comparison man/idlwave.texi @ 69826:84148ade703d

Updated docs for IDLWAVE version 6.0; see idlwave.org. Factor out blocks not suitable for inclusion with Emacs using PARTOFEMACS variable.

69825:02e36d4a5f01

* IDLWAVE: (idlwave).	Major mode and shell for IDL files.
@end direntry
@synindex ky cp
@syncodeindex vr cp
@syncodeindex fn cp
@set VERSION 5.5
@set EDITION 5.5
@set IDLVERSION 6.1
@set NSYSROUTINES 1850
@set NSYSKEYWORDS 7685
@set DATE March, 2005
@set AUTHOR J.D. Smith & Carsten Dominik
@set AUTHOR-EMAIL jdsmith@@as.arizona.edu
@set MAINTAINER J.D. Smith
@set MAINTAINER-EMAIL jdsmith@@as.arizona.edu
@c %**end of header
@finalout

@ifinfo 
This file documents IDLWAVE, a major mode for editing IDL files with
Emacs, and interacting with an IDL shell run as a subprocess.

This is edition @value{EDITION} of the IDLWAVE User Manual for IDLWAVE
@value{VERSION}

Copyright @copyright{} 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
2005, 2006 Free Software Foundation, Inc.

Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or
any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no
Invariant Sections, with the Front-Cover texts being ``A GNU

@author by J.D. Smith & Carsten Dominik
@page
This is edition @value{EDITION} of the @cite{IDLWAVE User Manual} for
IDLWAVE version @value{VERSION}, @value{DATE}.
@sp 2
Copyright @copyright{} 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
2005, 2006 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
@sp 2
@cindex Copyright, of IDLWAVE
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or
any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no

* Introduction::                What IDLWAVE is, and what it is not
* IDLWAVE in a Nutshell::       One page quick-start guide
* Getting Started::             Tutorial
* The IDLWAVE Major Mode::      The mode for editing IDL programs
* The IDLWAVE Shell::           The mode for running IDL as an inferior program
* Acknowledgements::            Who did what
* Sources of Routine Info::     How does IDLWAVE know about routine XYZ     
* HTML Help Browser Tips::      
* Configuration Examples::      The user is king
* Windows and MacOS::           What still works, and how

* Breakpoints and Stepping::    
* Compiling Programs::          
* Walking the Calling Stack::   
* Electric Debug Mode::         

Sources of Routine Info

* Routine Definitions::         Where IDL Routines are defined.
* Routine Information Sources::  So how does IDLWAVE know about...
* Catalogs::                    

@end menu

@node Introduction, IDLWAVE in a Nutshell, Top, Top
@chapter Introduction
@cindex Introduction
@cindex Interactive Data Language
@cindex cc-mode.el
@cindex @file{idl.el}
@cindex @file{idl-shell.el}
@cindex Feature overview

IDLWAVE is a package which supports editing source files written in
the Interactive Data Language, and running
IDL as an inferior shell@footnote{Note that this package has nothing
to do with the Interface Definition Language, part of the Common
Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA)}@footnote{IDLWAVE can also
be used for editing source files for the related WAVE/CL language, but
with only limited support.}.  It is a feature-rich replacement for the
IDLDE development environment included with IDL, and uses the full
power of Emacs to make editing and running IDL programs easier,
quicker, and more structured.

IDLWAVE consists of two main parts: a major mode for editing IDL
source files (@code{idlwave-mode}) and a mode for running the IDL
program as an inferior shell (@code{idlwave-shell-mode}).  Although
one mode can be used without the other, both work together closely to

@item 
Context-sensitive display of calling sequences and keywords for more
than 1000 native IDL routines, extendible to any additional number of
local routines, and already available with many pre-scanned libraries.
@item
Routine name space conflict search with likelihood-of-use ranking.
@item
Fast, context-sensitive online HTML help, or source-header help for
undocumented routines.
@item
Context sensitive completion of routine names, keywords, system
variables, class names and much more.

@item
Automatic corrections to enforce a variety of customizable coding
standards.
@item
Integrity checks and auto-termination of logical blocks.
@item
Support for @file{imenu} (Emacs) and @file{func-menu} (XEmacs).
@item
Documentation support.
@item
Running IDL as an inferior Shell with history search, command line
editing and all the completion and routine info capabilities present in
IDL source buffers.
@item
Compilation, execution and interactive single-keystroke debugging of
programs directly from the source buffer.
@item
Quick, source-guided navigation of the calling stack, with variable

@multitable @columnfractions .15 .85
@item @key{TAB}
@tab Indent the current line relative to context.
@item @kbd{C-M-\}
@tab Re-indent all lines in the current region.
@item @kbd{C-u @key{TAB}}
@tab Re-indent all lines in the current statement.
@item @kbd{M-@key{RET}}
@tab Start a continuation line, or split the current line at point.
@item @kbd{M-q}
@tab Fill the current comment paragraph.
@item @kbd{C-c ?}
@tab Display calling sequence and keywords for the procedure or function call
at point.

@subheading Running the IDLWAVE Shell, Debugging Programs

@multitable @columnfractions .15 .85
@item @kbd{C-c C-s}
@tab Start IDL as a subprocess and/or switch to the interaction buffer.
@item @kbd{M-p}
@tab Cycle back through IDL command history.
@item @kbd{M-n}
@tab Cycle forward.
@item @kbd{@key{TAB}}
@tab Complete a procedure name, function name or keyword in the shell buffer.
@item @kbd{C-c C-d C-c}
@tab Save and compile the source file in the current buffer.

@end multitable

@subheading Commonly used Settings in @file{.emacs}
@lisp
;; Change the indentation preferences
(setq idlwave-main-block-indent 2   ; default  0
      idlwave-block-indent 2        ; default  4
      idlwave-end-offset -2)        ; default -4
;; Start autoloading routine info after 2 idle seconds
(setq idlwave-init-rinfo-when-idle-after 2)
;; Pad some operators with spaces
(setq idlwave-do-actions t
      idlwave-surround-by-blank t)
;; Syntax Highlighting
(add-hook 'idlwave-mode-hook 'turn-on-font-lock)
;; Automatically start the shell when needed
(setq idlwave-shell-automatic-start t)
;; Bind debugging commands with CONTROL and SHIFT modifiers
(setq idlwave-shell-debug-modifiers '(control shift))
@end lisp

@ifhtml
<A NAME="TUTORIAL"></A>
@end ifhtml
@node Getting Started, The IDLWAVE Major Mode, IDLWAVE in a Nutshell, Top
@chapter Getting Started (Tutorial)
@cindex Quick-Start
@cindex Tutorial
@cindex Getting Started

that IDLWAVE has many more capabilities than covered here, which can
be discovered by reading the entire manual, or hovering over the
shoulder of your nearest IDLWAVE guru for a few days.

It is assumed that you have access to Emacs or XEmacs with the full
IDLWAVE package including online help.  We also assume that you are
familiar with Emacs and can read the nomenclature of key presses in
Emacs (in particular, @kbd{C} stands for @key{CONTROL} and @kbd{M} for
@key{META} (often the @key{ALT} key carries this functionality)).

Open a new source file by typing:

@example
@kbd{C-x C-f tutorial.pro @key{RET}}

there just as well as in a terminal, or the IDLDE.  Use the arrow keys
to cycle through your command history.  Are we having fun now?

Now go back to the source window and type @kbd{C-c C-d C-c} to compile
the program.  If you watch the shell buffer, you see that IDLWAVE types
@samp{.run tutorial.pro} for you.  But the compilation fails because
there is a comma in the line @samp{years=...}.  The line with the error
is highlighted and the cursor positioned at the error, so remove the
comma (you should only need to hit @kbd{Delete}!).  Compile again, using
the same keystrokes as before.  Notice that the file is automatically
saved for you.  This time everything should work fine, and you should

@example
plot_wday,1,4
@end example

Oops, this looks very wrong.  All April fool's days cannot be Fridays!
We've got a bug in the program, perhaps in the @code{daynr} function.
Let's put a breakpoint on the last line there.  Position the cursor on
the @samp{return, d+...} line and press @kbd{C-c C-d C-b}.  IDL sets a
breakpoint (as you see in the shell window), and the break line is
indicated.  Back to the shell buffer, re-execute the previous command.

sequence of weekdays repeats.

@node  Lesson II -- Customization, Lesson III -- User Catalog, Lesson I -- Development Cycle, Getting Started
@section Lesson II: Customization

Emacs is probably the most customizable piece of software ever
written, and it would be a shame if you did not make use of this and
adapt IDLWAVE to your own preferences.  Customizing Emacs or IDLWAVE
is accomplished by setting Lisp variables in the @file{.emacs} file in
your home directory --- but do not be dismayed; for the most part, you
can just copy and work from the examples given here.

Let's first use a boolean variable.  These are variables which you turn
on or off, much like a checkbox. A value of @samp{t} means on, a value
of @samp{nil} means off.  Copy the following line into your
@file{.emacs} file, exit and restart Emacs.

@samp{IF}, @samp{begin} to @samp{BEGIN}.  If you don't like this
behavior, remove the option again from your @file{.emacs} file and
restart Emacs.

You likely have your own indentation preferences for IDL code.  For
example, some like to indent the main block of an IDL program from the
margin and use only 3 spaces as indentation between @code{BEGIN} and
@code{END}.  Try the following lines in @file{.emacs}:

@lisp
(setq idlwave-main-block-indent 2)
(setq idlwave-block-indent 3)
(setq idlwave-end-offset -3)
@end lisp

Restart Emacs, and re-indent the program we developed in the first part

continuation lines.

@cindex Foreign code, adapting
@cindex Indentation, of foreign code
@kindex C-M-\
To re-indent a larger portion of code (e.g. when working with foreign code
written with different conventions), use @kbd{C-M-\}
(@code{indent-region}) after marking the relevant code.  Useful marking
commands are @kbd{C-x h} (the entire file) or @kbd{C-M-h} (the
current subprogram). @xref{Actions}, for information how to impose
additional formatting conventions on foreign code.

@defopt idlwave-main-block-indent (@code{0}) 
Extra indentation for the main block of code.  That is the block between
the FUNCTION/PRO statement and the END statement for that program
unit.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-block-indent (@code{4})
Extra indentation applied to block lines.  If you change this, you
probably also want to change @code{idlwave-end-offset}.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-end-offset (@code{-4})
Extra indentation applied to block END lines.  A value equal to negative
@code{idlwave-block-indent} will make END lines line up with the block
BEGIN lines.
@end defopt

Also, since the indentation level can be somewhat dynamic in continued
statements with special continuation indentation, especially if
@code{idlwave-max-extra-continuation-indent} is small, the key
@kbd{C-u @key{TAB}} will re-indent all lines in the current statement.
Note that @code{idlwave-indent-to-open-paren}, if non-@code{nil}, overrides
the @code{idlwave-max-extra-continuation-indent} limit, for
parentheses only, forcing them always to line up.


@defopt idlwave-continuation-indent (@code{2})
Extra indentation applied to normal continuation lines.

@defopt idlwave-rinfo-max-source-lines (@code{5})
Maximum number of source files displayed in the Routine Info window.
@end defopt


@ifhtml
<A NAME="ONLINE_HELP"></A>
@end ifhtml
@node Online Help, Completion, Routine Info, The IDLWAVE Major Mode
@section Online Help

@cindex Online Help
@cindex @file{idlw-help.txt}
@cindex @file{idlw-help.el}
@cindex Installing online help
@cindex Online Help, Installation
@cindex Speed, of online help

IDLWAVE can display help from an HTML version of the IDL documentation
if it is available.  This is @emph{much} faster than using the IDL
online help application, because IDLWAVE usually gets you to the right
place in the documentation directly --- e.g. a specific keyword of a
routine --- without any additional browsing and scrolling.  There are
a variety of options for displaying the HTML help: see below.  Help
for routines without HTML documentation is also available, using the
routine documentation header and/or source.

To make this feature work, you should set
@code{idlwave-html-help-location} to the directory name of the
directory where the IDL help files are installed.

@kindex M-?
In any IDL program (or, as with most IDLWAVE commands, in the IDL
Shell), press @kbd{M-?} (@code{idlwave-context-help}), or click with
@kbd{S-Mouse-3} to access context sensitive online help.  The following
locations are recognized context for help:

@cindex Context, for online help
@multitable @columnfractions .25 .75
@item @i{Routine name}
@tab The name of a routine (function, procedure, method).
@item @i{Keyword Parameter}
@tab A keyword parameter of a routine.
@item @i{System Variable}
@tab System variables like @code{!DPI}.
@item @i{System Variable Tags}
@tab System variables tags like @code{!D.X_SIZE}.
@item @i{IDL Statement}
@tab Statements like @code{PRO}, @code{REPEAT}, @code{COMPILE_OPT}, etc.
@item @i{Class name}
@tab A class name in an @code{OBJ_NEW} call.
@item @i{Class Init}
@tab Beyond the class name in an @code{OBJ_NEW} call.
@item @i{Executive Command}
@tab An executive command like @code{.RUN}.  Mostly useful in the shell.
@item @i{Structure Tags}
@tab Structure tags like @code{state.xsize}

@node Help with HTML Documentation, Help with Source, Online Help, Online Help
@subsection Help with HTML Documentation
@cindex HTML Help
@cindex Help using HTML manuals
@cindex IDL manual, HTML version

Help using the HTML documentation is invoked with the built-in Emacs
command @code{browse-url}, which displays the relevant help topic in a
browser of your choosing.  There are many possible browsers to choose
among, with differing advantages and disadvantages.  The variable
@code{idlwave-help-browser-function} controls which browser help is
sent to.  This function is used to set the variable
@code{browse-url-browser-function} locally for IDLWAVE help only.
Customize this variable to see what choices of browsers your system
offers.

Certain browsers like @code{w3} and @code{w3m}
(@uref{http://emacs-w3m.namazu.org/}, the author's help browser of
choice) are run within Emacs, and use Emacs buffers to display the
HTML help.  This can be convenient, especially on small displays, and
images can even be displayed in-line on new Emacs versions.  However,
better formatting results are often achieved with external browsers,
like Mozilla.  IDLWAVE assumes any browser function containing "w3" is
displayed in a local buffer.  If you are using another Emacs-local
browser for which this is not true, set the variable
@code{idlwave-help-browser-is-local}.

