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elisp: Stream Type

 
 2.4.9 Stream Type
 -----------------
 
 A “stream” is an object that can be used as a source or sink for
 characters—either to supply characters for input or to accept them as
 output.  Many different types can be used this way: markers, buffers,
 strings, and functions.  Most often, input streams (character sources)
 obtain characters from the keyboard, a buffer, or a file, and output
 streams (character sinks) send characters to a buffer, such as a
 ‘*Help*’ buffer, or to the echo area.
 
    The object ‘nil’, in addition to its other meanings, may be used as a
 stream.  It stands for the value of the variable ‘standard-input’ or
 ‘standard-output’.  Also, the object ‘t’ as a stream specifies input
 using the minibuffer (Minibuffers) or output in the echo area
 (The Echo Area).
 
    Streams have no special printed representation or read syntax, and
 print as whatever primitive type they are.
 
    Read and Print, for a description of functions related to
 streams, including parsing and printing functions.
 

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