2.5.1 Keys -- Ctrl and Alt

Editor commands are initiated by one or more key sequences . A single key sequence usually involves holding down one of two specially defined modifier keys, while at the same time pressing another key which is usually a character key.

The two modifier keys referred to are the Control ( Ctrl ) key and the Meta key which is usually Alt .

When using Emacs emulation on a keyboard without an Alt key, the Escape ( Esc ) key can be used instead. Note that Esc must be typed before pressing the required character key, and not held down.

When using MS Windows editor emulation, the Alt key cannot be used as Meta, and Esc is the cancel gesture, so LispWorks provides an alternate gesture to access editor commands: Ctrl+M . For example, to invoke the command Find Source for Dspec , type

Ctrl+M X Find Source for Dspec

and press Return .

To continue the search, type Ctrl+M , .

An example of a single key sequence command is Ctrl+A which moves the current point to the start of the line. This command is issued by holding down the Control key while at the same time pressing A .

Some key sequences may require more than one key sequence. For example, the key sequence to save the current buffer to a file is Ctrl+X Ctrl+S . Another multi-key sequence is Ctrl+X S which saves all buffers to their relevant files. Note that in this case you do not press the Control key while pressing S .

A few commands require both the Ctrl and Alt key to be held down while pressing the character key. Alt+Ctrl+L , used to select the previous buffer displayed, is one such command. If the Esc or Ctrl+M key is being used in place of the Alt key, then this key should be pressed before the Ctrl+L part of the key sequence.

LispWorks Editor User Guide (Windows version) - 23 Mar 2005