How to add padding to emacs -nw linum-mode?

Question

I am using Emacs -nw in Ubuntu. I like to turn on linum-mode to see line numbers on the left margin, but the numbers are put right next to my code.

I would love it if there could be some 'padding', like 1-character long, between line number and code. sorry I can't post an image since they are asking for 10 reputation, which I dont have:(

How can I do this?

Answer 1

You can use the variable linum-format to achieve this. Its value can either be a format string or a function which is called with line number as an argument. emacswiki has a couple of example of setting it to a format string

1) The following adds a space after the line-number

(setq linum-format "%d ")

2) You can also add a solid line separator

(setq linum-format "%4d \u2502 ")

I guess the above are sufficient for your needs. You can also find an example of using a function as linum-format here. Add whichever format suits your needs to your init file

Answer 2

In addition to the other answer(s) in this thread, options for putting distance between the line numbers and the text include, but are not limited to, adjusting the fringe width (and also set the color if you so choose).

The fringe is like a vertical ruler that runs from the top to the bottom of the buffer -- the left fringe is sandwiched between the line numbers and the text. It can be invisible if it is the same color as the default background of the user, or it can be a different color.

(setq-default left-fringe-width  10)

(setq-default right-fringe-width  0)

(set-face-attribute 'fringe nil :background "black")