Question

Is there an analogue to inserting the word after point into the isearch query by hitting C-w after C-s but for the replace string (and replace regexp) queries?

I also enjoy Sacha Chua’s modification of C-x inserting whole word around point into isearch:

http://sachachua.com/blog/2008/07/emacs-keyboard-shortcuts-for-navigating-code/

This too would be really useful in some cases if it could be used in replace string.

I’d be very thankful for any tips!
Thank you!

Answer 1

This will do it, although it isn’t as fancy as C-w in isearch because you can’t keep hitting that key to extend the selection:

(defun my-minibuffer-insert-word-at-point ()
  "Get word at point in original buffer and insert it to minibuffer."
  (interactive)
  (let (word beg)
    (with-current-buffer (window-buffer (minibuffer-selected-window))
      (save-excursion
        (skip-syntax-backward "w_")
        (setq beg (point))
        (skip-syntax-forward "w_")
        (setq word (buffer-substring-no-properties beg (point)))))
    (when word
      (insert word))))

(defun my-minibuffer-setup-hook ()
  (local-set-key (kbd "C-w") 'my-minibuffer-insert-word-at-point))

(add-hook 'minibuffer-setup-hook 'my-minibuffer-setup-hook)

EDIT:
Note that this is in the standard minibuffer, so you can use it use it anywhere you have a minibuffer prompt, for example in grep, occur, etc.