@emph{N.B. For Windows users}: IDLWAVE can bring up help directly
from the Microsoft HTMLHelp documentation supplied with IDL: no
additional help files are needed.  Be sure to set
@code{idlwave-system-directory} and the help file will be found
automatically (or, alternatively, specify its location directly with
@code{idlwave-html-help-location}).  The variable
@code{idlwave-help-use-hh} controls whether HTMLHelp is used, and
which application is called to invoke it (@code{HH} is the default).
The free helper application @code{KEYHH}
(@uref{http://www.keyworks.net/keyhh.htm}) can be used instead, and is
preferrable, as it permits loading new help topics into the same help
window.  @code{KEYHH} must be downloaded and installed separately.

@xref{HTML Help Browser Tips}, for more information on selecting and
configuring a browser for use with IDL's HTML help system.

@defopt idlwave-html-help-location @file{/usr/local/etc}
The directory where the @file{idl_html_help} dir or @file{idl.chm}
HTMLHelp files live.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-help-use-hh @code{nil}
If set to @code{'hh} or @code{'keyhh}, use Windows native HTMLHelp
with the specified help application.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-help-browser-function
The browser function to use to display IDLWAVE HTML help.  Should be
one of the functions available for setting
@code{browse-url-browser-function}, which see.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-help-browser-is-local
Is the browser selected in @code{idlwave-help-browser-function} run in a
local Emacs buffer?  Defaults to @code{t} if the function contains
"-w3".
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-help-link-face
The face for links to IDLWAVE online help.
@end defopt

@kindex M-@key{TAB}
@kindex C-c C-i
IDLWAVE offers completion for class names, routine names, keywords,
system variables, system variable tags, class structure tags, regular
structure tags and file names.  As in many programming modes,
completion is bound to @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} (or @kbd{@key{TAB}} in the
IDLWAVE Shell --- @pxref{Using the Shell}).  Completion uses exactly
the same internal information as routine info, so when necessary
(rarely) it can be updated with @kbd{C-c C-i}
(@code{idlwave-update-routine-info}).

The completion function is context sensitive and figures out what to
complete based location of the point.  Here are example lines and what
@kbd{M-@key{TAB}} would try to complete when the cursor is on the
position marked with a @samp{_}:

@example
plo_                    @r{Procedure}
x = a_                  @r{Function}
plot,xra_               @r{Keyword of @code{plot} procedure}
plot,x,y,/x_            @r{Keyword of @code{plot} procedure}
plot,min(_              @r{Keyword of @code{min} function}
obj -> a_               @r{Object method (procedure)}
a(2,3) = obj -> a_      @r{Object method (function)}
x = obj_new('IDL_       @r{Class name}
x = obj_new('MyCl',a_   @r{Keyword to @code{Init} method in class @code{MyCl}}
pro A_                  @r{Class name}
pro _                   @r{Fill in @code{Class::} of first method in this file}
!v_                     @r{System variable}

@subsection Object Method Completion and Class Ambiguity
@cindex Object methods
@cindex Class ambiguity
@cindex @code{self} object, default class
An object method is not uniquely determined without the object's class.
Since the class is almost always omitted in the calling source, IDLWAVE
considers all available methods in all classes as possible method name
completions.  The combined list of keywords of the current method in
@emph{all} known classes which contain that method will be considered
for keyword completion.  In the @file{*Completions*} buffer, the
matching classes will be shown next to each item (see option
@code{idlwave-completion-show-classes}).  As a special case, the class
of an object called @samp{self} is always taken to be the class of the
current routine.  All classes it inherits from are considered as well
where appropriate.

@cindex Forcing class query.
@cindex Class query, forcing
You can also call @code{idlwave-complete} with a prefix arg: @kbd{C-u
M-@key{TAB}}.  IDLWAVE will then prompt you for the class in order to
narrow down the number of possible completions.  The variable
@code{idlwave-query-class} can be configured to make such prompting the
default for all methods (not recommended), or selectively for very
common methods for which the number of completing keywords would be too
large (e.g. @code{Init}).  

@cindex Saving object class on @code{->}
@cindex @code{->}
After you have specified the class for a particular statement (e.g. when
completing the method), IDLWAVE can remember it for the rest of the
editing session.  Subsequent completions in the same statement
(e.g. keywords) can then reuse this class information.  This works by
placing a text property on the method invocation operator @samp{->},
after which the operator will be shown in a different face.  This is not
enabled by default --- the variable @code{idlwave-store-inquired-class}
can be used to turn it on.

@defopt idlwave-completion-show-classes (@code{1})
Non-@code{nil} means show up to that many classes in
@file{*Completions*} buffer when completing object methods and
keywords.

@defopt idlwave-query-class (@code{nil})
Association list governing query for object classes during completion.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-store-inquired-class (@code{nil})
Non-@code{nil} means store class of a method call as text property on
@samp{->}.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-class-arrow-face
Face to highlight object operator arrows @samp{->} which carry a class
text property.
@end defopt

@node Object Method Completion in the Shell, Class and Keyword Inheritance, Object Method Completion and Class Ambiguity, Completion
@subsection Object Method Completion in the Shell
@cindex Method Completion in Shell

@code{obj_class()} function).  In the Shell, when attempting completion,
routine info, or online help within a method routine, a query is sent to
determine the class of the object.  If this query is successful, the
class found will be used to select appropriate completions, routine
info, or help.  If unsuccessful, information from all known classes will
be used (as in the buffer).  Setting the variable
@code{idlwave-store-inquired-class} can eliminate unnecessary repetitive
queries for the object's class, and speed up completion.

@node   Class and Keyword Inheritance, Structure Tag Completion, Object Method Completion in the Shell, Completion
@subsection Class and Keyword Inheritance
@cindex Inheritance, class
@cindex Keyword inheritance

   (add-hook 'idlwave-load-hook 
             (lambda () (require 'idlw-complete-structtag)))
@end lisp

Once enabled, you'll also be able to access online help on the structure
tags, using the usual methods (@pxref{Online Help}).

@node Routine Source, Resolving Routines, Completion, The IDLWAVE Major Mode
@section Routine Source
@cindex Routine source file
@cindex Module source file

routine.  The command @kbd{C-c C-v} (@code{idlwave-find-module}) asks
for a module name, offering the same default as
@code{idlwave-routine-info} would have used, taken from nearby buffer
contents.  In the minibuffer, specify a complete routine name (including
any class part).  IDLWAVE will display the source file in another
window, positioned at the routine in question.  You can also visit a
routine in the current buffer, with completion, by using a single prefix
(@kbd{C-u C-c C-v}).

@cindex Buffers, killing
@cindex Killing autoloaded buffers
Since getting the source of a routine into a buffer is so easy with
IDLWAVE, too many buffers visiting different IDL source files are

@cindex Routines, resolving

The key sequence @kbd{C-c =} calls the command @code{idlwave-resolve}
and sends the line @samp{RESOLVE_ROUTINE, '@var{routine_name}'} to IDL
in order to resolve (compile) it.  The default routine to be resolved is
taken from context, but you get a chance to edit it.

@code{idlwave-resolve} is one way to get a library module within reach
of IDLWAVE's routine info collecting functions.  A better way is to
keep routine information available in catalogs (@pxref{Catalogs}).
Routine info on modules will then be available without the need to

@tab @code{openw,}
@item @code{\p}
@tab @code{print,}
@item @code{\pt}
@tab @code{plot,}
@item @code{\re}
@tab @code{read,}
@item @code{\rf}
@tab @code{readf,}
@item @code{\rt}

@cindex Operators, padding with spaces
@cindex Space, around operators

Some operators can be automatically surrounded by spaces.  This can
happen when the operator is typed, or later when the line is indented.
IDLWAVE can pad the operators @samp{&}, @samp{<}, @samp{>}, @samp{,},
@samp{=}, and @samp{->}, but this feature is turned off by default.  If
you want to turn it on, customize the variables
@code{idlwave-surround-by-blank} and @code{idlwave-do-actions}.  You can
also define similar actions for other operators by using the function
@code{idlwave-action-and-binding} in the mode hook.  For example, to
enforce space padding of the @samp{+} and @samp{*} operators, try this
in @file{.emacs}

@lisp
(add-hook 'idlwave-mode-hook
  (lambda ()
     (setq idlwave-surround-by-blank t)  ; Turn this type of actions on
     (idlwave-action-and-binding "*" '(idlwave-surround 1 1))
     (idlwave-action-and-binding "+" '(idlwave-surround 1 1))))
@end lisp

@defopt idlwave-surround-by-blank (@code{nil})
Non-@code{nil} means enable @code{idlwave-surround}.  If non-@code{nil},
@samp{=}, @samp{<}, @samp{>}, @samp{&}, @samp{,}, @samp{->} are
surrounded with spaces by @code{idlwave-surround}.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-pad-keyword (@code{t})
Non-@code{nil} means pad @samp{=} for keywords like assignments.
@end defopt

@node Case Changes,  , Padding Operators, Actions
@subsection Case Changes
@cindex Case changes

@defopt idlwave-load-hook
Normal hook.  Executed when @file{idlwave.el} is loaded.
@end defopt



@node The IDLWAVE Shell, Acknowledgements, The IDLWAVE Major Mode, Top
@chapter The IDLWAVE Shell
@cindex IDLWAVE shell
@cindex Major mode, @code{idlwave-shell-mode}
@cindex IDL, as Emacs subprocess
@cindex Subprocess of Emacs, IDL

program as an inferior process of Emacs, and works closely with the
IDLWAVE major mode in buffers.  It can be used to work with IDL
interactively, to compile and run IDL programs in Emacs buffers and to
debug these programs.  The IDLWAVE shell is built on @file{comint}, an
Emacs packages which handles the communication with the IDL program.
Unfortunately IDL for Windows does not have command-prompt versions
and thus do not allow the interaction with Emacs@footnote{Please
inform the maintainer if you come up with a way to make the IDLWAVE
shell work on these systems.} --- so the IDLWAVE shell currently only
works under Unix and MacOSX.

@menu
* Starting the Shell::          How to launch IDL as a subprocess
* Using the Shell::             Interactively working with the Shell
* Commands Sent to the Shell::  

@end defopt
  
@defopt idlwave-shell-use-dedicated-frame (@code{nil})
Non-@code{nil} means IDLWAVE should use a special frame to display the
shell buffer.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-shell-frame-parameters
The frame parameters for a dedicated idlwave-shell frame.
@end defopt

@item @kbd{C-c C-i}
@tab Update routine info from buffers and shell
(@code{idlwave-update-routine-info})
@item @kbd{C-c C-v}
@tab Find the source file of a routine (@code{idlwave-find-module})
@item @kbd{C-c =}
@tab Compile a library routine (@code{idlwave-resolve})
@end multitable

@defopt idlwave-shell-arrows-do-history (@code{t})

stopped will be deleted.  To clear all breakpoints, use @kbd{C-c C-d
C-a} (@code{idlwave-clear-all-bp}).  Breakpoints can also be disabled
and re-enabled: @kbd{C-c C-d C-\}
(@code{idlwave-shell-toggle-enable-current-bp}).  


Breakpoint lines are highlighted or indicated with an icon in the
source code (different icons for conditional, after, and other break
types).  Disabled breakpoints are @emph{grayed out} by default.  Note
that IDL places breakpoints as close as possible on or after the line
you specify.  IDLWAVE queries the shell for the actual breakpoint
location which was set, so the exact line you specify may not be
marked.  You can re-sync the breakpoint list and display at any time
(e.g., if you add or remove some on the command line) using @kbd{C-c
C-d C-l}.

Once the program has stopped somewhere, you can step through it.  The
most important stepping commands are @kbd{C-c C-d C-s} to execute one
line of IDL code ("step into"); @kbd{C-c C-d C-n} to step a single line,
treating procedure and function calls as a single step ("step over");

@multitable @columnfractions .23 .77
@item @kbd{C-c C-d C-b}
@tab Set breakpoint (@code{idlwave-shell-break-here})
@item @kbd{C-c C-d C-i}
@tab Set breakpoint in function named here (@code{idlwave-shell-break-in})
@item @kbd{C-c C-d C-d}
@tab Clear current breakpoint (@code{idlwave-shell-clear-current-bp})
@item @kbd{C-c C-d C-a}
@tab Clear all breakpoints (@code{idlwave-shell-clear-all-bp})
@item @kbd{C-c C-d [}

@item @kbd{C-c C-d C-down}
@tab Show lower level in calling stack (@code{idlwave-shell-stack-down})
@end multitable

All of these commands have equivalents in Electric Debug Mode, which
provides faster access (@pxref{Electric Debug Mode}).

@defopt idlwave-shell-mark-breakpoints (@code{t})
Non-@code{nil} means mark breakpoints in the source file buffers.  The
value indicates the preferred method.  Valid values are @code{nil},
@code{t}, @code{face}, and @code{glyph}.

@defopt idlwave-shell-breakpoint-face
The face for breakpoint lines in the source code if
@code{idlwave-shell-mark-breakpoints} has the value @code{face}.
@end defopt

@node Compiling Programs, Walking the Calling Stack, Breakpoints and Stepping, Debugging IDL Programs
@subsection Compiling Programs
@cindex Compiling programs
@cindex Programs, compiling

default command line is send to the shell.  To edit the default command
line, call @code{idlwave-shell-execute-default-command-line} with a
prefix argument: @kbd{C-u C-c C-d C-y}.  If no default command line has
been set (or you give two prefix arguments), the last command on the
@code{comint} input history is sent.

@defopt idlwave-shell-mark-stop-line (@code{t})
Non-@code{nil} means mark the source code line where IDL is currently
stopped.  The value specifies the preferred method.  Valid values are
@code{nil}, @code{t}, @code{arrow}, and @code{face}.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-shell-overlay-arrow (@code{">"})
The overlay arrow to display at source lines where execution halts, if
configured in @code{idlwave-shell-mark-stop-line}.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-shell-stop-line-face
The face which highlights the source line where IDL is stopped, if
configured in @code{idlwave-shell-mark-stop-line}.
@end defopt

@node Walking the Calling Stack, Electric Debug Mode, Compiling Programs, Debugging IDL Programs
@subsection Walking the Calling Stack
@cindex Calling stack, walking

will be highlighted.  If you continue execution, IDLWAVE will
automatically return to the current level. @xref{Examining Variables},
for information how to examine the value of variables and expressions on
higher calling stack levels.

