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1 @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c This is part of the GNU Emacs Lisp Reference Manual.
3 @c Copyright (C) 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999
4 @c Free Software Foundation, Inc.
5 @c See the file elisp.texi for copying conditions.
6 @setfilename ../info/windows
7 @node Windows, Frames, Buffers, Top
8 @chapter Windows
9
10 This chapter describes most of the functions and variables related to
11 Emacs windows. See @ref{Display}, for information on how text is
12 displayed in windows.
13
14 @menu
15 * Basic Windows:: Basic information on using windows.
16 * Splitting Windows:: Splitting one window into two windows.
17 * Deleting Windows:: Deleting a window gives its space to other windows.
18 * Selecting Windows:: The selected window is the one that you edit in.
19 * Cyclic Window Ordering:: Moving around the existing windows.
20 * Buffers and Windows:: Each window displays the contents of a buffer.
21 * Displaying Buffers:: Higher-lever functions for displaying a buffer
22 and choosing a window for it.
23 * Choosing Window:: How to choose a window for displaying a buffer.
24 * Window Point:: Each window has its own location of point.
25 * Window Start:: The display-start position controls which text
26 is on-screen in the window.
27 * Textual Scrolling:: Moving text up and down through the window.
28 * Vertical Scrolling:: Moving the contents up and down on the window.
29 * Horizontal Scrolling:: Moving the contents sideways on the window.
30 * Size of Window:: Accessing the size of a window.
31 * Resizing Windows:: Changing the size of a window.
32 * Coordinates and Windows:: Converting coordinates to windows.
33 * Window Configurations:: Saving and restoring the state of the screen.
34 * Window Hooks:: Hooks for scrolling, window size changes,
35 redisplay going past a certain point,
36 or window configuration changes.
37 @end menu
38
39 @node Basic Windows
40 @section Basic Concepts of Emacs Windows
41 @cindex window
42 @cindex selected window
43
44 A @dfn{window} in Emacs is the physical area of the screen in which a
45 buffer is displayed. The term is also used to refer to a Lisp object that
46 represents that screen area in Emacs Lisp. It should be
47 clear from the context which is meant.
48
49 Emacs groups windows into frames. A frame represents an area of
50 screen available for Emacs to use. Each frame always contains at least
51 one window, but you can subdivide it vertically or horizontally into
52 multiple nonoverlapping Emacs windows.
53
54 In each frame, at any time, one and only one window is designated as
55 @dfn{selected within the frame}. The frame's cursor appears in that
56 window. At any time, one frame is the selected frame; and the window
57 selected within that frame is @dfn{the selected window}. The selected
58 window's buffer is usually the current buffer (except when
59 @code{set-buffer} has been used). @xref{Current Buffer}.
60
61 For practical purposes, a window exists only while it is displayed in
62 a frame. Once removed from the frame, the window is effectively deleted
63 and should not be used, @emph{even though there may still be references
64 to it} from other Lisp objects. Restoring a saved window configuration
65 is the only way for a window no longer on the screen to come back to
66 life. (@xref{Deleting Windows}.)
67
68 Each window has the following attributes:
69
70 @itemize @bullet
71 @item
72 containing frame
73
74 @item
75 window height
76
77 @item
78 window width
79
80 @item
81 window edges with respect to the screen or frame
82
83 @item
84 the buffer it displays
85
86 @item
87 position within the buffer at the upper left of the window
88
89 @item
90 amount of horizontal scrolling, in columns
91
92 @item
93 point
94
95 @item
96 the mark
97
98 @item
99 how recently the window was selected
100 @end itemize
101
102 @cindex multiple windows
103 Users create multiple windows so they can look at several buffers at
104 once. Lisp libraries use multiple windows for a variety of reasons, but
105 most often to display related information. In Rmail, for example, you
106 can move through a summary buffer in one window while the other window
107 shows messages one at a time as they are reached.
108
109 The meaning of ``window'' in Emacs is similar to what it means in the
110 context of general-purpose window systems such as X, but not identical.
111 The X Window System places X windows on the screen; Emacs uses one or
112 more X windows as frames, and subdivides them into
113 Emacs windows. When you use Emacs on a character-only terminal, Emacs
114 treats the whole terminal screen as one frame.
115
116 @cindex terminal screen
117 @cindex screen of terminal
118 @cindex tiled windows
119 Most window systems support arbitrarily located overlapping windows.
120 In contrast, Emacs windows are @dfn{tiled}; they never overlap, and
121 together they fill the whole screen or frame. Because of the way in
122 which Emacs creates new windows and resizes them, not all conceivable
123 tilings of windows on an Emacs frame are actually possible.
124 @xref{Splitting Windows}, and @ref{Size of Window}.
125
126 @xref{Display}, for information on how the contents of the
127 window's buffer are displayed in the window.
128
129 @defun windowp object
130 This function returns @code{t} if @var{object} is a window.
131 @end defun
132
133 @node Splitting Windows
134 @section Splitting Windows
135 @cindex splitting windows
136 @cindex window splitting
137
138 The functions described here are the primitives used to split a window
139 into two windows. Two higher level functions sometimes split a window,
140 but not always: @code{pop-to-buffer} and @code{display-buffer}
141 (@pxref{Displaying Buffers}).
142
143 The functions described here do not accept a buffer as an argument.
144 The two ``halves'' of the split window initially display the same buffer
145 previously visible in the window that was split.
146
147 @deffn Command split-window &optional window size horizontal
148 This function splits @var{window} into two windows. The original
149 window @var{window} remains the selected window, but occupies only
150 part of its former screen area. The rest is occupied by a newly created
151 window which is returned as the value of this function.
152
153 If @var{horizontal} is non-@code{nil}, then @var{window} splits into
154 two side by side windows. The original window @var{window} keeps the
155 leftmost @var{size} columns, and gives the rest of the columns to the
156 new window. Otherwise, it splits into windows one above the other, and
157 @var{window} keeps the upper @var{size} lines and gives the rest of the
158 lines to the new window. The original window is therefore the
159 left-hand or upper of the two, and the new window is the right-hand or
160 lower.
161
162 If @var{window} is omitted or @code{nil}, then the selected window is
163 split. If @var{size} is omitted or @code{nil}, then @var{window} is
164 divided evenly into two parts. (If there is an odd line, it is
165 allocated to the new window.) When @code{split-window} is called
166 interactively, all its arguments are @code{nil}.
167
168 If splitting would result in making a window that is smaller than
169 @code{window-min-height} or @code{window-min-width}, the function
170 signals an error and does not split the window at all.
171
172 The following example starts with one window on a screen that is 50
173 lines high by 80 columns wide; then it splits the window.
174
175 @smallexample
176 @group
177 (setq w (selected-window))
178 @result{} #<window 8 on windows.texi>
179 (window-edges) ; @r{Edges in order:}
180 @result{} (0 0 80 50) ; @r{left--top--right--bottom}
181 @end group
182
183 @group
184 ;; @r{Returns window created}
185 (setq w2 (split-window w 15))
186 @result{} #<window 28 on windows.texi>
187 @end group
188 @group
189 (window-edges w2)
190 @result{} (0 15 80 50) ; @r{Bottom window;}
191 ; @r{top is line 15}
192 @end group
193 @group
194 (window-edges w)
195 @result{} (0 0 80 15) ; @r{Top window}
196 @end group
197 @end smallexample
198
199 The screen looks like this:
200
201 @smallexample
202 @group
203 __________
204 | | line 0
205 | w |
206 |__________|
207 | | line 15
208 | w2 |
209 |__________|
210 line 50
211 column 0 column 80
212 @end group
213 @end smallexample
214
215 Next, split the top window horizontally:
216
217 @smallexample
218 @group
219 (setq w3 (split-window w 35 t))
220 @result{} #<window 32 on windows.texi>
221 @end group
222 @group
223 (window-edges w3)
224 @result{} (35 0 80 15) ; @r{Left edge at column 35}
225 @end group
226 @group
227 (window-edges w)
228 @result{} (0 0 35 15) ; @r{Right edge at column 35}
229 @end group
230 @group
231 (window-edges w2)
232 @result{} (0 15 80 50) ; @r{Bottom window unchanged}
233 @end group
234 @end smallexample
235
236 @need 3000
237 Now the screen looks like this:
238
239 @smallexample
240 @group
241 column 35
242 __________
243 | | | line 0
244 | w | w3 |
245 |___|______|
246 | | line 15
247 | w2 |
248 |__________|
249 line 50
250 column 0 column 80
251 @end group
252 @end smallexample
253
254 Normally, Emacs indicates the border between two side-by-side windows
255 with a scroll bar (@pxref{Window Frame Parameters,Scroll Bars}) or @samp{|}
256 characters. The display table can specify alternative border
257 characters; see @ref{Display Tables}.
258 @end deffn
259
260 @deffn Command split-window-vertically &optional size
261 This function splits the selected window into two windows, one above the
262 other, leaving the upper of the two windows selected, with @var{size}
263 lines. (If @var{size} is negative, then the lower of the two windows
264 gets @minus{} @var{size} lines and the upper window gets the rest, but
265 the upper window is still the one selected.)
266 @end deffn
267
268 @deffn Command split-window-horizontally &optional size
269 This function splits the selected window into two windows
270 side-by-side, leaving the selected window with @var{size} columns.
271
272 This function is basically an interface to @code{split-window}.
273 You could define a simplified version of the function like this:
274
275 @smallexample
276 @group
277 (defun split-window-horizontally (&optional arg)
278 "Split selected window into two windows, side by side..."
279 (interactive "P")
280 @end group
281 @group
282 (let ((size (and arg (prefix-numeric-value arg))))
283 (and size (< size 0)
284 (setq size (+ (window-width) size)))
285 (split-window nil size t)))
286 @end group
287 @end smallexample
288 @end deffn
289
290 @defun one-window-p &optional no-mini all-frames
291 This function returns non-@code{nil} if there is only one window. The
292 argument @var{no-mini}, if non-@code{nil}, means don't count the
293 minibuffer even if it is active; otherwise, the minibuffer window is
294 included, if active, in the total number of windows, which is compared
295 against one.
296
297 The argument @var{all-frames} specifies which frames to consider. Here
298 are the possible values and their meanings:
299
300 @table @asis
301 @item @code{nil}
302 Count the windows in the selected frame, plus the minibuffer used
303 by that frame even if it lies in some other frame.
