bard/emacs-run-command

Efficient and ergonomic external command invocation for Emacs

Source code at GitHub https://bard.github.io/emacs-run-command

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  "createdAt": "2021-01-02T17:22:23Z",
  "defaultBranch": "master",
  "description": "Efficient and ergonomic external command invocation for Emacs",
  "fullName": "bard/emacs-run-command",
  "homepage": "https://bard.github.io/emacs-run-command",
  "language": "Emacs Lisp",
  "name": "emacs-run-command",
  "pushedAt": "2023-04-29T09:12:08Z",
  "stargazersCount": 104,
  "topics": [
    "emacs",
    "helm",
    "integration",
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  "updatedAt": "2025-04-22T17:20:58Z",
  "url": "https://github.com/bard/emacs-run-command"
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M-x run-command

Emacs, the text editor that lets you read mail and play Tetris, is often cast in opposition to the Unix philosophy of “do one thing well” and “combine small programs”. It’s a false dichotomy. Emacs can do a lot on its own and can be combined usefully with other programs.

run‑command makes the combination convenient through a simple configuration format and an interaction flow that stays out of your way. Instead of reaching for a shell or a specialized major mode, you give run‑command a simple “recipe” and you get a contextual command palette where you can browse, select, and run commands without leaving Emacs.

For demo, quickstart, and advanced configuration, see the documentation website.