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Ask YC: Mac Text Editors

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Re: Ask YC: Mac Text Editors

#71

Post by MaysonL »

cpr wrote: post #41

Yes, definitely just use the built-in Emacs from the command line. Less flash & less Mac integration, but it works the same whether running on your system or running ssh'd into a Unix-based server. (But be sure to (10.5) use "Preferences > Settings > Keyboard > Use option as meta key".) Also, note that you can customize the Cocoa text environment to be pretty much straight Emacs keystrokes (it's already there, but yo…

This is the most informative and helpful comment in this whole thread! Thank you!

Re: Ask YC: Mac Text Editors

#72

Post by blakeb »

toffer wrote: post #67
mnemonicsloth wrote: post #66

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you haven't already, bind the Control modifier to your Caps Lock key. Emacs was developed on workstations with this key configuration, and a lot of key combinations make more sense for your fingers that way. If you've already done that, I wouldn't worry too much -- there are plenty of programmers working now who've been using Emacs for more than 20 years.

I've always wondered about this. If you use the Caps Lock key as CTRL, then it feels pretty awkward for me to type some key combinations (like ctrl-x or ctrl-c) and still keep my fingers on the "home row". Do you just get used to this? Do you type ctrl-x with your pinky and ring finger? Or, do you shift your hand away from the home row and type ctrl-x with your pinky and middle finger?

Ran across this long after the fact, and I'm not even sure if you'll be aware I posted this, but...

I've been wondering the same thing, as C-x is used all the time and seems really uncomfortable. I've found one mention of it, so I thought I'd pass along Steve Yegge's opinion:

"Incidentally, if you want to fine-tune this tip to extraordinary levels, then you probably don't want to use your ring-finger for typing the x-key when you hit Ctrl-x. I use my left index finger, since I'm used to it that way, but you're probably better off using your left middle finger. The reason is that your hand isn't technically on home row when your left pinkie is jammed down on the Caps-Lock key that you've turned into Ctrl. The point is to use whatever requires the least amount of stretching, followed by the least amount of finger motion. You should experiment until you find what's most comfortable for you."

Found that here: http://steve.yegge.googlepages.com/effective-emacs

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