304
305 @item @code{t}
306 Count all windows in all existing frames.
307
308 @item @code{visible}
309 Count all windows in all visible frames.
310
311 @item 0
312 Count all windows in all visible or iconified frames.
313
314 @item anything else
315 Count precisely the windows in the selected frame, and no others.
316 @end table
317 @end defun
318
319 @node Deleting Windows
320 @section Deleting Windows
321 @cindex deleting windows
322
323 A window remains visible on its frame unless you @dfn{delete} it by
324 calling certain functions that delete windows. A deleted window cannot
325 appear on the screen, but continues to exist as a Lisp object until
326 there are no references to it. There is no way to cancel the deletion
327 of a window aside from restoring a saved window configuration
328 (@pxref{Window Configurations}). Restoring a window configuration also
329 deletes any windows that aren't part of that configuration.
330
331 When you delete a window, the space it took up is given to one
332 adjacent sibling.
333
334 @c Emacs 19 feature
335 @defun window-live-p window
336 This function returns @code{nil} if @var{window} is deleted, and
337 @code{t} otherwise.
338
339 @strong{Warning:} Erroneous information or fatal errors may result from
340 using a deleted window as if it were live.
341 @end defun
342
343 @deffn Command delete-window &optional window
344 This function removes @var{window} from display, and returns @code{nil}.
345 If @var{window} is omitted, then the selected window is deleted. An
346 error is signaled if there is only one window when @code{delete-window}
347 is called.
348 @end deffn
349
350 @deffn Command delete-other-windows &optional window
351 This function makes @var{window} the only window on its frame, by
352 deleting the other windows in that frame. If @var{window} is omitted or
353 @code{nil}, then the selected window is used by default.
354
355 The return value is @code{nil}.
356 @end deffn
357
358 @deffn Command delete-windows-on buffer &optional frame
359 This function deletes all windows showing @var{buffer}. If there are
360 no windows showing @var{buffer}, it does nothing.
361
362 @code{delete-windows-on} operates frame by frame. If a frame has
363 several windows showing different buffers, then those showing
364 @var{buffer} are removed, and the others expand to fill the space. If
365 all windows in some frame are showing @var{buffer} (including the case
366 where there is only one window), then the frame reverts to having a
367 single window showing another buffer chosen with @code{other-buffer}.
368 @xref{The Buffer List}.
369
370 The argument @var{frame} controls which frames to operate on. This
371 function does not use it in quite the same way as the other functions
372 which scan all windows; specifically, the values @code{t} and @code{nil}
373 have the opposite of their meanings in other functions. Here are the
374 full details:
375
376 @itemize @bullet
377 @item
378 If it is @code{nil}, operate on all frames.
379 @item
380 If it is @code{t}, operate on the selected frame.
381 @item
382 If it is @code{visible}, operate on all visible frames.
383 @item
384 If it is 0, operate on all visible or iconified frames.
385 @item
386 If it is a frame, operate on that frame.
387 @end itemize
388
389 This function always returns @code{nil}.
390 @end deffn
391
392 @node Selecting Windows
393 @section Selecting Windows
394 @cindex selecting windows
395
396 When a window is selected, the buffer in the window becomes the current
397 buffer, and the cursor will appear in it.
398
399 @defun selected-window
400 This function returns the selected window. This is the window in
401 which the cursor appears and to which many commands apply.
402 @end defun
403
404 @defun select-window window &optional norecord
405 This function makes @var{window} the selected window. The cursor then
406 appears in @var{window} (on redisplay). The buffer being displayed in
407 @var{window} is immediately designated the current buffer.
408
409 Normally @var{window}'s selected buffer is moved to the front of the
410 buffer list, but if @var{norecord} is non-@code{nil}, the buffer list
411 order is unchanged.
412
413 The return value is @var{window}.
414
415 @example
416 @group
417 (setq w (next-window))
418 (select-window w)
419 @result{} #<window 65 on windows.texi>
420 @end group
421 @end example
422 @end defun
423
424 @defmac save-selected-window forms@dots{}
425 This macro records the selected window of eac frame, executes
426 @var{forms} in sequence, then restores the earlier selected windows.
427
428 This macro does not save or restore anything about the sizes,
429 arrangement or contents of windows; therefore, if the @var{forms}
430 change them, the change persists. If the previously selected window
431 of some frame is no longer live at the time of exit from this form,
432 that frame's selected window is left alone.
433 @end defmac
434
435 @defmac with-selected-window window forms@dots{}
436 This macro selects @var{window} (without changing the buffer list),
437 executes @var{forms} in sequence, then restores the previously
438 selected window (unless that window is no longer alive). It is similar
439 to @code{save-selected-window} except that it explicitly selects
440 @var{window} and that it does not alter the buffer list sequence.
441 @end defmac
442
443 @cindex finding windows
444 The following functions choose one of the windows on the screen,
445 offering various criteria for the choice.
446
447 @defun get-lru-window &optional frame
448 This function returns the window least recently ``used'' (that is,
449 selected). The selected window is always the most recently used window.
450
451 The selected window can be the least recently used window if it is the
452 only window. A newly created window becomes the least recently used
453 window until it is selected. A minibuffer window is never a candidate.
454
455 The argument @var{frame} controls which windows are considered.
456
457 @itemize @bullet
458 @item
459 If it is @code{nil}, consider windows on the selected frame.
460 @item
461 If it is @code{t}, consider windows on all frames.
462 @item
463 If it is @code{visible}, consider windows on all visible frames.
464 @item
465 If it is 0, consider windows on all visible or iconified frames.
466 @item
467 If it is a frame, consider windows on that frame.
468 @end itemize
469 @end defun
470
471 @defun get-largest-window &optional frame
472 This function returns the window with the largest area (height times
473 width). If there are no side-by-side windows, then this is the window
474 with the most lines. A minibuffer window is never a candidate.
475
476 If there are two windows of the same size, then the function returns
477 the window that is first in the cyclic ordering of windows (see
478 following section), starting from the selected window.
479
480 The argument @var{frame} controls which set of windows to
481 consider. See @code{get-lru-window}, above.
482 @end defun
483
484 @cindex window that satisfies a predicate
485 @cindex conditional selection of windows
486 @defun get-window-with-predicate predicate &optional minibuf all-frames default
487 This function returns a window satisfying @var{predicate}. It cycles
488 through all visible windows using @code{walk-windows} (@pxref{Cyclic
489 Window Ordering}), calling @var{predicate} on each one of them
490 with that window as its argument. The function returns the first
491 window for which @var{predicate} returns a non-@code{nil} value; if
492 that never happens, it returns @var{default}.
493
494 The optional arguments @var{minibuf} and @var{all-frames} specify the
495 set of windows to include in the scan. See the description of
496 @code{next-window} in @ref{Cyclic Window Ordering}, for details.
497 @end defun
498
499 @node Cyclic Window Ordering
500 @comment node-name, next, previous, up
501 @section Cyclic Ordering of Windows
502 @cindex cyclic ordering of windows
503 @cindex ordering of windows, cyclic
504 @cindex window ordering, cyclic
505
506 When you use the command @kbd{C-x o} (@code{other-window}) to select
507 the next window, it moves through all the windows on the screen in a
508 specific cyclic order. For any given configuration of windows, this
509 order never varies. It is called the @dfn{cyclic ordering of windows}.
510
511 This ordering generally goes from top to bottom, and from left to
512 right. But it may go down first or go right first, depending on the
513 order in which the windows were split.
514
515 If the first split was vertical (into windows one above each other),
516 and then the subwindows were split horizontally, then the ordering is
517 left to right in the top of the frame, and then left to right in the
518 next lower part of the frame, and so on. If the first split was
519 horizontal, the ordering is top to bottom in the left part, and so on.
520 In general, within each set of siblings at any level in the window tree,
521 the order is left to right, or top to bottom.
522
523 @defun next-window &optional window minibuf all-frames
524 @cindex minibuffer window
525 This function returns the window following @var{window} in the cyclic
526 ordering of windows. This is the window that @kbd{C-x o} would select
527 if typed when @var{window} is selected. If @var{window} is the only
528 window visible, then this function returns @var{window}. If omitted,
529 @var{window} defaults to the selected window.
530
531 The value of the argument @var{minibuf} determines whether the
532 minibuffer is included in the window order. Normally, when
533 @var{minibuf} is @code{nil}, the minibuffer is included if it is
534 currently active; this is the behavior of @kbd{C-x o}. (The minibuffer
535 window is active while the minibuffer is in use. @xref{Minibuffers}.)
536
537 If @var{minibuf} is @code{t}, then the cyclic ordering includes the
538 minibuffer window even if it is not active.
539
540 If @var{minibuf} is neither @code{t} nor @code{nil}, then the minibuffer
541 window is not included even if it is active.
542
543 The argument @var{all-frames} specifies which frames to consider. Here
544 are the possible values and their meanings:
545
546 @table @asis
547 @item @code{nil}
548 Consider all the windows in @var{window}'s frame, plus the minibuffer
549 used by that frame even if it lies in some other frame.
550
551 @item @code{t}
552 Consider all windows in all existing frames.
553
554 @item @code{visible}
555 Consider all windows in all visible frames. (To get useful results, you
556 must ensure @var{window} is in a visible frame.)
557
558 @item 0
559 Consider all windows in all visible or iconified frames.
560
561 @item anything else
562 Consider precisely the windows in @var{window}'s frame, and no others.
563 @end table
564
565 This example assumes there are two windows, both displaying the
566 buffer @samp{windows.texi}:
567
568 @example
569 @group
570 (selected-window)
571 @result{} #<window 56 on windows.texi>
572 @end group
573 @group
574 (next-window (selected-window))
575 @result{} #<window 52 on windows.texi>
576 @end group
577 @group
578 (next-window (next-window (selected-window)))
579 @result{} #<window 56 on windows.texi>
580 @end group
581 @end example
582 @end defun
583
584 @defun previous-window &optional window minibuf all-frames
585 This function returns the window preceding @var{window} in the cyclic
586 ordering of windows. The other arguments specify which windows to
587 include in the cycle, as in @code{next-window}.
588 @end defun
589
590 @deffn Command other-window count &optional all-frames
591 This function selects the @var{count}th following window in the cyclic
592 order. If count is negative, then it moves back @minus{}@var{count}
593 windows in the cycle, rather than forward. It returns @code{nil}.
594
595 The argument @var{all-frames} has the same meaning as in
596 @code{next-window}, but the @var{minibuf} argument of @code{next-window}
597 is always effectively @code{nil}.