@ifhtml
<A NAME="EDEBUG"></A>
@end ifhtml
@node Electric Debug Mode,  , Walking the Calling Stack, Debugging IDL Programs
@subsection Electric Debug Mode
@cindex Electric Debug Mode
@cindex @samp{*Debugging*}

Even with a convenient debug key prefix enabled, repetitive stepping,
variable examination (@pxref{Examining Variables}), and other
debugging activities can be awkward and slow using commands which
require multiple keystrokes.  Luckily, there's a better way, inspired
by the lisp e-debug mode, and available through the @emph{Electric
Debug Mode}.  By default, as soon as a breakpoint is hit, this minor
mode is enabled.  The buffer showing the line where execution has
halted is switched to Electric Debug Mode.  This mode is visible as
@samp{*Debugging*} in the mode line, and a different face (violet by
default, where color is available) for the line stopped at point.  The
buffer is made read-only and single-character bindings for the most
commonly used debugging commands are enabled:

@multitable @columnfractions .2 .8
@item @kbd{a}
@tab Clear all breakpoints (@code{idlwave-shell-clear-all-bp})
@item @kbd{b}
@tab Set breakpoint, @kbd{C-u b} for a conditional break, @kbd{C-n b} for nth hit (@code{idlwave-shell-break-here})
@item @kbd{d}
@tab Clear current breakpoint (@code{idlwave-shell-clear-current-bp})
@item @kbd{h}
@tab Continue to the line at cursor position (@code{idlwave-shell-to-here})
@item @kbd{i}
@tab Set breakpoint in function named here (@code{idlwave-shell-break-in})
@item @kbd{[}
@tab Go to the previous breakpoint in the file (@code{idlwave-shell-goto-previous-bp})
@item @kbd{]}
@tab Go to the next breakpoint in the file
(@code{idlwave-shell-goto-next-bp})

@tab Show help on the commands available.
@end multitable

Most single-character electric debug bindings use the final keystroke
of the equivalent multiple key commands (which are of course also
still available), but some differ (e.g. @kbd{t},@kbd{q},@kbd{x}).
Some have additional convenience bindings (like @kbd{@key{SPACE}} for
stepping).  All prefix and other argument options described in this
section for the commands invoked by electric debug bindings are still
valid.  For example, @kbd{C-u b} sets a conditional breakpoint, just
as it did with @kbd{C-u C-c C-d C-b}.

@code{t} for both breakpoints and errors, this can be
@code{'breakpoint} (the default) to enable it only at breakpoint
halts.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-shell-electric-zap-to-file (@code{t})
If set, when entering electric debug mode, select the window displaying
the file where point is stopped.  This takes point away from the shell
window, but is useful for immediate stepping, etc.
@end defopt

@ifhtml
<A NAME="EXAMINE"></A>
@end ifhtml
@node Examining Variables, Custom Expression Examination, Debugging IDL Programs, The IDLWAVE Shell
@section Examining Variables
@cindex @code{PRINT} expressions
@cindex @code{HELP}, on expressions
@cindex Expressions, printing & help
@cindex Examining expressions
@cindex Printing expressions
@cindex Mouse binding to print expressions

@kindex C-c C-d C-p
Do you find yourself repeatedly typing,
e.g. @code{print,n_elements(x)}, and similar statements to remind
yourself of the type/size/structure/value/etc. of variables and
expressions in your code or at the command line?  IDLWAVE has a suite
of special commands to automate these types of variable or expression
examinations.  They work by sending statements to the shell formatted
to include the indicated expression.

These examination commands can be used in the shell or buffer at any
time (as long as the shell is running), and are very useful when
execution is stopped in a buffer due to a triggered breakpoint or error,
or while composing a long command in the IDLWAVE shell.  In the latter
case, the command is sent to the shell and its output is visible, but
point remains unmoved in the command being composed --- you can inspect

variable, number, or function you see can be examined.

If the variable @code{idlwave-shell-separate-examine-output} is
non-@code{nil} (the default), all examine output will be sent to a
special @file{*Examine*} buffer, rather than the shell.  The output of
prior examine commands is saved.  In this buffer @key{c} clears the
contents, and @key{q} hides the buffer.

The two most basic examine commands are bound to @kbd{C-c C-d C-p}, to
print the expression at point, and @kbd{C-c C-d ?}, to invoke help on
this expression@footnote{Available as @kbd{p} and @kbd{?} in Electric
Debug Mode (@pxref{Electric Debug Mode})}.  The expression at point is
either an array expression or a function call, or the contents of a
pair of parentheses.  The selected expression is highlighted, and
simultaneously the resulting output is highlighted in the shell.
Calling the above commands with a prefix argument will use the current
region as expression instead of using the one at point.  Two prefix
arguments (@kbd{C-u C-u C-c C-d C-p}) will prompt for an expression.

For added speed and convenience, there are mouse bindings which allow
you to click on expressions and examine their values.  Use
@kbd{S-Mouse-2} to print an expression and @kbd{C-M-Mouse-2} to invoke
help (i.e. you need to hold down @key{META} and @key{CONTROL} while

@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-shell-separate-examine-output (@code{t})
If non-@code{nil}, re-direct the output of examine commands to a special
@file{*Examine*} buffer, instead of in the shell itself. 
@end defopt

@node Custom Expression Examination,  , Examining Variables, The IDLWAVE Shell
@section Custom Expression Examination
@cindex Expressions, custom examination

examine command strings to send, after all instances of @code{___}
(three underscores) are replaced by the indicated expression.
@end defopt


@node Acknowledgements, Sources of Routine Info, The IDLWAVE Shell, Top
@chapter Acknowledgements
@cindex Acknowledgements
@cindex Maintainer, of IDLWAVE
@cindex Authors, of IDLWAVE
@cindex Contributors, to IDLWAVE

manual.

@item 
@uref{mailto:jdsmith@@as.arizona.edu, @b{J.D. Smith}}, the current
maintainer, as of version 4.10, helped shape object method completion
and most new features introduced in versions 4.x, and added
significant new capabilities for versions 5.x.
@end itemize

@noindent
The following people have also contributed to the development of IDLWAVE
with patches, ideas, bug reports and suggestions.

@item
Phil Sterne <sterne__at__dublin.llnl.gov>
@item
Paul Sorenson <aardvark62__at__msn.com>
@end itemize

@noindent
Thanks to everyone!

@node Sources of Routine Info, HTML Help Browser Tips, Acknowledgements, Top

@noindent Routines which can be used in an IDL program can be defined in
several places:

@enumerate
@item 
@emph{Builtin routines} are defined inside IDL itself.  The source
code of such routines is not available.
@item
Routines which are @emph{part of the current program}, are defined in a
file explicitly compiled by the user.  This file may or may not be
located on the IDL search path.
@item 
@emph{Library routines} are defined in files located on IDL's search
path, and will not need to be manually compiled.  When a library routine
is called for the first time, IDL will find the source file and compile
it dynamically.  A special sub-category of library routines are the
@emph{system routines} distributed with IDL, and usually available in
the @file{lib} subdirectory of the IDL distribution.
@item
External routines written in other languages (like Fortran or C) can be
called with @code{CALL_EXTERNAL}, linked into IDL via @code{LINKIMAGE},
or included as dynamically loaded modules (DLMs).  Currently IDLWAVE
cannot provide routine info and completion for such external routines.
@end enumerate

@node Routine Information Sources, Catalogs, Routine Definitions, Sources of Routine Info
@appendixsec Routine Information Sources
@cindex Routine info sources

@enumerate

@item
It has a @emph{builtin list} with information about the routines IDL
ships with.  IDLWAVE @value{VERSION} is distributed with a list of
@value{NSYSROUTINES} routines and @value{NSYSKEYWORDS} keywords,
reflecting IDL version @value{IDLVERSION}.  This list has been created
by scanning the IDL manuals and is stored in the file
@file{idlw-rinfo.el}.  @xref{Documentation Scan}, for information on
how to regenerate this file for new versions of IDL.

@item 
It @emph{scans} all @emph{buffers} of the current Emacs session for
routine definitions.  This is done automatically when routine
information or completion is first requested by the user.  Each new
buffer and each buffer saved after making changes is also scanned. The
command @kbd{C-c C-i} (@code{idlwave-update-routine-info}) can be used
at any time to rescan all buffers.

@item
If you have an IDLWAVE-Shell running in the Emacs session, IDLWAVE will
@emph{query the shell} for compiled routines and their arguments.  This
happens automatically when routine information or completion is first
requested by the user, and each time an Emacs buffer is compiled with
@kbd{C-c C-d C-c}.  Though rarely necessary, the command @kbd{C-c C-i}
(@code{idlwave-update-routine-info}) can be used to update the shell
routine data.

@item
Many popular libraries are distributed with routine information
already scanned into @emph{library catalogs} (@pxref{Library
Catalogs}).  These per-directory catalog files can also be built by
the user with the supplied @file{idlwave_catalog} tool.

@item
IDLWAVE can scan selected directories of source files and store the
result in a single @emph{user catalog} file which will be
automatically loaded just like @file{idlw-rinfo.el}. @xref{User
Catalog}, for information on how to scan files in this way.
@end enumerate

Loading routine and catalog information can be a time consuming process,
especially over slow networks.  Depending on the system and network
configuration it could take up to 30 seconds.  In order to minimize the
wait time upon your first completion or routine info command in a
session, IDLWAVE uses Emacs idle time to do the initialization in six
steps, yielding to user input in between.  If this gets into your way,
set the variable @code{idlwave-init-rinfo-when-idle-after} to 0 (zero).
The more routines documented in library and user catalogs, the slower

@defopt idlwave-auto-routine-info-updates
Controls under what circumstances routine info is updated automatically.
@end defopt

@ifhtml
<A NAME="CATALOGS"></A>
@end ifhtml
@node Catalogs, Load-Path Shadows, Routine Information Sources, Sources of Routine Info
@appendixsec Catalogs
@cindex Catalogs

@emph{Catalogs} are files containing scanned information on individual

information out automatically, or on-demand (menu @code{Debug->Save Path
Info}).  On systems with no shell from which to discover the path
information (e.g. Windows), a library path must be specified in
@code{idlwave-library-path} to allow library catalogs to be located, and
to setup directories for user catalog scan (@pxref{User Catalog} for
more on this variable).

@defopt idlwave-auto-write-path  (@code{t})
Write out information on the !PATH and !DIR paths from IDL automatically
when they change and when the Shell is closed.  These paths are needed
to locate library catalogs.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-library-path
IDL library path for Windows and MacOS.  Not needed under Unix/MacOSX.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-system-directory
The IDL system directory for Windows and MacOS.  Not needed under
Unix/MacOSX (obtained from the Shell).
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-config-directory (@file{~/.idlwave})
Default path where IDLWAVE saves configuration information and any
user catalog.
@end defopt

@menu
* Library Catalogs::            
* User Catalog::                
@end menu

@ifhtml
<A NAME="LIBRARY_CATALOGS"></A>
@end ifhtml
@node Library Catalogs, User Catalog, Catalogs, Catalogs
@appendixsubsec Library Catalogs
@cindex @file{.idlwave_catalog}
@cindex Library catalogs
@cindex @code{idlwave_catalog}

Library catalogs are files named @file{.idlwave_catalog} stored in
directories containing @code{.pro} routine files.  They are discovered
on the IDL search path and loaded automatically when routine information
is read.  Each catalog file documents the routines found in that
directory --- one catalog per directory.  Every catalog has a library
name associated with it (e.g. @emph{AstroLib}).  This name will be shown
briefly when the catalog is found, and in the routine info of routines
it documents.

Many popular libraries of routines are shipped with IDLWAVE catalog
files by default, and so will be automatically discovered.  Library
catalogs are scanned externally to Emacs using a tool provided with
IDLWAVE.  Each catalog can be re-scanned independently of any other.

burden of scanning from the user (who may not even know they're using a
scanned catalog).  Since all catalogs are independent, they can be
re-scanned automatically to gather updates, e.g. in a @file{cron} job.
Scanning is much faster than with the built-in user catalog method.  One
minor disadvantage: the entire IDL search path is scanned for catalog
files every time IDLWAVE starts up, which might be slow over a network.

A Perl tool to create library catalogs is distributed with IDLWAVE:
@code{idlwave_catalog}.  It can be called quite simply:
@example
idlwave_catalog MyLib
@end example

@noindent This would scan all directories recursively beneath the current and
populate them with @file{.idlwave_catalog} files, tagging the routines
found with the name library ``MyLib''.  The full usage information:

@example
Usage: idlwave_catalog  [-l] [-v] [-d] [-s] [-f] [-h] libname
       libname - Unique name of the catalog (4 or more alphanumeric
                 characters).

To re-load the library catalogs on the IDL path, force a system routine
info update using a single prefix to @code{idlwave-update-routine-info}:
@kbd{C-u C-c C-i}.

@defopt idlwave-use-library-catalogs  (@code{t})
Whether to search for and load library catalogs.  Only disable if
performance is a problem and the catalogs are not needed.
@end defopt

@node User Catalog,  , Library Catalogs, Catalogs
@appendixsubsec User Catalog
@cindex User catalog

(setq idlwave-library-path
        '("+c:/RSI/IDL56/lib/" "+c:/user/me/idllibs"))
(setq idlwave-system-directory "c:/RSI/IDL56/")
@end lisp

@noindent Under GNU and UNIX, these values will be automatically gathered from
the IDLWAVE shell.

The command @kbd{M-x idlwave-create-user-catalog-file} (or the menu item
@samp{IDLWAVE->Routine Info->Select Catalog Directories} can then be
used to create a user catalog.  It brings up a widget in which you can
select some or all directories on the search path.  Directories which
already contain a library catalog are marked with @samp{[LIB]}, and need
not be scanned (although there is no harm if you do so, other than the
additional memory used for the duplication).

@cindex Windows
@cindex MacOS
@cindex IDL variable @code{!DIR}
@cindex @code{!DIR}, IDL variable
Users of Windows and MacOS also must set the variable
@code{idlwave-system-directory} to the value of the @code{!DIR} system
variable in IDL.  IDLWAVE appends @file{lib} to the value of this
variable and assumes that all files found on that path are system
routines.

@cindex @file{get_html_rinfo}
@cindex @file{idlw-rinfo.el}
@cindex Scanning the documentation
@cindex Perl program, to create @file{idlw-rinfo.el}

IDLWAVE derives its knowledge about system routines from the IDL
manuals.  The file @file{idlw-rinfo.el} contains the routine information
for the IDL system routines, and links to relevant sections of the HTML
documentation.  The Online Help feature of IDLWAVE requires HTML
versions of the IDL manuals to be available.

The HTML files and related images can be produced from the
@file{idl.chm} HTMLHelp file distributed with IDL using the free
Microsoft HTML Help Workshop.  If you are lucky, the maintainer of
IDLWAVE will always have access to the newest version of IDL and
provide updates.  The IDLWAVE distribution also contains the Perl
program @file{get_html_rinfo} which constructs the
@file{idlw-rinfo.el} file by scanning the HTML documents produced from
the IDL documentation.  Instructions on how to use
@file{get_html_rinfo} are in the program itself.

