35. Syntax Tables

A syntax table specifies the syntactic textual function of each character. This information is used by the parsing functions, the complex movement commands, and others to determine where words, symbols, and other syntactic constructs begin and end. The current syntax table controls the meaning of the word motion functions (see section 30.2.2 Motion by Words) and the list motion functions (see section 30.2.6 Moving over Balanced Expressions), as well as the functions in this chapter.

35.1 Syntax Table Concepts		Basic concepts of syntax tables.
35.2 Syntax Descriptors		How characters are classified.
35.3 Syntax Table Functions		How to create, examine and alter syntax tables.
35.4 Syntax Properties		Overriding syntax with text properties.
35.5 Motion and Syntax		Moving over characters with certain syntaxes.
35.6 Parsing Balanced Expressions		Parsing balanced expressions using the syntax table.
35.7 Some Standard Syntax Tables		Syntax tables used by various major modes.
35.8 Syntax Table Internals		How syntax table information is stored.
35.9 Categories		Another way of classifying character syntax.