1 @c This is part of the Semantic manual.
2 @c Copyright (C) 1999-2005, 2007, 2009-2016 Free Software Foundation,
4 @c See file semantic.texi for copying conditions.
6 You can begin using @semantic{} by enabling Semantic mode, a global
7 minor mode: type @kbd{M-x semantic-mode}, or open the @samp{Tools}
8 menu and click on the menu item named @samp{Source Code Parsers
9 (Semantic)}. @xref{Semantic mode}.
11 When Semantic mode is turned on, Emacs automatically parses each file
12 you visit. You can then use @semantic{} user commands in those
13 buffers (@pxref{Semantic mode user commands}). You can also choose to
14 enable a number of ``helper'' minor modes for saving tags, displaying
15 tag information, and so forth.
17 To enable Semantic mode each time you start Emacs, add the line
18 @code{(semantic-mode 1)} to your initialization file. @xref{Init
19 File,,,emacs,Emacs manual}.
22 * Semantic mode:: Global minor mode for @semantic{}.
23 * SemanticDB:: Caching parsed buffers between sessions.
24 * Idle Scheduler:: @semantic{} actions that occur when idle.
25 * Analyzer:: Semantic tools for analyzing code.
26 * Speedbar:: Using @semantic{} with the Speedbar.
27 * SymRef:: Interface to symbol reference tools.
28 * MRU Bookmarks:: Managing tag "bookmarks".
29 * Sticky Func Mode:: Showing declarations in the header line.
30 * Highlight Func Mode:: Highlight the current function declaration.
31 * Tag Decoration Mode:: Minor mode to decorate tags.
35 @section Semantic mode
38 Semantic mode is a global minor mode for @semantic{} as a whole. When
39 enabled, each file you visit is automatically parsed, provided its
40 major mode is specified in the variable
41 @code{semantic-new-buffer-setup-functions} (the default value of this
42 variable sets up parsing for all the parsers included with Emacs, but
43 you may add to it if you install additional parsers).
45 In each parser-enabled buffer, a number of @semantic{} commands are
46 available for navigating, querying, and editing source code.
47 @xref{Semantic mode user commands}. Enabling Semantic mode also
48 installs a @samp{Development} menu on the menu-bar, with many of these
51 In addition, enabling Semantic mode turns on certain auxiliary global
52 minor modes. The variable @code{semantic-default-submodes} determines
53 which auxiliary modes are enabled; the defaults are SemanticDB mode
54 (@pxref{SemanticDB}) and Global Semantic Idle Scheduler mode
55 (@pxref{Idle Scheduler}). You can also toggle the auxiliary minor
56 modes separately, using their mode functions (e.g., @kbd{M-x
57 semanticdb-minor-mode}), or via the @samp{Development} menu. The
58 various auxiliary minor modes are described in the following sections.
60 @defvar semantic-new-buffer-setup-functions
61 The value of this variable is an alist of functions to call for
62 setting up @semantic{} parsing in the buffer. Each element has the
63 form @code{(@var{mode} . @var{fn})}, where @var{mode} is a value of
64 @code{major-mode} for the buffer and @var{fn} is the corresponding
65 function for setting up the parser. @var{fn} is called, with no
66 arguments, after the major mode is initialized (and after the mode
69 The default value enables @semantic{} for all supported major modes
70 (i.e., C, C++, Scheme, Javascript, Java, HTML, SRecode, and Make), but
71 you can remove modes from this list if you don't want to use
72 @semantic{} with them.
75 @defvar semantic-default-submodes
76 The value of this variable is a list of symbols, specifying the
77 auxiliary minor modes to enable when enabling Semantic mode. The
78 valid mode symbols are:
81 @item @code{global-semantic-idle-scheduler-mode} (@pxref{Idle Scheduler}).
82 @item @code{global-semanticdb-minor-mode} (@pxref{SemanticDB}).
83 @item @code{global-semantic-idle-summary-mode} (@pxref{Idle Summary Mode}).
84 @item @code{global-semantic-idle-completions-mode} (@pxref{Idle Completions Mode}).
85 @item @code{global-semantic-highlight-func-mode} (@pxref{Highlight Func Mode}).
86 @item @code{global-semantic-decoration-mode} (@pxref{Tag Decoration Mode}).
87 @item @code{global-semantic-stickyfunc-mode} (@pxref{Sticky Func Mode}).
88 @item @code{global-semantic-mru-bookmark-mode} (@pxref{MRU Bookmarks}).
93 * Semantic mode user commands::
96 @node Semantic mode user commands
97 @subsection Semantic mode user commands
99 Semantic mode provides a number of commands for navigating, querying,
100 and editing source code in a language-aware manner. These commands
101 generally act on @dfn{tags}, which are the source-code units deemed
102 ``important'' by the present programming language (e.g., functions in
103 the C programming language).
105 These commands may be used in any buffer that has been parsed by
106 @semantic{}. Several of them prompt for a tag name using the
107 minibuffer; here, the @kbd{TAB} key can be used to complete tag names.
108 Others act on the @dfn{current tag}, meaning the tag at (or around)
113 Prompt for a tag defined in the current file, and move point to it
114 (@code{semantic-complete-jump-local}).
117 Prompt for a tag defined in any file that Emacs has parsed, and move
118 point to it (@code{semantic-complete-jump}).
121 Display a list of the possible completions of the current tag
122 (@code{semantic-analyze-possible-completions}).
125 Prompt for a tag, and display a list of tags that call it
126 (@code{semantic-symref-symbol}). This relies on the presence of an
127 external symbol reference tool. @xref{SymRef}.
130 Display a list of tags that call the current tag
131 (@code{semantic-symref}). This relies on the presence of an external
132 symbol reference tool. @xref{SymRef}.
135 Move point to the previous tag (@code{senator-previous-tag}).
138 Move point to the next tag (@code{senator-next-tag}).
141 Move point ``up'' one reference (@code{senator-go-to-up-reference}).
142 The meaning of ``up'' is language-dependent; in C++, for instance,
143 this means moving to the parent of the current tag.
