bug#587: 23.0.60; To source or not to source (from help)

[martin rudalics]

> I use the normal
>
>   make install INSTALL_DIR=...

I never use that.  Are the ".el" files copied as well in that case?

>> In this case the following might
>> happen: As for C-h f `describe-function-1' will execute
>>
>>       ;; See if lisp files are present where they where installed from.
>>       (if (not (eq file-name 'C-source))
>>       (setq file-name (find-source-lisp-file file-name)))
>>
>> which sets `file-name' to the ".el" file from the checkout directory
>> (because you did compile it there) and installs the corresponding
>> reference in the hyperlink.
>>
>> As for C-h v `describe-variable' does _not_ care whether you compiled in
>> another directory and simply goes to the file supplied by `symbol-file'.
>> You could try inserting the snipped above in `describe-variable'
>> immediately before the line
>>
>>           (if file-name
>>
>> and see whether it now jumps to the checkout directory instead.
>
>
> Yes, I guess that is correct.

Did you verify it?

>> Personally, I'd prefer something like the following in both cases:
>>
>>       (unless (or (eq file-name 'C-source)
>>           (file-exists-p file-name))
>>     (setq file-name (find-source-lisp-file file-name)))
>
> Thanks martin. I think a variable (or an option) for which elisp to go
> to would be the best. Is there any reason not to have that?

We'd have to do something similar for definitions in the C-sources too.
Do I suppose correctly that the C-sources are not copied automatically
when you explicitly specify the install directory?  I'm too lazy to look
into this ...

martin