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### 5.31 How do I execute (“evaluate”) a piece of Emacs Lisp code?

There are a number of ways to execute (evaluate, in Lisp lingo) an Emacs Lisp form:

- If you want it evaluated every time you run Emacs, put it in a file named `.emacs` in your home directory. This is known as “your `.emacs` file,” and contains all of your personal customizations.
- You can type the form in the `*scratch*` buffer, and then type `LFD` (or `C-j`) after it. The result of evaluating the form will be inserted in the buffer.
- In `emacs-lisp-mode`, typing `C-M-x` evaluates a top-level form before or around point.
- Typing `C-x C-e` in any buffer evaluates the Lisp form immediately before point and prints its value in the echo area.
- Typing `M-:` or `M-x eval-expression` allows you to type a Lisp form in the minibuffer which will be evaluated once you press `RET`.
- You can use `M-x load-file` to have Emacs evaluate all the Lisp forms in a file. (To do this from Lisp use the function `load` instead.)

  The functions `load-library`, `eval-region`, `eval-buffer`, `require`, and `autoload` are also useful; see Emacs Lisp documentation, if you want to learn more about them.