Re: Run an external program on the file visited in current buffer and open a new buffer with results

[Kevin Rodgers]

Suttles, Andrew wrote:
> I use emacs to edit large data files which I submit to a computer
> program for analysis.  My normal method of operation is to 1) edit the
> file in emacs, 2) close or minimize emacs, 3) run the program on the
> file in a shell window, 4) watch for program completion, then 5) view
> the output file in a new buffer.  I?m getting proficient enough to do
> these types of things without leaving emacs (multiple buffers with
> shells open), but I know there must be a better way.
>
> I?d like to edit a data file in a buffer and then execute an elisp
> command which will run ?program? on the file being edited and then pop
> up a new frame with the resultant output file after the analysis.  I?ve
> tried using shell command, but emacs blocks while the program is running
> (from 5 mins to 10+ hours).  If I use shell command asynchronously, it
> works fine, but I have to constantly watch for program termination
> before opening the output file in a new buffer.

You could visit the output file and turn on auto revert mode so that the
buffer would be updated (at an interval of your choosing -- see
auto-revert-interval).

--
Kevin Rodgers