Copying text from one application to another can sometimes be a hassle, especially on Linux where there are multiple ways to perform this task. In this article, we will focus on how to copy text from Emacs, a popular text editor on Linux, to another application.
Firstly, let's understand the different ways in which you can copy text on Linux. The most common method is by using the Ctrl+C shortcut, which copies the selected text to the clipboard. Another way is by highlighting the text and right-clicking to select the copy option. However, these methods may not work when copying text from Emacs to another application.
Emacs has its own unique key bindings and conventions, which makes copying text a bit different compared to other applications. The default key binding for copying text in Emacs is Ctrl+W. This command not only copies the selected text but also cuts it from the original location. So, if you want to preserve the original text, you will have to use the Ctrl+K command to cut the text and then use the Ctrl+Y command to paste it in the new location.
Now, let's say you want to copy text from Emacs to a web browser or a word processor. The first step is to select the text you want to copy. You can do this by using the arrow keys or by using the Ctrl+Space shortcut to mark the beginning of the selection and then moving the cursor to highlight the desired text. Once the text is selected, use the Ctrl+W command to copy it to the kill ring (Emacs's clipboard).
Next, open the application where you want to paste the text. You can use the Ctrl+V shortcut to paste the text, but this may not work in some applications. If the Ctrl+V shortcut doesn't work, you can use the middle mouse button to paste the text. Simply click on the middle mouse button where you want to paste the text, and the text from Emacs will be inserted.
If you are using a laptop or a mouse with touchpad, you may not have a middle mouse button. In that case, you can use the Shift+Insert shortcut to paste the text. Alternatively, you can also right-click and select the paste option from the context menu.
But what if you want to copy a large chunk of text from Emacs to another application? In such cases, the kill ring may not be enough, and you may lose the previously copied text. To avoid this, Emacs has a feature called the kill ring history. This allows you to keep track of previously copied text and paste them in any order you want.
To use the kill ring history, first, select the text you want to copy and use the Ctrl+W command to copy it to the kill ring. Next, select the next chunk of text and use the M-y command to yank (paste) the previously copied text. You can repeat this process to paste multiple chunks of text in any order you want.
In conclusion, copying text from Emacs to another application on Linux may seem a bit tricky at first, but with the right knowledge of key bindings and conventions, it can be easily done. So, the next time you need to copy text from Emacs, remember to use the Ctrl+W command to copy and the middle mouse button or Shift+Insert to paste. Happy copying!
