more keys in a Linux VT (was: alt-tab? really? you're joking...)

[Emanuel Berg]

Tassilo Horn <tsdh@gnu.org> writes:

>>> To me <C-M-i> isn't more difficult to type (in a
>>> way, it is easier/better as the left index finger
>>> can remain at <f>)
>
> As many keys, that depends on your keyboard layout.
> I use a German variant of the Dvorak layout, and
> then `C-M-i' basically means pressing three keys
> with the left hand.

Yeah, that sucks. I used the Swedish layout many years
ago but it really sucks with programming because not
the least the Swedish chars å, ä and ö are obstructing
the much needed programming delimiters, which must be
inserted with combinations: for example, the semicolon
doesn't have a designated key. I use the compose key
for å, ä and ö, which I only need in the occasional
mail. With computers, I'm Anglo-American body and soul
by now...

>> Without the configuration, <M-tab> translates to
>> <C-M-i> in the Linux VTs. Those keys are both very
>> good, so why have them do the same thing? It is a
>> waste.
>
> Because those keys are the same on older terminals.
>
>    With an ordinary ASCII terminal, there is no way
>    to distinguish between <TAB> and ‘C-i’

OK, then the Linux VT is neither old nor ordinary
ASCII, because that is possible with the method I just
showed.

ASCII is 7 or 8 bits. Though I can't provide a
reference, my gut feeling is the Linux VT is *9 bits*.
So technically, that reference might be correct, but
in this day and age it is confusing nonetheless.

I have, as we speak, in a Linux VT with no tmux/screen
or anything on top, the following keys and commands
available with no fuss to it:

    <TAB>   as next-header
    <C-i>   as new-message
    C-M-i   as scroll-up-pane
    <M-tab> as switch-buffer [those are all custom functions]

Here is how to do it:

    http://user.it.uu.se/~embe8573/conf/remap.inc
    http://user.it.uu.se/~embe8573/conf/emacs-init/console-keys.el

> So you may define different commands for `C-M-i' and
> <M-tab> but then on a Linux VT, the `C-M-i' binding
> will be executed for both pressing `C-M-i' and for
> "Meta+TAB".

You may define different keys as well in a Linux VT,
then the commands won't collide.

-- 
underground experts united