20 Minibuffers

A minibuffer is a special buffer that Emacs commands use to read arguments more complicated than the single numeric prefix argument. These arguments include file names, buffer names, and command names (as in M-x). The minibuffer is displayed on the bottom line of the frame, in the same place as the echo area (see The Echo Area), but only while it is in use for reading an argument.

• Intro to Minibuffers: Basic information about minibuffers.
• Text from Minibuffer: How to read a straight text string.
• Object from Minibuffer: How to read a Lisp object or expression.
• Minibuffer History: Recording previous minibuffer inputs so the user can reuse them.
• Initial Input: Specifying initial contents for the minibuffer.
• Completion: How to invoke and customize completion.
• Yes-or-No Queries: Asking a question with a simple answer.
• Multiple Queries: Asking complex questions.
• Reading a Password: Reading a password from the terminal.
• Minibuffer Commands: Commands used as key bindings in minibuffers.
• Minibuffer Windows: Operating on the special minibuffer windows.
• Minibuffer Contents: How such commands access the minibuffer text.
• Recursive Mini: Whether recursive entry to minibuffer is allowed.
• Minibuffer Misc: Various customization hooks and variables.