Re: C-p, C-b, C-f, and C-n... why?

[address@hidden]

Peter Dyballa wrote:
> Am 10.12.2005 um 23:13 schrieb roodwriter@core.com:
>
> > I think the tutorial should start with the arrow keys and then give 
> > the commands as options and the history behind them.
>
> In (computer) history the arrow (cursor) keys came later ... and the 
> tutorial is historically grown!
>
> I too prefer mostly the arrow keys (and mouse cursor). Their use is too 
> obvious to mention them that early in the tutorial, mentioning them 
> could be done in a footnote. The recent state is fine in one particular 
> sense: M-up does not scroll back in *shell* buffer's command history 
> (because it's undefined); only M-p does. So I think it's necessary to 
> teach C-{b,f,n,p} first to remember this as a way "move" in many things, 
> in many sense.
>
> --
> Greetings
>
>   Pete
>
> "What is this talk of 'release'?  Klingons do not make software
> 'releases'.  Our software 'escapes' leaving a bloody trail of
> designers and quality assurance people in its wake."

Not to get into a big dispute about it, but I remember when I first 
looked at the Emacs tutorial and saw you had to cursor with the control 
keys, my first thought was maybe I'd bitten off too much. When I found 
the arrow keys worked I relaxed and started learning. I've always 
wondered how many people were intimidated by the cursoring section and 
quit before starting. I wouldn't have had the initial doubts if it'd 
been clear from the beginning the arrow keys were usable.

But that's me. I'm glad Emacs does both.


--Rod
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