M-x query-replace but replace all in a file

Question

I can do M-x query-replace and replace all strings with another one. But it only replaces ones below the current cursor position. Is there any way to replace all the occurrences regardless the position of the cursor?

Do `M-<` to go to the beginning of the buffer. In elisp do `(goto-char (point-min))` or use the optional arguments in `search-forward-re?`. — rasmus, Aug 02 '16 at 09:16

score 3 · Answer 1 · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:52

You could use this function for replacing strings

(defun replace-in-buffer ()
"Replace text in whole buffer. Change OLD string to NEW string"
  (interactive)
  (save-excursion
    (replace-string (read-string "OLD string:")
                    (read-string "NEW string:")
                    nil
                    (point-min)
                    (point-max))))

and bind it to key with (global-set-key (kbd "C-c r") 'replace-in-buffer)

Thanks @rasmus, you could use: M-<, M-x query-replace <from> RET <to> RET, then press ! for replacing all occurences and C-u C-SPC twice to return point into the initial position.

Since query-replace bound to M-%, this could be helpfil when replace regexps too How to search and replace in the entire buffer?

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Aug 02 '16 at 10:25

1

M-x replace-string is what I use, unless I did not understand your question.

answered Aug 02 '16 at 10:25

Daniel Nuzzo

19
1

1

Worth noting that replace-string operates on the region and if no region is set then it defaults to the entire buffer. – Tephra Aug 02 '16 at 12:23
Using formatting could make you answer looks better. Try put "M-x replace-string" into "`". – Konstantin Morenko Aug 02 '16 at 19:44

M-x query-replace but replace all in a file

2 Answers2