598
599 In an interactive call, @var{count} is the numeric prefix argument.
600 @end deffn
601
602 @c Emacs 19 feature
603 @defun walk-windows proc &optional minibuf all-frames
604 This function cycles through all windows, calling @code{proc}
605 once for each window with the window as its sole argument.
606
607 The optional arguments @var{minibuf} and @var{all-frames} specify the
608 set of windows to include in the scan. See @code{next-window}, above,
609 for details.
610 @end defun
611
612 @defun window-list &optional frame minibuf window
613 This function returns a list of the windows on @var{frame}, starting
614 with @var{window}. If @var{frame} is @code{nil} or omitted, the
615 selected frame is used instead; if @var{window} is @code{nil} or
616 omitted, the selected window is used instead.
617
618 The value of @var{minibuf} determines if the minibuffer window will be
619 included in the result list. If @var{minibuf} is @code{t}, the
620 minibuffer window will be included, even if it isn't active. If
621 @var{minibuf} is @code{nil} or omitted, the minibuffer window will
622 only be included in the list if it is active. If @var{minibuf} is
623 neither @code{nil} nor @code{t}, the minibuffer window is not
624 included, whether or not it is active.
625 @end defun
626
627 @node Buffers and Windows
628 @section Buffers and Windows
629 @cindex examining windows
630 @cindex windows, controlling precisely
631 @cindex buffers, controlled in windows
632
633 This section describes low-level functions to examine windows or to
634 display buffers in windows in a precisely controlled fashion.
635 @iftex
636 See the following section for
637 @end iftex
638 @ifnottex
639 @xref{Displaying Buffers}, for
640 @end ifnottex
641 related functions that find a window to use and specify a buffer for it.
642 The functions described there are easier to use than these, but they
643 employ heuristics in choosing or creating a window; use these functions
644 when you need complete control.
645
646 @defun set-window-buffer window buffer-or-name &optional keep-margins
647 This function makes @var{window} display @var{buffer-or-name} as its
648 contents. It returns @code{nil}. This is the fundamental primitive
649 for changing which buffer is displayed in a window, and all ways
650 of doing that call this function.
651
652 @example
653 @group
654 (set-window-buffer (selected-window) "foo")
655 @result{} nil
656 @end group
657 @end example
658
659 Normally, displaying @var{buffer} in @var{window} resets the window's
660 fringe widths and position based on the local variables of @var{buffer}.
661 However, if @var{keep-margins} is non-@code{nil}, the fringe widths and
662 position of @var{window} remain unchanged. @xref{Fringes}.
663 @end defun
664
665 @defun window-buffer &optional window
666 This function returns the buffer that @var{window} is displaying. If
667 @var{window} is omitted, this function returns the buffer for the
668 selected window.
669
670 @example
671 @group
672 (window-buffer)
673 @result{} #<buffer windows.texi>
674 @end group
675 @end example
676 @end defun
677
678 @defun get-buffer-window buffer-or-name &optional all-frames
679 This function returns a window currently displaying
680 @var{buffer-or-name}, or @code{nil} if there is none. If there are
681 several such windows, then the function returns the first one in the
682 cyclic ordering of windows, starting from the selected window.
683 @xref{Cyclic Window Ordering}.
684
685 The argument @var{all-frames} controls which windows to consider.
686
687 @itemize @bullet
688 @item
689 If it is @code{nil}, consider windows on the selected frame.
690 @item
691 If it is @code{t}, consider windows on all frames.
692 @item
693 If it is @code{visible}, consider windows on all visible frames.
694 @item
695 If it is 0, consider windows on all visible or iconified frames.
696 @item
697 If it is a frame, consider windows on that frame.
698 @end itemize
699 @end defun
700
701 @defun get-buffer-window-list buffer-or-name &optional minibuf all-frames
702 This function returns a list of all the windows currently displaying
703 @var{buffer-or-name}.
704
705 The two optional arguments work like the optional arguments of
706 @code{next-window} (@pxref{Cyclic Window Ordering}); they are @emph{not}
707 like the single optional argument of @code{get-buffer-window}. Perhaps
708 we should change @code{get-buffer-window} in the future to make it
709 compatible with the other functions.
710
711 The argument @var{all-frames} controls which windows to consider.
712
713 @itemize @bullet
714 @item
715 If it is @code{nil}, consider windows on the selected frame.
716 @item
717 If it is @code{t}, consider windows on all frames.
718 @item
719 If it is @code{visible}, consider windows on all visible frames.
720 @item
721 If it is 0, consider windows on all visible or iconified frames.
722 @item
723 If it is a frame, consider windows on that frame.
724 @end itemize
725 @end defun
726
727 @defvar buffer-display-time
728 This variable records the time at which a buffer was last made visible
729 in a window. It is always local in each buffer; each time
730 @code{set-window-buffer} is called, it sets this variable to
731 @code{(current-time)} in the specified buffer (@pxref{Time of Day}).
732 When a buffer is first created, @code{buffer-display-time} starts out
733 with the value @code{nil}.
734 @end defvar
735
736 @node Displaying Buffers
737 @section Displaying Buffers in Windows
738 @cindex switching to a buffer
739 @cindex displaying a buffer
740
741 In this section we describe convenient functions that choose a window
742 automatically and use it to display a specified buffer. These functions
743 can also split an existing window in certain circumstances. We also
744 describe variables that parameterize the heuristics used for choosing a
745 window.
746 @iftex
747 See the preceding section for
748 @end iftex
749 @ifnottex
750 @xref{Buffers and Windows}, for
751 @end ifnottex
752 low-level functions that give you more precise control. All of these
753 functions work by calling @code{set-window-buffer}.
754
755 Do not use the functions in this section in order to make a buffer
756 current so that a Lisp program can access or modify it; they are too
757 drastic for that purpose, since they change the display of buffers in
758 windows, which would be gratuitous and surprise the user. Instead, use
759 @code{set-buffer} and @code{save-current-buffer} (@pxref{Current
760 Buffer}), which designate buffers as current for programmed access
761 without affecting the display of buffers in windows.
762
763 @deffn Command switch-to-buffer buffer-or-name &optional norecord
764 This function makes @var{buffer-or-name} the current buffer, and also
765 displays the buffer in the selected window. This means that a human can
766 see the buffer and subsequent keyboard commands will apply to it.
767 Contrast this with @code{set-buffer}, which makes @var{buffer-or-name}
768 the current buffer but does not display it in the selected window.
769 @xref{Current Buffer}.
770
771 If @var{buffer-or-name} does not identify an existing buffer, then a new
772 buffer by that name is created. The major mode for the new buffer is
773 set according to the variable @code{default-major-mode}. @xref{Auto
774 Major Mode}.
775
776 Normally the specified buffer is put at the front of the buffer list
777 (both the selected frame's buffer list and the frame-independent buffer
778 list). This affects the operation of @code{other-buffer}. However, if
779 @var{norecord} is non-@code{nil}, this is not done. @xref{The Buffer
780 List}.
781
782 The @code{switch-to-buffer} function is often used interactively, as
783 the binding of @kbd{C-x b}. It is also used frequently in programs. It
784 returns the buffer that it switched to.
785 @end deffn
786
787 @deffn Command switch-to-buffer-other-window buffer-or-name &optional norecord
788 This function makes @var{buffer-or-name} the current buffer and
789 displays it in a window not currently selected. It then selects that
790 window. The handling of the buffer is the same as in
791 @code{switch-to-buffer}.
792
793 The currently selected window is absolutely never used to do the job.
794 If it is the only window, then it is split to make a distinct window for
795 this purpose. If the selected window is already displaying the buffer,
796 then it continues to do so, but another window is nonetheless found to
797 display it in as well.
798
799 This function updates the buffer list just like @code{switch-to-buffer}
800 unless @var{norecord} is non-@code{nil}.
801 @end deffn
802
803 @defun pop-to-buffer buffer-or-name &optional other-window norecord
804 This function makes @var{buffer-or-name} the current buffer and
805 switches to it in some window, preferably not the window previously
806 selected. The ``popped-to'' window becomes the selected window within
807 its frame. The return value is the buffer that was switched to.
808
809 If the variable @code{pop-up-frames} is non-@code{nil},
810 @code{pop-to-buffer} looks for a window in any visible frame already
811 displaying the buffer; if there is one, it returns that window and makes
812 it be selected within its frame. If there is none, it creates a new
813 frame and displays the buffer in it.
814
815 If @code{pop-up-frames} is @code{nil}, then @code{pop-to-buffer}
816 operates entirely within the selected frame. (If the selected frame has
817 just a minibuffer, @code{pop-to-buffer} operates within the most
818 recently selected frame that was not just a minibuffer.)
819
820 If the variable @code{pop-up-windows} is non-@code{nil}, windows may
821 be split to create a new window that is different from the original
822 window. For details, see @ref{Choosing Window}.
823
824 If @var{other-window} is non-@code{nil}, @code{pop-to-buffer} finds or
825 creates another window even if @var{buffer-or-name} is already visible
826 in the selected window. Thus @var{buffer-or-name} could end up
827 displayed in two windows. On the other hand, if @var{buffer-or-name} is
828 already displayed in the selected window and @var{other-window} is
829 @code{nil}, then the selected window is considered sufficient display
830 for @var{buffer-or-name}, so that nothing needs to be done.
831
832 All the variables that affect @code{display-buffer} affect
833 @code{pop-to-buffer} as well. @xref{Choosing Window}.
834
835 If @var{buffer-or-name} is a string that does not name an existing
836 buffer, a buffer by that name is created. The major mode for the new
837 buffer is set according to the variable @code{default-major-mode}.
838 @xref{Auto Major Mode}.
839
840 This function updates the buffer list just like @code{switch-to-buffer}
841 unless @var{norecord} is non-@code{nil}.
842 @end defun
843
844 @deffn Command replace-buffer-in-windows buffer
845 This function replaces @var{buffer} with some other buffer in all
846 windows displaying it. The other buffer used is chosen with
847 @code{other-buffer}. In the usual applications of this function, you
848 don't care which other buffer is used; you just want to make sure that
849 @var{buffer} is no longer displayed.
850
851 This function returns @code{nil}.
852 @end deffn
853
854 @node Choosing Window
855 @section Choosing a Window for Display
856
857 This section describes the basic facility that chooses a window to
858 display a buffer in---@code{display-buffer}. All the higher-level
859 functions and commands use this subroutine. Here we describe how to use
860 @code{display-buffer} and how to customize it.
