Re: S-backspace

[Luc Teirlinck]

Richard Stallman wrote:

   That is true.  But there are Emacs help commands that will display
   the binding and won't display any additional information.

Yes, that is a danger.

   and you've said that C-M-delete might also be one with some window
   managers (though not with mine).

Well, on my system C-M-delete is bound by sawfish to "gnome logout",
but, unlike C-M-backspace, you get asked: "Really logout?" and you can
answer no.  More inconvenience and confusion than real danger.

   Since this command is not often used, I think the danger exceeds the
   utility.  I am coming to think that the best thing to do is to delete
   both bindings, and let real Emacs wizards who want a key binding for
   this command make one themselves.

Actually, the command might be reasonably often used, but mainly while
editing Lisp programs, that is, by people who should know how to bind
it to any key of their choice.  Maybe it might be good not to bind the
command by default, but to mention the command in the Emacs manual,
together with the fact that C-M-delete and C-M-backspace would be
logical bindings, but also what the dangers are and under which
conditions these bindings are safe.

Sincerely,

Luc.