Getting started with Python on Emacs

Question

I am familiar with python but completely new to Emacs, and I want to start using the latter for coding. In Emacs, I ran

M-x python-mode

And I get

Loading python...                                                                                                                
Loading easymenu...done                                                                                                          
Loading python...done

And then nothing happens. It doesn't freeze, it doesn't go to python mode...it just doesn't change. Could someone please help me fix this problem? I am running Emacs from the Mavericks terminal.

Does the mode line at the bottom of the window not then display "(Python)" as the major mode for that buffer? Likewise, typing C-h m (or M-x describe-mode) in that buffer should clearly display Python mode as the major mode. Emacs should automatically use python-mode when you visit a python file, however -- you wouldn't commonly need to call the mode manually. — phils
– phils, Commented Jan 15, 2016 at 1:25

Kirk Strauser · Accepted Answer · 2016-01-14 23:44:20Z

2

In Emacs, foo-mode generally sets the mode of the current buffer to foo. In your case, you were setting the current buffer to python-mode, which doesn't directly do anything unless you're looking at Python code.

The Python Programming in Emacs wiki page is a bit... sprawling... but it has lots of good information. Before that, I'd suggest going through the Emacs tutorial (hit C-h t to launch it) to learn more about Emacs's underlying principles. That's going to save you a lot of confusion later.

answered Jan 14, 2016 at 23:44

Kirk Strauser

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