Tramp
If you are working remotely, TRAMP is a tool that makes it easy to edit remote files from the comfort of your home or anywhere else.
What is TRAMP
TRAMP is an emacs plugin that enables remote file i/o over ssh. Note that GUI wrappers of emacs such as XEmacs or Aquamacs can also make use of TRAMP. It stands for `Transparent Remote (file) Access, Multiple Protocol.'
Where to get it
If you are using GNU Emacs (version 22 or later), you are in luck - TRAMP is already included. A tramp package is also included with many versions of XEmacs. [1]
If you are not in luck, download the most recent tar.gz from GNU FTP
Installation and Configuration
Paraphrasing the directions here:
- Download and install emacs if you haven't already.
- Download the most recent TRAMP tar.gz from the GNU FTP site (above).
- Choose where you want the TRAMP library files to live. The files seem to be able to work anywhere, after configuration.
- Unpack the tar.gz using tar -xvf [filename], to wherever you want the library to go.
- Run ./configure --with-contrib inside the unpacked tramp directory.
- Run make.
- Run make-install.
This was tested on a Mac, so some incompatibility is possible. If there are errors, check the real guide above for details. Now that tramp is installed, you can open files over ssh. In emacs type Control-x-f, and specify the file path as follows:
/ssh:USERNAME@HOSTNAME:FILEPATH
Where USERNAME is you, HOSTNAME is the computer you're accessing, and FILEPATH is the absolute path to your file (starting at /). You should be prompted for a password if the host requires it. Many emacs GUIs also have an "Open Recent" Menu, and this still works with that.