861
862 @deffn Command display-buffer buffer-or-name &optional not-this-window frame
863 This command makes @var{buffer-or-name} appear in some window, like
864 @code{pop-to-buffer}, but it does not select that window and does not
865 make the buffer current. The identity of the selected window is
866 unaltered by this function.
867
868 If @var{not-this-window} is non-@code{nil}, it means to display the
869 specified buffer in a window other than the selected one, even if it is
870 already on display in the selected window. This can cause the buffer to
871 appear in two windows at once. Otherwise, if @var{buffer-or-name} is
872 already being displayed in any window, that is good enough, so this
873 function does nothing.
874
875 @code{display-buffer} returns the window chosen to display
876 @var{buffer-or-name}.
877
878 If the argument @var{frame} is non-@code{nil}, it specifies which frames
879 to check when deciding whether the buffer is already displayed. If the
880 buffer is already displayed in some window on one of these frames,
881 @code{display-buffer} simply returns that window. Here are the possible
882 values of @var{frame}:
883
884 @itemize @bullet
885 @item
886 If it is @code{nil}, consider windows on the selected frame.
887 @item
888 If it is @code{t}, consider windows on all frames.
889 @item
890 If it is @code{visible}, consider windows on all visible frames.
891 @item
892 If it is 0, consider windows on all visible or iconified frames.
893 @item
894 If it is a frame, consider windows on that frame.
895 @end itemize
896
897 Precisely how @code{display-buffer} finds or creates a window depends on
898 the variables described below.
899 @end deffn
900
901 @defopt display-buffer-reuse-frames
902 If this variable is non-@code{nil}, @code{display-buffer} searches
903 existing frames for a window displaying the buffer. If the buffer is
904 already displayed in a window in some frame, @code{display-buffer} makes
905 the frame visible and raises it, to use that window. If the buffer is
906 not already displayed, or if @code{display-buffer-reuse-frames} is
907 @code{nil}, @code{display-buffer}'s behavior is determined by other
908 variables, described below.
909 @end defopt
910
911 @defopt pop-up-windows
912 This variable controls whether @code{display-buffer} makes new windows.
913 If it is non-@code{nil} and there is only one window, then that window
914 is split. If it is @code{nil}, then @code{display-buffer} does not
915 split the single window, but uses it whole.
916 @end defopt
917
918 @defopt split-height-threshold
919 This variable determines when @code{display-buffer} may split a window,
920 if there are multiple windows. @code{display-buffer} always splits the
921 largest window if it has at least this many lines. If the largest
922 window is not this tall, it is split only if it is the sole window and
923 @code{pop-up-windows} is non-@code{nil}.
924 @end defopt
925
926 @defopt even-window-heights
927 This variable determines if @code{display-buffer} should even out window
928 heights if the buffer gets displayed in an existing window, above or
929 beneath another existing window. If @code{even-window-heights} is
930 @code{t}, the default, window heights will be evened out. If
931 @code{even-window-heights} is @code{nil}, the original window heights
932 will be left alone.
933 @end defopt
934
935 @c Emacs 19 feature
936 @defopt pop-up-frames
937 This variable controls whether @code{display-buffer} makes new frames.
938 If it is non-@code{nil}, @code{display-buffer} looks for an existing
939 window already displaying the desired buffer, on any visible frame. If
940 it finds one, it returns that window. Otherwise it makes a new frame.
941 The variables @code{pop-up-windows} and @code{split-height-threshold} do
942 not matter if @code{pop-up-frames} is non-@code{nil}.
943
944 If @code{pop-up-frames} is @code{nil}, then @code{display-buffer} either
945 splits a window or reuses one.
946
947 @xref{Frames}, for more information.
948 @end defopt
949
950 @c Emacs 19 feature
951 @defvar pop-up-frame-function
952 This variable specifies how to make a new frame if @code{pop-up-frames}
953 is non-@code{nil}.
954
955 Its value should be a function of no arguments. When
956 @code{display-buffer} makes a new frame, it does so by calling that
957 function, which should return a frame. The default value of the
958 variable is a function that creates a frame using parameters from
959 @code{pop-up-frame-alist}.
960 @end defvar
961
962 @defopt pop-up-frame-alist
963 This variable holds an alist specifying frame parameters used when
964 @code{display-buffer} makes a new frame. @xref{Frame Parameters}, for
965 more information about frame parameters.
966 @end defopt
967
968 @defopt special-display-buffer-names
969 A list of buffer names for buffers that should be displayed specially.
970 If the buffer's name is in this list, @code{display-buffer} handles the
971 buffer specially.
972
973 By default, special display means to give the buffer a dedicated frame.
974
975 If an element is a list, instead of a string, then the @sc{car} of the
976 list is the buffer name, and the rest of the list says how to create
977 the frame. There are two possibilities for the rest of the list (its
978 @sc{cdr}). It can be an alist, specifying frame parameters, or it can
979 contain a function and arguments to give to it. (The function's first
980 argument is always the buffer to be displayed; the arguments from the
981 list come after that.)
982
983 For example:
984
985 @example
986 (("myfile" (minibuffer) (menu-bar-lines . 0)))
987 @end example
988
989 @noindent
990 specifies to display a buffer named @samp{myfile} in a dedicated frame
991 with specified @code{minibuffer} and @code{menu-bar-lines} parameters.
992 @end defopt
993
994 @defopt special-display-regexps
995 A list of regular expressions that specify buffers that should be
996 displayed specially. If the buffer's name matches any of the regular
997 expressions in this list, @code{display-buffer} handles the buffer
998 specially.
999
1000 By default, special display means to give the buffer a dedicated frame.
1001
1002 If an element is a list, instead of a string, then the @sc{car} of the
1003 list is the regular expression, and the rest of the list says how to
1004 create the frame. See above, under @code{special-display-buffer-names}.
1005 @end defopt
1006
1007 @defvar special-display-function
1008 This variable holds the function to call to display a buffer specially.
1009 It receives the buffer as an argument, and should return the window in
1010 which it is displayed.
1011
1012 The default value of this variable is
1013 @code{special-display-popup-frame}.
1014 @end defvar
1015
1016 @defun special-display-popup-frame buffer &rest args
1017 This function makes @var{buffer} visible in a frame of its own. If
1018 @var{buffer} is already displayed in a window in some frame, it makes
1019 the frame visible and raises it, to use that window. Otherwise, it
1020 creates a frame that will be dedicated to @var{buffer}.
1021
1022 If @var{args} is an alist, it specifies frame parameters for the new
1023 frame.
1024
1025 If @var{args} is a list whose @sc{car} is a symbol, then @code{(car
1026 @var{args})} is called as a function to actually create and set up the
1027 frame; it is called with @var{buffer} as first argument, and @code{(cdr
1028 @var{args})} as additional arguments.
1029
1030 This function always uses an existing window displaying @var{buffer},
1031 whether or not it is in a frame of its own; but if you set up the above
1032 variables in your init file, before @var{buffer} was created, then
1033 presumably the window was previously made by this function.
1034 @end defun
1035
1036 @defopt special-display-frame-alist
1037 This variable holds frame parameters for
1038 @code{special-display-popup-frame} to use when it creates a frame.
1039 @end defopt
1040
1041 @defopt same-window-buffer-names
1042 A list of buffer names for buffers that should be displayed in the
1043 selected window. If the buffer's name is in this list,
1044 @code{display-buffer} handles the buffer by switching to it in the
1045 selected window.
1046 @end defopt
1047
1048 @defopt same-window-regexps
1049 A list of regular expressions that specify buffers that should be
1050 displayed in the selected window. If the buffer's name matches any of
1051 the regular expressions in this list, @code{display-buffer} handles the
1052 buffer by switching to it in the selected window.
1053 @end defopt
1054
1055 @c Emacs 19 feature
1056 @defvar display-buffer-function
1057 This variable is the most flexible way to customize the behavior of
1058 @code{display-buffer}. If it is non-@code{nil}, it should be a function
1059 that @code{display-buffer} calls to do the work. The function should
1060 accept two arguments, the same two arguments that @code{display-buffer}
1061 received. It should choose or create a window, display the specified
1062 buffer, and then return the window.
1063
1064 This hook takes precedence over all the other options and hooks
1065 described above.
1066 @end defvar
1067
1068 @c Emacs 19 feature
1069 @cindex dedicated window
1070 A window can be marked as ``dedicated'' to its buffer. Then
1071 @code{display-buffer} will not try to use that window to display any
1072 other buffer.
1073
1074 @defun window-dedicated-p window
1075 This function returns @code{t} if @var{window} is marked as dedicated;
1076 otherwise @code{nil}.
1077 @end defun
1078
1079 @defun set-window-dedicated-p window flag
1080 This function marks @var{window} as dedicated if @var{flag} is
1081 non-@code{nil}, and nondedicated otherwise.
1082 @end defun
1083
1084 @node Window Point
1085 @section Windows and Point
1086 @cindex window position
1087 @cindex window point
1088 @cindex position in window
1089 @cindex point in window
1090
1091 Each window has its own value of point, independent of the value of
1092 point in other windows displaying the same buffer. This makes it useful
1093 to have multiple windows showing one buffer.
1094
1095 @itemize @bullet
1096 @item
1097 The window point is established when a window is first created; it is
1098 initialized from the buffer's point, or from the window point of another
1099 window opened on the buffer if such a window exists.
1100
1101 @item
1102 Selecting a window sets the value of point in its buffer from the
1103 window's value of point. Conversely, deselecting a window sets the
1104 window's value of point from that of the buffer. Thus, when you switch
1105 between windows that display a given buffer, the point value for the
1106 selected window is in effect in the buffer, while the point values for
1107 the other windows are stored in those windows.
1108
1109 @item
1110 As long as the selected window displays the current buffer, the window's
1111 point and the buffer's point always move together; they remain equal.
1112
1113 @item
1114 @xref{Positions}, for more details on buffer positions.
1115 @end itemize
1116
1117 As far as the user is concerned, point is where the cursor is, and
1118 when the user switches to another buffer, the cursor jumps to the
1119 position of point in that buffer.
1120
1121 @defun window-point &optional window
1122 This function returns the current position of point in @var{window}.
1123 For a nonselected window, this is the value point would have (in that
1124 window's buffer) if that window were selected. If @var{window} is
1125 @code{nil}, the selected window is used.
