Emacs: Evaluate Elisp Code

Here's ways to eval elisp code, roughly in order of usefulness:

Alt + x eval-last-sexp 【Ctrl + x Ctrl + e】

Eval lisp expression to the left of cursor.

Result is placed in Messages Buffer, and temporarily displayed at bottom.

Alt + x eval-region

Eval text selection.

Alt + x eval-buffer

Eval whole buffer.

Alt + x load-file

Eval a file. It prompts for a file name/path.

Alt + x eval-defun

Eval function definition the cursor is in. (the elisp code must be well-indended, otherwise emacs may have problem finding function.) [see Emacs: narrow-to-defun, eval-defun, bug]

Alt + x eval-expression

Prompts you to type a emacs lisp expression.

Emacs Lisp Command Line Interface (REPL)

Alt + x ielm to start emacs interactive emacs lisp shell.

I recommend working in a buffer instead of REPL.

Working in a buffer (sometimes called notebook inteface) allows you to use full editing power, and eval any expression, in any order, anytime, anywhere. [see Command Line Interface (REPL) vs Notebook Interface]

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