CODEWITHSUNDEEP
emacs
ofenerci
ofenerci

Reputation: 181

Why Alt and Esc keys behave differently in Emacs

I am new to Emacs coming from Vim. I can use Escape as a Meta key (Alt key in my keyboard) with a small difference. I need to hold down the Meta key (Alt key in my keyboard) to use commands but in order to use same command by using Escape, I push it first, release ,and push the command.

I am thinking to map CapsLock to Esc. It shouldn't be hard to keep Esc key pressed down. What is Emacs' users configuration?

Upvotes: 3

Views: 1003

Answers (2)

Allen Luce
Allen Luce

Reputation: 8389

The Meta key was a feature on the keyboards (in particular, Lisp machine keyboards) at MIT where Emacs got its start. Many keyboards outside of MIT did not have a labeled Meta key. But many had an Esc key and that was chosen as a backup to the Meta key.

The Esc key already existed and was a good candidate. However, keyboard technology would not permit its use as a modifier key (like Meta, Shift, Alt, etc.). Hence the strange difference which persists to this day.

Upvotes: 2

Tim Miller
Tim Miller

Reputation: 566

Emacs is different from Vim, because Emacs and Vim are fundamentally different programs. They each have a long and rich history.

If you are wondering how to get started configuring Emacs, I recommend that you investigate the Emacs Wiki. If you would like a Vim-like experience in Emacs, you should try EVIL, a Vi imitation layer for Emacs. As an Emacs neophyte, emacs.sexy has a list of resources for new users.

Upvotes: 2

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