Re: DEFVARs again (was Re: MinGW version binary gobbledygook error messages?)

[Daniel J Sebald]

John W. Eaton wrote:

> We currently have about 75 built-in variables.  21 are warn_*
> variables that can be removed and replaced with the new warning tag
> mechanishm.  Of the rest, I think the biggest problem will be with
> LOADPATH, gnuplot_binary, automatic_replot, page_screen_output,
> page_output_immediately, etc.  These are symbols that we have told
> people to use as variables that would now have to be used
> differently.
>
> But the change has the advantage of simplifying the internals of
> Octave a bit (no more lookup up built-in variables separately from
> functions, for example).
>
> This is a big change.  I'd like to see some discussion before deciding
> what to do about it.  If I don't see any discussion, I might think
> that everyone enthusiatically supports making the change.

Haven't been following too closely, but if it boils down to the manner in which 
automatic_replot is set I personally wouldn't be bothered by that if you think 
what you are suggesting will improve matters.

It's unfortunate that for compatibility the title(), axis() etc must follow the 
plot() command in order to not complain.

Actually, what would be nice is if the "automatic_replot" could be eliminated.  But must be 
careful with that; it would require that "print -d<style>" works seemlessly.  If one must 
resort to

graw('set output ''output.file''\n');
plot(x,'-r');
axis([0 10 0 20]);
title('A plot');
graw('set output\n');

for whatever reason, the output file will end up with several plots overlayed.

Generally, automatic_replot works OK, except when the commands appear in a script file or 
buffered commands copied to the command line, in which case graphs are flashing on and 
off, replotting in confusing ways.  It would be nice if in those instances, the plot 
commands axis(), title() etc. could be "buffered" until the next plot comes 
along or the end of the script file completes... or a set amount of time passes (in the 
case something in the script file is plotted then some really lengthy recursive 
computation is done).

Dan