AC.28.3 Finding Files and URLs at Point

FFAP mode replaces certain key bindings for finding files, including C-x C-f, with commands that provide more sensitive defaults. These commands behave like the ordinary ones when given a prefix argument. Otherwise, they get the default file name or URL from the text around point. If what is found in the buffer has the form of a URL rather than a file name, the commands use browse-url to view it.

This feature is useful for following references in mail or news buffers, `README' files, `MANIFEST' files, and so on. The `ffap' package's commentary available via C-h p and the ffap Custom group provide details.

You can turn on FFAP minor mode to make the following key bindings and to install hooks for using ffap in Rmail, Gnus and VM article buffers.

C-x C-f filename RET

Find filename, guessing a default from text around point (find-file-at-point).

C-x 4 f

ffap-other-window, analogous to find-file-other-window.

C-x 5 f

ffap-other-frame, analogous to find-file-other-frame.

M-x ffap-next

Search buffer for next file name or URL, then find that file or URL.

C-x d directory RET

Start Dired on directory, defaulting to the directory name at point (ffap-dired-at-point).

S-Mouse-3

ffap-at-mouse finds the file guessed from text around the position of a mouse click.

C-S-Mouse-3

Display a menu of files and URLs mentioned in current buffer, then find the one you select (ffap-menu).