Title: Numeric arguments in emacs I'm starting an 'emacs trick of the day' sequence with: - Function name: *universal-argument* - Typical Key binding: `C-u` - How to get help: `C-h f universal-argument` - Usage: `C-u` Receive a numeric argument that is given to the next called function, when no numeric argument is typed, the value defaults to `4`. So today you can try: - `C-u 9 C-n`, that move cursor vertically down 9 lines - `C-u C-k` which kills 4 lines - `C-u C-u C-k` which kills 4 × 4, 16 lines - `C-u 10 n` which enters `nnnnnnnnnn` You may ask, what about if I want to input 25 '6' ? `C-u 256` can't work ... so you just have to separate with another `C-u`: `C-u 25 C-u 1` gives `6666666666666666666666666`. Some functions does not have the simple 'repeating' effect of receiving a numeric parameter, for example, running `C-u C-l` does not recenter 4 times your screen! but the help page of *recenter-top-bottom* states that: > A prefix argument is handled like 'recenter': > With numeric prefix ARG, move current line to window-line ARG. > With plain `C-u`, move current line to window center. A negative argument to C-l move the current line to the line ARG from the bottom of the screen.