146 Display a list of possible completions for the symbol at point
147 (@code{semantic-complete-analyze-inline}). This also activates a
148 special set of keybindings for choosing a completion: @key{RET}
149 accepts the current completion, @kbd{M-n} and @kbd{M-p} cycle through
150 possible completions, @key{TAB} completes as far as possible and then
151 cycles, and @kbd{C-g} or any other key aborts the completion.
152 @xref{Smart Completion}.
155 Kill the current tag (@code{senator-kill-tag}). This removes the text
156 for that tag, placing it in the kill ring. You can retrieve the text
157 with @kbd{C-y}. This also places the tag in the @dfn{tag ring}, so
158 that you can yank it with @kbd{\C-c,\C-y}, below.
161 Copy the current tag into the kill ring as well as the tag ring
162 (@code{senator-copy-tag}).
165 Yank a tag from the tag ring (@code{senator-yank-tag}).
168 Copy the current tag into a register
169 (@code{senator-copy-tag-to-register}). With an optional argument,
170 kill it as well. This allows you to insert or jump to that tag with
171 the usual register commands. @xref{Registers,,,emacs,Emacs manual}.
174 Transpose the current tag with the previous one
175 (@code{senator-transpose-tags-up}).
177 @item C-c , @kbd{down}
178 Transpose the current tag with the next one
179 (@code{senator-transpose-tags-down}).
183 @section Semantic Database
186 The Semantic Database (SemanticDB) caches the results of parsing
187 source code files. This data can be saved to disk when you exit
188 Emacs, and reloaded automatically when you subsequently revisit the
189 same source code files. This saves time by eliminating the need to
190 re-parse unmodified files.
192 SemanticDB also provides an @acronym{API} that programs can use to
193 acquire information about source code tags. This information can be
194 accessed without loading the original the source files into memory.
195 It can also be used to create alternate ``back-ends'' for storing tag
196 information in alternative on-disk formats.
198 By default, SemanticDB is enabled together with Semantic mode. To
199 disable it, remove it from @code{semantic-default-submodes}
200 (@pxref{Semantic mode}). You can also enable or disable SemanticDB
201 with @kbd{M-x global-semanticdb-minor-mode}.
203 @deffn Command global-semanticdb-minor-mode
204 Toggle SemanticDB mode. When enabled, any source code parsed by
205 @semantic{} is cached in a database.
208 SemanticDB offers a large number of customizable options, which are
209 described in the following subsections.
212 * Semanticdb Tag Storage::
213 * Semanticdb Search Configuration::
214 * Changing Backends::
215 * Create System Databases::
218 @node Semanticdb Tag Storage
219 @subsection Semanticdb Tag Storage
221 Each time you exit Emacs, any data cached by SemanticDB is saved in
222 the directory @file{.emacs.d/semanticdb/}, located in your home
223 directory. Within this directory, the cache data is written into a
224 set of files according to a SemanticDB-specific filename convention.
225 If the SemanticDB directory does not exist, Emacs first asks if you
228 You can change the name of the SemanticDB directory by customizing the
229 variable @code{semanticdb-default-save-directory}.
231 @deffn Option semanticdb-default-save-directory
232 The name of the directory where SemanticDB cache files are saved. If
233 the value is @code{nil}, SemanticDB saves its data into a single file,
234 in the current directory, whose filename is given by
235 @code{semanticdb-default-file-name}.
238 @deffn Option semanticdb-default-file-name
239 The name of a cache file in which to save SemanticDB, when
240 @code{semanticdb-default-save-directory} is @code{nil}.
243 You can force SemanticDB to save the data from only certain files, or
244 suppress saving altogether, by customizing
245 @code{semanticdb-persistent-path}:
247 @deffn Option semanticdb-persistent-path
248 List of valid paths for SemanticDB to cache. Each element should be a
249 directory name (a string); then the parse data from any file in that
252 As a special exception, the value of this variable can be a list
253 containing a single symbol: @code{never}, @code{always}, or
254 @code{project}. The symbol @code{never} disables saving anywhere;
255 @code{always} enables saving everywhere; and @code{project} enables
256 saving directory based on the variable
257 @code{semanticdb-project-predicate-functions}.
259 The default value is @code{(always)}.
262 @defvar semanticdb-project-predicate-functions
263 The value of this variable is a list of predicates for indicating that
264 a directory belongs to a project. This list is used when the value of
265 @code{semanticdb-persistent-path} is @code{(project)}. If the list is
266 empty, all paths are considered valid.
268 Project management packages, such as EDE (@pxref{Top,,,ede,EDE
269 manual}), may add their own predicates with @dfn{add-hook} to this
270 variable. This allows SemanticDB to save tag caches in directories
274 @deffn Option semanticdb-save-database-functions
275 Abnormal hook run after a database is saved. Each function is called
276 with one argument, the object representing the database recently
280 @node Semanticdb Search Configuration
281 @subsection Semanticdb Search Configuration
283 When another part of @semantic{} (or another Emacs package using
284 @semantic{}) queries the SemanticDB library for a source code tag, the
285 search need not be limited to tags defined within the current file.
286 It can include tags defined elsewhere, such as @dfn{header files}
287 referenced by the current file (e.g., via the C/C++ @code{#include}
288 directive). While performing the search, the SemanticDB library may
289 even automatically visit other files and parse them, if necessary.
291 The variable @code{semanticdb-find-default-throttle} determines how
292 aggressively SemanticDB searches for source code tags. @xref{Search
295 The details of SemanticDB searches can vary from language to
296 language. In C/C++ code, for example, SemanticDB distinguishes
297 between @dfn{project header files} and @dfn{system header files},
298 based on whether the @code{#include} directive uses the @code{""} or
299 @code{<>} filename delimiter. SemanticDB looks for system header in
300 the @dfn{system include path} (@pxref{Include paths}).
303 * Search Throttle:: Controlling how semanticdb searches occur.
