Emacs 22: iswitchb vs ido mode 👎

iswitchb vs ido mode

By default, emacs has completion when you switch buffer. But you have to type the Tab key to see a list. It's rather cumbersome.

iswitchb-mode improves that. It automatically display choices, and you don't have to actually complete the name. When you see that the first choice displayed is what you want, just Enter and you are done.

ido-mode is even better. You can use arrow keys to select choices. Also, the display of choices is more clear.

〔see Emacs: ido mode〕

What is the Difference Between iswitchb and ido?

• iswitchb-mode is only for switch-to-buffer.
• ido-mode is for switch-to-buffer and also for opening file (find-file).

• iswitchb-mode doesn't let you navigate choices.
• ido-mode let you navigate candidates using arrow keys {←, →}.