1 @c This is part of the Emacs manual.
2 @c Copyright (C) 1985, 1986, 1987, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2001,
3 @c 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
4 @c See file emacs.texi for copying conditions.
5 @node Building, Maintaining, Programs, Top
6 @chapter Compiling and Testing Programs
7 @cindex building programs
8 @cindex program building
9 @cindex running Lisp functions
11 The previous chapter discusses the Emacs commands that are useful for
12 making changes in programs. This chapter deals with commands that assist
13 in the larger process of developing and maintaining programs.
16 * Compilation:: Compiling programs in languages other
17 than Lisp (C, Pascal, etc.).
18 * Compilation Mode:: The mode for visiting compiler errors.
19 * Compilation Shell:: Customizing your shell properly
20 for use in the compilation buffer.
21 * Grep Searching:: Searching with grep.
22 * Flymake:: Finding syntax errors on the fly.
23 * Debuggers:: Running symbolic debuggers for non-Lisp programs.
24 * Executing Lisp:: Various modes for editing Lisp programs,
25 with different facilities for running
27 * Libraries: Lisp Libraries. Creating Lisp programs to run in Emacs.
28 * Eval: Lisp Eval. Executing a single Lisp expression in Emacs.
29 * Interaction: Lisp Interaction. Executing Lisp in an Emacs buffer.
30 * External Lisp:: Communicating through Emacs with a separate Lisp.
34 @section Running Compilations under Emacs
35 @cindex inferior process
37 @cindex compilation errors
40 Emacs can run compilers for noninteractive languages such as C and
41 Fortran as inferior processes, feeding the error log into an Emacs buffer.
42 It can also parse the error messages and show you the source lines where
43 compilation errors occurred.
47 Run a compiler asynchronously under Emacs, with error messages going to
48 the @samp{*compilation*} buffer.
50 Invoke a compiler with the same command as in the last invocation of
52 @item M-x kill-compilation
53 Kill the running compilation subprocess.
57 To run @code{make} or another compilation command, do @kbd{M-x
58 compile}. This command reads a shell command line using the minibuffer,
59 and then executes the command in an inferior shell, putting output in
60 the buffer named @samp{*compilation*}. The current buffer's default
61 directory is used as the working directory for the execution of the
62 command; normally, therefore, the compilation happens in this
65 @vindex compile-command
66 The default for the compilation command is normally @samp{make -k},
67 which is correct most of the time for nontrivial programs.
68 (@xref{Top,, Make, make, GNU Make Manual}.) If you have done @kbd{M-x
69 compile} before, the default each time is the command you used the
70 previous time. @code{compile} stores this command in the variable
71 @code{compile-command}, so setting that variable specifies the default
72 for the next use of @kbd{M-x compile}. If a file specifies a file
73 local value for @code{compile-command}, that provides the default when
74 you type @kbd{M-x compile} in that file's buffer. @xref{File
77 Starting a compilation displays the buffer @samp{*compilation*} in
78 another window but does not select it. The buffer's mode line tells
79 you whether compilation is finished, with the word @samp{run},
80 @samp{signal} or @samp{exit} inside the parentheses. You do not have
81 to keep this buffer visible; compilation continues in any case. While
82 a compilation is going on, the string @samp{Compiling} appears in the
83 mode lines of all windows. When this string disappears, the
84 compilation is finished.
86 If you want to watch the compilation transcript as it appears, switch
87 to the @samp{*compilation*} buffer and move point to the end of the
88 buffer. When point is at the end, new compilation output is inserted
89 above point, which remains at the end. If point is not at the end of
90 the buffer, it remains fixed while more compilation output is added at
91 the end of the buffer.
93 @cindex compilation buffer, keeping current position at the end
94 @vindex compilation-scroll-output
95 If you set the variable @code{compilation-scroll-output} to a
96 non-@code{nil} value, then the compilation buffer always scrolls to
97 follow output as it comes in.
99 @findex kill-compilation
100 When the compiler process terminates, for whatever reason, the mode
101 line of the @samp{*compilation*} buffer changes to say @samp{exit}
102 (followed by the exit code, @samp{[0]} for a normal exit), or
103 @samp{signal} (if a signal terminated the process), instead of
104 @samp{run}. Starting a new compilation also kills any running
105 compilation, as only one can exist at any time. However, @kbd{M-x
106 compile} asks for confirmation before actually killing a compilation
107 that is running. You can also kill the compilation process with
108 @kbd{M-x kill-compilation}.
111 To rerun the last compilation with the same command, type @kbd{M-x
112 recompile}. This automatically reuses the compilation command from
113 the last invocation of @kbd{M-x compile}. It also reuses the
114 @samp{*compilation*} buffer and starts the compilation in its default
115 directory, which is the directory in which the previous compilation
118 Emacs does not expect a compiler process to launch asynchronous
119 subprocesses; if it does, and they keep running after the main
120 compiler process has terminated, Emacs may kill them or their output
121 may not arrive in Emacs. To avoid this problem, make the main process
122 wait for its subprocesses to finish. In a shell script, you can do this
123 using @samp{$!} and @samp{wait}, like this:
126 (sleep 10; echo 2nd)& pid=$! # @r{Record pid of subprocess}
128 wait $pid # @r{Wait for subprocess}
131 If the background process does not output to the compilation buffer,
132 so you only need to prevent it from being killed when the main
133 compilation process terminates, this is sufficient:
136 nohup @var{command}; sleep 1
139 @vindex compilation-environment
140 You can control the environment passed to the compilation command
141 with the variable @code{compilation-environment}. Its value is a list
142 of environment variable settings; each element should be a string of
143 the form @code{"@var{envvarname}=@var{value}"}. These environment
144 variable settings override the usual ones.
146 @node Compilation Mode
147 @section Compilation Mode
149 @findex compile-goto-error
150 @cindex Compilation mode
151 @cindex mode, Compilation
152 The @samp{*compilation*} buffer uses a special major mode, Compilation
153 mode, whose main feature is to provide a convenient way to look at the
154 source line where the error happened.
160 Visit the locus of the next compiler error message or @code{grep} match.
163 Visit the locus of the previous compiler error message or @code{grep} match.
165 Visit the locus of the error message that point is on.
166 This command is used in the compilation buffer.
168 Visit the locus of the error message that you click on.
170 Find and highlight the locus of the next error message, without
171 selecting the source buffer.
173 Find and highlight the locus of the previous error message, without
174 selecting the source buffer.
