How can I create multiple 'shell' under emacs

Question

In emacs, I can create a shell using M-xshell. But how can I create multiple shell?

I did

1. M-xshellRET
2. C-x52
3. M-xshellRET

It gives me back to shell in Step #1. How can I create multiple independent shell?

Answer 1

One way is to rename your shell buffers:

1. M-xshell
2. M-xrename-bufferRETsh1RET
3. M-xshell

Now you have 2 shell windows, one named "sh1" and the other "*shell*".

Answer 2

C-hfshellRET

(shell &optional BUFFER)
[snip]
If BUFFER exists but shell process is not running, make new shell.
If BUFFER exists and shell process is running, just switch to BUFFER.

• M-xshellRET :: Create a new shell or switch to an existing shell.

• C-uM-xshellRET :: Ask for a buffer name, create a new shell if necessary and switch to that buffer.

An alternative is to use term.el with multiterm.