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2.5.2 Two ways to execute commands

The key sequences used to execute commands, as described in the previous section, are only one way to execute an editor command. As a general rule, editor commands that are used frequently should involve as few key strokes as possible to allow for fast editing. The key sequences described above are quick and easy shortcuts for invoking commands.

Most editor commands can also be invoked explicitly by using their full names. For example, in the previous section we met the keystroke Ctrl+A which moves the current point to the beginning of the line. This keystroke is called a key binding and is a shortcut for executing the command Beginning of Line . To execute this command by name you must type Alt+X followed by the full command name ( Alt+X itself is only a key binding for the command Extended Command ).

Even though there may seem like a lot of typing to issue the extended version of a command, it is not generally necessary to type in the whole of a command to be executed. The Tab key can be used to complete a partially typed in extended command. The editor extends the command name as far as possible when Tab is used, and if the user is not sure of the rest of the command name, then pressing Tab again provides a list of possible completions. The command can then be selected from this list.

The most commonly used editor commands have a default binding associated with them.


LispWorks Editor User Guide (Windows version) - 14 Mar 2008

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