304 * Semanticdb Roots:: Specifying the root of different projects.
305 * Include paths:: Specifying the directories to search.
306 * Semanticdb search debugging commands::
309 @node Search Throttle
310 @subsubsection SemanticDB Search Throttle
312 The SemanticDB @dfn{search throttle} determines how aggressive
313 SemanticDB searches are. It is controlled by the variable
314 @code{semanticdb-find-default-throttle}. The default value of this
315 variable aims for maximum accuracy, at the expense of search time.
317 Other parts of the @semantic{} package, particularly the different
318 language parsers, may change the value of
319 @code{semanticdb-find-default-throttle}. You can override its value,
320 for a given major mode, like this:
323 (setq-mode-local c-mode
324 semanticdb-find-default-throttle
325 '(project unloaded system recursive))
328 @defvar semanticdb-find-default-throttle
329 The default throttle for @code{semanticdb-find} routines.
330 The throttle controls how detailed the list of database
331 tables is for a symbol lookup. The value is a list with
336 The file the search is being performed from. This option is here for
337 completeness only, and is assumed to always be on.
339 Tables from the same local directory are included. This includes
340 files directly referenced by a file name which might be in a different
343 Tables from the same local project are included If @code{project} is
344 specified, then @code{local} is assumed.
346 If a table is not in memory, load it. If it is not cached on disk
347 either, get the source, parse it, and create the table.
349 Tables from system databases. These are specifically tables
350 from system header files, or language equivalent.
352 For include based searches, includes tables referenced by included
355 Included system databases which are omniscience, or somehow know
356 everything. Omniscience databases are found in
357 @code{semanticdb-project-system-databases}. The Emacs Lisp system
358 @var{db} is an omniscience database.
362 @node Semanticdb Roots
363 @subsubsection SemanticDB project roots
365 The @code{project} setting in the SemanticDB search throttle
366 (@pxref{Search Throttle}) tells SemanticDB to search within the
367 current single code project. For @semantic{}'s point of view,
368 @dfn{projects} are determined by their top-level directories, or
369 @dfn{project roots}; every subdirectory of a project root is
370 considered part of the same project.
372 If you use EDE for project management, it will set the project roots
373 automatically. @xref{Top,,,ede,EDE manual}. You can also specify
376 @deffn Option semanticdb-project-roots
377 The value of this variable is a list of directories (strings) that are
378 project roots. All subdirectories of a project root are considered
379 part of the same project. This variable can be overridden by
380 @code{semanticdb-project-root-functions}.
383 @defvar semanticdb-project-root-functions
384 The value of this variable is a list of functions to determine a given
385 directory's project root. These functions are called, one at a time,
386 with one argument (the directory name), and must return either
387 @code{nil}, a string (the project root), or a list of strings
388 (multiple project roots, for complex systems). The first
389 non-@code{nil} return value, if any, is taken to be the project root,
390 overriding @code{semanticdb-project-roots}.
394 @subsubsection Include Paths
396 System include paths are standard locations to find source code tags,
397 such as the @dfn{header files} in @file{/usr/include} and its
398 subdirectories on Unix-like operating systems.
400 You can add and remove system include paths using the following
403 @deffn Command semantic-add-system-include dir &optional mode
404 Prompts for a directory, @var{dir}, and add it as a system include
405 path for the current major mode. When called non-interactively, the
406 major mode can be specified with the @var{mode} argument.
409 @deffn Command semantic-remove-system-include dir &optional mode
410 Prompt for a directory, @var{dir}, and remove it from the system
411 include path for the current major mode (or @var{mode}).
414 @deffn Command semantic-customize-system-include-path &optional mode
415 Customize the system include path for the current major mode (or
419 @defvar semanticdb-implied-include-tags
420 Include tags implied for all files of a given mode. You can set this
421 variable with @code{defvar-mode-local} for a particular mode so that
422 any symbols that exist for all files for that mode are included.
425 @c @xref{Search Optimization}, for more information on include paths.
427 @node Semanticdb search debugging commands
428 @subsubsection Semanticdb search debugging commands
430 You can use @kbd{M-x semanticdb-dump-all-table-summary} to see the
431 list of databases that will be searched from a given buffer. You can
432 follow up with @kbd{M-x semanticdb-find-test-translate-path} to then
433 make sure specific tables from the path are discovered correctly.
434 Alternately, you can get a list of include files @semantic{}
435 encountered, but could not find on disk using @kbd{M-x
436 semanticdb-find-adebug-lost-includes}.
438 @deffn Command semanticdb-dump-all-table-summary
439 Dump a list of all databases in Emacs memory.
442 @deffn Command semanticdb-find-test-translate-path &optional arg
443 Call and output results of @dfn{semanticdb-find-translate-path}. In
444 the displayed buffer, you can type @key{SPC} to expand items. With
445 @var{arg} non-@code{nil}, specify a @var{brutish} translation.
448 @deffn Command semanticdb-find-adebug-lost-includes
449 Translate the current path, then display the lost includes.
450 Examines the variable @code{semanticdb-find-lost-includes}.
453 Lastly, you can test an explicit search term using this command:
455 @deffn Command semantic-adebug-searchdb regex
456 Search the semanticdb for @var{regex} for the current buffer.
457 Display the results as a debug list.
460 @node Changing Backends
461 @subsection Changing Backends
463 If you want to use some other form of backend, you can use this
464 variable to choose which back end class to use for your general tag
467 The default is to save databases in flat files. Alternatively, you
468 could write a new database backend that stores tags into a database,
469 or other storage system.
471 @defvar semanticdb-new-database-class
472 The default type of database created for new files. This can be
473 changed on a per file basis, so that some directories are saved using
474 one mechanism, and some directories via a different mechanism.
477 @node Create System Databases
478 @subsection Create System Databases
480 If your supported language stores the system libraries in readily
481 available parsable source code, you can pre-generate database files
482 for them once, which will be used over and over for tools such as
483 summary-mode, or the analyzer.
