Explain "prefix arg". Explain how it can be a flag.
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17
etc/TUTORIAL
17
etc/TUTORIAL
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@ -191,18 +191,23 @@ is by typing C-u and then the digits before you type the command. If
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you have a META (or EDIT or ALT) key, there is another alternative way
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to enter a numeric argument: type the digits while holding down the
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META key. We recommend learning the C-u method because it works on
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any terminal.
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any terminal. The numeric argument is also called a "prefix argument",
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because you type the argument before the command it applies to.
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For instance, C-u 8 C-f moves forward eight characters.
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>> Try using C-n or C-p with a numeric argument, to move the cursor
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to a line near this one with just one command.
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Most commands use the numeric argument as a repeat count. Certain
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exceptional commands use it differently. C-v and M-v are among the
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exceptions. When given an argument, they scroll the screen up or down
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by that many lines, rather than by a screenfuls. For example, C-u 4
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C-v scrolls the screen by 4 lines.
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Most commands use the numeric argument as a repeat count, but some
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commands use it in some other way. Several commands (but none of
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those you have learned so far) use it as a flag--the presence of a
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prefix argument, regardless of its value, makes the command do
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something different.
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C-v and M-v are another kind of exception. When given an argument,
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they scroll the screen up or down by that many lines, rather than by a
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screenful. For example, C-u 8 C-v scrolls the screen by 8 lines.
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>> Try typing C-u 8 C-v now.
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