function argument overwriitten?



Perhaps on example of copylist, copymatrix and copy we think about  
how functions should be deprecated.

The way I see it, the best way to go about deprecating functions is:
-creating a new category in help: 'Deprecated functions'
-move the texi desriptions of deprecated functions (copylist and  
copymatrix in this example) into that category
-modify the texi to contain
'This function is deprecated. Use 'copy' instead.'

Additionaly a new help category could be added:
'What's new'
which contains entries
'Maxima 5.19.0'
'Maxima 5.20.0'
...
So the user is informed what has changed since the last version - if  
there are new functions available etc (like changes, but more general  
end-user oriented).

On a side note: I browse html Maxima help in wxMaxima. Categories  
have working hyperlinks. What I would think would benefit html help  
greatly is a new 'tag'
@link{}
which would create a hyperlink to that symbol's help.

So we would have
'See also @link{makelist},.. '
This would make jumping through html help much faster - easier to  
explore.

Regards,
Ziga Lenarcic


> copy(v) copies all kinds of expressions.
> Not sure why there exist copylist and copymatrix;
> probably just a historical accident.
>
> best
>
> Robert Dodier