176 Move point to the next error for a different file than the current
179 Move point to the previous error for a different file than the current
182 Toggle Next Error Follow minor mode, which makes cursor motion in the
183 compilation buffer produce automatic source display.
190 You can visit the source for any particular error message by moving
191 point in the @samp{*compilation*} buffer to that error message and
192 typing @key{RET} (@code{compile-goto-error}). Alternatively, you can
193 click @kbd{Mouse-2} on the error message; you need not switch to the
194 @samp{*compilation*} buffer first.
196 @vindex next-error-highlight
197 To parse the compiler error messages sequentially, type @kbd{C-x `}
198 (@code{next-error}). The character following the @kbd{C-x} is the
199 backquote or ``grave accent,'' not the single-quote. This command is
200 available in all buffers, not just in @samp{*compilation*}; it
201 displays the next error message at the top of one window and source
202 location of the error in another window. It also momentarily
203 highlights the relevant source line. You can change the behavior of
204 this highlighting with the variable @code{next-error-highlight}.
206 The first time @kbd{C-x `} is used after the start of a compilation,
207 it moves to the first error's location. Subsequent uses of @kbd{C-x `}
208 advance down to subsequent errors. If you visit a specific error
209 message with @key{RET} or @kbd{Mouse-2}, subsequent @kbd{C-x `}
210 commands advance from there. When @kbd{C-x `} gets to the end of the
211 buffer and finds no more error messages to visit, it fails and signals
214 @vindex compilation-skip-threshold
215 By default, @kbd{C-x `} skips less important messages. The variable
216 @code{compilation-skip-threshold} controls this. If its value is 2,
217 @kbd{C-x `} skips anything less than error, 1 skips anything less
218 than warning, and 0 doesn't skip any messages.
220 When the left fringe is displayed, an arrow points to the
221 current message in the compilation buffer. The variable
222 @code{compilation-context-lines} controls the number of lines of
223 leading context in the window before the current message. If it is
224 @code{nil} and the left fringe is displayed, the window doesn't
225 scroll. If there is no left fringe, no arrow is displayed and a value
226 of @code{nil} means display the message at the top of the window.
228 If you're not in the compilation buffer when you run
229 @code{next-error}, Emacs will look for a buffer that contains error
230 messages. First, it looks for one displayed in the selected frame,
231 then for one that previously had @code{next-error} called on it, and
232 then at the current buffer. Finally, Emacs looks at all the remaining
233 buffers. @code{next-error} signals an error if it can't find any such
236 @kbd{C-u C-x `} starts scanning from the beginning of the compilation
237 buffer. This is one way to process the same set of errors again.
239 @vindex compilation-error-regexp-alist
240 @vindex grep-regexp-alist
241 To parse messages from the compiler, Compilation mode uses the
242 variable @code{compilation-error-regexp-alist} which lists various
243 formats of error messages and tells Emacs how to extract the source file
244 and the line number from the text of a message. If your compiler isn't
245 supported, you can tailor Compilation mode to it by adding elements to
246 that list. A similar variable @code{grep-regexp-alist} tells Emacs how
247 to parse output of a @code{grep} command.
249 @findex compilation-next-error
250 @findex compilation-previous-error
251 @findex compilation-next-file
252 @findex compilation-previous-file
253 Compilation mode also redefines the keys @key{SPC} and @key{DEL} to
254 scroll by screenfuls, and @kbd{M-n} (@code{compilation-next-error})
255 and @kbd{M-p} (@code{compilation-previous-error}) to move to the next
256 or previous error message. You can also use @kbd{M-@{}
257 (@code{compilation-next-file} and @kbd{M-@}}
258 (@code{compilation-previous-file}) to move up or down to an error
259 message for a different source file.
261 @cindex Next Error Follow mode
262 @findex next-error-follow-minor-mode
263 You can type @kbd{C-c C-f} to toggle Next Error Follow mode. In
264 this minor mode, ordinary cursor motion in the compilation buffer
265 automatically updates the source buffer. For instance, moving the
266 cursor to the next error message causes the location of that error to
267 be displayed immediately.
269 The features of Compilation mode are also available in a minor mode
270 called Compilation Minor mode. This lets you parse error messages in
271 any buffer, not just a normal compilation output buffer. Type @kbd{M-x
272 compilation-minor-mode} to enable the minor mode. This defines the keys
273 @key{RET} and @kbd{Mouse-2}, as in the Compilation major mode.
275 Compilation minor mode works in any buffer, as long as the contents
276 are in a format that it understands. In an Rlogin buffer (@pxref{Remote
277 Host}), Compilation minor mode automatically accesses remote source
278 files by FTP (@pxref{File Names}).
280 @node Compilation Shell
281 @section Subshells for Compilation
283 Emacs uses a shell to run the compilation command, but specifies
284 the option for a noninteractive shell. This means, in particular, that
285 the shell should start with no prompt. If you find your usual shell
286 prompt making an unsightly appearance in the @samp{*compilation*}
287 buffer, it means you have made a mistake in your shell's init file by
288 setting the prompt unconditionally. (This init file's name may be
289 @file{.bashrc}, @file{.profile}, @file{.cshrc}, @file{.shrc}, or various
290 other things, depending on the shell you use.) The shell init file
291 should set the prompt only if there already is a prompt. In csh, here
295 if ($?prompt) set prompt = @dots{}
299 And here's how to do it in bash:
302 if [ "$@{PS1+set@}" = set ]
307 There may well be other things that your shell's init file
308 ought to do only for an interactive shell. You can use the same
309 method to conditionalize them.
311 The MS-DOS ``operating system'' does not support asynchronous
312 subprocesses; to work around this lack, @kbd{M-x compile} runs the
313 compilation command synchronously on MS-DOS. As a consequence, you must
314 wait until the command finishes before you can do anything else in
315 Emacs. @xref{MS-DOS}.
318 @section Searching with Grep under Emacs
320 Just as you can run a compiler from Emacs and then visit the lines
321 with compilation errors, you can also run @code{grep} and
322 then visit the lines on which matches were found. This works by
323 treating the matches reported by @code{grep} as if they were ``errors.''
327 Run @code{grep} asynchronously under Emacs, with matching lines
328 listed in the buffer named @samp{*grep*}.
331 Run @code{grep} via @code{find}, with user-specified arguments, and
332 collect output in the buffer named @samp{*grep*}.
