@cindex searching documentation efficiently
@cindex looking for a subject in documentation
- If you are looking for a certain feature, but don't know where exactly
-it is documented, and aren't even sure what is the name of the related
-command or option, we recommend these commands:
+ If you are looking for a certain feature, but don't know where
+exactly it is documented, and aren't even sure what is the name of the
+related command or option, we recommend trying these methods. Usually
+it is best to start with an apropos command, then try searching the
+manual index, then finally look in the FAQ and the package keywords.
@table @kbd
@item C-h a @var{topic} @key{RET}
be a regular expression (@pxref{Regexps}). Browse the buffer popped
up by Emacs, to find what you are looking for. @xref{Apropos}.
-@item M-x apropos @var{topic} @key{RET}
+@item M-x apropos @key{RET} @var{topic} @key{RET}
This works like @kbd{C-h a}, but it also searches for user options and
other variables, in case the feature you are looking for is controlled
by an option, not a command. @xref{Apropos}.
-@item M-x apropos-documentation @var{topic} @key{RET}
+@item M-x apropos-documentation @key{RET} @var{topic} @key{RET}
This searches the @emph{documentation strings} (the built-in short
descriptions) of all variables and functions (not their names) for a
match for @var{topic}, a regular expression. @xref{Apropos}.
@item C-h i m emacs @key{RET} i @var{topic} @key{RET}
This looks up @var{topic} in the indices of the Emacs on-line manual.
-There may be several matches, so displays the first one. You can then
+If there are several matches, Emacs displays the first one. You can then
press @key{,} to move to other matches, until you find what you are
looking for.
@item @key{SPC}
Scroll forward.
@item @key{DEL}
-Scroll backward.
+@itemx @key{BS}
+Scroll backward. On some keyboards, this key is known as @key{BS} or
+@key{backspace}.
@item @key{RET}
Follow a cross reference at point.
@item @key{TAB}