485 @deffn Command semanticdb-create-ebrowse-database dir
486 Create an Ebrowse database for directory @var{dir}. The database file
487 is stored in ~/.semanticdb, or whichever directory is specified by
488 @code{semanticdb-default-system-save-directory}.
492 @section Idle Scheduler
493 @cindex Idle Scheduler
495 The @dfn{Semantic Idle Scheduler} is a part of @semantic{} that
496 performs various operations while Emacs is waiting for user input
497 (idle time). Its primary job is to perform buffer parsing during idle
498 time. You can also use the Idle Scheduler to display function
499 prototypes (@pxref{Idle Summary Mode}) or symbol completions
500 (@pxref{Idle Completions Mode}).
502 @deffn Command global-semantic-idle-scheduler-mode &optional arg
503 This command toggles Semantic Idle Scheduler mode in every
504 @semantic{}-enabled buffer. This minor mode ensures that the buffer
505 is automatically reparsed whenever Emacs is idle. If there is
506 additional idle time, it runs jobs scheduled by other parts of
507 @semantic{}, such as Semantic Idle Summary mode (@pxref{Idle Summary
508 Mode}) and Semantic Idle Completions mode (@pxref{Idle Completions
512 @deffn Option semantic-idle-scheduler-idle-time
513 The value of this variable is the amount of idle time, in seconds,
514 before the Semantic idle scheduler activates. The default is 1.
517 @deffn Option semantic-idle-scheduler-verbose-flag
518 If this variable is non-@code{nil}, the idle scheduler prints verbose
519 messages while running, which are useful for debugging.
523 * Reparsing Options:: Reparsing the current buffer in idle time.
524 * Idle Working Options:: Options for extra work done at idle time.
525 * Debugging Idle Time Issues:: How to produce good bug reports.
526 * Idle Summary Mode:: Display prototype of symbol under cursor.
527 * Idle Completions Mode:: Smart completion pop-up help.
530 @node Reparsing Options
531 @subsection Reparsing Options
533 When activated during idle time, the Semantic idle scheduler
534 automatically reparses all buffers that need it. Any arriving user
535 input cancels this, returning Emacs to its normal editing behavior.
537 @deffn Option semantic-idle-scheduler-max-buffer-size
538 Maximum size in bytes of buffers automatically reparsed. If this
539 value is less than or equal to @var{0}, buffers are automatically
540 reparsed regardless of their size.
543 @deffn Option semantic-idle-scheduler-no-working-message
544 If non-@code{nil}, disable display of working messages while reparsing.
547 @deffn Option semantic-idle-scheduler-working-in-modeline-flag
548 If non-@code{nil}, show working messages in the mode line. Normally,
549 re-parsing shows messages in the minibuffer; this moves the parse
550 message to the modeline instead.
553 @defvar semantic-before-idle-scheduler-reparse-hook
554 This normal hook is run just before the idle scheduler begins
555 reparsing. If any hook function throws an error, the value of this
556 variable is reset to @code{nil}. This hook is not protected from
560 @defvar semantic-after-idle-scheduler-reparse-hook
562 This normal hook is run after the idle scheduler finishes reparsing.
563 If any hook throws an error, this variable is reset to @code{nil}.
564 This hook is not protected from lexical errors.
567 @node Idle Working Options
568 @subsection Idle Working Options
570 In addition to reparsing buffers, the Semantic idle scheduler performs
571 additional operations, including the following:
575 Creating the include path caches required for symbol lookup.
577 Create data type caches.
579 Saving SemanticDB caches to disk.
581 Speculatively parsing the files in the same directory as the current
585 Because this extra work is quite time-consuming, it is only carried
586 out after a longer idle delay. The following features control how the
587 idle work is performed.
589 @deffn Option semantic-idle-scheduler-work-idle-time
590 The value of this variable is the amount of idle time, in seconds,
591 before commencing idle work. The default is 60.
594 @deffn Option semantic-idle-work-parse-neighboring-files-flag
595 If the value of this variable is non-@code{nil}, the Semantic idle
596 scheduler uses idle work time to parse files in the same directory as
597 the current buffer. This improves the accuracy of tag searches and
598 saves time when visiting those files later, at the cost of doing a lot
599 of parsing. The default is @code{t}.
602 @node Debugging Idle Time Issues
603 @subsection Debugging Idle Time Issues
605 If you see an error signaled during idle time, it could be an
606 indication of a more serious issue elsewhere. It is not enough to
607 enable @code{debug-on-error}, because the idle scheduler inhibits the
608 debugger. Instead, use the following commands to debug the error:
610 @deffn Command semantic-debug-idle-function
611 Run the Semantic idle function with debugging turned on.
614 @deffn Command semantic-debug-idle-work-function
615 Run the Semantic idle work function with debugging turned on.
618 @node Idle Summary Mode
619 @subsection Idle Summary Mode
621 Semantic Idle Summary mode is a minor mode that displays a short
622 summary of the symbol at point, such as its function prototype, in the
623 echo area. Its functionality is similar to what ElDoc mode provides
624 for Emacs Lisp (@pxref{Lisp Doc,,,emacs,Emacs manual}).
626 @deffn global-semantic-idle-summary-mode &optional arg
627 This command toggles Semantic Idle Summary mode in all
628 @semantic{}-enabled buffers. You can also toggle it via the
629 @samp{Show Tag Summaries} menu item in the @samp{Development} menu.
632 When Semantic Idle Summary mode is active, a summary of the tag at
633 point is displayed in the echo area. This display takes place during
634 the idle time, as given by @code{semantic-idle-scheduler-idle-time}
635 (@pxref{Idle Scheduler}).
637 You can override the method for getting the current tag to display by
638 setting @code{idle-summary-current-symbol-info}.
640 @deffn Option semantic-idle-summary-function
641 The value of this variable should be a function to call to display tag
642 information during idle time. See the variable
643 @code{semantic-format-tag-functions} for a list of useful functions.
