Emacs shortcuts

For a better understanding of the following content, you should be familiar with how Emacs names some of the keyboard keys. Note that the keybindings mentioned here are for the Emacs editing style. Using evil changes the workflow, and you should look for Vim/Evil keybindings for more information. Also, if you are using an Emacs distribution or a custom configuration, some values may be different. Personally, I'm constantly shifting from Spacemacs (no evil mode) and Prelude. Yes, Spacemacs may be "heavier", but it has many useful features already loaded and ready to go. There's no such thing as better or worse. Use the one you like.

Commands are executed in a sequence and combination of different keyboard keys. The first key to press is a modifier key.

Whenever you see M as key1, it means META, and it corresponds to your keyboard ALT key.

Similarly, C as key1 is short for the CTRL (control) key. Also, S is SHIFT.

These keys are not used alone. They are combined with other key in what is called keybindings. A combination is represented by key1-key2, that means press and hold key1, press key2, release both keys.

Basic commands are executed in a sequence of keys, like key1-key2 key3, or key1-key2, key1+key3 - executed as press and hold key1, press key2, release both, press key3 or press and hold key1, press key3, release both.

Another important remark, commands are case sensitive.

I don't remember having M, C or S as a "last" press in a sequence, but if you come across it, it should be a capital letter, not the modifier key. There are commands using two modifiers at the same time. Ex.: C-M-\, or CTRL + ALT + \ (indent-region).

On that subject, some key-pressing is implicit and not described in commands. Example, to use the spellchecker on one word, the keybinding is M-$, or press and hold ALT and press $. Since this symbol usually requires pressing shift, the S press is implicit and not described in the command.

Super useful!