what's the A key in Emacs?

I was looking at the output of the 'c-h b' in Emacs and came across several key bindings that have the A key. For example, "A-*" is a prefix key. But what is this A key in Emacs?

Those are for the ALT key, but emacs uses alt as meta so they don't actually work. See http://xahlee.info/emacs/emacs/gnu_emacs_keybinding.html

"A" is "Alt" key. But also "Alt" is "Meta" key. In order to use 'Alt' key instead of 'Meta' you have to set (setq w32-alt-is-meta nil) After setting this when you press "Alt-\*" you see that emacs turn this to "A-\*".

What does the w32 in the variable name mean?

I’m pretty sure that’s the setting for Windows 32bit. If you’re on a Mac the setting would be different. I’m not in front of my computer atm but I believe Mac settings start with “ns-win”

IIRC if you have a keyboard that actually has both Meta and Alt keys then they will work (not 100% confident about this).

Emacs works on Windows? I tried there and it didn't work, so I only have emacs on my main. I also don't use macs.

Yes it does

If your xmodmap is correctly setup, you'll have Alt and Meta on two different modifiers, and so you'll be able to use both keys. I have found that the stock configuration is pretty lacking though (Ubuntu, Debian).

Remap caps lock to meta?

More like, Emacs makes Windows work 😀

Ah I see. Thanks. Also thanks for the link

>I also don't use macs. Not even emacs?

E is the only exception :P