1126
1127 When @var{window} is the selected window and its buffer is also the
1128 current buffer, the value returned is the same as point in that buffer.
1129
1130 Strictly speaking, it would be more correct to return the
1131 ``top-level'' value of point, outside of any @code{save-excursion}
1132 forms. But that value is hard to find.
1133 @end defun
1134
1135 @defun set-window-point window position
1136 This function positions point in @var{window} at position
1137 @var{position} in @var{window}'s buffer.
1138 @end defun
1139
1140 @node Window Start
1141 @section The Window Start Position
1142
1143 Each window contains a marker used to keep track of a buffer position
1144 that specifies where in the buffer display should start. This position
1145 is called the @dfn{display-start} position of the window (or just the
1146 @dfn{start}). The character after this position is the one that appears
1147 at the upper left corner of the window. It is usually, but not
1148 inevitably, at the beginning of a text line.
1149
1150 @defun window-start &optional window
1151 @cindex window top line
1152 This function returns the display-start position of window
1153 @var{window}. If @var{window} is @code{nil}, the selected window is
1154 used. For example,
1155
1156 @example
1157 @group
1158 (window-start)
1159 @result{} 7058
1160 @end group
1161 @end example
1162
1163 When you create a window, or display a different buffer in it, the
1164 display-start position is set to a display-start position recently used
1165 for the same buffer, or 1 if the buffer doesn't have any.
1166
1167 Redisplay updates the window-start position (if you have not specified
1168 it explicitly since the previous redisplay)---for example, to make sure
1169 point appears on the screen. Nothing except redisplay automatically
1170 changes the window-start position; if you move point, do not expect the
1171 window-start position to change in response until after the next
1172 redisplay.
1173
1174 For a realistic example of using @code{window-start}, see the
1175 description of @code{count-lines} in @ref{Text Lines}.
1176 @end defun
1177
1178 @defun window-end &optional window update
1179 This function returns the position of the end of the display in window
1180 @var{window}. If @var{window} is @code{nil}, the selected window is
1181 used.
1182
1183 Simply changing the buffer text or moving point does not update the
1184 value that @code{window-end} returns. The value is updated only when
1185 Emacs redisplays and redisplay completes without being preempted.
1186
1187 If the last redisplay of @var{window} was preempted, and did not finish,
1188 Emacs does not know the position of the end of display in that window.
1189 In that case, this function returns @code{nil}.
1190
1191 If @var{update} is non-@code{nil}, @code{window-end} always returns an
1192 up-to-date value for where the window ends, based on the current
1193 @code{window-start} value. If the saved value is valid,
1194 @code{window-end} returns that; otherwise it computes the correct
1195 value by scanning the buffer text.
1196
1197 Even if @var{update} is non-@code{nil}, @code{window-end} does not
1198 attempt to scroll the display if point has moved off the screen, the
1199 way real redisplay would do. It does not alter the
1200 @code{window-start} value. In effect, it reports where the displayed
1201 text will end if scrolling is not required.
1202 @end defun
1203
1204 @defun set-window-start window position &optional noforce
1205 This function sets the display-start position of @var{window} to
1206 @var{position} in @var{window}'s buffer. It returns @var{position}.
1207
1208 The display routines insist that the position of point be visible when a
1209 buffer is displayed. Normally, they change the display-start position
1210 (that is, scroll the window) whenever necessary to make point visible.
1211 However, if you specify the start position with this function using
1212 @code{nil} for @var{noforce}, it means you want display to start at
1213 @var{position} even if that would put the location of point off the
1214 screen. If this does place point off screen, the display routines move
1215 point to the left margin on the middle line in the window.
1216
1217 For example, if point @w{is 1} and you set the start of the window @w{to
1218 2}, then point would be ``above'' the top of the window. The display
1219 routines will automatically move point if it is still 1 when redisplay
1220 occurs. Here is an example:
1221
1222 @example
1223 @group
1224 ;; @r{Here is what @samp{foo} looks like before executing}
1225 ;; @r{the @code{set-window-start} expression.}
1226 @end group
1227
1228 @group
1229 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
1230 @point{}This is the contents of buffer foo.
1231 2
1232 3
1233 4
1234 5
1235 6
1236 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
1237 @end group
1238
1239 @group
1240 (set-window-start
1241 (selected-window)
1242 (1+ (window-start)))
1243 @result{} 2
1244 @end group
1245
1246 @group
1247 ;; @r{Here is what @samp{foo} looks like after executing}
1248 ;; @r{the @code{set-window-start} expression.}
1249 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
1250 his is the contents of buffer foo.
1251 2
1252 3
1253 @point{}4
1254 5
1255 6
1256 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
1257 @end group
1258 @end example
1259
1260 If @var{noforce} is non-@code{nil}, and @var{position} would place point
1261 off screen at the next redisplay, then redisplay computes a new window-start
1262 position that works well with point, and thus @var{position} is not used.
1263 @end defun
1264
1265 @defun pos-visible-in-window-p &optional position window partially
1266 This function returns @code{t} if @var{position} is within the range of
1267 text currently visible on the screen in @var{window}. It returns
1268 @code{nil} if @var{position} is scrolled vertically or horizontally out
1269 of view. Locations that are partially obscured are not considered
1270 visible unless @var{partially} is non-@code{nil}. The argument
1271 @var{position} defaults to the current position of point in
1272 @var{window}; @var{window}, to the selected window.
1273
1274 Here is an example:
1275
1276 @example
1277 @group
1278 (or (pos-visible-in-window-p
1279 (point) (selected-window))
1280 (recenter 0))
1281 @end group
1282 @end example
1283 @end defun
1284
1285 @node Textual Scrolling
1286 @section Textual Scrolling
1287 @cindex textual scrolling
1288 @cindex scrolling textually
1289
1290 @dfn{Textual scrolling} means moving the text up or down though a
1291 window. It works by changing the value of the window's display-start
1292 location. It may also change the value of @code{window-point} to keep
1293 point on the screen.
1294
1295 Textual scrolling was formerly called ``vertical scrolling,'' but we
1296 changed its name to distinguish it from the new vertical fractional
1297 scrolling feature (@pxref{Vertical Scrolling}).
1298
1299 In the commands @code{scroll-up} and @code{scroll-down}, the directions
1300 ``up'' and ``down'' refer to the motion of the text in the buffer at which
1301 you are looking through the window. Imagine that the text is
1302 written on a long roll of paper and that the scrolling commands move the
1303 paper up and down. Thus, if you are looking at text in the middle of a
1304 buffer and repeatedly call @code{scroll-down}, you will eventually see
1305 the beginning of the buffer.
1306
1307 Some people have urged that the opposite convention be used: they
1308 imagine that the window moves over text that remains in place. Then
1309 ``down'' commands would take you to the end of the buffer. This view is
1310 more consistent with the actual relationship between windows and the
1311 text in the buffer, but it is less like what the user sees. The
1312 position of a window on the terminal does not move, and short scrolling
1313 commands clearly move the text up or down on the screen. We have chosen
1314 names that fit the user's point of view.
1315
1316 The textual scrolling functions (aside from
1317 @code{scroll-other-window}) have unpredictable results if the current
1318 buffer is different from the buffer that is displayed in the selected
1319 window. @xref{Current Buffer}.
1320
1321 @deffn Command scroll-up &optional count
1322 This function scrolls the text in the selected window upward
1323 @var{count} lines. If @var{count} is negative, scrolling is actually
1324 downward.
1325
1326 If @var{count} is @code{nil} (or omitted), then the length of scroll
1327 is @code{next-screen-context-lines} lines less than the usable height of
1328 the window (not counting its mode line).
1329
1330 @code{scroll-up} returns @code{nil}.
1331 @end deffn
1332
1333 @deffn Command scroll-down &optional count
1334 This function scrolls the text in the selected window downward
1335 @var{count} lines. If @var{count} is negative, scrolling is actually
1336 upward.
1337
1338 If @var{count} is omitted or @code{nil}, then the length of the scroll
1339 is @code{next-screen-context-lines} lines less than the usable height of
1340 the window (not counting its mode line).
1341
1342 @code{scroll-down} returns @code{nil}.
1343 @end deffn
1344
1345 @deffn Command scroll-other-window &optional count
1346 This function scrolls the text in another window upward @var{count}
1347 lines. Negative values of @var{count}, or @code{nil}, are handled
1348 as in @code{scroll-up}.
1349
1350 You can specify which buffer to scroll by setting the variable
1351 @code{other-window-scroll-buffer} to a buffer. If that buffer isn't
1352 already displayed, @code{scroll-other-window} displays it in some
1353 window.
1354
1355 When the selected window is the minibuffer, the next window is normally
1356 the one at the top left corner. You can specify a different window to
1357 scroll, when the minibuffer is selected, by setting the variable
1358 @code{minibuffer-scroll-window}. This variable has no effect when any
1359 other window is selected. @xref{Minibuffer Misc}.
1360
1361 When the minibuffer is active, it is the next window if the selected
1362 window is the one at the bottom right corner. In this case,
1363 @code{scroll-other-window} attempts to scroll the minibuffer. If the
1364 minibuffer contains just one line, it has nowhere to scroll to, so the
1365 line reappears after the echo area momentarily displays the message
1366 ``Beginning of buffer''.
1367 @end deffn
1368
1369 @c Emacs 19 feature
1370 @defvar other-window-scroll-buffer
1371 If this variable is non-@code{nil}, it tells @code{scroll-other-window}
1372 which buffer to scroll.
1373 @end defvar
1374
1375 @defopt scroll-margin
1376 This option specifies the size of the scroll margin---a minimum number
1377 of lines between point and the top or bottom of a window. Whenever
1378 point gets within this many lines of the top or bottom of the window,
1379 redisplay scrolls the text automatically (if possible) to move point
1380 out of the margin, closer to the center of the window.
1381 @end defopt
1382
1383 @defopt scroll-conservatively
1384 This variable controls how scrolling is done automatically when point
1385 moves off the screen (or into the scroll margin). If the value is a
1386 positive integer @var{n}, then redisplay scrolls the text up to
1387 @var{n} lines in either direction, if that will bring point back into
1388 proper view. This action is called @dfn{conservative scrolling}.
1389 Otherwise, scrolling happens in the usual way, under the control of
1390 other variables such as @code{scroll-up-aggressively} and
1391 @code{scroll-down-aggressively}.
1392
1393 The default value is zero, which means that conservative scrolling
1394 never happens.
