Buffers store all data that is being edited. The only limit to the number of buffers is the size of available memory. If a file is loaded into a buffer and there is insufficient memory to hold the entire file, then it will be loaded until memory is exhausted. The buffer will then be set to read only mode.
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Ctl-X Ctl-B buffers-display Ctl-F1
A new window is opened and a list of all buffers in BEAV is displayed. The list contains the buffer name, the file name (if it exists), the buffer size, and a state flag. If the list is too large for the window, you can scroll the list. If you position the cursor on a line describing a buffer and give the set-mark (Esc .) command you will be prompted to; Go to, Kill, or Save that buffer.
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Ctl-X B change-buffer Ctl-F2
This command prompts you for a buffer name. If you enter the name of an existing buffer, that buffer will be displayed in the current window. If the name does not match an existing buffer, a new buffer will be created and displayed. This buffer will be empty and will have no file name.
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Esc + change-to-next-buffer Ctl-F4
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Esc - change-to-prev-buffer Ctl-F5
The next or the previous buffer in the buffer list is displayed in the current window. This does not effect buffers that are displayed in other windows.
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Esc G move-to-buffer-split
Prompt for a buffer name. Then split the current window and display that buffer, creating it if necessary.
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Esc Ctl-N buffer-set-name Esc Ctl-N
The current buffer name is changed to the name that you enter. This does not effect the file name.
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Ctl-X Ctl-F buffer-set-file-name Ctl-F7
The file name of the current buffer is changed to the name that you enter. This does not affect the buffer name.
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Ctl-X K kill-buffer Ctl-F3
This command prompts you for a buffer name. This buffer is then deleted. If the buffer is currently being displayed you are prompted for conformation. If the buffer has been changed you are again prompted for conformation.
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Ctl-X Ctl-L buffer-size-lock
The buffer size is prevented from being changed. Data can be edited but only by changing the existing data. If a buffer is copied into a size-locked buffer the operation well be successful but will overwrite existing data. This command toggles between locked and unlocked.
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Esc Y yank-buffer Ctl-F6
Data from one buffer is inserted into the current buffer at the cursor position. You are prompted for the name of the buffer to copy from.
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Esc O save-mark-to-cursor
Prompt for a buffer name. Create a new buffer with that name and write the data from the mark to the cursor into that buffer.
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Esc Ctl-W show-save-buf
Displays the contents of the save buffer in a new window. The save buffer cannot be edited. This command can be used to see the data that the yank (Ctl-Y) command will insert into the current buffer.