334 Kill the running @code{grep} subprocess.
338 To run @code{grep}, type @kbd{M-x grep}, then enter a command line that
339 specifies how to run @code{grep}. Use the same arguments you would give
340 @code{grep} when running it normally: a @code{grep}-style regexp
341 (usually in single-quotes to quote the shell's special characters)
342 followed by file names, which may use wildcards. If you specify a
343 prefix argument for @kbd{M-x grep}, it figures out the tag
344 (@pxref{Tags}) around point, and puts that into the default
347 The output from @code{grep} goes in the @samp{*grep*} buffer. You
348 can find the corresponding lines in the original files using @kbd{C-x
349 `}, @key{RET}, and so forth, just like compilation errors.
351 Some grep programs accept a @samp{--color} option to output special
352 markers around matches for the purpose of highlighting. You can make
353 use of this feature by setting @code{grep-highlight-matches} to
354 @code{t}. When displaying a match in the source buffer, the exact
355 match will be highlighted, instead of the entire source line.
359 The command @kbd{M-x grep-find} (also available as @kbd{M-x
360 find-grep}) is similar to @kbd{M-x grep}, but it supplies a different
361 initial default for the command---one that runs both @code{find} and
362 @code{grep}, so as to search every file in a directory tree. See also
363 the @code{find-grep-dired} command, in @ref{Dired and Find}.
366 @section Finding Syntax Errors On The Fly
367 @cindex checking syntax
369 Flymake mode is a minor mode that performs on-the-fly syntax
370 checking for many programming and markup languages, including C, C++,
371 Perl, HTML, and @TeX{}/La@TeX{}. It is somewhat analogous to Flyspell
372 mode, which performs spell checking for ordinary human languages in a
373 similar fashion (@pxref{Spelling}). As you edit a file, Flymake mode
374 runs an appropriate syntax checking tool in the background, using a
375 temporary copy of the buffer. It then parses the error and warning
376 messages, and highlights the erroneous lines in the buffer. The
377 syntax checking tool used depends on the language; for example, for
378 C/C++ files this is usually the C compiler. Flymake can also use
379 build tools such as @code{make} for checking complicated projects.
381 To activate Flymake mode, type @kbd{M-x flymake-mode}. You can move
382 to the errors spotted by Flymake mode with @kbd{M-x
383 flymake-goto-next-error} and @kbd{M-x flymake-goto-prev-error}. To
384 display any error messages associated with the current line, use
385 @kbd{M-x flymake-display-err-menu-for-current-line}.
387 For more details about using Flymake, see @ref{Top, Flymake,
388 Flymake, flymake, The Flymake Manual}.
391 @section Running Debuggers Under Emacs
403 @c Do you believe in GUD?
404 The GUD (Grand Unified Debugger) library provides an interface to
405 various symbolic debuggers from within Emacs. We recommend the
406 debugger GDB, which is free software, but you can also run DBX, SDB or
407 XDB if you have them. GUD can also serve as an interface to Perl's
408 debugging mode, the Python debugger PDB, the bash debugger, and to
409 JDB, the Java Debugger. @xref{Debugging,, The Lisp Debugger, elisp,
410 the Emacs Lisp Reference Manual}, for information on debugging Emacs
414 * Starting GUD:: How to start a debugger subprocess.
415 * Debugger Operation:: Connection between the debugger and source buffers.
416 * Commands of GUD:: Key bindings for common commands.
417 * GUD Customization:: Defining your own commands for GUD.
418 * GDB Graphical Interface:: An enhanced mode that uses GDB features to
419 implement a graphical debugging environment through
424 @subsection Starting GUD
426 There are several commands for starting a debugger, each corresponding
427 to a particular debugger program.
430 @item M-x gdb @key{RET} @var{file} @key{RET}
432 Run GDB as a subprocess of Emacs. By default, this operates in
433 graphical mode; @xref{GDB Graphical Interface}. Graphical mode
434 does not support any other debuggers.
436 @item M-x dbx @key{RET} @var{file} @key{RET}
438 Similar, but run DBX instead of GDB.
440 @item M-x xdb @key{RET} @var{file} @key{RET}
442 @vindex gud-xdb-directories
443 Similar, but run XDB instead of GDB. Use the variable
444 @code{gud-xdb-directories} to specify directories to search for source
447 @item M-x sdb @key{RET} @var{file} @key{RET}
449 Similar, but run SDB instead of GDB.
451 Some versions of SDB do not mention source file names in their
452 messages. When you use them, you need to have a valid tags table
453 (@pxref{Tags}) in order for GUD to find functions in the source code.
454 If you have not visited a tags table or the tags table doesn't list one
455 of the functions, you get a message saying @samp{The sdb support
456 requires a valid tags table to work}. If this happens, generate a valid
457 tags table in the working directory and try again.
459 @item M-x bashdb @key{RET} @var{file} @key{RET}
461 Run the bash debugger to debug @var{file}, a shell script.
463 @item M-x perldb @key{RET} @var{file} @key{RET}
465 Run the Perl interpreter in debug mode to debug @var{file}, a Perl program.
467 @item M-x jdb @key{RET} @var{file} @key{RET}
469 Run the Java debugger to debug @var{file}.
471 @item M-x pdb @key{RET} @var{file} @key{RET}
473 Run the Python debugger to debug @var{file}.
476 Each of these commands takes one argument: a command line to invoke
477 the debugger. In the simplest case, specify just the name of the
478 executable file you want to debug. You may also use options that the
479 debugger supports. However, shell wildcards and variables are not
480 allowed. GUD assumes that the first argument not starting with a
481 @samp{-} is the executable file name.
483 @node Debugger Operation
484 @subsection Debugger Operation
486 @cindex fringes, and current execution line in GUD
487 When you run a debugger with GUD, the debugger uses an Emacs buffer
488 for its ordinary input and output. This is called the GUD buffer. The
489 debugger displays the source files of the program by visiting them in
490 Emacs buffers. An arrow (@samp{=>}) in one of these buffers indicates
491 the current execution line.@footnote{Under a window system, the arrow
492 appears in the left fringe of the Emacs window.} Moving point in this
493 buffer does not move the arrow.
495 You can start editing these source files at any time in the buffers
496 that display them. The arrow is not part of the file's
497 text; it appears only on the screen. If you do modify a source file,
498 keep in mind that inserting or deleting lines will throw off the arrow's
499 positioning; GUD has no way of figuring out which line corresponded
500 before your changes to the line number in a debugger message. Also,
501 you'll typically have to recompile and restart the program for your
502 changes to be reflected in the debugger's tables.