@node HTML Help Browser Tips, Configuration Examples, Sources of Routine Info, Top
@appendix HTML Help Browser Tips
@cindex Browser Tips

There are a wide variety of possible browsers to use for displaying
the online HTML help available with IDLWAVE (starting with version
5.0).  Since IDLWAVE runs on a many different system types, a single
browser configuration is not possible, but choices abound.

Unfortunately, the HTML manuals decompiled from the original
source contain formatting structures which Netscape 4.x does not
handle well, though they are still readable.  A much better choice is
Mozilla, or one of the Mozilla-derived browsers such as
@uref{http://galeon.sourceforge.net/,Galeon} (GNU/Linux),
@uref{http://www.mozilla.org/projects/camino/,Camino} (MacOSX), or
@uref{http://www.mozilla.org/projects/firebird/,Firebird} (all
platforms).  Newer versions of Emacs provide a browser-function choice
@code{browse-url-gnome-moz} which uses the Gnome-configured browser.

Note that the HTML files decompiled from  Microsoft Help sources
contain specific references to the @samp{Symbol} font, which by default
is not permitted in normal encodings (it's invalid, technically).  Though
it only impacts a few symbols, you can trick Mozilla-based browsers into
recognizing @samp{Symbol} by following the directions
@uref{http://hutchinson.belmont.ma.us/tth/Xfonts.html, here}.  With this
fix in place, HTML help pages look almost identical to their PDF
equivalents (yet can be bookmarked, browsed as history, searched, etc.).

@noindent Individual platform recommendations:

@itemize @bullet
@item Windows: The native Microsoft HTMLHelp browser is preferred,
with even better results using the free
@uref{http://www.keyworks.net/keyhh.htm,@code{KEYHH}} program to
permit IDL help to be targetted to a single window.  To use HTMLHelp,
specify @code{idlwave-help-use-hh} as @code{'hh} or @code{'keyhh}.
One bonus: since IDL is shipped with the @file{idl.chm} help file, you
don't need to download the HTML help package.  @xref{Help with HTML
Documentation}.
@item Unix/MacOSX: The @uref{http://www.w3m.org,@code{w3m}} browser
and its associated
@uref{http://emacs-w3m.namazu.org/,@code{emacs-w3m}} emacs mode
provide in-buffer browsing with image display, and excellent speed and
formatting.  Both the Emacs mode and the browser itself must be

                                        "print,size(___,/TNAME)"))
            (idlwave-shell-define-key-both [f11] (idlwave-shell-examine
                                        "help,___,/STRUCTURE"))))
@end example

@ifhtml
<A NAME="WIN_MAC"></A>
@end ifhtml
@node Windows and MacOS, Troubleshooting, Configuration Examples, Top
@appendix Windows and MacOS
@cindex Windows
@cindex MacOS
@cindex MacOSX

IDLWAVE was developed on a UNIX system.  However, thanks to the
portability of Emacs, much of IDLWAVE does also work under different
operating systems like Windows (with NTEmacs or NTXEmacs) or MacOS.

The only real problem is that there is no command-line
version of IDL for Windows or MacOS(<=9) with which IDLWAVE can
interact.  As a result, the IDLWAVE Shell
does not work and you have to rely on IDLDE to run and debug your
programs.  However, editing IDL source files with Emacs/IDLWAVE works
with all bells and whistles, including routine info, completion and fast
online help.  Only a small amount of additional information must be
specified in your @file{.emacs} file: the path names which, on a UNIX
system, are automatically gathered by talking to the IDL program.

Here is an example of the additional configuration needed for a Windows
system.  I am assuming that IDLWAVE has been installed in
@w{@samp{C:\Program Files\IDLWAVE}} and that IDL is installed in
@w{@samp{C:\RSI\IDL55}}.

@lisp
;; location of the lisp files (needed if IDLWAVE is not part of 
;; the X/Emacs installation)
(setq load-path (cons "c:/program files/IDLWAVE" load-path))

;; The location of the IDL library files, both standard and your own.
;; note that the initial "+" expands the path recursively
(setq idlwave-library-path
        '("+c:/RSI/IDL55/lib/" "+c:/user/me/idllibs" ))

;; location of the IDL system directory (try "print,!DIR")
(setq idlwave-system-directory "c:/RSI/IDL55/")

;; specify using the HTMLHelp documentation for online help, with the
;;  KEYHH helper routine (Windows only)
(setq idlwave-use-hh 'keyhh)

;; file in which to store the user catalog info
(setq idlwave-user-catalog-file "c:/IDLWAVE/idlcat.el")
@end lisp

@noindent Furthermore, Windows sometimes tries to outsmart you --- make
sure you check the following things:

Windows users who'd like to make use of IDLWAVE's context-aware HTML
help can skip the browser and use the HTMLHelp functionality directly.
@xref{Help with HTML Documentation}.

@ifhtml
<A NAME="TROUBLE"></A>
@end ifhtml
@node Troubleshooting, Index, Windows and MacOS, Top
@appendix Troubleshooting
@cindex Troubleshooting

Although IDLWAVE usually installs and works without difficulty, a few

@kbd{C-?} lists these shortcuts.  Use @kbd{q} to quit the mode, and
customize the variable @code{idlwave-shell-automatic-electric-debug}
if you prefer not to enter electric debug on breakpoints@dots{} but
you really should try it before you disable it!  You can also
customize this variable to enter debug mode when errors are
encountered too.  

@item @strong{I get errors like @samp{Searching for program: no such
file or directory, idl} when attempting to start the IDL shell.}

IDLWAVE needs to know where IDL is in order to run it as a process.

configuration files (e.g. @file{.cshrc}), but from the file
@file{~/.MacOSX/environment.plist}.  Either include your path settings
there, or start Emacs and IDLWAVE from the shell.

@item @strong{I get errors like @samp{Symbol's function is void:
overlayp} when trying to start the shell in XEmacs}

You don't have the @samp{fsf-compat} package installed, which IDLWAVE
needs to run under XEmacs.  Install it and, if necessary, insert
@code{(require 'overlay)} in your @file{.emacs}.

@item @strong{I'm getting errors like @samp{Symbol's value as variable is void:
cl-builtin-gethash} on completion or routine info.}

This error arises if you upgraded Emacs from 20.x to 21.x without
re-installing IDLWAVE.  Old Emacs and new Emacs are not byte-compatible
in compiled lisp files.  Presumably, you kept the original .elc files in
place, and this is the source of the error.  If you recompile (or just
"make; make install") from source, it should resolve this problem.
Another option is to recompile the @file{idlw*.el} files by hand using
@kbd{M-x byte-compile-file}.

@item @strong{@kbd{M-@key{TAB}} doesn't complete words, it switches
windows on my desktop.}

Your system is trapping @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} and using it for its own

} by default).  You can do this with the variable
@code{idlwave-shell-prompt-pattern} (@pxref{Starting the Shell}), e.g.,
in your @file{.emacs}:

@lisp
(setq idlwave-shell-prompt-pattern "^\\(ENVI\\|IDL\\)> ")
@end lisp

@item @strong{Attempts to set breakpoints fail: no breakpoint is
indicated in the IDLWAVE buffer.}

@lisp
(setq load-path (cons "/usr/local/share/emacs/site-lisp" load-path))
@end lisp

@noindent You can check on your load-path value using @kbd{C-h v
load-path @key{RET}}.

@item @strong{IDLWAVE is screwing up the formatting of my @file{.idl} files.}

Actually, this isn't IDLWAVE at all, but @samp{idl-mode}, an unrelated
programming mode for CORBA's Interface Definition Language (you should

IDLWAVE collects routine info from various locations (@pxref{Routine
Information Sources}).  Routines in files visited in a buffer or
compiled in the shell should be up to date.  For other routines, the
information is only as current as the most recent scan.  If you have a
rapidly changing set of routines, and you'd like the latest routine
information to be available for it, one powerful technique makes use of
the library catalog tool, @samp{idlwave_catalog}.  Simply add a line to
your @samp{cron} file (@samp{crontab -e} will let you edit this on some
systems), like this:

@example
45 3 * * 1-5 (cd /path/to/myidllib; /path/to/idlwave_catalog MyLib)
@end example

@noindent where @samp{MyLib} is the name of your library.  This will
rescan all @file{.pro} files at or below @file{/path/to/myidllib} every
week night at 3:45am.  You can even scan site-wide libraries with this
method, and the most recent information will be available to all users.

@item @strong{All the Greek-font characters in the HTML help are
displayed as Latin characters!}

Unfortunately, the HTMLHelp files attempt to switch to
@samp{Symbol} font to display Greek characters, which is not really an
permitted method for doing this in HTML.  There is a "workaround" for
many browsers: @xref{HTML Help Browser Tips}.

@item @strong{In the shell, my long commands are truncated at 256 characters!}

This actually happens when running IDL in an XTerm as well.  There are
a couple of work arounds: @code{define_key,/control,'^d'} (e.g. in

@key{C-d} to quit the shell, however.  Another possibility is
@code{!EDIT_INPUT=0}, which gives you an @emph{infinite} limit (OK, a
memory-bounded limit), but disables the processing of background
widget events (those with @code{/NO_BLOCK} passed to @code{XManager}).

@end enumerate

@node Index,  , Troubleshooting, Top
@unnumbered Index
@printindex cp

@bye

@ignore
   arch-tag: f1d73958-1423-4127-b8aa-f7b953d64492
@end ignore

69826:84148ade703d

* IDLWAVE: (idlwave).	Major mode and shell for IDL files.
@end direntry
@synindex ky cp
@syncodeindex vr cp
@syncodeindex fn cp
@set VERSION 6.0
@set EDITION 6.0
@set IDLVERSION 6.2
@set NSYSROUTINES 1966
@set DATE Feb, 2006
@set AUTHOR J.D. Smith & Carsten Dominik
@set AUTHOREMAIL jdsmith@@as.arizona.edu
@set MAINTAINER J.D. Smith
@set MAINTAINEREMAIL jdsmith@@as.arizona.edu
@set PARTOFEMACS
@set IDLWAVEHOMEPAGE http://idlwave.org/
@c %**end of header
@finalout

@ifinfo 
This file documents IDLWAVE, a major mode for editing IDL files with
Emacs, and interacting with an IDL shell run as a subprocess.

This is edition @value{EDITION} of the IDLWAVE User Manual for IDLWAVE
@value{VERSION}

Copyright @copyright{} 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 
          2006 Free Software Foundation, Inc.

Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or
any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no
Invariant Sections, with the Front-Cover texts being ``A GNU

@author by J.D. Smith & Carsten Dominik
@page
This is edition @value{EDITION} of the @cite{IDLWAVE User Manual} for
IDLWAVE version @value{VERSION}, @value{DATE}.
@sp 2
Copyright @copyright{} 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 
          2006 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
@sp 2
@cindex Copyright, of IDLWAVE
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or
any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no

* Introduction::                What IDLWAVE is, and what it is not
* IDLWAVE in a Nutshell::       One page quick-start guide
* Getting Started::             Tutorial
* The IDLWAVE Major Mode::      The mode for editing IDL programs
* The IDLWAVE Shell::           The mode for running IDL as an inferior program
@ifclear PARTOFEMACS
* Installation::                How to Install or Upgrade               
@end ifclear
* Acknowledgements::            Who did what
* Sources of Routine Info::     How does IDLWAVE know about routine XYZ     
* HTML Help Browser Tips::      
* Configuration Examples::      The user is king
* Windows and MacOS::           What still works, and how

* Breakpoints and Stepping::    
* Compiling Programs::          
* Walking the Calling Stack::   
* Electric Debug Mode::         

@ifclear PARTOFEMACS
Installation

* Installing IDLWAVE::          How to install the distribution
* Installing Online Help::      Where to get the additional files needed
@end ifclear

Sources of Routine Info

* Routine Definitions::         Where IDL Routines are defined.
* Routine Information Sources::  So how does IDLWAVE know about...
* Catalogs::                    

@end menu

@node Introduction, IDLWAVE in a Nutshell, Top, Top
@chapter Introduction
@cindex Introduction
@cindex CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture)
@cindex Interface Definition Language
@cindex Interactive Data Language
@cindex cc-mode.el
@cindex @file{idl.el}
@cindex @file{idl-shell.el}
@cindex Feature overview

IDLWAVE is a package which supports editing source files written in
the Interactive Data Language (IDL@c
@ifclear PARTOFEMACS
@footnote{IDL is a registered
trademark of Research Systems, Inc.}@c
@end ifclear
), and running IDL as an inferior shell@footnote{IDLWAVE can also be used
for editing source files for the related WAVE/CL language, but with only
limited support.}.  It is a feature-rich replacement for the IDLDE
development environment included with IDL, and uses the full power of
Emacs to make editing and running IDL programs easier, quicker, and more
structured.

IDLWAVE consists of two main parts: a major mode for editing IDL
source files (@code{idlwave-mode}) and a mode for running the IDL
program as an inferior shell (@code{idlwave-shell-mode}).  Although
one mode can be used without the other, both work together closely to

@item 
Context-sensitive display of calling sequences and keywords for more
than 1000 native IDL routines, extendible to any additional number of
local routines, and already available with many pre-scanned libraries.
@item
Fast, context-sensitive online HTML help, or source-header help for
undocumented routines.
@item
Context sensitive completion of routine names, keywords, system
variables, class names and much more.

@item
Automatic corrections to enforce a variety of customizable coding
standards.
@item
Integrity checks and auto-termination of logical blocks.
@item
Routine name space conflict search with likelihood-of-use ranking.
@item
Support for @file{imenu} (Emacs) and @file{func-menu} (XEmacs).
@item
Documentation support.
@item
Running IDL as an inferior Shell with history search, command line
editing and all the completion and routine info capabilities present in
IDL source buffers.
@item
Full handling of debugging with breakpoints, with interactive setting
of break conditions, and easy stepping through code.
@item
Compilation, execution and interactive single-keystroke debugging of
programs directly from the source buffer.
@item
Quick, source-guided navigation of the calling stack, with variable

@multitable @columnfractions .15 .85
@item @key{TAB}
@tab Indent the current line relative to context.
@item @kbd{C-M-\}
@tab Re-indent all lines in the current region.
@item @kbd{C-M-q}
@tab Re-indent all lines in the current routine.
@item @kbd{C-u @key{TAB}}
@tab Re-indent all lines in the current statement.
@item @kbd{M-@key{RET}}
@tab Start a continuation line, splitting the current line at point.
@item @kbd{M-q}
@tab Fill the current comment paragraph.
@item @kbd{C-c ?}
@tab Display calling sequence and keywords for the procedure or function call
at point.

