-to-buffer) C-xb args: buffer name basic.mut
Replace the current window with another buffer. Buffer name completion is on. See also: (list-buffers), (next-buffer), (use-existing-buffer).(sysvars) Not Bound sysvar.mut
Pop a menu of the system variables and optionally set one. To set one, move the cursor the variable you want to change (with regular ME keys or vi keys) and press return. (set-sysvar) is then run on that variable. See also: (get-sysvar), (set-sysvar).
(tab) C-i or the tab key basic.mut
Insert tab(s). Move to the next tab stop. With argument, move n tabs. To set the tab stops, see tab-stops in me3mutt.doc.(toggle-read-only) C-xC-q basic.mut
Toggle the read only status of the current buffer. When a buffer is read only, no changes are allowed (the exception is that the buffer can be deleted). See also: buffer-read-only.(transpose-chars) C-t twiddle.mut
Transpose the two characters on either side of the dot (cursor) and move the dot forward. If at the end of the line, transpose the two characters left of the dot. This works the same as GNU Emacs transpose-chars. See also: twiddle-about-dot and twiddle-left-of-dot.(turn-on-undo) Not Bound undo.mut
Turn on undo for a buffer. This has usually already been done. See also: (undo)(twiddle-about-dot) Not Bound twiddle.mut
Transpose the two characters on either side of the dot (cursor). See also: transpose-chars and twiddle-left-of-dot.(twiddle-left-of-dot) Not Bound twiddle.mut
Transpose the two characters left of the dot (cursor). See also: transpose-chars and twiddle-about-dot.
(undo) C-xu or C-_ undo.mut
Undo the last change to the buffer. May not be turned on for some buffers. Undo won't undo the following things: cursor movement, buffer clears, file reads, buffer (or file) name changes. See also: (turn-on-undo), Undo.article.(universal-argument) C-u basic.mut
Get a numeric count for the next command. The next command or program is performed count times. If the command is a self-insert, count copies of the character are inserted. Count starts at 4 (except as noted below). If the first key pressed after C-u is "-", count becomes negative. Pressing C-u multiplies count by 4. If a non digit is pressed, whatever is bound to that key is performed count times. Otherwise, count becomes the next digits pressed. For example, C-uC-f will move forward 4 characters, C-uC-uC-f 16 characters, C-u123 123 characters. C-u5@ will insert "@@@@@". If (universal-argument) is given an argument, the count starts there. For example, in some Emacses, META digit starts the count at digit. See arg-prefix in me3mutt.doc for how to implement this. (universal-argument) ignores running programs and will read from the keyboard. Use arg-prefix if you wish pass an argument to something. See also: arg-prefix (in me3mutt.doc).(upcase-region) C-xC-u case.mut
Convert a region to upper case. See also: (downcase-region), (downcase-word), (upcase-word).(upcase-word) M-u case.mut
Convert word to upper case. See (capitalize-word) for edge conditions. See also: (modify-syntax-entry), (downcase-word), (downcase-region), (upcase-region).(use-existing-buffer) C-xC-o (oh) me3.mut
Replace the current window with a buffer that already exists. Buffer name completion is on. See also: (list-buffers), (switch-to-buffer).
(version) Not bound basic.mut
Show the version of ME.(visit-file) C-xC-f or C-xC-v args: file name basic.mut
Pull a file into a buffer for editing. The current window is used to hold new buffer. If arg-prefix, the window is split (if it is the only one) or another window is used to hold the new buffer. If the file has been already loaded, switch to it. Otherwise, read in the file. A buffer name is created from the file name by stripping off the directory info and keeping the name and extension. The dot is set to the beginning of the buffer and the marks are cleared (if this is a new buffer). If the buffer already exists but the filenames are different (eg "foo" and "../foo" both generate the buffer name "foo"), a unique buffer name is constructed by appending "<2>", "<3>", etc, using the lowest number that makes a name not already in use. Command completion is on. See also: (insert-file), (read-file), (write-file) and read-file-hook (in me3mutt.doc).
(write-file) C-xC-w args: file-name basic.mut
Write the current buffer to a file. If the file exists, it is overwritten. If the file does not already exist, it is created. file-name defaults to the file name of the current buffer. Note that the buffer name and file name do NOT change. Some Emacses change the file name to file-name. If you like this behavior, try: (defun write-named-file {(rename-buffer (ask "Write named file: "))(write-file "")}) Command completion is on. See also: (insert-file), (read-file), (save-buffer), (visit-file).
(yank) C-y basic.mut
Insert the contents of the cutbuffer before the dot (visually before the cursor). Does not affect the cut buffer. The dot is left after the yanked text. The mark does not move. See also: (copy-region), (cut-line), (cut-region).