504 If you wish, you can control your debugger process entirely through the
505 debugger buffer, which uses a variant of Shell mode. All the usual
506 commands for your debugger are available, and you can use the Shell mode
507 history commands to repeat them. @xref{Shell Mode}.
509 @cindex tooltips with GUD
510 @vindex tooltip-gud-modes
511 @vindex gud-tooltip-mode
512 @vindex gud-tooltip-echo-area
513 The Tooltip facility (@pxref{Tooltips}) provides support for GUD@.
514 You activate this feature by turning on the minor mode
515 @code{gud-tooltip-mode}. Then you can display a variable's value in a
516 tooltip simply by pointing at it with the mouse. In graphical mode,
517 with a C program, you can also display the @code{#define} directive
518 associated with an identifier when the program is not executing. This
519 operates in the GUD buffer and in source buffers with major modes in
520 the list @code{gud-tooltip-modes}. If the variable
521 @code{gud-tooltip-echo-area} is non-@code{nil} then the variable's
522 value is displayed in the echo area.
524 With GDB in text command mode (@pxref{GDB Graphical Interface}),
525 it is possible that use of GUD tooltips can cause a function to be
526 called with harmful side-effects. In this case, Emacs disables
529 @node Commands of GUD
530 @subsection Commands of GUD
532 The GUD interaction buffer uses a variant of Shell mode, so the
533 commands of Shell mode are available (@pxref{Shell Mode}). GUD mode
534 also provides commands for setting and clearing breakpoints, for
535 selecting stack frames, and for stepping through the program. These
536 commands are available both in the GUD buffer and globally, but with
537 different key bindings. It also has its own tool bar from which you
538 can invoke the more common commands by clicking on the appropriate
539 icon. This is particularly useful for repetitive commands like
540 gud-next and gud-step and allows the user to hide the GUD buffer.
542 The breakpoint commands are normally used in source file buffers,
543 because that is the easiest way to specify where to set or clear the
544 breakpoint. Here's the global command to set a breakpoint:
549 Set a breakpoint on the source line that point is on.
552 @kindex C-x C-a @r{(GUD)}
553 Here are the other special commands provided by GUD. The keys
554 starting with @kbd{C-c} are available only in the GUD interaction
555 buffer. The key bindings that start with @kbd{C-x C-a} are available in
556 the GUD interaction buffer and also in source files.
560 @kindex C-c C-l @r{(GUD)}
563 Display in another window the last line referred to in the GUD
564 buffer (that is, the line indicated in the last location message).
565 This runs the command @code{gud-refresh}.
568 @kindex C-c C-s @r{(GUD)}
571 Execute a single line of code (@code{gud-step}). If the line contains
572 a function call, execution stops after entering the called function.
575 @kindex C-c C-n @r{(GUD)}
578 Execute a single line of code, stepping across entire function calls
579 at full speed (@code{gud-next}).
582 @kindex C-c C-i @r{(GUD)}
585 Execute a single machine instruction (@code{gud-stepi}).
589 @kindex C-c C-r @r{(GUD)}
592 Continue execution without specifying any stopping point. The program
593 will run until it hits a breakpoint, terminates, or gets a signal that
594 the debugger is checking for (@code{gud-cont}).
598 @kindex C-c C-d @r{(GUD)}
601 Delete the breakpoint(s) on the current source line, if any
602 (@code{gud-remove}). If you use this command in the GUD interaction
603 buffer, it applies to the line where the program last stopped.
606 @kindex C-c C-t @r{(GUD)}
609 Set a temporary breakpoint on the current source line, if any.
610 If you use this command in the GUD interaction buffer,
611 it applies to the line where the program last stopped.
614 The above commands are common to all supported debuggers. If you are
615 using GDB or (some versions of) DBX, these additional commands are available:
619 @kindex C-c < @r{(GUD)}
622 Select the next enclosing stack frame (@code{gud-up}). This is
623 equivalent to the @samp{up} command.
626 @kindex C-c > @r{(GUD)}
629 Select the next inner stack frame (@code{gud-down}). This is
630 equivalent to the @samp{down} command.
633 If you are using GDB, these additional key bindings are available:
637 @kindex C-c C-r @r{(GUD)}
640 Start execution of the program (@code{gud-run}).
643 @kindex C-c C-u @r{(GUD)}
646 Continue execution to the current line. The program will run until
647 it hits a breakpoint, terminates, gets a signal that the debugger is
648 checking for, or reaches the line on which the cursor currently sits
652 @kindex TAB @r{(GUD)}
653 @findex gud-gdb-complete-command
654 With GDB, complete a symbol name (@code{gud-gdb-complete-command}).
655 This key is available only in the GUD interaction buffer, and requires
656 GDB versions 4.13 and later.
659 @kindex C-c C-f @r{(GUD)}
662 Run the program until the selected stack frame returns (or until it
663 stops for some other reason).
666 @kindex C-x C-a C-j @r{(GUD)}
668 Only useful in a source buffer, (@code{gud-jump}) transfers the
669 program's execution point to the current line. In other words, the
670 next line that the program executes will be the one where you gave the
671 command. If the new execution line is in a different function from
672 the previously one, GDB prompts for confirmation since the results may
673 be bizarre. See the GDB manual entry regarding @code{jump} for
677 These commands interpret a numeric argument as a repeat count, when
680 Because @key{TAB} serves as a completion command, you can't use it to
681 enter a tab as input to the program you are debugging with GDB.
682 Instead, type @kbd{C-q @key{TAB}} to enter a tab.
684 @node GUD Customization
685 @subsection GUD Customization
687 @vindex gdb-mode-hook
688 @vindex dbx-mode-hook
689 @vindex sdb-mode-hook
690 @vindex xdb-mode-hook
691 @vindex perldb-mode-hook
692 @vindex pdb-mode-hook
693 @vindex jdb-mode-hook
694 On startup, GUD runs one of the following hooks: @code{gdb-mode-hook},
695 if you are using GDB; @code{dbx-mode-hook}, if you are using DBX;
696 @code{sdb-mode-hook}, if you are using SDB; @code{xdb-mode-hook}, if you
697 are using XDB; @code{perldb-mode-hook}, for Perl debugging mode;
698 @code{pdb-mode-hook}, for PDB; @code{jdb-mode-hook}, for JDB. You can
699 use these hooks to define custom key bindings for the debugger
700 interaction buffer. @xref{Hooks}.