@subheading Running the IDLWAVE Shell, Debugging Programs

@multitable @columnfractions .15 .85
@item @kbd{C-c C-s}
@tab Start IDL as a subprocess and/or switch to the shell buffer.
@item @key{Up}, @kbd{M-p}
@tab Cycle back through IDL command history.
@item @key{Down},@kbd{M-n}
@tab Cycle forward.
@item @kbd{@key{TAB}}
@tab Complete a procedure name, function name or keyword in the shell buffer.
@item @kbd{C-c C-d C-c}
@tab Save and compile the source file in the current buffer.

@end multitable

@subheading Commonly used Settings in @file{.emacs}
@lisp
;; Change the indentation preferences
;; Start autoloading routine info after 2 idle seconds
(setq idlwave-init-rinfo-when-idle-after 2)
;; Pad operators with spaces
(setq idlwave-do-actions t
      idlwave-surround-by-blank t)
;; Syntax Highlighting
(add-hook 'idlwave-mode-hook 'turn-on-font-lock)
;; Automatically start the shell when needed
(setq idlwave-shell-automatic-start t)
;; Bind debugging commands with CONTROL and SHIFT modifiers
(setq idlwave-shell-debug-modifiers '(control shift))
@end lisp

@html
<A NAME="TUTORIAL"></A>
@end html

@node Getting Started, The IDLWAVE Major Mode, IDLWAVE in a Nutshell, Top
@chapter Getting Started (Tutorial)
@cindex Quick-Start
@cindex Tutorial
@cindex Getting Started

that IDLWAVE has many more capabilities than covered here, which can
be discovered by reading the entire manual, or hovering over the
shoulder of your nearest IDLWAVE guru for a few days.

It is assumed that you have access to Emacs or XEmacs with the full
IDLWAVE package including online help@c
@ifclear PARTOFEMACS
@ (@pxref{Installation})@c
@end ifclear
.  We also assume that you are familiar with Emacs and can read the
nomenclature of key presses in Emacs (in particular, @kbd{C} stands
for @key{CONTROL} and @kbd{M} for @key{META} (often the @key{ALT} key
carries this functionality)).

Open a new source file by typing:

@example
@kbd{C-x C-f tutorial.pro @key{RET}}

there just as well as in a terminal, or the IDLDE.  Use the arrow keys
to cycle through your command history.  Are we having fun now?

Now go back to the source window and type @kbd{C-c C-d C-c} to compile
the program.  If you watch the shell buffer, you see that IDLWAVE types
@samp{.run "tutorial.pro"} for you.  But the compilation fails because
there is a comma in the line @samp{years=...}.  The line with the error
is highlighted and the cursor positioned at the error, so remove the
comma (you should only need to hit @kbd{Delete}!).  Compile again, using
the same keystrokes as before.  Notice that the file is automatically
saved for you.  This time everything should work fine, and you should

@example
plot_wday,1,4
@end example

Oops, this looks very wrong.  All April Fool's days cannot be Fridays!
We've got a bug in the program, perhaps in the @code{daynr} function.
Let's put a breakpoint on the last line there.  Position the cursor on
the @samp{return, d+...} line and press @kbd{C-c C-d C-b}.  IDL sets a
breakpoint (as you see in the shell window), and the break line is
indicated.  Back to the shell buffer, re-execute the previous command.

sequence of weekdays repeats.

@node  Lesson II -- Customization, Lesson III -- User Catalog, Lesson I -- Development Cycle, Getting Started
@section Lesson II: Customization

Emacs is probably the most customizable piece of software ever written,
and it would be a shame if you did not make use of this to adapt IDLWAVE
to your own preferences.  Customizing Emacs or IDLWAVE is accomplished
by setting Lisp variables in the @file{.emacs} file in your home
directory --- but do not be dismayed; for the most part, you can just
copy and work from the examples given here.

Let's first use a boolean variable.  These are variables which you turn
on or off, much like a checkbox. A value of @samp{t} means on, a value
of @samp{nil} means off.  Copy the following line into your
@file{.emacs} file, exit and restart Emacs.

@samp{IF}, @samp{begin} to @samp{BEGIN}.  If you don't like this
behavior, remove the option again from your @file{.emacs} file and
restart Emacs.

You likely have your own indentation preferences for IDL code.  For
example, some may prefer to indent the main block of an IDL program
slightly from the margin and use only 3 spaces as indentation between
@code{BEGIN} and @code{END}.  Try the following lines in @file{.emacs}:

@lisp
(setq idlwave-main-block-indent 1)
(setq idlwave-block-indent 3)
(setq idlwave-end-offset -3)
@end lisp

Restart Emacs, and re-indent the program we developed in the first part

continuation lines.

@cindex Foreign code, adapting
@cindex Indentation, of foreign code
@kindex C-M-\
To re-indent a larger portion of code (e.g. when working with foreign
code written with different conventions), use @kbd{C-M-\}
(@code{indent-region}) after marking the relevant code.  Useful marking
commands are @kbd{C-x h} (the entire file) or @kbd{C-M-h} (the current
subprogram).  The command @kbd{C-M-q} reindents the entire current
routine.  @xref{Actions}, for information how to impose additional
formatting conventions on foreign code.

@defopt idlwave-main-block-indent (@code{2}) 
Extra indentation for the main block of code.  That is the block between
the FUNCTION/PRO statement and the END statement for that program
unit.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-block-indent (@code{3})
Extra indentation applied to block lines.  If you change this, you
probably also want to change @code{idlwave-end-offset}.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-end-offset (@code{-3})
Extra indentation applied to block END lines.  A value equal to negative
@code{idlwave-block-indent} will make END lines line up with the block
BEGIN lines.
@end defopt

Also, since the indentation level can be somewhat dynamic in continued
statements with special continuation indentation, especially if
@code{idlwave-max-extra-continuation-indent} is small, the key
@kbd{C-u @key{TAB}} will re-indent all lines in the current statement.
Note that @code{idlwave-indent-to-open-paren}, if non-@code{nil},
overrides the @code{idlwave-max-extra-continuation-indent} limit, for
parentheses only, forcing them always to line up.


@defopt idlwave-continuation-indent (@code{2})
Extra indentation applied to normal continuation lines.

@defopt idlwave-rinfo-max-source-lines (@code{5})
Maximum number of source files displayed in the Routine Info window.
@end defopt


@html
<A NAME="ONLINE_HELP"></A>
@end html
@node Online Help, Completion, Routine Info, The IDLWAVE Major Mode
@section Online Help

@cindex Online Help
@cindex @file{idlw-help.txt}
@cindex @file{idlw-help.el}
@cindex Installing online help
@cindex Online Help, Installation
@cindex Speed, of online help
@cindex XML Help Catalog

For IDL system routines, extensive documentation is supplied with IDL.
IDLWAVE can access the HTML version of this documentation very quickly
and accurately, based on the local context.  This can be @emph{much}
faster than using the IDL online help application, because IDLWAVE
usually gets you to the right place in the documentation directly ---
e.g. a specific keyword of a routine --- without any additional browsing
and scrolling.

For this online help to work, an HTML version of the IDL documentation
is required.  Beginning with IDL 6.2, HTML documentation is distributed
directly with IDL, along with an XML-based catalog of routine
information.  By default, IDLWAVE automatically attempts to convert this
XML catalog into a format Emacs can more easily understand, and caches
this information in your @code{idlwave_config_directory}
(@file{~/.idlwave/}, by default).  It also re-scans the XML catalog if
it is newer than the current cached version.  You can force rescan with
the menu entry @code{IDLWAVE->Routine Info->Rescan XML Help Catalog}.

Before IDL 6.2, the HTML help was not distributed with IDL, and was not
part of the standalone IDLWAVE distribution, but had to be downloaded
separately.  This is no longer necessary: all help and routine
information is supplied with IDL versions 6.2 and later.

There are a variety of options for displaying the HTML help: see below.
Help for routines without HTML documentation is also available, by using
the routine documentation header and/or routine source.

@kindex M-?
In any IDL program (or, as with most IDLWAVE commands, in the IDL
Shell), press @kbd{M-?} (@code{idlwave-context-help}), or click with
@kbd{S-Mouse-3} to access context sensitive online help.  The following
locations are recognized context for help:

@cindex Context, for online help
@multitable @columnfractions .25 .75
@item @i{Routine names}
@tab The name of a routine (function, procedure, method).
@item @i{Keyword Parameters}
@tab A keyword parameter of a routine.
@item @i{System Variables}
@tab System variables like @code{!DPI}.
@item @i{System Variable Tags}
@tab System variables tags like @code{!D.X_SIZE}.
@item @i{IDL Statements}
@tab Statements like @code{PRO}, @code{REPEAT}, @code{COMPILE_OPT}, etc.
@item @i{IDL Controls}
@tab Control structures like @code{FOR}, @code{SWITCH}, etc.
@item @i{Class names}
@tab A class name in an @code{OBJ_NEW} call.
@item @i{Class Init Keywords}
@tab Beyond the class name in an @code{OBJ_NEW} call.
@item @i{Executive Command}
@tab An executive command like @code{.RUN}.  Mostly useful in the shell.
@item @i{Structure Tags}
@tab Structure tags like @code{state.xsize}

@node Help with HTML Documentation, Help with Source, Online Help, Online Help
@subsection Help with HTML Documentation
@cindex HTML Help
@cindex Help using HTML manuals
@cindex IDL manual, HTML version
@cindex IDL Assistant

Help using the HTML documentation is invoked with the built-in Emacs
command @code{browse-url}, which displays the relevant help topic in a
browser of your choosing.  Beginning with version 6.2, IDL comes with
the help browser @emph{IDL Assistant}, which it uses by default for
displaying online help on all supported platforms.  This browser
offers topical searches, an index, and is also now the default and
recommended IDLWAVE help browser.  The variable
@code{idlwave-help-use-assistant} controls whether this browser is
used.  Note that, due to limitations in the Assistant, invoking help
within IDLWAVE and @code{? topic} within IDL will result in two
running copies of Assistant.

Aside from the IDL Assistant, there are many possible browsers to choose
among, with differing advantages and disadvantages.  The variable
@code{idlwave-help-browser-function} controls which browser help is sent
to (as long as @code{idlwave-help-use-assistant} is not set).  This
function is used to set the variable @code{browse-url-browser-function}
locally for IDLWAVE help only.  Customize the latter variable to see
what choices of browsers your system offers.  Certain browsers like
@code{w3} (bundled with many versions of Emacs) and @code{w3m}
(@uref{http://emacs-w3m.namazu.org/}) are run within Emacs, and use
Emacs buffers to display the HTML help.  This can be convenient,
especially on small displays, and images can even be displayed in-line
on newer Emacs versions.  However, better formatting results are often
achieved with external browsers, like Mozilla.  IDLWAVE assumes any
browser function containing "w3" is displayed in a local buffer.  If you
are using another Emacs-local browser for which this is not true, set
the variable @code{idlwave-help-browser-is-local}.

With IDL 6.2 or later, it is important to ensure that the variable
@code{idlwave-system-directory} is set (@pxref{Catalogs}).  One easy way
to ensure this is to run the IDL Shell (@kbd{C-c C-s}).  It will be
queried for this directory, and the results will be cached to file for
subsequent use.

@xref{HTML Help Browser Tips}, for more information on selecting and
configuring a browser for use with IDL's HTML help system.

@defopt idlwave-html-system-help-location @file{help/online_help}
Relative directory of the system-supplied HTML help directory,
considered with respect to @code{idlwave-system-directory}.  Relevant
for IDL 6.2 and greater.  Should not change.
@end defopt     

@defopt idlwave-html-help-location @file{/usr/local/etc/}
The directory where the @file{idl_html_help} HTML directory live.
Obsolete and ignored for IDL 6.2 and greater
(@code{idlwave-html-system-help-location} is used instead).
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-help-use-assistant @code{t}
If set, use the IDL Assistant if possible for online HTML help,
otherwise use the browser function specified in
@code{idlwave-help-browser-function}.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-help-browser-function
The browser function to use to display IDLWAVE HTML help.  Should be
one of the functions available for setting
@code{browse-url-browser-function}, which see.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-help-browser-is-local
Is the browser selected in @code{idlwave-help-browser-function} run in a
local Emacs buffer or window?  Defaults to @code{t} if the function
contains "-w3".
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-help-link-face
The face for links to IDLWAVE online help.
@end defopt

@kindex M-@key{TAB}
@kindex C-c C-i
IDLWAVE offers completion for class names, routine names, keywords,
system variables, system variable tags, class structure tags, regular
structure tags and file names.  As in many programming modes, completion
is bound to @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} (or simply @kbd{@key{TAB}} in the IDLWAVE
Shell --- @pxref{Using the Shell}).  Completion uses exactly the same
internal information as routine info, so when necessary (rarely) it can
be updated with @kbd{C-c C-i} (@code{idlwave-update-routine-info}).

The completion function is context sensitive and figures out what to
complete based on the location of the point.  Here are example lines and
what @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} would try to complete when the cursor is on the
position marked with a @samp{_}:

@example
plo_                    @r{Procedure}
x = a_                  @r{Function}
plot,xra_               @r{Keyword of @code{plot} procedure}
plot,x,y,/x_            @r{Keyword of @code{plot} procedure}
plot,min(_              @r{Keyword of @code{min} function}
obj -> a_               @r{Object method (procedure)}
a[2,3] = obj -> a_      @r{Object method (function)}
x = obj_new('IDL_       @r{Class name}
x = obj_new('MyCl',a_   @r{Keyword to @code{Init} method in class @code{MyCl}}
pro A_                  @r{Class name}
pro _                   @r{Fill in @code{Class::} of first method in this file}
!v_                     @r{System variable}

@subsection Object Method Completion and Class Ambiguity
@cindex Object methods
@cindex Class ambiguity
@cindex @code{self} object, default class
An object method is not uniquely determined without the object's class.
Since the class is almost always omitted in the calling source (as
required to obtain the true benefits of object-based programming),
IDLWAVE considers all available methods in all classes as possible
method name completions.  The combined list of keywords of the current
method in @emph{all} known classes which contain that method will be
considered for keyword completion.  In the @file{*Completions*} buffer,
the matching classes will be shown next to each item (see option
@code{idlwave-completion-show-classes}).  As a special case, the class
of an object called @samp{self} is always taken to be the class of the
current routine, when in an IDLWAVE buffer.  All inherits classes are
considered as well.