646 @defvar semantic-idle-summary-out-of-context-faces
647 The value of this variable is a list of font-lock faces indicating
648 useless summary contexts. These are generally faces used to highlight
649 comments or strings. Semantic Idle Summary mode does not display its
650 usual summary if the text at point has one of these faces.
653 @node Idle Completions Mode
654 @subsection Idle Completions Mode
656 Semantic Idle Completions mode is a minor mode for performing
657 @dfn{code completions} during idle time. The completions are
658 displayed inline, with keybindings that allow you to cycle through
659 different alternatives.
661 Semantic Idle Completions mode performs completion based on the
662 Semantic Analyzer (@pxref{Analyzer}).
664 @deffn global-semantic-idle-completions-mode &optional arg
665 This command toggles Semantic Idle Completions mode in every
666 @semantic{}-enabled buffer. You can also toggle it via the @samp{Show
667 Tag Completions} menu item in the @samp{Development} menu.
670 If the tag at point has at least one completion, Semantic Idle
671 Completions mode displays that completion inline---i.e., as part of
672 the buffer text (you can change the display method by customizing
673 @code{semantic-complete-inline-analyzer-idle-displayor-class}, as
674 described below). The completed part is highlighted, to indicate that
675 it is not yet properly inserted into the buffer. The echo area shows
676 the completion, and whether there are other possible completions, like
680 besselj [1 of 6 matches]
684 While the completion is being displayed, the following keybindings
690 Accept the current completion (@code{semantic-complete-inline-done}),
691 placing it in the buffer and moving point to the end of the completed
694 Select the next possible completion
695 (@code{semantic-complete-inline-down}). The new completion is shown
696 inline, replacing the old completion.
698 Select the previous possible completion
699 (@code{semantic-complete-inline-up}).
702 Accept as much of the completion as possible. If no additional
703 completion can be accepted without ambiguity, select the next possible
704 completion (@code{semantic-complete-inline-TAB}).
706 Quit without completing (@code{semantic-complete-inline-quit}).
710 You can also exit inline completion by issuing any other Emacs
711 command. The completion text then disappears from the buffer.
713 @deffn Command semantic-complete-analyze-inline-idle
714 This is the command for performing inline code completion. It is
715 called by Semantic Idle Completions mode during idle time, but you can
716 also call it yourself. It returns immediately, leaving the buffer in
717 a state for inline completion.
720 @deffn Option semantic-complete-inline-analyzer-idle-displayor-class
721 The value of this variable determines how
722 @code{semantic-complete-analyze-inline-idle} shows its completions.
723 Possible values include:
726 @item semantic-displayor-ghost
727 Display completions ``inline'' with the buffer text, as described
728 above. This is the default value.
730 @item semantic-displayor-tooltip
731 Display completions in a tooltip.
733 @item semantic-displayor-traditional
734 Display completions in a separate window.
742 The Semantic Analyzer is a library for performing context analysis on
743 source code. It provides user commands for displaying, completing,
744 and navigating through source code.
747 * Smart Completion:: Performing code completion.
748 * Smart Summary:: Displaying help on a symbol.
749 * Smart Jump:: Jumping to the definition of a tag.
750 * Analyzer Debug:: Debugging problems with the analyzer.
753 @node Smart Completion
754 @subsection Smart Completion
756 The Semantic Analyzer can be used to perform code completion in a
757 manner that takes the local context into account. (In addition to the
758 user commands in this section, Semantic Idle Completions mode also
759 uses the Semantic Analyzer. @xref{Idle Completions Mode}.)
761 @deffn Command semantic-analyze-possible-completions context
762 This is the most basic command for Semantic Analyzer-based completion.
763 Called interactively, it displays a list of the possible completions
764 for the symbol at point.
766 When called from a Lisp program,
767 @code{semantic-analyze-possible-completions} does not display a
768 completions list. The argument @var{context} should be either a
769 buffer position, or a context object. The return value is a list of
770 @semantic{} tag objects that complete the symbol for @var{context},
771 based on the following criteria:
774 @item Elements currently in scope.
775 @item Constants currently in scope.
776 @item Elements matching the context's @code{:prefix}.
777 @item Type of the completion matching the type of the context.
780 Most of the other commands documented in this section call
781 @code{semantic-analyze-possible-completions} internally.
784 @deffn Command semantic-complete-analyze-inline
785 This command is bound to @kbd{C-c , @key{SPC}} when Semantic mode is
786 enabled (@pxref{Semantic mode user commands}). It displays a list of
787 possible completions for the symbol at point, and activates a special
788 set of keybindings for choosing a completion.
790 You can type @key{RET} to accept the current completion, @kbd{M-n} and
791 @kbd{M-p} to cycle through the possible completions, @key{TAB} to
792 complete as far as possible and then cycle through completions, and
793 either @kbd{C-g} or any other key to abort the completion.
795 This command is similar to the completion performed by Semantic Idle
796 Completions mode. The main difference is that it is called
797 explicitly, whereas Semantic Idle Completions mode completes during
798 idle time (@pxref{Idle Completions Mode}).
801 @deffn Option semantic-complete-inline-analyzer-idle-displayor-class
802 The value of this variable determines how
803 @code{semantic-complete-analyze-inline} shows its completions.
804 Possible values include:
807 @item semantic-displayor-traditional
808 Display completions in a separate window. This is the default value.
810 @item semantic-displayor-ghost
811 Display completions ``inline'' with the buffer text, similar to the
812 default behavior of Semantic Idle Completions mode (@pxref{Idle
815 @item semantic-displayor-tooltip
816 Display completions in a tooltip.
820 In addition to @code{semantic-complete-analyze-inline}, you can use
821 the simpler command @code{semantic-ia-complete-symbol point}. This
822 behaves like the usual @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} (@code{complete-symbol})
823 command (@pxref{Symbol Completion,,,emacs,Emacs manual}), except it
824 uses the Semantic Analyzer.
