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benonionsCOMMUNITY
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select

Open files in Emacs and select specified text regions via emacsclient.

Updated Aug 27, 2026
Search Tags:#developer tools#emacs#region#code selection#emacsclient
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/benonions/dotfiles --skill select-benonions
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: select
Source: https://github.com/benonions/dotfiles/tree/main/codex/.codex/skills/community/emacs-skills/select
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/benonions/dotfiles --skill select-benonions

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill allows users to quickly select and highlight specific regions of code or text within files open in Emacs, facilitating targeted actions like editing, commenting, or refactoring.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Targeted Code Selection: Precisely select lines or blocks of code in one or more files.
  • Emacs Integration: Leverages emacsclient for seamless interaction with running Emacs instances.
  • Use Case: After generating a code snippet, use this skill to select the newly generated function in your Emacs buffer so you can immediately refactor it or add comments.

Quick Start

Use the select skill to open files main.py and utils.py in Emacs and select the region from line 10 to 25 in main.py.

Frequently Asked Questions about select

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I select a specific region of code in Emacs from the command line?▼

To select a code region in Emacs, this skill opens specified files and activates a visual region using the `emacsclient` command-line tool and a custom Elisp function. It highlights the designated text segment for focused editing or refactoring.

Do I need emacsclient to select text regions in Emacs?▼

Yes, `emacsclient` is required to select text regions in Emacs. The skill leverages `emacsclient --eval` to communicate with a running Emacs instance and load the custom Elisp function `agent-skill-select` to activate the region.

Can I select multiple code regions across different files in Emacs?▼

Yes, you can select code regions across different files in Emacs. The skill opens specified files, such as main.py and utils.py, and designates a region like lines 10 to 25 in main.py to activate a visual region for manipulation.

What is the best way to highlight generated code snippets in Emacs for refactoring?▼

The best way to highlight generated code snippets in Emacs is using this skill to select the newly generated function. It activates a visual region in your buffer, facilitating targeted actions like immediate refactoring or adding comments.

Why does my Emacs region selection fail when using a command-line tool?▼

Emacs region selection fails if the `emacsclient` command-line tool is not installed or a running Emacs instance is unavailable. The skill depends on `emacsclient --eval` to load the custom Elisp function `agent-skill-select` to activate the region.

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