702 Here is a convenient way to define a command that sends a particular
703 command string to the debugger, and set up a key binding for it in the
704 debugger interaction buffer:
708 (gud-def @var{function} @var{cmdstring} @var{binding} @var{docstring})
711 This defines a command named @var{function} which sends
712 @var{cmdstring} to the debugger process, and gives it the documentation
713 string @var{docstring}. You can then use the command @var{function} in any
714 buffer. If @var{binding} is non-@code{nil}, @code{gud-def} also binds
715 the command to @kbd{C-c @var{binding}} in the GUD buffer's mode and to
716 @kbd{C-x C-a @var{binding}} generally.
718 The command string @var{cmdstring} may contain certain
719 @samp{%}-sequences that stand for data to be filled in at the time
720 @var{function} is called:
724 The name of the current source file. If the current buffer is the GUD
725 buffer, then the ``current source file'' is the file that the program
727 @c This said, ``the name of the file the program counter was in at the last breakpoint.''
728 @c But I suspect it is really the last stop file.
731 The number of the current source line. If the current buffer is the GUD
732 buffer, then the ``current source line'' is the line that the program
736 The text of the C lvalue or function-call expression at or adjacent to point.
739 The text of the hexadecimal address at or adjacent to point.
742 The numeric argument of the called function, as a decimal number. If
743 the command is used without a numeric argument, @samp{%p} stands for the
746 If you don't use @samp{%p} in the command string, the command you define
747 ignores any numeric argument.
750 @node GDB Graphical Interface
751 @subsection GDB Graphical Interface
753 @findex gdb-mouse-set-clear-breakpoint
754 @findex gdb-mouse-toggle-breakpoint
755 By default, the command @code{gdb} starts GDB using a graphical
756 interface where you view and control the program's data using Emacs
757 windows. You can still interact with GDB through the GUD buffer, but
758 the point of this mode is that you can do it through menus and clicks,
759 without needing to know GDB commands. For example, you can click
760 @kbd{Mouse-1} in the fringe or display margin of a source buffer to
761 set a breakpoint there and, on a graphical display, a red bullet will
762 appear. If a breakpoint already exists on that line, this action will
763 remove it. You can also enable or disable a breakpoint by clicking
764 @kbd{Mouse-3} on the bullet. If you drag the debugger arrow in the
765 fringe with @kbd{Mouse-1}, execution will continue to the line where
766 you release the button, provided it is still in the same frame
767 (@code{gdb-mouse-until}). Alternatively, you can click @kbd{Mouse-2}
768 at some point in the fringe of this buffer and execution will advance
771 This mode requires that GDB think that the screen size is unlimited,
772 and sets the height and width accordingly. For correct operation it
773 is important that you don't change these values during the session.
775 @vindex gud-gdb-command-name
777 You can also run GDB in text command mode, which creates a buffer
778 for input and output to GDB. To do this, set
779 @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to @code{"gdb --fullname"} or edit the
780 startup command in the minibuffer to say that. You need to do use
781 text command mode to run multiple debugging sessions within one Emacs
782 session. If you have customized @code{gud-gdb-command-name} in that
783 way, then you can use @kbd{M-x gdba} to invoke GDB in graphical mode.
786 * GDB User Interface Layout:: Control the number of displayed buffers.
787 * Breakpoints Buffer:: A breakpoint control panel.
788 * Stack Buffer:: Select a frame from the call stack.
789 * Watch Expressions:: Monitor variable values in the speedbar.
790 * Other GDB User Interface Buffers:: Input/output, locals, registers,
791 assembler, threads and memory buffers.
794 @node GDB User Interface Layout
795 @subsubsection GDB User Interface Layout
796 @cindex GDB User Interface layout
798 @findex gdb-many-windows
799 @vindex gdb-many-windows
801 If the variable @code{gdb-many-windows} is @code{nil} (the default
802 value) then gdb just pops up the GUD buffer unless the variable
803 @code{gdb-show-main} is non-@code{nil}. In this case it starts with
804 two windows: one displaying the GUD buffer and the other with the
805 source file with the main routine of the inferior.
807 If @code{gdb-many-windows} is non-@code{nil}, regardless of the value of
808 @code{gdb-show-main}, the layout below will appear unless
809 @code{gdb-use-inferior-io-buffer} is @code{nil}. In this case the
810 source buffer occupies the full width of the frame.
813 +--------------------------------+--------------------------------+
815 | GUD buffer (I/O of GDB) | Locals buffer |
817 |--------------------------------+--------------------------------+
819 | Source buffer | I/O buffer (of inferior) |
821 |--------------------------------+--------------------------------+
823 | Stack buffer | Breakpoints buffer |
825 +--------------------------------+--------------------------------+
828 To toggle this layout, do @kbd{M-x gdb-many-windows}.
830 @findex gdb-restore-windows
831 If you change the window layout, for example, while editing and
832 re-compiling your program, then you can restore it with the command
833 @code{gdb-restore-windows}.
835 You may also choose which additional buffers you want to display,
836 either in the same frame or a different one. Select them from
837 @samp{GUD->GDB-windows} or @samp{GUD->GDB-Frames} sub-menu
838 respectively. If the menu-bar is unavailable, type @code{M-x
839 gdb-display-@var{buffertype}-buffer} or @code{M-x
840 gdb-frame-@var{buffertype}-buffer} respectively, where
841 @var{buffertype} is the relevant buffer type e.g breakpoints.
842 Most of these buffers are read-only and be killed by simply
843 pressing @kbd{q} in them.
845 When you finish debugging then kill the GUD buffer with @kbd{C-x k},
846 which will also kill all the buffers associated with the session.
847 However you need not do this if, after editing and re-compiling your
848 source code within Emacs, you wish continue debugging. When you
849 restart execution, GDB will automatically find your new executable.
850 Keeping the GUD buffer has the advantage of keeping the shell history
851 as well as GDB's breakpoints. You need to check, however, that the
852 breakpoints in the recently edited code are still where you want them.
854 @node Breakpoints Buffer
855 @subsubsection Breakpoints Buffer
857 The breakpoints buffer shows the existing breakpoints and watchpoints
858 (@pxref{Breakpoints,,, gdb, The GNU debugger}). It has three special
863 @kindex SPC @r{(GDB breakpoints buffer)}
864 @findex gdb-toggle-breakpoint
865 Enable/disable the breakpoint at the current line
866 (@code{gdb-toggle-breakpoint}). On a graphical display, this changes
867 the color of a bullet in the margin of the source buffer at the
868 relevant line. This is red when the breakpoint is enabled and grey
869 when it is disabled. Text-only terminals correspondingly display
870 a @samp{B} or @samp{b}.
