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