Re: Binding F11 and F12 to buffer-switching and file-saving by default

[Juanma Barranquero]

On 1/30/07, Jason Spiro <address@hidden> wrote:

> You make many good points.  However, I have replies to each of them.  :-)

:)

> I define it as "the benefits to new Emacs users with no .emacs file
> outweigh the costs."  IMO, it is important that new users enjoy Emacs
> as soon as possible.  If they enjoy it, they will continue using it
> forever.

Well, I think an Emacs user, if he's to be an Emacs user for any
significant amount of time, needs to learn to use the .emacs file
sooner rather than later.

> That's OK. People without those keys can use C-x C-s and C-x b.

Multiplying bindings for common commands adds confusion IMHO.

> We should pick one method.  People who don't like it can rebind the key.

We already have a default method: next-buffer and previous-buffer. And
they already have a binding. The other alternatives (ido, bs,
iswitchb) have their own benefits and drawbacks (mostly added
complexity) and should be left up to the user. IMO.

> OK, so let's bind
> M-x recompile to F11 instead?

Do you really consider `recompile' a basic command that most users
*without* an .emacs file will need on a one-key binding?

> True, but it can be handy to have useful bindings preset by default.

Yeah. The really difficult issue is deciding what are the useful bindings ;-)

> So, do the benefits to newbies outweigh the costs?

That's for others to decide.

                   /L/e/k/t/u