2.4. Key bindings

The style of key bindings is very similar to that of Emacs. So if you are familiar with this concept (you know what "C-x C-f" means and how does it differ from "C-x f") you can skip this intro straight to the key-bindings. If know nothing about "C-x C-f" then here is a short intro.

Each key-sequence can be composed from any number of individual keystrokes. Each keystroke than consists of optional modifier(s) and a key. The modifiers are "C" for "Control", "M" for "Meta", "A" for "Alt" and "S" for "Shift". For example "C-x C-f" is composed of two keystrokes. The first part tells you that you should press "x" while holding "Control" ("C"). Then, to finish the sequence, you have press "f" together with "Control" again. On contrary the sequence "C-x f" has the same first keystroke but before you press the "f" you must release the "Control" (otherwise you will end up with "C-x C-f"). It is also possible to have more modifiers in one keystroke - e.g. "C-M-S-k" means that you have to press "k" while holding simultaneously "Control", "Meta" and "Shift" keys. The best way to get used to this concept is by practice. So try it inside of BKchem or get Emacs.

2.4.1. Global bindings

When talking about key bindings, we must distinguish between keys that do the same regardless of the recent mode and keys that are mode specific. In this section the global key bindings will be summarized.

In the key-bindings for usual operations such as copying, saving files etc. I have tried to reflect the usual habits of both windows and emacs users. Thus if you are used to ordinary bindings on one of these two platforms :) you will find yourself at home.

In the following table global key-bindings are summarized. When an action has more then one key-sequence assigned they are separated by a semicolon (";").

Table 2-2. Global key bindings