Claude Code emacs-testing for changes in a dedicated Emacs session

Validate behavior or UI results through emacsclient in a dedicated Emacs session when testing a small change.

Install in Claude Code

Use Claude Code and a local Emacs installation that includes emacsclient. The test session can have its own name.

Review `.claude/skills/emacs-testing/SKILL.md` and its requirements at the pinned GitHub commit.
Create `.claude/skills/emacs-testing/` in your project and save the reviewed file as `.claude/skills/emacs-testing/SKILL.md`.
Start Claude Code from that project's root, then select `/emacs-testing` in the slash menu.

Example task

Use a temporary buffer named notes-07 to simulate an edit. Insert 2 lines, first “archive notes” and then “review pending”. Check the line count and second line in the dedicated session.

What to check

Return {lines: 2, secondLine: 'review pending'}. Stop the test session created for this check after recording the result.

Original SKILL.md on GitHub · Updated 2026-11-14

Frequently asked question

When can I use a running Emacs daemon?

Get the user's approval before using an existing daemon. You can also start a separately named test session and close that session when the check is finished.