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6.8.2 Word Abbrev Files

A word abbrev file is a file which holds word abbrev definitions. Word abbrev files allow abbrevs to be saved so that they may be used across many editing sessions.

Hemlock Variable: Abbrev Pathname Defaults (initial value (pathname "abbrev.defns")) ¶

This is sticky default for the following commands. When they prompt for a file to write, they offer this and set it for the next time one of them executes.

Command: Read Word Abbrev File ¶

This command reads in a word abbrev file, adding all the definitions to those currently defined. If a definition in the file is different from the current one, the current definition is replaced.

Command: Write Word Abbrev File ¶

This command prompts for a file and writes all currently defined word abbrevs out to it.

Command: Append to Word Abbrev File ¶

This command prompts for a word abbrev file and appends any new definitions to it. An abbrev is new if it has been defined or redefined since the last use of this command. Definitions made by reading word abbrev files are not considered.