1395 @end defopt
1396
1397 @defopt scroll-down-aggressively
1398 @tindex scroll-down-aggressively
1399 The value of this variable should be either @code{nil} or a fraction
1400 @var{f} between 0 and 1. If it is a fraction, that specifies where on
1401 the screen to put point when scrolling down. More precisely, when a
1402 window scrolls down because point is above the window start, the new
1403 start position is chosen to put point @var{f} part of the window
1404 height from the top. The larger @var{f}, the more aggressive the
1405 scrolling.
1406
1407 A value of @code{nil} is equivalent to .5, since its effect is to center
1408 point. This variable automatically becomes buffer-local when set in any
1409 fashion.
1410 @end defopt
1411
1412 @defopt scroll-up-aggressively
1413 @tindex scroll-up-aggressively
1414 Likewise, for scrolling up. The value, @var{f}, specifies how far
1415 point should be placed from the bottom of the window; thus, as with
1416 @code{scroll-up-aggressively}, a larger value scrolls more aggressively.
1417 @end defopt
1418
1419 @defopt scroll-step
1420 This variable is an older variant of @code{scroll-conservatively}. The
1421 difference is that it if its value is @var{n}, that permits scrolling
1422 only by precisely @var{n} lines, not a smaller number. This feature
1423 does not work with @code{scroll-margin}. The default value is zero.
1424 @end defopt
1425
1426 @defopt scroll-preserve-screen-position
1427 If this option is non-@code{nil}, the scroll functions move point so
1428 that the vertical position of the cursor is unchanged, when that is
1429 possible.
1430 @end defopt
1431
1432 @defopt next-screen-context-lines
1433 The value of this variable is the number of lines of continuity to
1434 retain when scrolling by full screens. For example, @code{scroll-up}
1435 with an argument of @code{nil} scrolls so that this many lines at the
1436 bottom of the window appear instead at the top. The default value is
1437 @code{2}.
1438 @end defopt
1439
1440 @deffn Command recenter &optional count
1441 @cindex centering point
1442 This function scrolls the text in the selected window so that point is
1443 displayed at a specified vertical position within the window. It does
1444 not ``move point'' with respect to the text.
1445
1446 If @var{count} is a nonnegative number, that puts the line containing
1447 point @var{count} lines down from the top of the window. If
1448 @var{count} is a negative number, then it counts upward from the
1449 bottom of the window, so that @minus{}1 stands for the last usable
1450 line in the window. If @var{count} is a non-@code{nil} list, then it
1451 stands for the line in the middle of the window.
1452
1453 If @var{count} is @code{nil}, @code{recenter} puts the line containing
1454 point in the middle of the window, then clears and redisplays the entire
1455 selected frame.
1456
1457 When @code{recenter} is called interactively, @var{count} is the raw
1458 prefix argument. Thus, typing @kbd{C-u} as the prefix sets the
1459 @var{count} to a non-@code{nil} list, while typing @kbd{C-u 4} sets
1460 @var{count} to 4, which positions the current line four lines from the
1461 top.
1462
1463 With an argument of zero, @code{recenter} positions the current line at
1464 the top of the window. This action is so handy that some people make a
1465 separate key binding to do this. For example,
1466
1467 @example
1468 @group
1469 (defun line-to-top-of-window ()
1470 "Scroll current line to top of window.
1471 Replaces three keystroke sequence C-u 0 C-l."
1472 (interactive)
1473 (recenter 0))
1474
1475 (global-set-key [kp-multiply] 'line-to-top-of-window)
1476 @end group
1477 @end example
1478 @end deffn
1479
1480 @node Vertical Scrolling
1481 @section Vertical Fractional Scrolling
1482 @cindex Vertical Fractional Scrolling
1483
1484 @dfn{Vertical fractional scrolling} means shifting the image in the
1485 window up or down by a specified multiple or fraction of a line.
1486 Starting in Emacs 21, each window has a @dfn{vertical scroll position},
1487 which is a number, never less than zero. It specifies how far to raise
1488 the contents of the window. Raising the window contents generally makes
1489 all or part of some lines disappear off the top, and all or part of some
1490 other lines appear at the bottom. The usual value is zero.
1491
1492 The vertical scroll position is measured in units of the normal line
1493 height, which is the height of the default font. Thus, if the value is
1494 .5, that means the window contents are scrolled up half the normal line
1495 height. If it is 3.3, that means the window contents are scrolled up
1496 somewhat over three times the normal line height.
1497
1498 What fraction of a line the vertical scrolling covers, or how many
1499 lines, depends on what the lines contain. A value of .5 could scroll a
1500 line whose height is very short off the screen, while a value of 3.3
1501 could scroll just part of the way through a tall line or an image.
1502
1503 @defun window-vscroll &optional window
1504 This function returns the current vertical scroll position of
1505 @var{window}, If @var{window} is @code{nil}, the selected window is
1506 used.
1507
1508 @example
1509 @group
1510 (window-vscroll)
1511 @result{} 0
1512 @end group
1513 @end example
1514 @end defun
1515
1516 @defun set-window-vscroll window lines
1517 This function sets @var{window}'s vertical scroll position to
1518 @var{lines}. The argument @var{lines} should be zero or positive; if
1519 not, it is taken as zero.
1520
1521 If @var{window} is @code{nil}, the selected window is used.
1522
1523 The actual vertical scroll position must always correspond
1524 to an integral number of pixels, so the value you specify
1525 is rounded accordingly.
1526
1527 The return value is the result of this rounding.
1528
1529 @example
1530 @group
1531 (set-window-vscroll (selected-window) 1.2)
1532 @result{} 1.13
1533 @end group
1534 @end example
1535 @end defun
1536
1537 @node Horizontal Scrolling
1538 @section Horizontal Scrolling
1539 @cindex horizontal scrolling
1540
1541 @dfn{Horizontal scrolling} means shifting the image in the window left
1542 or right by a specified multiple of the normal character width. Each
1543 window has a @dfn{horizontal scroll position}, which is a number, never
1544 less than zero. It specifies how far to shift the contents left.
1545 Shifting the window contents left generally makes all or part of some
1546 characters disappear off the left, and all or part of some other
1547 characters appear at the right. The usual value is zero.
1548
1549 The horizontal scroll position is measured in units of the normal
1550 character width, which is the width of space in the default font. Thus,
1551 if the value is 5, that means the window contents are scrolled left by 5
1552 times the normal character width. How many characters actually
1553 disappear off to the left depends on their width, and could vary from
1554 line to line.
1555
1556 Because we read from side to side in the ``inner loop'', and from top
1557 to bottom in the ``outer loop'', the effect of horizontal scrolling is
1558 not like that of textual or vertical scrolling. Textual scrolling
1559 involves selection of a portion of text to display, and vertical
1560 scrolling moves the window contents contiguously; but horizontal
1561 scrolling causes part of @emph{each line} to go off screen.
1562
1563 Usually, no horizontal scrolling is in effect; then the leftmost
1564 column is at the left edge of the window. In this state, scrolling to
1565 the right is meaningless, since there is no data to the left of the edge
1566 to be revealed by it; so this is not allowed. Scrolling to the left is
1567 allowed; it scrolls the first columns of text off the edge of the window
1568 and can reveal additional columns on the right that were truncated
1569 before. Once a window has a nonzero amount of leftward horizontal
1570 scrolling, you can scroll it back to the right, but only so far as to
1571 reduce the net horizontal scroll to zero. There is no limit to how far
1572 left you can scroll, but eventually all the text will disappear off the
1573 left edge.
1574
1575 @vindex auto-hscroll-mode
1576 In Emacs 21, redisplay automatically alters the horizontal scrolling
1577 of a window as necessary to ensure that point is always visible, if
1578 @code{auto-hscroll-mode} is set. However, you can still set the
1579 horizontal scrolling value explicitly. The value you specify serves as
1580 a lower bound for automatic scrolling, i.e. automatic scrolling
1581 will not scroll a window to a column less than the specified one.
1582
1583 @deffn Command scroll-left &optional count
1584 This function scrolls the selected window @var{count} columns to the
1585 left (or to the right if @var{count} is negative). The default
1586 for @var{count} is the window width, minus 2.
1587
1588 The return value is the total amount of leftward horizontal scrolling in
1589 effect after the change---just like the value returned by
1590 @code{window-hscroll} (below).
1591 @end deffn
1592
1593 @deffn Command scroll-right &optional count
1594 This function scrolls the selected window @var{count} columns to the
1595 right (or to the left if @var{count} is negative). The default
1596 for @var{count} is the window width, minus 2.
1597
1598 The return value is the total amount of leftward horizontal scrolling in
1599 effect after the change---just like the value returned by
1600 @code{window-hscroll} (below).
1601
1602 Once you scroll a window as far right as it can go, back to its normal
1603 position where the total leftward scrolling is zero, attempts to scroll
1604 any farther right have no effect.
1605 @end deffn
1606
1607 @defun window-hscroll &optional window
1608 This function returns the total leftward horizontal scrolling of
1609 @var{window}---the number of columns by which the text in @var{window}
1610 is scrolled left past the left margin.
1611
1612 The value is never negative. It is zero when no horizontal scrolling
1613 has been done in @var{window} (which is usually the case).
1614
1615 If @var{window} is @code{nil}, the selected window is used.
1616
1617 @example
1618 @group
1619 (window-hscroll)
1620 @result{} 0
1621 @end group
1622 @group
1623 (scroll-left 5)
1624 @result{} 5
1625 @end group
1626 @group
1627 (window-hscroll)
1628 @result{} 5
1629 @end group
1630 @end example
1631 @end defun
1632
1633 @defun set-window-hscroll window columns
1634 This function sets the number of columns from the left margin that
1635 @var{window} is scrolled from the value of @var{columns}. The argument
1636 @var{columns} should be zero or positive; if not, it is taken as zero.
1637 Fractional values of @var{columns} are not supported at present.
1638
1639 Note that @code{set-window-hscroll} may appear not to work if you test
1640 it by evaluating a call with @kbd{M-:} in a simple way. What happens
1641 is that the function sets the horizontal scroll value and returns, but
1642 then redisplay adjusts the horizontal scrolling to make point visible,
1643 and this overrides what the function did. You can observe the
1644 function's effect if you call it while point is sufficiently far from
1645 the left margin that it will remain visible.
