Learning GNU Emacs, 3rd Edition

Chapter 4. Using Buffers, Windows, and Frames

One of the most universally useful features of Emacs is the ability to edit multiple buffers at once and to display more than one buffer using windows and frames. The commands for doing this are simple; you learn only a few commands and yet experience a tremendous boost in productivity. The more you use multiple buffers, frames, and windows, the more uses you'll think of for them.

In this chapter, we discuss how to use buffers, windows, and frames. First we cover the most commonly used commands, then, in the case of buffers and windows, move on to some more esoteric commands. At the end of the chapter, we discuss bookmarks, a method for marking your place in a file.

Understanding Buffers, Windows, and Frames

Conceptually, Emacs is different from most applications in two important ways. First, its window terminology is different. Second, Emacs buffers are not tied to windows or frames, unlike most applications.

Windows Versus Frames

Let's get our terms straight first. GUI windows are not Emacs windows. Emacs calls GUI windows frames. In part, this terminology is necessary because Emacs predates GUIs and is still often used on terminals without GUI windows. Emacs windows are split screens. We've seen them already; for example, when you ask for keyboard help, you see it displayed in a *Help* buffer at the bottom of your screen. Figures Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2 show Emacs frames and Emacs windows. In Figure 4-1, we see our dickens and odyssey ...