Running multiple compilations in Emacs (on Windows)?

Question

The GNU Emacs Manual says:

If you want to run two compilations at once, you should start the first one, then rename the ‘*compilation*’ buffer (perhaps using rename-uniquely; see Misc Buffer), and start the other compilation. That will create a new ‘*compilation*’ buffer.

I tried this, but it didn't work as advertised. I'm running this version:

 GNU Emacs 23.2.1 (i386-mingw-nt5.1.2600) of 2010-05-08 on G41R2F1

That is, Emacs for Windows, which might be the problem. Perhaps multiple compilations work well on other platforms?

How do I run more than one compilation in Emacs?

Answer 1

The Emacs manual is out of date, I'm afraid. If you C-h f compile RET you'll see this:

To run more than one compilation at once, start one then rename the *compilation* buffer to some other name with M-x rename-buffer. Then switch buffers and start the new compilation. It will create a new *compilation* buffer.

Note the highlighted text.

I filed a bug report. (But really this is a common enough operation that there ought to be a command for it.)

Edited to add: now fixed! (Expect the fix to appear in Emacs 24.)