826 @deffn Command semantic-ia-complete-symbol point
827 Complete the current symbol at @var{point}.
831 @subsection Smart Summary
833 You can use the following commands to obtain information about the
836 @deffn Command semantic-ia-show-summary pos
837 Display a summary for the symbol at @var{pos}. Called interactively,
838 @var{pos} defaults to point.
841 @deffn Command semantic-ia-show-doc pos
842 Display the code-level documentation for the symbol at @var{pos}.
843 Called interactively, @var{pos} defaults to point.
846 @deffn Command semantic-ia-describe-class typename
847 Prompt for the name of a data type, @var{typename}, and display its
848 components. For instance, if the type in question is a class, this
849 displays the methods and member variables.
852 You can also use Semantic Idle Summary mode to show information about
853 the current symbol in the echo area during idle time. @xref{Idle
857 @subsection Smart Jump
859 The Semantic Analyzer can be used to jump directly to the definition
862 @deffn Command semantic-ia-fast-jump pos
863 Jump to the definition for the symbol at @var{pos}. Called
864 interactively, @var{pos} defaults to point.
867 @defun semantic-ia-fast-mouse-jump event
868 Jump to the definition for the symbol at the position of the mouse
869 event @var{event}. This command is meant to be bound to a mouse
873 (global-set-key '[(S-mouse-1)] semantic-ia-fast-mouse-jump)
877 These commands are often more accurate than the @code{xref-find-definitions}
878 command (@pxref{Looking Up Identifiers,,,emacs,Emacs manual}), because
879 the Semantic Analyzer is context-sensitive.
881 You can also use @kbd{C-c , j} (@code{semantic-complete-jump-local})
882 and @kbd{C-c , J} (@code{semantic-complete-jump}) to navigate tags.
883 @xref{Semantic mode user commands}. Those commands do not make use of
884 the Semantic Analyzer.
887 @subsection Debugging the Semantic Analyzer
889 If the Semantic Analyzer does not analyze your code properly, you can
890 take steps to identify and solve the problem. This section was
891 written with C/C++ in mind, but should be relevant for any typed
894 @subsubsection Step 1: Check the context
896 To check the current context, type @kbd{M-x
897 semantic-analyze-current-context}.
899 @deffn Command semantic-analyze-current-context pos
900 Analyze the context at @var{pos}. This function is used by most of
901 the other Semantic Analyzer commands to obtain the context of the code
902 at a given buffer position. The return value is an EIEIO object
903 describing the context at @var{pos} (@pxref{Top,,,eieio,EIEIO
906 When called interactively, this displays a @file{*Semantic Context
907 Analysis*} buffer containing a summary of the context at point.
911 The Prefix section of the @file{*Semantic Context Analysis*} buffer
912 lists the tags based on the text at point. If it shows only a simple
913 string, the Semantic was unable to identify what the data type was.
915 The first item in the list of the prefix is the first lookup failure
916 in the chain, and that is the item to focus debugging effort on. For
920 Context Type: #<semantic-analyze-context context>
923 int bbb (const char* y)
924 Prefix Types: class Foo @{@}
926 -> Local Vars: int argc
930 In this example you can see that the prefix has two fully found tags.
931 In the following example, the symbol ``bbb'' is incomplete, and could
935 Context Type: #<semantic-analyze-context context>
939 Prefix Classes: 'function
941 Prefix Types: class Foo @{@}
943 -> Local Vars: int argc
947 @subsubsection Step 2 : Check your include path
949 Once you know the missing symbol, check your include path. The header
950 or include file containing the needed definition may not be in the
951 list of headers @semantic{} is searching through. To get a basic
952 list, you can use @kbd{M-x semanticdb-find-test-translate-path}.
953 @xref{Semanticdb search debugging commands}.
955 If items should be loaded but aren't, or if you see some tables that
956 have no tags in them, then you you may have an incorrectly-set search
957 throttle (@pxref{Search Throttle}). For example,
960 *#<semanticdb-table main.cpp (4 tags DIRTY)>
961 *#<semanticdb-table foo.hh (0 tags DIRTY)>
964 Here, @semantic{} found @file{foo.hh}, but there are 0 tags. This may
965 be because you had set the throttle to avoid reading and parsing files
966 that Emacs has not visited. To fix this, visit the file and let
967 @semantic{} parse it.
969 For C++, check also that the @samp{#include} statements for your
970 project-level files use quotes, not angle brackets; angle brackets are
973 @subsubsection Step 3: Check the local scope
975 If your data type is somehow abbreviated based on scope, such as from
976 a @code{using} statement, you should make sure that the symbol you
977 want is in the local scope. Examine the scope with @kbd{M-x
978 semantic-calculate-scope}. The scope structure is displayed in ADEBUG
979 mode, so use @kbd{SPC} to expand different elements and looking for
982 If your symbol should be in the scope, but you cannot find it, then
983 you may have found a language support bug in the local-variable
984 parser, or using statement parser.
986 Calling @kbd{M-x bovinate} should force a reset on the scope in case
987 there is merely some bad state.
991 ] Class: #'semantic-scope-cache
992 ] :table #<semanticdb-table testsubclass.cpp (13 tags DIRTY)>
993 ] tag createMoose : class moose
995 ] parents #<TAG LIST: 1 entries>
996 ] scope #<TAG LIST: 22 entries>
997 ] fullscope #<TAG LIST: 23 entries>
998 ] localvar #<TAG LIST: 6 entries>
1001 In the above sample output, the @code{tag} slot specifies where within
1002 you source this scope is relevant. @code{Parents} should contain any
1003 in scope parents, such as the class a method belongs to.
1004 @code{Localvar} should contain your local variables. @code{Scope}
1005 should contain datatypes in scope due to a @code{using} statement or
1008 @subsubsection Step 4: Check the typecache
1010 For complex typed languages like C++, @semantic{} creates a typecache,
1011 or an optimized search table with all the various data types in it.
1012 Elements in the typecache do not obey local scope. It only contains
1013 fully qualified names. You can examine the typecache with
1014 @kbd{M-x semanticdb-typecache-dump}.
