# universal-argument(2)

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## NAME

universal-argument - Set the command argument count

## SYNOPSIS

universal-argument (C-u)

## DESCRIPTION

universal-argument sets the argument number passed to a command to 4^n (4 to the power of n) where n is the number of calls to universal-argument, e.g. the key sequence "`C-uC-n`" moves down 4 lines, "`C-uC-uC-uC-n`" moves down 4*4*4 = 64 lines.

After invoking the universal-command a '-' character can be pressed to negate the argument value, and an alternative numeric argument can be entered using the '0' to '9' keys.

Invoking this command via execute-named-command(2) or by a macro has no effect. The command should be treated as a command key prefix (like prefix(2)) in that it may be bound to only one key sequence which must be a single key stroke. Re-binding this command to another key unbinds the new key and also the current universal-argument key.

The prefix 1 key (by default bound to `esc`) may also be used to enter a numeric argument at the message line, e.g. "`esc 1 0 C-f`" will move forward 10 characters.

## SEE ALSO

prefix(2).

(c) Copyright JASSPA 2009
Last Modified: 2009/08/29
Generated On: 2009/10/12

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