29.1. Introduction to Line Editing

The following paragraphs describe the notation used to represent keystrokes.

The text C-k is read as `Control-K' and describes the character produced when the [k] key is pressed while the Control key is depressed.

The text M-k is read as `Meta-K' and describes the character produced when the Meta key (if you have one) is depressed, and the [k] key is pressed. The Meta key is labeled [ALT] on many keyboards. On keyboards with two keys labeled [ALT] (usually to either side of the space bar), the [ALT] on the left side is generally set to work as a Meta key. The [ALT] key on the right may also be configured to work as a Meta key or may be configured as some other modifier, such as a Compose key for typing accented characters.

If you do not have a Meta or [ALT] key, or another key working as a Meta key, the identical keystroke can be generated by typing [ESC] first, and then typing [k]. Either process is known as metafying the [k] key.

The text M-C-k is read as `Meta-Control-k' and describes the character produced by metafying C-k.

In addition, several keys have their own names. Specifically, [DEL], [ESC], [LFD], [SPC], [RET], and [TAB] all stand for themselves when seen in this text, or in an init file (refer to Section 29.3 Readline Init File). If your keyboard lacks a [LFD] key, typing [C-j] will produce the desired character. The [RET] key may be labeled [Return] or [Enter] on some keyboards.