@cindex Forcing class query.
@cindex Class query, forcing
You can also call @code{idlwave-complete} with a prefix arg: @kbd{C-u
M-@key{TAB}}.  IDLWAVE will then prompt you for the class in order to
narrow down the number of possible completions.  The variable
@code{idlwave-query-class} can be configured to make such prompting the
default for all methods (not recommended), or selectively for very
common methods for which the number of completing keywords would be too
large (e.g. @code{Init,SetProperty,GetProperty}).  

@cindex Saving object class on @code{->}
@cindex @code{->}
After you have specified the class for a particular statement (e.g. when
completing the method), IDLWAVE can remember it for the rest of the
editing session.  Subsequent completions in the same statement
(e.g. keywords) can then reuse this class information.  This works by
placing a text property on the method invocation operator @samp{->},
after which the operator will be shown in a different face (bold by
default).  The variable @code{idlwave-store-inquired-class} can be used
to turn it off or on.

@defopt idlwave-completion-show-classes (@code{1})
Non-@code{nil} means show up to that many classes in
@file{*Completions*} buffer when completing object methods and
keywords.

@defopt idlwave-query-class (@code{nil})
Association list governing query for object classes during completion.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-store-inquired-class (@code{t})
Non-@code{nil} means store class of a method call as text property on
@samp{->}.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-class-arrow-face
Face to highlight object operator arrows @samp{->} which carry a saved
class text property.
@end defopt

@node Object Method Completion in the Shell, Class and Keyword Inheritance, Object Method Completion and Class Ambiguity, Completion
@subsection Object Method Completion in the Shell
@cindex Method Completion in Shell

@code{obj_class()} function).  In the Shell, when attempting completion,
routine info, or online help within a method routine, a query is sent to
determine the class of the object.  If this query is successful, the
class found will be used to select appropriate completions, routine
info, or help.  If unsuccessful, information from all known classes will
be used (as in the buffer). 

@node   Class and Keyword Inheritance, Structure Tag Completion, Object Method Completion in the Shell, Completion
@subsection Class and Keyword Inheritance
@cindex Inheritance, class
@cindex Keyword inheritance

   (add-hook 'idlwave-load-hook 
             (lambda () (require 'idlw-complete-structtag)))
@end lisp

Once enabled, you'll also be able to access online help on the structure
tags, using the usual methods (@pxref{Online Help}).  In addition,
structure variables in the shell will be queried for tag names, similar
to the way object variables in the shell are queried for method names.
So, e.g.:

@example
IDL> st.[Tab]
@end example

@noindent will complete with all structure fields of the structure
@code{st}.

@node Routine Source, Resolving Routines, Completion, The IDLWAVE Major Mode
@section Routine Source
@cindex Routine source file
@cindex Module source file

routine.  The command @kbd{C-c C-v} (@code{idlwave-find-module}) asks
for a module name, offering the same default as
@code{idlwave-routine-info} would have used, taken from nearby buffer
contents.  In the minibuffer, specify a complete routine name (including
any class part).  IDLWAVE will display the source file in another
window, positioned at the routine in question.  You can also limit this
to a routine in the current buffer only, with completion, and a
context-sensitive default, by using a single prefix (@kbd{C-u C-c C-v})
or the convenience binding @kbd{C-c C-t}.

@cindex Buffers, killing
@cindex Killing autoloaded buffers
Since getting the source of a routine into a buffer is so easy with
IDLWAVE, too many buffers visiting different IDL source files are

@cindex Routines, resolving

The key sequence @kbd{C-c =} calls the command @code{idlwave-resolve}
and sends the line @samp{RESOLVE_ROUTINE, '@var{routine_name}'} to IDL
in order to resolve (compile) it.  The default routine to be resolved is
taken from context, but you get a chance to edit it.  Usually this is
not necessary, since IDL automatically discovers routines on its path.

@code{idlwave-resolve} is one way to get a library module within reach
of IDLWAVE's routine info collecting functions.  A better way is to
keep routine information available in catalogs (@pxref{Catalogs}).
Routine info on modules will then be available without the need to

@tab @code{openw,}
@item @code{\p}
@tab @code{print,}
@item @code{\pt}
@tab @code{plot,}
@item @code{\pv}
@tab @code{ptr_valid()}
@item @code{\re}
@tab @code{read,}
@item @code{\rf}
@tab @code{readf,}
@item @code{\rt}

@cindex Operators, padding with spaces
@cindex Space, around operators

Some operators can be automatically surrounded by spaces.  This can
happen when the operator is typed, or later when the line is indented.
IDLWAVE can pad the operators @samp{<}, @samp{>}, @samp{,}, @samp{=},
and @samp{->}, as well as the modified assignment operators
(@samp{AND=}, @samp{OR=}, etc.).  This feature is turned off by default.
If you want to turn it on, customize the variables
@code{idlwave-surround-by-blank} and @code{idlwave-do-actions} and turn
both on.  You can also define similar actions for other operators by
using the function @code{idlwave-action-and-binding} in the mode hook.
For example, to enforce space padding of the @samp{+} and @samp{*}
operators (outside of strings and comments, of course), try this in
@file{.emacs}

@lisp
(add-hook 'idlwave-mode-hook
  (lambda ()
     (setq idlwave-surround-by-blank t)  ; Turn this type of actions on
     (idlwave-action-and-binding "*" '(idlwave-surround 1 1))
     (idlwave-action-and-binding "+" '(idlwave-surround 1 1))))
@end lisp

Note that the modified assignment operators which begin with a word
(@samp{AND=}, @samp{OR=}, @samp{NOT=}, etc.) require a leading space to
be recognized (e.g @code{vAND=4} would be intepreted as a variable
@code{vAND}).  Also note that, since e.g., @code{>} and @code{>=} are
both valid operators, it is impossible to surround both by blanks while
they are being typed.  Similarly with @code{&} and @code{&&}.  For
these, a compromise is made: the padding is placed on the left, and if
the longer operator is keyed in, on the right as well (otherwise you
must insert spaces to pad right yourself, or press simply press Tab to
repad everything if @code{idlwave-do-actions} is on).

@defopt idlwave-surround-by-blank (@code{nil})
Non-@code{nil} means enable @code{idlwave-surround}.  If non-@code{nil},
@samp{=}, @samp{<}, @samp{>}, @samp{&}, @samp{,}, @samp{->}, and the
modified assignment operators (@samp{AND=}, @samp{OR=}, etc.) are
surrounded with spaces by @code{idlwave-surround}.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-pad-keyword (@code{t})
Non-@code{nil} means space-pad the @samp{=} in keyword assignments.
@end defopt

@node Case Changes,  , Padding Operators, Actions
@subsection Case Changes
@cindex Case changes

@defopt idlwave-load-hook
Normal hook.  Executed when @file{idlwave.el} is loaded.
@end defopt

@ifset PARTOFEMACS
@node The IDLWAVE Shell, Acknowledgements, The IDLWAVE Major Mode, Top
@end ifset

@ifclear PARTOFEMACS
@node The IDLWAVE Shell, Installation, The IDLWAVE Major Mode, Top
@end ifclear

@chapter The IDLWAVE Shell
@cindex IDLWAVE shell
@cindex Major mode, @code{idlwave-shell-mode}
@cindex IDL, as Emacs subprocess
@cindex Subprocess of Emacs, IDL

program as an inferior process of Emacs, and works closely with the
IDLWAVE major mode in buffers.  It can be used to work with IDL
interactively, to compile and run IDL programs in Emacs buffers and to
debug these programs.  The IDLWAVE shell is built on @file{comint}, an
Emacs packages which handles the communication with the IDL program.
Unfortunately, IDL for Windows does not have command-prompt versions and
thus do not allow the interaction with Emacs --- so the IDLWAVE shell
currently only works under Unix and MacOSX.

@menu
* Starting the Shell::          How to launch IDL as a subprocess
* Using the Shell::             Interactively working with the Shell
* Commands Sent to the Shell::  

@end defopt
  
@defopt idlwave-shell-use-dedicated-frame (@code{nil})
Non-@code{nil} means IDLWAVE should use a special frame to display the
shell buffer.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-shell-use-dedicated-window (@code{nil})
Non-@code{nil} means use a dedicated window for the shell, taking care
not it replace it with other buffers.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-shell-frame-parameters
The frame parameters for a dedicated idlwave-shell frame.
@end defopt

@item @kbd{C-c C-i}
@tab Update routine info from buffers and shell
(@code{idlwave-update-routine-info})
@item @kbd{C-c C-v}
@tab Find the source file of a routine (@code{idlwave-find-module})
@item @kbd{C-c C-t}
@tab Find the source file of a routine in the currently visited file 
(@code{idlwave-find-module-this-file}).
@item @kbd{C-c =}
@tab Compile a library routine (@code{idlwave-resolve})
@end multitable

@defopt idlwave-shell-arrows-do-history (@code{t})

stopped will be deleted.  To clear all breakpoints, use @kbd{C-c C-d
C-a} (@code{idlwave-clear-all-bp}).  Breakpoints can also be disabled
and re-enabled: @kbd{C-c C-d C-\}
(@code{idlwave-shell-toggle-enable-current-bp}).  

Breakpoint lines are highlighted or indicated with an icon in the source
code (different icons for conditional, after, and other break types).
Disabled breakpoints are @emph{grayed out} by default.  Note that IDL
places breakpoints as close as possible on or after the line you
specify.  IDLWAVE queries the shell for the actual breakpoint location
which was set, so the exact line you specify may not be marked.  You can
re-sync the breakpoint list and update the display at any time (e.g., if
you add or remove some on the command line) using @kbd{C-c C-d C-l}.  

In recent IDLWAVE versions, the breakpoint line is highlighted when the
mouse is moved over it, and a tooltip pops up describing the break
details.  @kbd{Mouse-3} on the breakpoint line pops up a menu of
breakpoint actions, including clearing, disabling, and adding or
changing break conditions or ``after'' break count.

Once the program has stopped somewhere, you can step through it.  The
most important stepping commands are @kbd{C-c C-d C-s} to execute one
line of IDL code ("step into"); @kbd{C-c C-d C-n} to step a single line,
treating procedure and function calls as a single step ("step over");

@multitable @columnfractions .23 .77
@item @kbd{C-c C-d C-b}
@tab Set breakpoint (@code{idlwave-shell-break-here})
@item @kbd{C-c C-d C-i}
@tab Set breakpoint in module named here (@code{idlwave-shell-break-in})
@item @kbd{C-c C-d C-d}
@tab Clear current breakpoint (@code{idlwave-shell-clear-current-bp})
@item @kbd{C-c C-d C-a}
@tab Clear all breakpoints (@code{idlwave-shell-clear-all-bp})
@item @kbd{C-c C-d [}

@item @kbd{C-c C-d C-down}
@tab Show lower level in calling stack (@code{idlwave-shell-stack-down})
@end multitable

All of these commands have equivalents in Electric Debug Mode, which
provides faster single-key access (@pxref{Electric Debug Mode}).

The line where IDL is currently stopped, at breakpoints, halts, and
errors, etc., is marked with a color overlay or arrow, depending on the
setting in @code{idlwave-shell-mark-stop-line}.  If an overlay face is
used to mark the stop line (as it is by default), when stepping through
code, the face color is temporarily changed to gray, until IDL completes
the next command and moves to the new line.

@defopt idlwave-shell-mark-breakpoints (@code{t})
Non-@code{nil} means mark breakpoints in the source file buffers.  The
value indicates the preferred method.  Valid values are @code{nil},
@code{t}, @code{face}, and @code{glyph}.

@defopt idlwave-shell-breakpoint-face
The face for breakpoint lines in the source code if
@code{idlwave-shell-mark-breakpoints} has the value @code{face}.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-shell-breakpoint-popup-menu (@code{t})
Whether to pop-up a menu and present a tooltip description on
breakpoint lines.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-shell-mark-stop-line (@code{t})
Non-@code{nil} means mark the source code line where IDL is currently
stopped.  The value specifies the preferred method.  Valid values are
@code{nil}, @code{t}, @code{arrow}, and @code{face}.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-shell-overlay-arrow (@code{">"})
The overlay arrow to display at source lines where execution halts, if
configured in @code{idlwave-shell-mark-stop-line}.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-shell-stop-line-face
The face which highlights the source line where IDL is stopped, if
configured in @code{idlwave-shell-mark-stop-line}.
@end defopt


@node Compiling Programs, Walking the Calling Stack, Breakpoints and Stepping, Debugging IDL Programs
@subsection Compiling Programs
@cindex Compiling programs
@cindex Programs, compiling

default command line is send to the shell.  To edit the default command
line, call @code{idlwave-shell-execute-default-command-line} with a
prefix argument: @kbd{C-u C-c C-d C-y}.  If no default command line has
been set (or you give two prefix arguments), the last command on the
@code{comint} input history is sent.

@node Walking the Calling Stack, Electric Debug Mode, Compiling Programs, Debugging IDL Programs
@subsection Walking the Calling Stack
@cindex Calling stack, walking

will be highlighted.  If you continue execution, IDLWAVE will
automatically return to the current level. @xref{Examining Variables},
for information how to examine the value of variables and expressions on
higher calling stack levels.

@html
<A NAME="EDEBUG"></A>
@end html
@node Electric Debug Mode,  , Walking the Calling Stack, Debugging IDL Programs
@subsection Electric Debug Mode
@cindex Electric Debug Mode
@cindex @samp{*Debugging*}

Even with a convenient debug key prefix enabled, repetitive stepping,
variable examination (@pxref{Examining Variables}), and other debugging
activities can be awkward and slow using commands which require multiple
keystrokes.  Luckily, there's a better way, inspired by the lisp e-debug
mode, and available through the @emph{Electric Debug Mode}.  By default,
as soon as a breakpoint is hit, this minor mode is enabled.  The buffer
showing the line where execution has halted is switched to Electric
Debug Mode.  This mode is visible as @samp{*Debugging*} in the mode
line, and a different face (violet by default, if color is available)
for the line stopped at point.  The buffer is made read-only and
single-character bindings for the most commonly used debugging commands
are enabled.  These character commands (a list of which is available
with @kbd{C-?}) are:

@multitable @columnfractions .2 .8
@item @kbd{a}
@tab Clear all breakpoints (@code{idlwave-shell-clear-all-bp})
@item @kbd{b}
@tab Set breakpoint, @kbd{C-u b} for a conditional break, @kbd{C-n b} for nth hit (@code{idlwave-shell-break-here})
@item @kbd{d}
@tab Clear current breakpoint (@code{idlwave-shell-clear-current-bp})
@item @kbd{e}
@tab Prompt for expression to print (@code{idlwave-shell-clear-current-bp}).
@item @kbd{h}
@tab Continue to the line at cursor position (@code{idlwave-shell-to-here})
@item @kbd{i}
@tab Set breakpoint in module named here (@code{idlwave-shell-break-in})
@item @kbd{[}
@tab Go to the previous breakpoint in the file (@code{idlwave-shell-goto-previous-bp})
@item @kbd{]}
@tab Go to the next breakpoint in the file
(@code{idlwave-shell-goto-next-bp})

@tab Show help on the commands available.
@end multitable

Most single-character electric debug bindings use the final keystroke
of the equivalent multiple key commands (which are of course also
still available), but some differ (e.g. @kbd{e},@kbd{t},@kbd{q},@kbd{x}).
Some have additional convenience bindings (like @kbd{@key{SPACE}} for
stepping).  All prefix and other argument options described in this
section for the commands invoked by electric debug bindings are still
valid.  For example, @kbd{C-u b} sets a conditional breakpoint, just
as it did with @kbd{C-u C-c C-d C-b}.

