Not restarting Emacs

Question

How do I load the edited .emacs file without restarting Emacs?

Answer 1

M-x eval-buffer

Answer 2

Open the .emacs file, select its contents and hit C-x,C-e

Answer 3

M-x load-file and then choose the .emacs file should also work

Answer 4

I usually use M-x load-file. But be aware that some initialization is only done the first time through. Things like libraries that set their defaults when loaded, but don't get reloaded the second time through. Its always a good idea to start up emacs from scratch as a final check that everything works ok.