What is the difference between these two syntax for define-key global-map? Do they accomplish the same thing?

(define-key global-map "\C-c j" 'org-capture) and (define-key global-map "C-c j" 'org-capture)

The difference is that the first works, and the second doesn't. If you pass in a string, the Control key needs to be shown as `\C`. Otherwise, it thinks that the first key in the sequence is a capital "C". However, the "C-c j" is very familiar to users, so there's a function called `kbd` which will convert that form to the string needed for define-key, and you would use it like ``` (define-key global-map (kbd "C-c j") 'org-capture) ```

I assume the intent is to bind the sequence made by entering "C-c" (holding Ctrl while pressing "c") followed by the "j" key. But neither of these forms will do that. In the first form, the "\C-c" is properly treated as Ctrl + "c", because the backslash escapes the "C-", causing it to be treated as a Ctrl-modifier applied to the "c" key. Besides that, however, each character in the string will be treated as a separate event. So it will be treated as a sequence of 3 keys, "C-c" then <space> then "j". In the second one, there is no backslash, so each character will be treated as a its own key, resulting in a sequence of 5 keys: "C" then "-" then "c" then <space> then "j". To use that type of string, you can use it as the argument to the `kbd` function. Here are 3 equivalent ways to bind "j" under the "C-c" prefix. (define-key global-map "\C-cj" 'org-capture) (define-key global-map (kbd "C-c j") 'org-capture) (define-key global-map [?\C-c ?j] 'org-capture) The last one is [preferred](https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_node/elisp/Strings-of-Events.html).

No, the last one is not preferred. It's recommended over the first one; that's all. Generally, the use of `kbd` is preferred. The closest the Emacs manual comes to a recommendation in favor of it is in node [Init Rebinding](https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_node/emacs/Init-Rebinding.html). But it says only *"The simplest is to use the `kbd` function"*. And the Elisp manual (node [Changing Key Bindings](https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_node/elisp/Changing-Key-Bindings.html)) says only this (also something less than an out-and-out recommendation): *"The ‘kbd’ function is a convenient way to specify the key sequence."* The reason `kbd` is generally preferable is that the syntax it accepts is the *same syntax that Emacs itself uses* when it talks to you about key sequences. (That's what function `key-description` returns.)

Ahh that's my confusion! Sometimes I saw the "C-c j" form, sometimes the "\C-c j" form. But I see now they are both used properly in my init.el file. Thanks for clearing that up!

Excellent, thanks!