1016 If your data types are not in the typecache, there may be some parsing
1017 error or other bug. Calling @kbd{M-x bovinate} should force a reset on
1018 the typecache in case there is merely some bad state.
1021 ]#<semanticdb-typecache /home/zappo/cedet/semantic/tests/testsubclass.cpp>
1022 ] Name: /home/zappo/cedet/semantic/tests/testsubclass.cpp
1023 ] Class: #'semanticdb-typecache
1025 ] includestream #<TAG LIST: 84 entries>
1030 In the above example, the output of @kbd{M-x semanticdb-typecache-dump}
1031 was expanded one level. The @code{filestream} slot should contain
1032 datatypes in the current file. The @code{includestream} should
1033 contain all the datatypes in all included header files.
1035 The @code{dependants} slot will specify other files that depend on
1038 @subsubsection Step 5: Check the parser
1040 Go to the location where your unfound tag should be. You can call
1041 @kbd{M-x bovinate}, and see a dump of the raw tag structure. To see a
1042 navigable tree, use @kbd{M-x semantic-adebug-bovinate} instead. You
1043 can then look to make sure your tag has been properly parsed.
1045 If it has not, then you may have found a parser bug. To get a feel
1046 how @semantic{} treats your file, type @kbd{M-x
1047 global-semantic-show-unmatched-syntax-mode}. This causes any syntax
1048 it cannot parse to be underlined in red.
1050 If your type is not parsable, it could be for a couple of reasons:
1054 If there is a MACRO keyword used in the definition of the type, you
1055 may need to update the @code{semantic-lex-c-preprocessor-symbol-map}
1059 Or perhaps the parser needs to be fixed.
1066 You can integrate @semantic{} with the Speedbar.
1067 @xref{Speedbar,,,emacs,Emacs manual}. To do this, add the following
1068 line to your init file:
1071 (add-hook 'speedbar-load-hook (lambda () (require 'semantic/sb)))
1078 (require 'semantic/sb)
1081 Once installed, the Speedbar will use @semantic{} to find and display
1082 tags. Tags from @semantic{} are displayed with more details than
1083 ordinary Speedbar tags, such as function arguments and return type.
1085 In addition, you can use the Speedbar to show the output of the
1086 Semantic Analyzer (@pxref{Analyzer}). To do this, go to the
1087 @samp{Display} menu item on the Speedbar menu and select
1088 @samp{Analyze}; or type @kbd{M-x semantic-speedbar-analysis}.
1090 @deffn Command semantic-speedbar-analysis
1091 Start the Speedbar in Semantic Analysis mode.
1094 In Semantic Analysis mode, the Speedbar displays information about the
1095 local context, such as the current function, local arguments and
1096 variables, and details on the prefix (the current symbol). Each entry
1097 has an @samp{<i>} button; clicking on this shows a summary of what
1098 @semantic{} knows about that variable or type. The Speedbar also
1099 displays a list of possible completions at point.
1102 @section Symbol References
1105 @semantic{} can interface with external @dfn{symbol reference tools},
1106 such as GNU Global and GNU Idutils. These tools provide information
1107 about where different tags or symbols appear.
1109 By default, @semantic{} tries to look for the best external symbol
1110 reference tool that can be used. The supported tools are GNU Global,
1111 GNU Idutils, CScope, and Grep (the fallback method). For best
1112 results, use GNU Global. However, @semantic{} does not manage your
1113 GNU Global tables for you; you must manage them yourself.
1115 @defvar semantic-symref-tool
1116 The value of this variable is a symbol that determines the external
1117 symbol reference tool to use. The default value, @code{detect}, says
1118 to look for the best available tool. Other possible values are
1119 @code{global}, @code{idutils}, @code{cscope}, and @code{grep}. Note
1120 that @code{grep} is much slower than the others.
1123 The commands to display symbol references are @kbd{C-c , g}
1124 (@code{semantic-symref-symbol} and @kbd{C-c , G}
1125 (@code{semantic-symref}). These keybindings are available whenever
1126 Semantic mode is enabled (@pxref{Semantic mode user commands}).
1128 @deffn Command semantic-symref-symbol sym
1129 This command (normally bound to @kbd{C-c , g}) prompts for a symbol
1130 name, and uses an external reference tool to find references to that
1134 @deffn Command semantic-symref
1135 This command (normally bound to @kbd{C-c , G}) uses an external
1136 reference tool to find references to the current tag.
1139 Both @code{semantic-symref-symbol} and @code{semantic-symref} display
1140 a list of symbol references in a separate buffer. The entries are
1141 organized by file, and by function name. Typing @key{RET} on the
1142 @samp{[+]} next to each function name ``expands'' that entry, listing
1143 all references to the target symbol occurring within that function.
1144 Typing @kbd{RET} on a reference line jumps to that reference.
1147 @section MRU Bookmarks mode
1148 @cindex semantic-mru-bookmark-mode
1150 Semantic MRU Bookmarks mode is a minor mode that keeps track of the
1151 tags you have edited, allowing you to quickly return to them later
1152 (MRU stands for ``Most Recently Used'').
1154 @deffn Command global-semantic-mru-bookmark-mode &optional arg
1155 Toggle Semantic MRU Bookmarks mode globally. The minor mode can be
1156 turned on only if the current buffer was set up for parsing. With
1157 argument @var{arg}, turn the minor mode if @var{arg} is positive, and
1161 Semantic MRU Bookmarks mode takes note of each tag you edit.
1162 Afterwards, you can type @kbd{C-x B}
1163 (@code{semantic-mrub-switch-tags}) to return to a tag. This command
1164 prompts for a tag name, completing with the names of edited tags; at
1165 the prompt, you can use @kbd{M-p} and @kbd{M-n} to cycle through tags
1166 in order of last modification time.
