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unixemacsbackupautosave

Strange '#filenames#' from emacs

So after I modify one of my source files in emacs, when I list the files in the directory, there is a copy of the one I just modified with # signs on either side of it.

Example: 

$ cd utility/
$ ls
FRCUtility.java
$ emacs FRCUtility.java 
$ ls
#FRCUtility.java#  FRCUtility.java

What does the # sign mean? Should I delete the file or keep it? A detailed explanation would be greatly appreciated.

Solution

  • The # signs are put in by emacs when it makes a temporary file. You can delete them if emacs doesn't do it for you.