1646
1647 The value returned is @var{columns}.
1648
1649 @example
1650 @group
1651 (set-window-hscroll (selected-window) 10)
1652 @result{} 10
1653 @end group
1654 @end example
1655 @end defun
1656
1657 Here is how you can determine whether a given position @var{position}
1658 is off the screen due to horizontal scrolling:
1659
1660 @example
1661 @group
1662 (defun hscroll-on-screen (window position)
1663 (save-excursion
1664 (goto-char position)
1665 (and
1666 (>= (- (current-column) (window-hscroll window)) 0)
1667 (< (- (current-column) (window-hscroll window))
1668 (window-width window)))))
1669 @end group
1670 @end example
1671
1672 @node Size of Window
1673 @section The Size of a Window
1674 @cindex window size
1675 @cindex size of window
1676
1677 An Emacs window is rectangular, and its size information consists of
1678 the height (the number of lines) and the width (the number of character
1679 positions in each line). The mode line is included in the height. But
1680 the width does not count the scroll bar or the column of @samp{|}
1681 characters that separates side-by-side windows.
1682
1683 The following three functions return size information about a window:
1684
1685 @defun window-height &optional window
1686 This function returns the number of lines in @var{window}, including
1687 its mode line and header line, if any. If @var{window} fills its
1688 entire frame except for the echo area, and there is no tool bar, this
1689 is typically one less than the value of @code{frame-height} on that
1690 frame.
1691
1692 If @var{window} is @code{nil}, the function uses the selected window.
1693
1694 @example
1695 @group
1696 (window-height)
1697 @result{} 23
1698 @end group
1699 @group
1700 (split-window-vertically)
1701 @result{} #<window 4 on windows.texi>
1702 @end group
1703 @group
1704 (window-height)
1705 @result{} 11
1706 @end group
1707 @end example
1708 @end defun
1709
1710 @tindex window-body-height
1711 @defun window-body-height &optional window
1712 Like @code{window-height} but the value does not include the
1713 mode line (if any) or the header line (if any).
1714 @end defun
1715
1716 @defun window-width &optional window
1717 This function returns the number of columns in @var{window}. If
1718 @var{window} fills its entire frame, this is the same as the value of
1719 @code{frame-width} on that frame. The width does not include the
1720 window's scroll bar or the column of @samp{|} characters that separates
1721 side-by-side windows.
1722
1723 If @var{window} is @code{nil}, the function uses the selected window.
1724
1725 @example
1726 @group
1727 (window-width)
1728 @result{} 80
1729 @end group
1730 @end example
1731 @end defun
1732
1733 @defun window-edges &optional window
1734 This function returns a list of the edge coordinates of @var{window}.
1735 If @var{window} is @code{nil}, the selected window is used.
1736
1737 The order of the list is @code{(@var{left} @var{top} @var{right}
1738 @var{bottom})}, all elements relative to 0, 0 at the top left corner of
1739 the frame. The element @var{right} of the value is one more than the
1740 rightmost column used by @var{window}, and @var{bottom} is one more than
1741 the bottommost row used by @var{window} and its mode-line.
1742
1743 If a window has a scroll bar, the right edge value includes the width of
1744 the scroll bar. Otherwise, if the window has a neighbor on the right,
1745 its right edge value includes the width of the separator line between
1746 the window and that neighbor. Since the width of the window does not
1747 include this separator, the width does not usually equal the difference
1748 between the right and left edges.
1749 @end defun
1750
1751 @defun window-inside-edges window
1752 This is similar to @code{window-edges}, but the edge values
1753 it returns include only the text area of the window. They
1754 do not include the header line, mode line, scroll bar or
1755 vertical separator, fringes, or display margins.
1756 @end defun
1757
1758 Here are the results obtained on a typical 24-line terminal with just
1759 one window, with menu bar enabled:
1760
1761 @example
1762 @group
1763 (window-edges (selected-window))
1764 @result{} (0 1 80 23)
1765 @end group
1766 @group
1767 (window-inside-edges (selected-window))
1768 @result{} (0 1 80 22)
1769 @end group
1770 @end example
1771
1772 @noindent
1773 The bottom edge is at line 23 because the last line is the echo area.
1774 The bottom inside edge is at line 22, which is the window's mode line.
1775
1776 If @var{window} is at the upper left corner of its frame, and there is
1777 no menu bar, then @var{bottom} returned by @code{window-edges} is the
1778 same as the value of @code{(window-height)}, @var{right} is almost the
1779 same as the value of @code{(window-width)}, and @var{top} and
1780 @var{left} are zero. For example, the edges of the following window
1781 are @w{@samp{0 0 8 5}}. Assuming that the frame has more than 8
1782 columns, the last column of the window (column 7) holds a border
1783 rather than text. The last row (row 4) holds the mode line, shown
1784 here with @samp{xxxxxxxxx}.
1785
1786 @example
1787 @group
1788 0
1789 _______
1790 0 | |
1791 | |
1792 | |
1793 | |
1794 xxxxxxxxx 4
1795
1796 7
1797 @end group
1798 @end example
1799
1800 In the following example, let's suppose that the frame is 7
1801 columns wide. Then the edges of the left window are @w{@samp{0 0 4 3}}
1802 and the edges of the right window are @w{@samp{4 0 7 3}}.
1803 The inside edges of the left window are @w{@samp{0 0 3 2}},
1804 and the inside edges of the right window are @w{@samp{4 0 7 2}},
1805
1806 @example
1807 @group
1808 ___ ___
1809 | | |
1810 | | |
1811 xxxxxxxxx
1812
1813 0 34 7
1814 @end group
1815 @end example
1816
1817 @defun window-pixel-edges window
1818 This function is like @code{window-edges} except that, on a graphical
1819 display, the edge values are measured in pixels instead of in
1820 character lines and columns.
1821 @end defun
1822
1823 @defun window-inside-pixel-edges window
1824 This function is like @code{window-inside-edges} except that, on a
1825 graphical display, the edge values are measured in pixels instead of
1826 in character lines and columns.
1827 @end defun
1828
1829 @node Resizing Windows
1830 @section Changing the Size of a Window
1831 @cindex window resizing
1832 @cindex changing window size
1833 @cindex window size, changing
1834
1835 The window size functions fall into two classes: high-level commands
1836 that change the size of windows and low-level functions that access
1837 window size. Emacs does not permit overlapping windows or gaps between
1838 windows, so resizing one window affects other windows.
1839
1840 @deffn Command enlarge-window size &optional horizontal
1841 This function makes the selected window @var{size} lines taller,
1842 stealing lines from neighboring windows. It takes the lines from one
1843 window at a time until that window is used up, then takes from another.
1844 If a window from which lines are stolen shrinks below
1845 @code{window-min-height} lines, that window disappears.
1846
1847 If @var{horizontal} is non-@code{nil}, this function makes
1848 @var{window} wider by @var{size} columns, stealing columns instead of
1849 lines. If a window from which columns are stolen shrinks below
1850 @code{window-min-width} columns, that window disappears.
1851
1852 If the requested size would exceed that of the window's frame, then the
1853 function makes the window occupy the entire height (or width) of the
1854 frame.
1855
1856 If there are various other windows from which lines or columns can be
1857 stolen, and some of them specify fixed size (using
1858 @code{window-size-fixed}, see below), they are left untouched while
1859 other windows are ``robbed.'' If it would be necessary to alter the
1860 size of a fixed-size window, @code{enlarge-window} gets an error
1861 instead.
1862
1863 If @var{size} is negative, this function shrinks the window by
1864 @minus{}@var{size} lines or columns. If that makes the window smaller
1865 than the minimum size (@code{window-min-height} and
1866 @code{window-min-width}), @code{enlarge-window} deletes the window.
1867
1868 @code{enlarge-window} returns @code{nil}.
1869 @end deffn
1870
1871 @deffn Command enlarge-window-horizontally columns
1872 This function makes the selected window @var{columns} wider.
1873 It could be defined as follows:
1874
1875 @example
1876 @group
1877 (defun enlarge-window-horizontally (columns)
1878 (enlarge-window columns t))
1879 @end group
1880 @end example
1881 @end deffn
1882
1883 @deffn Command shrink-window size &optional horizontal
1884 This function is like @code{enlarge-window} but negates the argument
1885 @var{size}, making the selected window smaller by giving lines (or
1886 columns) to the other windows. If the window shrinks below
1887 @code{window-min-height} or @code{window-min-width}, then it disappears.
1888
1889 If @var{size} is negative, the window is enlarged by @minus{}@var{size}
1890 lines or columns.
1891 @end deffn
1892
1893 @deffn Command shrink-window-horizontally columns
1894 This function makes the selected window @var{columns} narrower.
1895 It could be defined as follows:
1896
1897 @example
1898 @group
1899 (defun shrink-window-horizontally (columns)
1900 (shrink-window columns t))
1901 @end group
1902 @end example
1903 @end deffn
1904
1905 @deffn Command shrink-window-if-larger-than-buffer &optional window
1906 This command shrinks @var{window} to be as small as possible while still
1907 showing the full contents of its buffer---but not less than
1908 @code{window-min-height} lines. If @var{window} is not given,
1909 it defaults to the selected window.
1910
1911 However, the command does nothing if the window is already too small to
1912 display the whole text of the buffer, or if part of the contents are
1913 currently scrolled off screen, or if the window is not the full width of
1914 its frame, or if the window is the only window in its frame.
1915 @end deffn
1916
1917 @tindex window-size-fixed
1918 @defvar window-size-fixed
1919 If this variable is non-@code{nil}, in any given buffer,
1920 then the size of any window displaying the buffer remains fixed
1921 unless you explicitly change it or Emacs has no other choice.
1922 (This feature is new in Emacs 21.)
1923
1924 If the value is @code{height}, then only the window's height is fixed;
1925 if the value is @code{width}, then only the window's width is fixed.
1926 Any other non-@code{nil} value fixes both the width and the height.
1927
1928 The usual way to use this variable is to give it a buffer-local value in
1929 a particular buffer. That way, the windows (but usually there is only
1930 one) displaying that buffer have fixed size.
1931
1932 Explicit size-change functions such as @code{enlarge-window}
1933 get an error if they would have to change a window size which is fixed.
1934 Therefore, when you want to change the size of such a window,
1935 you should bind @code{window-size-fixed} to @code{nil}, like this:
1936
1937 @example
1938 (let ((window-size-fixed nil))
1939 (enlarge-window 10))
1940 @end example
1941
1942 Note that changing the frame size will change the size of a
1943 fixed-size window, if there is no other alternative.