@code{t} for both breakpoints and errors, this can be
@code{'breakpoint} (the default) to enable it only at breakpoint
halts.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-shell-electric-stop-color (Violet)
Default color of the stopped line overlay when in electric debug mode.
@end defopt        

@defopt idlwave-shell-electric-stop-line-face 
The face to use for the stopped line.  Defaults to a face similar to the
modeline, with color @code{idlwave-shell-electric-stop-color}.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-shell-electric-zap-to-file (@code{t})
If set, when entering electric debug mode, select the window displaying
the file where point is stopped.  This takes point away from the shell
window, but is useful for immediate stepping, etc.
@end defopt

@html
<A NAME="EXAMINE"></A>
@end html
@node Examining Variables, Custom Expression Examination, Debugging IDL Programs, The IDLWAVE Shell
@section Examining Variables
@cindex @code{PRINT} expressions
@cindex @code{HELP}, on expressions
@cindex Expressions, printing & help
@cindex Examining expressions
@cindex Printing expressions
@cindex Mouse binding to print expressions

@kindex C-c C-d C-p
Do you find yourself repeatedly typing, e.g. @code{print,n_elements(x)},
and similar statements to remind yourself of the
type/size/structure/value/etc. of variables and expressions in your code
or at the command line?  IDLWAVE has a suite of special commands to
automate these types of variable or expression examinations.  They work
by sending statements to the shell formatted to include the indicated
expression, and can be accessed in several ways.

These @emph{examine} commands can be used in the shell or buffer at any
time (as long as the shell is running), and are very useful when
execution is stopped in a buffer due to a triggered breakpoint or error,
or while composing a long command in the IDLWAVE shell.  In the latter
case, the command is sent to the shell and its output is visible, but
point remains unmoved in the command being composed --- you can inspect

variable, number, or function you see can be examined.

If the variable @code{idlwave-shell-separate-examine-output} is
non-@code{nil} (the default), all examine output will be sent to a
special @file{*Examine*} buffer, rather than the shell.  The output of
prior examine commands is saved in this buffer.  In this buffer @key{c}
clears the contents, and @key{q} hides the buffer.

The two most basic examine commands are bound to @kbd{C-c C-d C-p}, to
print the expression at point, and @kbd{C-c C-d ?}, to invoke help on
this expression@footnote{Available as @kbd{p} and @kbd{?} in Electric
Debug Mode (@pxref{Electric Debug Mode})}.  The expression at point is
either an array expression or a function call, or the contents of a pair
of parentheses.  The chosen expression is highlighted, and
simultaneously the resulting output is highlighted in the shell or
separate output buffer.  Calling the above commands with a prefix
argument will use the current region as expression instead of using the
one at point. which can be useful for examining complicated, multi-line
expressions.  Two prefix arguments (@kbd{C-u C-u C-c C-d C-p}) will
prompt for an expression to print directly.  By default, when invoking
print, only an initial portion of long arrays will be printed, up to
@code{idlwave-shell-max-print-length}.

For added speed and convenience, there are mouse bindings which allow
you to click on expressions and examine their values.  Use
@kbd{S-Mouse-2} to print an expression and @kbd{C-M-Mouse-2} to invoke
help (i.e. you need to hold down @key{META} and @key{CONTROL} while

@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-shell-separate-examine-output (@code{t})
If non-@code{nil}, re-direct the output of examine commands to a special
@file{*Examine*} buffer, instead of in the shell itself. 
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-shell-max-print-length (200)
The maximum number of leading array entries to print, when examining
array expressions.
@end defopt

@node Custom Expression Examination,  , Examining Variables, The IDLWAVE Shell
@section Custom Expression Examination
@cindex Expressions, custom examination

examine command strings to send, after all instances of @code{___}
(three underscores) are replaced by the indicated expression.
@end defopt


@ifclear PARTOFEMACS
@node Installation, Acknowledgements, The IDLWAVE Shell, Top
@chapter Installation
@cindex Installation

@menu
* Installing IDLWAVE::          How to install the distribution
* Installing Online Help::      Where to get the additional files needed
@end menu

@node Installing IDLWAVE, Installing Online Help, Installation, Installation
@section Installing IDLWAVE

@cindex FTP site
@cindex URL, homepage for IDLWAVE
@cindex Homepage for IDLWAVE
@cindex IDLWAVE, homepage
@cindex XEmacs package IDLWAVE
@cindex Emacs, distributed with IDLWAVE
IDLWAVE is part of Emacs 21.1 and later.  It is also an XEmacs package
and can be installed from
@uref{ftp://ftp.xemacs.org/pub/xemacs/packages/,the XEmacs ftp site}
with the normal package management system on XEmacs 21.  You can also
download IDLWAVE and install it yourself from
@uref{@value{IDLWAVEHOMEPAGE}, the maintainers webpage}.  Follow the
instructions in the INSTALL file.

@node Installing Online Help,  , Installing IDLWAVE, Installation
@section Installing Online Help
@cindex Installing online help
@cindex Online Help, Installation

Starting with IDL v6.2, all necessary online help files and routine
information are distributed directly with IDL.  Nothing additional is
required.

For version of IDL prior to 6.2 (and IDLWAVE prior to version 6.0), if
you want to use the online help display, an additional set of files
(HTML versions of the IDL documentation) must be installed.  These files
can also be downloaded from @uref{@value{IDLWAVEHOMEPAGE}, the
maintainers webpage}.  You need to place the files somewhere on your
system and tell IDLWAVE where they are with:

@lisp
; e.g. /usr/local/etc/
(setq idlwave-html-help-location "/path/to/help/dir/") 
@end lisp

@noindent The default location is @file{/usr/local/etc}, and if you
install the directory there, you do not need to set this variable.  Note
that the help package only changes with new versions of the IDL
documentation, and need not be updated unless your version of IDL
changes.  Since the help system is distributed with IDL starting at
version 6.2, no new help packages will be created for these versions.

@node Acknowledgements, Sources of Routine Info, Installation, Top
@end ifclear

@ifset PARTOFEMACS
@node Acknowledgements, Sources of Routine Info, The IDLWAVE Shell, Top
@end ifset

@chapter Acknowledgements
@cindex Acknowledgements
@cindex Maintainer, of IDLWAVE
@cindex Authors, of IDLWAVE
@cindex Contributors, to IDLWAVE

manual.

@item 
@uref{mailto:jdsmith@@as.arizona.edu, @b{J.D. Smith}}, the current
maintainer, as of version 4.10, helped shape object method completion
and most new features introduced in versions 4.x, and introduced many
new features for IDLWAVE versions 5.x and 6.x.
@end itemize

@noindent
The following people have also contributed to the development of IDLWAVE
with patches, ideas, bug reports and suggestions.

@item
Phil Sterne <sterne__at__dublin.llnl.gov>
@item
Paul Sorenson <aardvark62__at__msn.com>
@end itemize

Doug Dirks was instrumental in providing the crucial IDL XML catalog to
support HTML help with IDL v6.2 and later, and Ali Bahrami provided
scripts and documentation to interface with the IDL Assistant.

@noindent
Thanks to everyone!

@node Sources of Routine Info, HTML Help Browser Tips, Acknowledgements, Top

@noindent Routines which can be used in an IDL program can be defined in
several places:

@enumerate
@item 
@emph{Builtin routines} are defined inside IDL itself.  The source code
of such routines is not available, but instead are learned about through
the IDL documentation.
@item
Routines which are @emph{part of the current program}, are defined in a
file explicitly compiled by the user.  This file may or may not be
located on the IDL search path.
@item 
@emph{Library routines} are defined in files located on IDL's search
path.  When a library routine is called for the first time, IDL will
find the source file and compile it dynamically.  A special sub-category
of library routines are the @emph{system routines} distributed with IDL,
and usually available in the @file{lib} subdirectory of the IDL
distribution.
@item
External routines written in other languages (like Fortran or C) can be
called with @code{CALL_EXTERNAL}, linked into IDL via @code{LINKIMAGE},
or included as dynamically loaded modules (DLMs).  Currently IDLWAVE
cannot provide routine info and completion for such external routines,
except by querying the Shell for calling information (DLMs only).
@end enumerate

@node Routine Information Sources, Catalogs, Routine Definitions, Sources of Routine Info
@appendixsec Routine Information Sources
@cindex Routine info sources

@enumerate

@item
It has a @emph{builtin list} with information about the routines IDL
ships with.  IDLWAVE @value{VERSION} is distributed with a list of
@value{NSYSROUTINES} routines, reflecting IDL version
@value{IDLVERSION}.  As of IDL v6.2, the routine info is distributed
directly with IDL in the form of an XML catalog which IDLWAVE scans.
Formerly, this list was created by scanning the IDL manuals to produce
the file @file{idlw-rinfo.el}.

@item 
IDLWAVE @emph{scans} all its @emph{buffers} in the current Emacs session
for routine definitions.  This is done automatically when routine
information or completion is first requested by the user.  Each new
buffer and each buffer saved after making changes is also scanned. The
command @kbd{C-c C-i} (@code{idlwave-update-routine-info}) can be used
at any time to rescan all buffers.

@item
If you have an IDLWAVE-Shell running in the Emacs session, IDLWAVE will
@emph{query the shell} for compiled routines and their arguments.  This
happens automatically when routine information or completion is first
requested by the user.  Each time an Emacs buffer is compiled with
@kbd{C-c C-d C-c}, the routine info for that file is queried.  Though
rarely necessary, the command @kbd{C-c C-i}
(@code{idlwave-update-routine-info}) can be used to explicitly update
the shell routine data.

@item
Many popular libraries are distributed with routine information already
scanned into @emph{library catalogs} (@pxref{Library Catalogs}).  These
per-directory catalog files can also be built by the user with the
supplied @file{idlwave_catalog} tool.  They are automatically discovered
by IDLWAVE.

@item
IDLWAVE can scan selected directories of source files and store the
result in a single @emph{user catalog} file which will be
automatically loaded just like @file{idlw-rinfo.el}. @xref{User
Catalog}, for information on how to scan files in this way.
@end enumerate

Loading all the routine and catalog information can be a time consuming
process, especially over slow networks.  Depending on the system and
network configuration it could take up to 30 seconds (though locally on
fast systems is usually only a few seconds).  In order to minimize the
wait time upon your first completion or routine info command in a
session, IDLWAVE uses Emacs idle time to do the initialization in six
steps, yielding to user input in between.  If this gets into your way,
set the variable @code{idlwave-init-rinfo-when-idle-after} to 0 (zero).
The more routines documented in library and user catalogs, the slower

@defopt idlwave-auto-routine-info-updates
Controls under what circumstances routine info is updated automatically.
@end defopt

@html
<A NAME="CATALOGS"></A>
@end html
@node Catalogs, Load-Path Shadows, Routine Information Sources, Sources of Routine Info
@appendixsec Catalogs
@cindex Catalogs

@emph{Catalogs} are files containing scanned information on individual

information out automatically, or on-demand (menu @code{Debug->Save Path
Info}).  On systems with no shell from which to discover the path
information (e.g. Windows), a library path must be specified in
@code{idlwave-library-path} to allow library catalogs to be located, and
to setup directories for user catalog scan (@pxref{User Catalog} for
more on this variable).  Note that, before the shell is running, IDLWAVE
can only know about the IDL search path by consulting the file pointed
to by @code{idlwave-path-file} (@file{~/.idlwave/idlpath.el}, by
default).  If @code{idlwave-auto-write-path} is enabled (which is the
default), the paths are written out whenever the IDLWAVE shell is
started.

@defopt idlwave-auto-write-path  (@code{t})
Write out information on the !PATH and !DIR paths from IDL automatically
when they change and when the Shell is closed.  These paths are needed
to locate library catalogs.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-library-path
IDL library path for Windows and MacOS.  Under Unix/MacOSX, will be
obtained from the Shell when run.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-system-directory
The IDL system directory for Windows and MacOS.  Also needed for
locating HTML help and the IDL Assistant for IDL v6.2 and later.  Under
Unix/MacOSX, will be obtained from the Shell and recorded, if run.
@end defopt

@defopt idlwave-config-directory (@file{~/.idlwave})
Default path where IDLWAVE saves configuration information, a user
catalog (if any), and a cached scan of the XML catalog (IDL v6.2 and
later).
@end defopt

@menu
* Library Catalogs::            
* User Catalog::                
@end menu

@html
<A NAME="LIBRARY_CATALOGS"></A>
@end html
@node Library Catalogs, User Catalog, Catalogs, Catalogs
@appendixsubsec Library Catalogs
@cindex @file{.idlwave_catalog}
@cindex Library catalogs
@cindex @code{idlwave_catalog}

Library catalogs consist of files named @file{.idlwave_catalog} stored
in directories containing @code{.pro} routine files.  They are
discovered on the IDL search path and loaded automatically when routine
information is read.  Each catalog file documents the routines found in
that directory --- one catalog per directory.  Every catalog has a
library name associated with it (e.g. @emph{AstroLib}).  This name will
be shown briefly when the catalog is found, and in the routine info of
routines it documents.