873 @kindex D @r{(GDB breakpoints buffer)}
874 @findex gdb-delete-breakpoint
875 Delete the breakpoint at the current line (@code{gdb-delete-breakpoint}).
878 @kindex RET @r{(GDB breakpoints buffer)}
879 @findex gdb-goto-breakpoint
880 Display the file in the source buffer at the breakpoint specified at
881 the current line (@code{gdb-goto-breakpoint}). Alternatively, click
882 @kbd{Mouse-2} on the breakpoint that you wish to visit.
886 @subsubsection Stack Buffer
888 The stack buffer displays a @dfn{call stack}, with one line for each
889 of the nested subroutine calls (@dfn{stack frames}) now active in the
890 program. @xref{Backtrace,, Backtraces, gdb, The GNU debugger}.
892 @findex gdb-frames-select
893 The selected frame number is displayed in reverse contrast. Move
894 point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to select it
895 (@code{gdb-frames-select}) and display the associated source in the
896 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} on a frame to
897 select it. If the locals buffer is displayed then its contents update
898 to display the variables that are local to the new frame.
900 @node Watch Expressions
901 @subsubsection Watch Expressions
902 @cindex Watching expressions in GDB
905 If you want to see how a variable changes each time your program stops
906 then place the cursor over the variable name and click on the watch
907 icon in the tool bar (@code{gud-watch}).
909 Each watch expression is displayed in the speedbar. Complex data
910 types, such as arrays, structures and unions are represented in a tree
911 format. Leaves and simple data types show the name of the expression
912 and its value, and display the type as a tooltip. Higher levels show
913 the name, type and address value for pointers and just the name and
916 To expand or contract a complex data type, click @kbd{Mouse-2}
917 on the tag to the left of the expression.
919 @findex gdb-var-delete
920 With the cursor over the root expression of a complex data type, type
921 @kbd{D} to delete it from the speedbar
922 (@code{gdb-var-delete}).
924 @kindex RET @r{(GDB speedbar)}
925 @findex gdb-edit-value
926 With the cursor over a simple data type or an element of a complex
927 data type which holds a value, type @key{RET} or click @kbd{Mouse-2} to edit
928 its value. A prompt for a new value appears in the mini-buffer
929 (@code{gdb-edit-value}).
931 @vindex gdb-show-changed-values
932 If you set the variable @code{gdb-show-changed-values} to
933 non-@code{nil} (the default value), Emacs will use
934 font-lock-warning-face to display values that have recently changed in
937 @vindex gdb-use-colon-colon-notation
938 If you set the variable @code{gdb-use-colon-colon-notation} to a
939 non-@code{nil} value then, in C, Emacs will use the
940 @var{function}::@var{variable} format to display variables in the
941 speedbar. Since this does not work for variables defined in compound
942 statements, the default value is @code{nil}.
944 @node Other GDB User Interface Buffers
945 @subsubsection Other Buffers
948 @item Input/Output Buffer
949 @vindex gdb-use-inferior-io-buffer
950 If the variable @code{gdb-use-inferior-io-buffer} is non-@code{nil},
951 the executable program that is being debugged takes its input and
952 displays its output here, otherwise it uses the GUD buffer. To toggle
953 the use of this buffer, do @kbd{M-x gdb-use-inferior-io-buffer}.
955 Some of the commands from shell mode are available here. @xref{Shell
959 The locals buffer displays the values of local variables of the
960 current frame for simple data types (@pxref{Frame Info, Frame Info,
961 Information on a frame, gdb, The GNU debugger}).
963 Arrays and structures display their type only. With GDB 6.4 or later,
964 move point to their name and press @key{RET}, or alternatively click
965 @kbd{Mouse-2} there, to examine their values. With earlier versions
966 of GDB, move point to their type description ([struct/union] or
967 [array]). @xref{Watch Expressions}.
969 @item Registers Buffer
970 @findex toggle-gdb-all-registers
971 The registers buffer displays the values held by the registers
972 (@pxref{Registers,,, gdb, The GNU debugger}). Press @key{RET} or
973 click @kbd{Mouse-2} on a register if you want to change its value.
974 With GDB 6.4 or later, recently changed register values display with
975 font-lock-warning-face. With earlier versions of GDB, you can press
976 @key{SPC} to toggle the display of floating point registers
977 (@code{toggle-gdb-all-registers}).
979 @item Assembler Buffer
980 The assembler buffer displays the current frame as machine code. An
981 overlay arrow points to the current instruction and you can set and
982 remove breakpoints as with the source buffer. Breakpoint icons also
983 appear in the fringe or margin.
986 @findex gdb-threads-select
987 The threads buffer displays a summary of all threads currently in your
988 program (@pxref{Threads, Threads, Debugging programs with multiple
989 threads, gdb, The GNU debugger}). Move point to any thread in the
990 list and press @key{RET} to select it (@code{gdb-threads-select}) and
991 display the associated source in the source buffer. Alternatively,
992 click @kbd{Mouse-2} on a thread to select it. If the locals buffer is
993 displayed then its contents update to display the variables that are
994 local to the new thread.
997 The memory buffer allows the user to examine sections of program
998 memory (@pxref{Memory, Memory, Examining memory, gdb, The GNU
999 debugger}). Click @kbd{Mouse-1} on the appropriate part of the header
1000 line to change the starting address or number of data items that the
1001 buffer displays. Click @kbd{Mouse-3} on the header line to select the
1002 display format or unit size for these data items.
1006 @node Executing Lisp
1007 @section Executing Lisp Expressions
1009 Emacs has several different major modes for Lisp and Scheme. They are
1010 the same in terms of editing commands, but differ in the commands for
1011 executing Lisp expressions. Each mode has its own purpose.
1014 @item Emacs-Lisp mode
1015 The mode for editing source files of programs to run in Emacs Lisp.
1016 This mode defines @kbd{C-M-x} to evaluate the current defun.
1017 @xref{Lisp Libraries}.
1018 @item Lisp Interaction mode
1019 The mode for an interactive session with Emacs Lisp. It defines
1020 @kbd{C-j} to evaluate the sexp before point and insert its value in the
1021 buffer. @xref{Lisp Interaction}.
1023 The mode for editing source files of programs that run in Lisps other
1024 than Emacs Lisp. This mode defines @kbd{C-M-x} to send the current defun
1025 to an inferior Lisp process. @xref{External Lisp}.