1168 @node Sticky Func Mode
1169 @section Sticky Function mode
1171 Semantic Sticky Function minor mode displays a header line that shows
1172 the declaration line of the function or tag on the topmost line in the
1173 text area. This allows you to keep that declaration line in view at
1174 all times, even if it is scrolls off the ``top'' of the screen.
1176 In addition, clicking @kbd{mouse-1} on the header line opens a context
1177 menu that contains menu items for copying, killing, or narrowing to
1180 @deffn Command global-semantic-stickyfunc-mode &optional arg
1181 Toggle Semantic Sticky Function mode in all Semantic-enabled buffers.
1182 With an optional argument @var{arg}, enable if @var{arg} is positive,
1183 and disable otherwise.
1186 @defvar semantic-stickyfunc-sticky-classes
1187 The value of this variable is a list of tag classes that Semantic
1188 Sticky Function mode makes ``sticky''. The default is
1189 @code{'(function type)}, meaning function declarations and type
1190 declarations. Other possible tag classes are @code{variable},
1191 @code{include}, and @code{package}.
1194 @node Highlight Func Mode
1195 @section Highlight Func Mode
1196 @cindex semantic-highlight-func-mode
1198 Semantic Highlight Function minor mode highlights the declaration line
1199 of the current function or tag (that is to say, the first line that
1200 describes the rest of the construct).
1202 In addition, clicking @kbd{mouse-3} on the highlighted declaration
1203 line opens a context menu that contains menu items for copying,
1204 killing, or narrowing to that tag.
1206 The tag classes highlighted by Semantic Highlight Function mode are
1207 the same ones given by @code{semantic-stickyfunc-sticky-classes}.
1208 @xref{Sticky Func Mode}.
1210 @defun global-semantic-highlight-func-mode &optional arg
1211 Toggle Semantic Highlight Function mode in all Semantic-enabled
1212 buffers. With an optional argument @var{arg}, enable if @var{arg} is
1213 positive, and disable otherwise.
1216 @deffn Face semantic-highlight-func-current-tag-face
1217 This face is used to highlight declaration lines in Semantic Highlight
1221 @node Tag Decoration Mode
1222 @section Tag Decoration Mode
1223 @cindex semantic-decoration-mode
1225 Semantic Tag Decoration mode ``decorates'' each tag based on certain
1226 arbitrary features of that tag. Decorations are specified using the
1227 variable @code{semantic-decoration-styles}.
1229 @deffn Command global-semantic-decoration-mode &optional arg
1230 Toggle Semantic Tag Decoration mode in all Semantic-enabled buffers.
1231 With an optional argument @var{arg}, enable if @var{arg} is positive,
1232 and disable otherwise.
1235 @defvar semantic-decoration-styles
1236 The value of this variable is a list of decoration styles for Semantic
1237 Tag Decoration mode. Each element in this list should have the form
1238 @code{(@var{name} . @var{flag})}, where @var{name} is a style name (a
1239 symbol) and @var{flag} is non-@code{nil} if the style is enabled.
1241 The following styles are available:
1244 @item semantic-tag-boundary
1245 Place an overline in front of each long tag (excluding prototypes).
1247 @item semantic-decoration-on-private-members
1248 Highlight class members that are designated as private.
1250 @item semantic-decoration-on-protected-members
1251 Highlight class members that are designated as protected.
1253 @item semantic-decoration-on-includes
1254 Highlight class members that are includes. Clicking on the
1255 highlighted include statements opens a context menu for configuring
1256 @semantic{} includes.
1260 To enable or disable specific decorations, use this function:
1262 @deffn Command semantic-toggle-decoration-style name &optional arg
1263 Prompt for a decoration style, @var{name}, and turn it on or off.
1264 With prefix argument @var{arg}, turn on if positive, otherwise off.
1265 Return non-@code{nil} if the decoration style is enabled.
1268 @deffn Face semantic-tag-boundary-face
1269 Face for long tags in the @code{semantic-tag-boundary} decoration
1273 @deffn Face semantic-decoration-on-private-members-face
1274 Face for privately-scoped tags in the
1275 @code{semantic-decoration-on-private-members} decoration style.
1278 @deffn Face semantic-decoration-on-protected-members-face
1279 Face for protected tags in the
1280 @code{semantic-decoration-on-protected-members} decoration style.
1283 @deffn Face semantic-decoration-on-includes
1284 Face for includes that are not in some other state, in the
1285 @code{semantic-decoration-on-includes} decoration style.
1288 @deffn Face semantic-decoration-on-unknown-includes
1289 Face for includes that cannot be found, in the
1290 @code{semantic-decoration-on-includes} decoration style.
1293 @deffn Face semantic-decoration-on-unparsed-includes
1294 Face for includes that have not yet been parsed, in the
1295 @code{semantic-decoration-on-includes} decoration style.
1298 @subsection Creating New Decoration Modes
1300 You can create new types of decorations using the following function:
1302 @defun define-semantic-decoration-style name doc &rest flags
1303 Define a new decoration style with @var{name}.
1304 @var{doc} is a documentation string describing the decoration style @var{name}.
1305 It is appended to auto-generated doc strings.
1306 An optional list of @var{flags} can also be specified. Flags are:
1307 @code{:enabled} <value> - specify the default enabled value for @var{name}.
1310 This defines two new overload functions respectively called @code{NAME-p}
1311 and @code{NAME-highlight}, for which you must provide a default
1312 implementation in respectively the functions @code{NAME-p-default} and
1313 @code{NAME-highlight-default}. Those functions are passed a tag. @code{NAME-p}
1314 must return non-@code{nil} to indicate that the tag should be decorated by
1315 @code{NAME-highlight}.
1317 To put primary decorations on a tag @code{NAME-highlight}, use
1318 functions like @dfn{semantic-set-tag-face},
1319 @dfn{semantic-set-tag-intangible}, etc., found in the
1320 semantic-decorate library.
1322 To add other kind of decorations on a tag, @code{NAME-highlight} must use
1323 @dfn{semantic-decorate-tag}, and other functions of the semantic
1324 decoration @var{api} found in this library.