Many popular libraries of routines are shipped with IDLWAVE catalog
files by default, and so will be automatically discovered.  Library
catalogs are scanned externally to Emacs using a tool provided with
IDLWAVE.  Each catalog can be re-scanned independently of any other.

burden of scanning from the user (who may not even know they're using a
scanned catalog).  Since all catalogs are independent, they can be
re-scanned automatically to gather updates, e.g. in a @file{cron} job.
Scanning is much faster than with the built-in user catalog method.  One
minor disadvantage: the entire IDL search path is scanned for catalog
files every time IDLWAVE starts up, which might be slow if accessing IDL
routines over a slow network.

A Perl tool to create library catalogs is distributed with IDLWAVE:
@code{idlwave_catalog}.  It can be called quite simply:
@example
idlwave_catalog MyLib
@end example

@noindent This will scan all directories recursively beneath the current and
populate them with @file{.idlwave_catalog} files, tagging the routines
found there with the name library ``MyLib''.  The full usage
information:

@example
Usage: idlwave_catalog  [-l] [-v] [-d] [-s] [-f] [-h] libname
       libname - Unique name of the catalog (4 or more alphanumeric
                 characters).

To re-load the library catalogs on the IDL path, force a system routine
info update using a single prefix to @code{idlwave-update-routine-info}:
@kbd{C-u C-c C-i}.

@defopt idlwave-use-library-catalogs  (@code{t})
Whether to search for and load library catalogs.  Disable if load
performance is a problem and/or the catalogs are not needed.
@end defopt

@node User Catalog,  , Library Catalogs, Catalogs
@appendixsubsec User Catalog
@cindex User catalog

(setq idlwave-library-path
        '("+c:/RSI/IDL56/lib/" "+c:/user/me/idllibs"))
(setq idlwave-system-directory "c:/RSI/IDL56/")
@end lisp

@noindent Under GNU/Linux and UNIX, these values will be automatically
gathered from the IDLWAVE shell, if run.

The command @kbd{M-x idlwave-create-user-catalog-file} (or the menu item
@samp{IDLWAVE->Routine Info->Select Catalog Directories}) can then be
used to create a user catalog.  It brings up a widget in which you can
select some or all directories on the search path.  Directories which
already contain a library catalog are marked with @samp{[LIB]}, and need
not be scanned (although there is no harm if you do so, other than the
additional memory used for the duplication).

@cindex Windows
@cindex MacOS
@cindex IDL variable @code{!DIR}
@cindex @code{!DIR}, IDL variable
Users of Windows and MacOS (not X) also must set the variable
@code{idlwave-system-directory} to the value of the @code{!DIR} system
variable in IDL.  IDLWAVE appends @file{lib} to the value of this
variable and assumes that all files found on that path are system
routines.

@cindex @file{get_html_rinfo}
@cindex @file{idlw-rinfo.el}
@cindex Scanning the documentation
@cindex Perl program, to create @file{idlw-rinfo.el}

@strong{Starting with version 6.2, IDL is distributed directly with HTML
online help, and an XML-based catalog of routine information}.  This
makes scanning the manuals with the tool @file{get_html_rinfo}, and the
@file{idlw-rinfo.el} file it produced, as described here, entirely
unnecessary.  The information is left here for users wishing to produce
a catalog of older IDL versions' help.


IDLWAVE derives its knowledge about system routines from the IDL
manuals.  The file @file{idlw-rinfo.el} contains the routine information
for the IDL system routines, and links to relevant sections of the HTML
documentation.  The Online Help feature of IDLWAVE requires HTML
versions of the IDL manuals to be available; the HTML documentation is
not distributed with IDLWAVE by default, but must be downloaded
separately@c
@ifclear PARTOFEMACS
@ from @uref{@value{IDLWAVEHOMEPAGE}, the maintainers
webpage}@c
@end ifclear
.

The HTML files and related images can be produced from the
@file{idl.chm} HTMLHelp file distributed with IDL using the free
Microsoft HTML Help Workshop.  If you are lucky, the maintainer of
IDLWAVE will always have access to the newest version of IDL and provide
updates.  The IDLWAVE distribution also contains the Perl program
@file{get_html_rinfo} which constructs the @file{idlw-rinfo.el} file by
scanning the HTML documents produced from the IDL documentation.
Instructions on how to use @file{get_html_rinfo} are in the program
itself.

@node HTML Help Browser Tips, Configuration Examples, Sources of Routine Info, Top
@appendix HTML Help Browser Tips
@cindex Browser Tips

There are a wide variety of possible browsers to use for displaying
the online HTML help available with IDLWAVE (starting with version
5.0). Since IDL v6.2, a single cross-platform HTML help browser, the
@emph{IDL Assistant} is distributed with IDL.  If this help browser is
available, it is the preferred choice, and the default.  The variable
@code{idlwave-help-use-assistant}, enabled by default, controls
whether this help browser is used.  If you use the IDL Assistant, the
tips here are not relevant.

Since IDLWAVE runs on a many different system types, a single browser
configuration is not possible, but choices abound.  On many systems,
the default browser configured in @code{browse-url-browser-function},
and hence inherited by default by
@code{idlwave-help-browser-function}, is Netscape.  Unfortunately, the
HTML manuals decompiled from the original source contain formatting
structures which Netscape 4.x does not handle well, though they are
still readable.  A much better choice is Mozilla, or one of the
Mozilla-derived browsers such as
@uref{http://galeon.sourceforge.net/,Galeon} (GNU/Linux),
@uref{http://www.mozilla.org/projects/camino/,Camino} (MacOSX), or
@uref{http://www.mozilla.org/projects/firebird/,Firebird} (all
platforms).  Newer versions of Emacs provide a browser-function choice
@code{browse-url-gnome-moz} which uses the Gnome-configured browser.

Note that the HTML files decompiled from the help sources contain
specific references to the @samp{Symbol} font, which by default is not
permitted in normal encodings (it's invalid, technically).  Though it
only impacts a few symbols, you can trick Mozilla-based browsers into
recognizing @samp{Symbol} by following the directions
@uref{http://hutchinson.belmont.ma.us/tth/Xfonts.html, here}.  With
this fix in place, HTML help pages look almost identical to their PDF
equivalents (yet can be bookmarked, browsed as history, searched,
etc.).

@noindent Individual platform recommendations:

@itemize @bullet
@item Unix/MacOSX: The @uref{http://www.w3m.org,@code{w3m}} browser
and its associated
@uref{http://emacs-w3m.namazu.org/,@code{emacs-w3m}} emacs mode
provide in-buffer browsing with image display, and excellent speed and
formatting.  Both the Emacs mode and the browser itself must be

                                        "print,size(___,/TNAME)"))
            (idlwave-shell-define-key-both [f11] (idlwave-shell-examine
                                        "help,___,/STRUCTURE"))))
@end example

@html
<A NAME="WIN_MAC"></A>
@end html
@node Windows and MacOS, Troubleshooting, Configuration Examples, Top
@appendix Windows and MacOS
@cindex Windows
@cindex MacOS
@cindex MacOSX

IDLWAVE was developed on a UNIX system.  However, thanks to the
portability of Emacs, much of IDLWAVE does also work under different
operating systems like Windows (with NTEmacs or NTXEmacs) or MacOS.

The only real problem is that there is no command-line version of IDL
for Windows or MacOS(<=9) with which IDLWAVE can interact.  As a
result, the IDLWAVE Shell does not work and you have to rely on IDLDE
to run and debug your programs.  However, editing IDL source files
with Emacs/IDLWAVE works with all bells and whistles, including
routine info, completion and fast online help.  Only a small amount of
additional information must be specified in your @file{.emacs} file:
the path names which, on a UNIX system, are automatically gathered by
talking to the IDL program.

Here is an example of the additional configuration needed for a Windows
system.  I am assuming that IDLWAVE has been installed in
@w{@samp{C:\Program Files\IDLWAVE}} and that IDL is installed in
@w{@samp{C:\RSI\IDL62}}.

@lisp
;; location of the lisp files (only needed if IDLWAVE is not part of
;; your default X/Emacs installation)
(setq load-path (cons "c:/program files/IDLWAVE" load-path))

;; The location of the IDL library directories, both standard,  and your own.
;; note that the initial "+" expands the path recursively
(setq idlwave-library-path
        '("+c:/RSI/IDL55/lib/" "+c:/path/to/my/idllibs" ))

;; location of the IDL system directory (try "print,!DIR")
(setq idlwave-system-directory "c:/RSI/IDL62/")

@end lisp

@noindent Furthermore, Windows sometimes tries to outsmart you --- make
sure you check the following things:

Windows users who'd like to make use of IDLWAVE's context-aware HTML
help can skip the browser and use the HTMLHelp functionality directly.
@xref{Help with HTML Documentation}.

@html
<A NAME="TROUBLE"></A>
@end html
@node Troubleshooting, Index, Windows and MacOS, Top
@appendix Troubleshooting
@cindex Troubleshooting

Although IDLWAVE usually installs and works without difficulty, a few

@kbd{C-?} lists these shortcuts.  Use @kbd{q} to quit the mode, and
customize the variable @code{idlwave-shell-automatic-electric-debug}
if you prefer not to enter electric debug on breakpoints@dots{} but
you really should try it before you disable it!  You can also
customize this variable to enter debug mode when errors are
encountered.  

@item @strong{I get errors like @samp{Searching for program: no such
file or directory, idl} when attempting to start the IDL shell.}

IDLWAVE needs to know where IDL is in order to run it as a process.

configuration files (e.g. @file{.cshrc}), but from the file
@file{~/.MacOSX/environment.plist}.  Either include your path settings
there, or start Emacs and IDLWAVE from the shell.

@item @strong{I get errors like @samp{Symbol's function is void:
overlayp}}

You don't have the @samp{fsf-compat} package installed, which IDLWAVE
needs to run under XEmacs.  Install it, or find an XEmacs distribution
which includes it by default.

@item @strong{I'm getting errors like @samp{Symbol's value as variable is void:
cl-builtin-gethash} on completion or routine info.}

This error arises if you upgraded Emacs from 20.x to 21.x without
re-installing IDLWAVE.  Old Emacs and new Emacs are not byte-compatible
in compiled lisp files.  Presumably, you kept the original .elc files in
place, and this is the source of the error.  If you recompile (or just
"make; make install") from source, it should resolve this problem.
Another option is to recompile the @file{idlw*.el} files by hand using
@kbd{M-x byte-compile-file}.  
@ifclear PARTOFEMACS
Why not take the opportunity to grab the
latest IDLWAVE version at @uref{@value{IDLWAVEHOMEPAGE}, the
maintainers webpage}.
@end ifclear

@item @strong{@kbd{M-@key{TAB}} doesn't complete words, it switches
windows on my desktop.}

Your system is trapping @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} and using it for its own

} by default).  You can do this with the variable
@code{idlwave-shell-prompt-pattern} (@pxref{Starting the Shell}), e.g.,
in your @file{.emacs}:

@lisp
(setq idlwave-shell-prompt-pattern "^\r? ?\\(ENVI\\|IDL\\)> ")
@end lisp

@item @strong{Attempts to set breakpoints fail: no breakpoint is
indicated in the IDLWAVE buffer.}

@lisp
(setq load-path (cons "/usr/local/share/emacs/site-lisp" load-path))
@end lisp

@noindent You can check on your load-path value using @kbd{C-h v
load-path @key{RET}}, and @kbd{C-h m} in an IDLWAVE buffer should show
you the version Emacs is using.

@item @strong{IDLWAVE is screwing up the formatting of my @file{.idl} files.}

Actually, this isn't IDLWAVE at all, but @samp{idl-mode}, an unrelated
programming mode for CORBA's Interface Definition Language (you should

IDLWAVE collects routine info from various locations (@pxref{Routine
Information Sources}).  Routines in files visited in a buffer or
compiled in the shell should be up to date.  For other routines, the
information is only as current as the most recent scan.  If you have a
rapidly changing set of routines, and you'd like the latest routine
information to be available for it, one powerful technique is to make
use of the library catalog tool, @samp{idlwave_catalog}.  Simply add a
line to your @samp{cron} file (@samp{crontab -e} will let you edit this
on some systems), like this

@example
45 3 * * 1-5 (cd /path/to/myidllib; /path/to/idlwave_catalog MyLib)
@end example

@noindent where @samp{MyLib} is the name of your library.  This will
rescan all @file{.pro} files at or below @file{/path/to/myidllib} every
week night at 3:45am.  You can even scan site-wide libraries with this
method, and the most recent information will be available to all users.
Since the scanning is very fast, there is very little impact.

@item @strong{All the Greek-font characters in the HTML help are
displayed as Latin characters!}

Unfortunately, the HTMLHelp files RSI provides attempt to switch to
@samp{Symbol} font to display Greek characters, which is not really an
permitted method for doing this in HTML.  There is a "workaround" for
some browsers: @xref{HTML Help Browser Tips}.

@item @strong{In the shell, my long commands are truncated at 256 characters!}

This actually happens when running IDL in an XTerm as well.  There are
a couple of work arounds: @code{define_key,/control,'^d'} (e.g. in

@key{C-d} to quit the shell, however.  Another possibility is
@code{!EDIT_INPUT=0}, which gives you an @emph{infinite} limit (OK, a
memory-bounded limit), but disables the processing of background
widget events (those with @code{/NO_BLOCK} passed to @code{XManager}).

@item @strong{When I invoke IDL HTML help on a routine, the page which
is loaded is one page off, e.g. for @code{CONVERT_COORD}, I get
@code{CONTOUR}.}

You have a mismatch between your help index and the HTML help package
you downloaded.  You need to ensure you download a ``downgrade kit'' if
you are using anything older than the latest HTML help package.  A new
help package apppears with each IDL release (assuming the documentation
is updated).  
@ifclear PARTOFEMACS
See @uref{@value{IDLWAVEHOMEPAGE}, the maintainers
webpage} for more.  
@end ifclear
Note that, starting with IDL 6.2, the HTML help and its catalog are
distributed with IDL, and so should never be inconsistent.

@item @strong{I get errors such as @samp{void-variable
browse-url-browser-function} or similar when attempting to load IDLWAVE
under XEmacs.}

You don't have the @samp{browse-url} (or other required) XEmacs package.
Unlike GNU Emacs, XEmacs distributes many packages separately from the
main program.  IDLWAVE is actually among these, but is not always the
most up to date.  When installing IDLWAVE as an XEmacs package, it
should prompt you for required additional packages.  When installing it
from source, it won't and you'll get this error.  The easiest solution
is to install all the packages when you install XEmacs (the so-called
@samp{sumo} bundle).  The minimum set of XEmacs packages required by
IDLWAVE is @samp{fsf-compat, xemacs-base, mail-lib}.

@end enumerate

@node Index,  , Troubleshooting, Top
@unnumbered Index
@printindex cp

@bye