@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.
(@code{describe-bindings}).
@item C-h c @var{key}
Print the name of the command that @var{key} runs
-(@code{describe-key-briefly}). Here @kbd{c} stands for `character'. For more
-extensive information on @var{key}, use @kbd{C-h k}.
+(@code{describe-key-briefly}). Here @kbd{c} stands for ``character.''
+For more extensive information on @var{key}, use @kbd{C-h k}.
@item C-h f @var{function} @key{RET}
Display documentation on the Lisp function named @var{function}
(@code{describe-function}). Since commands are Lisp functions,
so on. With each command name appears a brief description of how to use
the command, and what keys you can currently invoke it with. For
example, it would say that you can invoke @code{find-file} by typing
-@kbd{C-x C-f}. The @kbd{a} in @kbd{C-h a} stands for `Apropos';
+@kbd{C-x C-f}. The @kbd{a} in @kbd{C-h a} stands for ``Apropos'';
@kbd{C-h a} runs the command @code{apropos-command}. This command
normally checks only commands (interactive functions); if you specify a
prefix argument, it checks noninteractive functions as well.
@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}
@cindex tooltips
@cindex ballon help
-Often when a region of text is `active' so that you can select it with
-the mouse or a key like @kbd{RET}, it has associated help text. Areas
-of the mode line are examples. This help will normally be printed in
-the echo area when you move point into the active text. In a window
-system you can display the help text as `tooltips'. @xref{Tooltips}.
+When a region of text is ``active,'' so that you can select it with
+the mouse or a key like @kbd{RET}, it often has associated help text.
+Areas of the mode line are examples. This help will normally be
+printed in the echo area when you move point into the active text. In
+a window system you can display the help text as a ``tooltip.''
+@xref{Tooltips}.