1944 @end defvar
1945
1946 @cindex minimum window size
1947 The following two variables constrain the window-structure-changing
1948 functions to a minimum height and width.
1949
1950 @defopt window-min-height
1951 The value of this variable determines how short a window may become
1952 before it is automatically deleted. Making a window smaller than
1953 @code{window-min-height} automatically deletes it, and no window may
1954 be created shorter than this. The default value is 4.
1955
1956 The absolute minimum window height is one; actions that change window
1957 sizes reset this variable to one if it is less than one.
1958 @end defopt
1959
1960 @defopt window-min-width
1961 The value of this variable determines how narrow a window may become
1962 before it is automatically deleted. Making a window smaller than
1963 @code{window-min-width} automatically deletes it, and no window may be
1964 created narrower than this. The default value is 10.
1965
1966 The absolute minimum window width is two; actions that change window
1967 sizes reset this variable to two if it is less than two.
1968 @end defopt
1969
1970 @node Coordinates and Windows
1971 @section Coordinates and Windows
1972
1973 This section describes how to relate screen coordinates to windows.
1974
1975 @defun window-at x y &optional frame
1976 This function returns the window containing the specified cursor
1977 position in the frame @var{frame}. The coordinates @var{x} and @var{y}
1978 are measured in characters and count from the top left corner of the
1979 frame. If they are out of range, @code{window-at} returns @code{nil}.
1980
1981 If you omit @var{frame}, the selected frame is used.
1982 @end defun
1983
1984 @defun coordinates-in-window-p coordinates window
1985 This function checks whether a particular frame position falls within
1986 the window @var{window}.
1987
1988 The argument @var{coordinates} is a cons cell of the form @code{(@var{x}
1989 . @var{y})}. The coordinates @var{x} and @var{y} are measured in
1990 characters, and count from the top left corner of the screen or frame.
1991
1992 The value returned by @code{coordinates-in-window-p} is non-@code{nil}
1993 if the coordinates are inside @var{window}. The value also indicates
1994 what part of the window the position is in, as follows:
1995
1996 @table @code
1997 @item (@var{relx} . @var{rely})
1998 The coordinates are inside @var{window}. The numbers @var{relx} and
1999 @var{rely} are the equivalent window-relative coordinates for the
2000 specified position, counting from 0 at the top left corner of the
2001 window.
2002
2003 @item mode-line
2004 The coordinates are in the mode line of @var{window}.
2005
2006 @item header-line
2007 The coordinates are in the header line of @var{window}.
2008
2009 @item vertical-line
2010 The coordinates are in the vertical line between @var{window} and its
2011 neighbor to the right. This value occurs only if the window doesn't
2012 have a scroll bar; positions in a scroll bar are considered outside the
2013 window for these purposes.
2014
2015 @item nil
2016 The coordinates are not in any part of @var{window}.
2017 @end table
2018
2019 The function @code{coordinates-in-window-p} does not require a frame as
2020 argument because it always uses the frame that @var{window} is on.
2021 @end defun
2022
2023 @node Window Configurations
2024 @section Window Configurations
2025 @cindex window configurations
2026 @cindex saving window information
2027
2028 A @dfn{window configuration} records the entire layout of one
2029 frame---all windows, their sizes, which buffers they contain, what
2030 part of each buffer is displayed, and the values of point and the
2031 mark. It also includes the values of @code{window-min-height},
2032 @code{window-min-width} and @code{minibuffer-scroll-window}. An
2033 exception is made for point in the selected window for the current
2034 buffer; its value is not saved in the window configuration.
2035
2036 You can bring back an entire previous layout by restoring a window
2037 configuration previously saved. If you want to record all frames
2038 instead of just one, use a frame configuration instead of a window
2039 configuration. @xref{Frame Configurations}.
2040
2041 @defun current-window-configuration &optional frame
2042 This function returns a new object representing @var{frame}'s current
2043 window configuration. If @var{frame} is omitted, the selected frame
2044 is used.
2045 @end defun
2046
2047 @defun set-window-configuration configuration
2048 This function restores the configuration of windows and buffers as
2049 specified by @var{configuration}, for the frame that @var{configuration}
2050 was created for.
2051
2052 The argument @var{configuration} must be a value that was previously
2053 returned by @code{current-window-configuration}. This configuration is
2054 restored in the frame from which @var{configuration} was made, whether
2055 that frame is selected or not. This always counts as a window size
2056 change and triggers execution of the @code{window-size-change-functions}
2057 (@pxref{Window Hooks}), because @code{set-window-configuration} doesn't
2058 know how to tell whether the new configuration actually differs from the
2059 old one.
2060
2061 If the frame which @var{configuration} was saved from is dead, all this
2062 function does is restore the three variables @code{window-min-height},
2063 @code{window-min-width} and @code{minibuffer-scroll-window}.
2064
2065 Here is a way of using this function to get the same effect
2066 as @code{save-window-excursion}:
2067
2068 @example
2069 @group
2070 (let ((config (current-window-configuration)))
2071 (unwind-protect
2072 (progn (split-window-vertically nil)
2073 @dots{})
2074 (set-window-configuration config)))
2075 @end group
2076 @end example
2077 @end defun
2078
2079 @defspec save-window-excursion forms@dots{}
2080 This special form records the window configuration, executes @var{forms}
2081 in sequence, then restores the earlier window configuration. The window
2082 configuration includes the value of point and the portion of the buffer
2083 that is visible. It also includes the choice of selected window.
2084 However, it does not include the value of point in the current buffer;
2085 use @code{save-excursion} also, if you wish to preserve that.
2086
2087 Don't use this construct when @code{save-selected-window} is sufficient.
2088
2089 Exit from @code{save-window-excursion} always triggers execution of the
2090 @code{window-size-change-functions}. (It doesn't know how to tell
2091 whether the restored configuration actually differs from the one in
2092 effect at the end of the @var{forms}.)
2093
2094 The return value is the value of the final form in @var{forms}.
2095 For example:
2096
2097 @example
2098 @group
2099 (split-window)
2100 @result{} #<window 25 on control.texi>
2101 @end group
2102 @group
2103 (setq w (selected-window))
2104 @result{} #<window 19 on control.texi>
2105 @end group
2106 @group
2107 (save-window-excursion
2108 (delete-other-windows w)
2109 (switch-to-buffer "foo")
2110 'do-something)
2111 @result{} do-something
2112 ;; @r{The screen is now split again.}
2113 @end group
2114 @end example
2115 @end defspec
2116
2117 @defun window-configuration-p object
2118 This function returns @code{t} if @var{object} is a window configuration.
2119 @end defun
2120
2121 @defun compare-window-configurations config1 config2
2122 This function compares two window configurations as regards the
2123 structure of windows, but ignores the values of point and mark and the
2124 saved scrolling positions---it can return @code{t} even if those
2125 aspects differ.
2126
2127 The function @code{equal} can also compare two window configurations; it
2128 regards configurations as unequal if they differ in any respect, even a
2129 saved point or mark.
2130 @end defun
2131
2132 Primitives to look inside of window configurations would make sense,
2133 but none are implemented. It is not clear they are useful enough to
2134 be worth implementing. See the file @file{winner.el} for some more
2135 operations on windows configurations.
2136
2137 @node Window Hooks
2138 @section Hooks for Window Scrolling and Changes
2139
2140 This section describes how a Lisp program can take action whenever a
2141 window displays a different part of its buffer or a different buffer.
2142 There are three actions that can change this: scrolling the window,
2143 switching buffers in the window, and changing the size of the window.
2144 The first two actions run @code{window-scroll-functions}; the last runs
2145 @code{window-size-change-functions}. The paradigmatic use of these
2146 hooks is in the implementation of Lazy Lock mode; see @file{lazy-lock.el}.
2147
2148 @defvar window-scroll-functions
2149 This variable holds a list of functions that Emacs should call before
2150 redisplaying a window with scrolling. It is not a normal hook, because
2151 each function is called with two arguments: the window, and its new
2152 display-start position.
2153
2154 Displaying a different buffer in the window also runs these functions.
2155
2156 These functions must be careful in using @code{window-end}
2157 (@pxref{Window Start}); if you need an up-to-date value, you must use
2158 the @var{update} argument to ensure you get it.
2159 @end defvar
2160
2161 @defvar window-size-change-functions
2162 This variable holds a list of functions to be called if the size of any
2163 window changes for any reason. The functions are called just once per
2164 redisplay, and just once for each frame on which size changes have
2165 occurred.
2166
2167 Each function receives the frame as its sole argument. There is no
2168 direct way to find out which windows on that frame have changed size, or
2169 precisely how. However, if a size-change function records, at each
2170 call, the existing windows and their sizes, it can also compare the
2171 present sizes and the previous sizes.
2172
2173 Creating or deleting windows counts as a size change, and therefore
2174 causes these functions to be called. Changing the frame size also
2175 counts, because it changes the sizes of the existing windows.
2176
2177 It is not a good idea to use @code{save-window-excursion} (@pxref{Window
2178 Configurations}) in these functions, because that always counts as a
2179 size change, and it would cause these functions to be called over and
2180 over. In most cases, @code{save-selected-window} (@pxref{Selecting
2181 Windows}) is what you need here.
2182 @end defvar
2183
2184 @defvar redisplay-end-trigger-functions
2185 This abnormal hook is run whenever redisplay in a window uses text that
2186 extends past a specified end trigger position. You set the end trigger
2187 position with the function @code{set-window-redisplay-end-trigger}. The
2188 functions are called with two arguments: the window, and the end trigger
2189 position. Storing @code{nil} for the end trigger position turns off the
2190 feature, and the trigger value is automatically reset to @code{nil} just
2191 after the hook is run.
2192 @end defvar
2193
2194 @defun set-window-redisplay-end-trigger window position
2195 This function sets @var{window}'s end trigger position at
2196 @var{position}.
2197 @end defun
2198
2199 @defun window-redisplay-end-trigger &optional window
2200 This function returns @var{window}'s current end trigger position.
2201 @end defun
2202
2203 @defvar window-configuration-change-hook
2204 A normal hook that is run every time you change the window configuration
2205 of an existing frame. This includes splitting or deleting windows,
2206 changing the sizes of windows, or displaying a different buffer in a
2207 window. The frame whose window configuration has changed is the
2208 selected frame when this hook runs.
2209 @end defvar
2210
2211 @ignore
2212 arch-tag: 3f6c36e8-df49-4986-b757-417feed88be3
2213 @end ignore