1026 @item Inferior Lisp mode
1027 The mode for an interactive session with an inferior Lisp process.
1028 This mode combines the special features of Lisp mode and Shell mode
1029 (@pxref{Shell Mode}).
1031 Like Lisp mode but for Scheme programs.
1032 @item Inferior Scheme mode
1033 The mode for an interactive session with an inferior Scheme process.
1036 Most editing commands for working with Lisp programs are in fact
1037 available globally. @xref{Programs}.
1039 @node Lisp Libraries
1040 @section Libraries of Lisp Code for Emacs
1042 @cindex loading Lisp code
1044 Lisp code for Emacs editing commands is stored in files whose names
1045 conventionally end in @file{.el}. This ending tells Emacs to edit them in
1046 Emacs-Lisp mode (@pxref{Executing Lisp}).
1049 To execute a file of Emacs Lisp code, use @kbd{M-x load-file}. This
1050 command reads a file name using the minibuffer and then executes the
1051 contents of that file as Lisp code. It is not necessary to visit the
1052 file first; in any case, this command reads the file as found on disk,
1053 not text in an Emacs buffer.
1056 @findex load-library
1057 Once a file of Lisp code is installed in the Emacs Lisp library
1058 directories, users can load it using @kbd{M-x load-library}. Programs can
1059 load it by calling @code{load-library}, or with @code{load}, a more primitive
1060 function that is similar but accepts some additional arguments.
1062 @kbd{M-x load-library} differs from @kbd{M-x load-file} in that it
1063 searches a sequence of directories and tries three file names in each
1064 directory. Suppose your argument is @var{lib}; the three names are
1065 @file{@var{lib}.elc}, @file{@var{lib}.el}, and lastly just
1066 @file{@var{lib}}. If @file{@var{lib}.elc} exists, it is by convention
1067 the result of compiling @file{@var{lib}.el}; it is better to load the
1068 compiled file, since it will load and run faster.
1070 If @code{load-library} finds that @file{@var{lib}.el} is newer than
1071 @file{@var{lib}.elc} file, it issues a warning, because it's likely that
1072 somebody made changes to the @file{.el} file and forgot to recompile
1075 Because the argument to @code{load-library} is usually not in itself
1076 a valid file name, file name completion is not available. Indeed, when
1077 using this command, you usually do not know exactly what file name
1081 The sequence of directories searched by @kbd{M-x load-library} is
1082 specified by the variable @code{load-path}, a list of strings that are
1083 directory names. The default value of the list contains the directory where
1084 the Lisp code for Emacs itself is stored. If you have libraries of
1085 your own, put them in a single directory and add that directory
1086 to @code{load-path}. @code{nil} in this list stands for the current default
1087 directory, but it is probably not a good idea to put @code{nil} in the
1088 list. If you find yourself wishing that @code{nil} were in the list,
1089 most likely what you really want to do is use @kbd{M-x load-file}
1093 Often you do not have to give any command to load a library, because
1094 the commands defined in the library are set up to @dfn{autoload} that
1095 library. Trying to run any of those commands calls @code{load} to load
1096 the library; this replaces the autoload definitions with the real ones
1100 Emacs Lisp code can be compiled into byte-code which loads faster,
1101 takes up less space when loaded, and executes faster. @xref{Byte
1102 Compilation,, Byte Compilation, elisp, the Emacs Lisp Reference Manual}.
1103 By convention, the compiled code for a library goes in a separate file
1104 whose name consists of the library source file with @samp{c} appended.
1105 Thus, the compiled code for @file{foo.el} goes in @file{foo.elc}.
1106 That's why @code{load-library} searches for @samp{.elc} files first.
1108 @vindex load-dangerous-libraries
1109 @cindex Lisp files byte-compiled by XEmacs
1110 By default, Emacs refuses to load compiled Lisp files which were
1111 compiled with XEmacs, a modified versions of Emacs---they can cause
1112 Emacs to crash. Set the variable @code{load-dangerous-libraries} to
1113 @code{t} if you want to try loading them.
1116 @section Evaluating Emacs Lisp Expressions
1117 @cindex Emacs-Lisp mode
1118 @cindex mode, Emacs-Lisp
1120 @findex emacs-lisp-mode
1121 Lisp programs intended to be run in Emacs should be edited in
1122 Emacs-Lisp mode; this happens automatically for file names ending in
1123 @file{.el}. By contrast, Lisp mode itself is used for editing Lisp
1124 programs intended for other Lisp systems. To switch to Emacs-Lisp mode
1125 explicitly, use the command @kbd{M-x emacs-lisp-mode}.
1127 For testing of Lisp programs to run in Emacs, it is often useful to
1128 evaluate part of the program as it is found in the Emacs buffer. For
1129 example, after changing the text of a Lisp function definition,
1130 evaluating the definition installs the change for future calls to the
1131 function. Evaluation of Lisp expressions is also useful in any kind of
1132 editing, for invoking noninteractive functions (functions that are
1137 Read a single Lisp expression in the minibuffer, evaluate it, and print
1138 the value in the echo area (@code{eval-expression}).
1140 Evaluate the Lisp expression before point, and print the value in the
1141 echo area (@code{eval-last-sexp}).
1143 Evaluate the defun containing or after point, and print the value in
1144 the echo area (@code{eval-defun}).
1145 @item M-x eval-region
1146 Evaluate all the Lisp expressions in the region.
1147 @item M-x eval-current-buffer
1148 Evaluate all the Lisp expressions in the buffer.
1152 @c This uses ``colon'' instead of a literal `:' because Info cannot
1153 @c cope with a `:' in a menu
1154 @kindex M-@key{colon}
1159 @findex eval-expression
1160 @kbd{M-:} (@code{eval-expression}) is the most basic command for evaluating
1161 a Lisp expression interactively. It reads the expression using the
1162 minibuffer, so you can execute any expression on a buffer regardless of
1163 what the buffer contains. When the expression is evaluated, the current
1164 buffer is once again the buffer that was current when @kbd{M-:} was
1167 @kindex C-M-x @r{(Emacs-Lisp mode)}
1169 In Emacs-Lisp mode, the key @kbd{C-M-x} is bound to the command
1170 @code{eval-defun}, which parses the defun containing or following point
1171 as a Lisp expression and evaluates it. The value is printed in the echo
1172 area. This command is convenient for installing in the Lisp environment
1173 changes that you have just made in the text of a function definition.
