[comp.emacs] "Digit" versus "self-insert"

inc@tc.fluke.COM (Gary Benson) (02/01/89)

I learned recently that in order to use the emacs function
"argument-prefix", I need to bind my number keys to "digit" rather than to
"self-insert". We are running Unipress emacs-g with a whole slew of special
keybindings and added functions, but the whole thing was set up several
years ago by a person no longer with the company. I am reluctant to just
change stuff in our department profile for fear of breaking something else,
but if I can get it going, argument-prefix has the potential to save our
group quite a bit of time.

Can anyone tell me what other effects there will be to bind the numbers to
digit rather than self-insert? Am I likely to find some other function
broken if I do this? I have already changed it in my own .profile.ml to test
it out, and everything seems peachy-keen, but perhaps I do not exercise
enough different functions to locate potential dangers.

I would appreciate any information -- specifically, what is the difference
between how these two bindings operate, and what other major functions might
be affected by my proposed change (built-in functions, please; not the ones
specific to your profile!)

I don't normally read this group, so I'd appreciate responses by email. I
will stay subscribed for a week or so, though, in case someone can't reach
me by email. If the responses warrant it, I'll post a summary.


Gary Benson
inc@tc.fluke.COM