Re: Fundamental mode vs. special mode

[Chong Yidong]

Alan Mackenzie <address@hidden> writes:

>> But in read-only buffers, self-inserting characters are useless, they
>> can't do what they are intended for.  So why not allow them to do
>> more useful things, e.g. `q' to run `quit-window'?
>
> If by read-only buffers, you mean something like *info* or *Buffer
> List*, then I agree with you.  But if we're talking about file buffers
> which happen to be RO at the moment, then no - self-inserting
> characters have the important function of beeping.

FWIW, I agree.  For example, one might imagine visiting a file without
realizing the file is read-only, and typing `q' to insert, which ends up
quitting the window.  That would be annoying.