1175 @kbd{C-M-x} treats @code{defvar} expressions specially. Normally,
1176 evaluating a @code{defvar} expression does nothing if the variable it
1177 defines already has a value. But @kbd{C-M-x} unconditionally resets the
1178 variable to the initial value specified in the @code{defvar} expression.
1179 @code{defcustom} expressions are treated similarly.
1180 This special feature is convenient for debugging Lisp programs.
1181 Typing @kbd{C-M-x} on a @code{defface} expression reinitializes
1182 the face according to the @code{defface} specification.
1185 @findex eval-last-sexp
1186 The command @kbd{C-x C-e} (@code{eval-last-sexp}) evaluates the Lisp
1187 expression preceding point in the buffer, and displays the value in the
1188 echo area. It is available in all major modes, not just Emacs-Lisp
1189 mode. It does not treat @code{defvar} specially.
1191 When the result of an evaluation is an integer, you can type
1192 @kbd{C-x C-e} a second time to display the value of the integer result
1193 in additional formats (octal, hexadecimal, and character).
1195 If @kbd{C-x C-e}, or @kbd{M-:} is given a numeric argument, it
1196 inserts the value into the current buffer at point, rather than
1197 displaying it in the echo area. The argument's value does not matter.
1198 @kbd{C-M-x} with a numeric argument instruments the function
1199 definition for Edebug (@pxref{Instrumenting, Instrumenting for Edebug,, elisp, the Emacs Lisp Reference Manual}).
1202 @findex eval-current-buffer
1203 The most general command for evaluating Lisp expressions from a buffer
1204 is @code{eval-region}. @kbd{M-x eval-region} parses the text of the
1205 region as one or more Lisp expressions, evaluating them one by one.
1206 @kbd{M-x eval-current-buffer} is similar but evaluates the entire
1207 buffer. This is a reasonable way to install the contents of a file of
1208 Lisp code that you are ready to test. Later, as you find bugs and
1209 change individual functions, use @kbd{C-M-x} on each function that you
1210 change. This keeps the Lisp world in step with the source file.
1212 @vindex eval-expression-print-level
1213 @vindex eval-expression-print-length
1214 @vindex eval-expression-debug-on-error
1215 The customizable variables @code{eval-expression-print-level} and
1216 @code{eval-expression-print-length} control the maximum depth and length
1217 of lists to print in the result of the evaluation commands before
1218 abbreviating them. @code{eval-expression-debug-on-error} controls
1219 whether evaluation errors invoke the debugger when these commands are
1222 @node Lisp Interaction
1223 @section Lisp Interaction Buffers
1225 The buffer @samp{*scratch*} which is selected when Emacs starts up is
1226 provided for evaluating Lisp expressions interactively inside Emacs.
1228 The simplest way to use the @samp{*scratch*} buffer is to insert Lisp
1229 expressions and type @kbd{C-j} after each expression. This command
1230 reads the Lisp expression before point, evaluates it, and inserts the
1231 value in printed representation before point. The result is a complete
1232 typescript of the expressions you have evaluated and their values.
1234 The @samp{*scratch*} buffer's major mode is Lisp Interaction mode, which
1235 is the same as Emacs-Lisp mode except for the binding of @kbd{C-j}.
1237 @findex lisp-interaction-mode
1238 The rationale for this feature is that Emacs must have a buffer when
1239 it starts up, but that buffer is not useful for editing files since a
1240 new buffer is made for every file that you visit. The Lisp interpreter
1241 typescript is the most useful thing I can think of for the initial
1242 buffer to do. Type @kbd{M-x lisp-interaction-mode} to put the current
1243 buffer in Lisp Interaction mode.
1246 An alternative way of evaluating Emacs Lisp expressions interactively
1247 is to use Inferior Emacs-Lisp mode, which provides an interface rather
1248 like Shell mode (@pxref{Shell Mode}) for evaluating Emacs Lisp
1249 expressions. Type @kbd{M-x ielm} to create an @samp{*ielm*} buffer
1250 which uses this mode.
1253 @section Running an External Lisp
1255 Emacs has facilities for running programs in other Lisp systems. You can
1256 run a Lisp process as an inferior of Emacs, and pass expressions to it to
1257 be evaluated. You can also pass changed function definitions directly from
1258 the Emacs buffers in which you edit the Lisp programs to the inferior Lisp
1262 @vindex inferior-lisp-program
1264 To run an inferior Lisp process, type @kbd{M-x run-lisp}. This runs
1265 the program named @code{lisp}, the same program you would run by typing
1266 @code{lisp} as a shell command, with both input and output going through
1267 an Emacs buffer named @samp{*lisp*}. That is to say, any ``terminal
1268 output'' from Lisp will go into the buffer, advancing point, and any
1269 ``terminal input'' for Lisp comes from text in the buffer. (You can
1270 change the name of the Lisp executable file by setting the variable
1271 @code{inferior-lisp-program}.)
1273 To give input to Lisp, go to the end of the buffer and type the input,
1274 terminated by @key{RET}. The @samp{*lisp*} buffer is in Inferior Lisp
1275 mode, which combines the special characteristics of Lisp mode with most
1276 of the features of Shell mode (@pxref{Shell Mode}). The definition of
1277 @key{RET} to send a line to a subprocess is one of the features of Shell
1281 For the source files of programs to run in external Lisps, use Lisp
1282 mode. This mode can be selected with @kbd{M-x lisp-mode}, and is used
1283 automatically for files whose names end in @file{.l}, @file{.lsp}, or
1284 @file{.lisp}, as most Lisp systems usually expect.
1286 @kindex C-M-x @r{(Lisp mode)}
1287 @findex lisp-eval-defun
1288 When you edit a function in a Lisp program you are running, the easiest
1289 way to send the changed definition to the inferior Lisp process is the key
1290 @kbd{C-M-x}. In Lisp mode, this runs the function @code{lisp-eval-defun},
1291 which finds the defun around or following point and sends it as input to
1292 the Lisp process. (Emacs can send input to any inferior process regardless
1293 of what buffer is current.)
1295 Contrast the meanings of @kbd{C-M-x} in Lisp mode (for editing programs
1296 to be run in another Lisp system) and Emacs-Lisp mode (for editing Lisp
1297 programs to be run in Emacs): in both modes it has the effect of installing
1298 the function definition that point is in, but the way of doing so is
1299 different according to where the relevant Lisp environment is found.
1300 @xref{Executing Lisp}.
1303 arch-tag: 9c3c2f71-b332-4144-8500-3ff9945a50ed