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## Summary

Keymaps in Emacs are the primary instrument for controlling Emacs. They are the launching board of all the default and used commands. Although nearly 600 predefined keybindings are already available when you start Emacs, that's only the tip of the iceberg of the total user-callable commands that you can find with C-h a-. (command-apropos followed by regexp character dot).

The Recipe to successfully written keybindings is to follow these rules:

- Consult the C-h l buffer frequently when you start customizing your Emacs keyboard.

- Use only the universal [()] notation.

- Keep in mind that Emacs started in nonwindowed mode (-nw) or in nonwindowed environment (tty) does not know all the named events. Check your binding with C-h l in -nw Emacs too if you need ultimate portability.

Happy experimenting!

Sams Teach Yourself Emacs in 24 Hours |  | ContentsIndex
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