Re: Uncomprehensible DOC string

[Michael Albinus]

David Kastrup <address@hidden> writes:

>>>> _The_ file name handler, which belongs to `default-directory', will be
>>>> applied.
>>>
>>> To what will it be applied?
>>
>> ???
>>
>> To the arguments auf `start-file-process', of course.
>
> You just stated that it will _not_ be applied to all arguments of
> start-file-process.

I'm getting confused. Where did you read _this_?

>> Like every other file name handler. That's why the doc strings says
>> "Similar to `start-process'".
>
> Why would "every other" file name handler be applied to all arguments of
> start-file-process?

Please David, I have the impression you are twisting my
words. `start-file-process' is like `start-process', and mostly it
uses the implementation of `start-process' from process.c. In some
cases, when `default-directory' has an own file name handler, it uses
that implementation.

That does not change the fact, that both functions work over the same
set of arguments. And a user of `start-file-process' shall be prepared
for both cases, for example by using (file-relative-name file) for all
arguments of the process to be started, which are known to be a file.

> One file name handler is chosen based on the _default_ directory (rather
> than the executable name), and it is not applied to arguments of
> start-file-process, but rather is used for starting the process with the
> given arguments on the system indicated by the default directory.

I don't see the difference, for Tramp it sounds like the same. But one
could imagine another file name handler which does not run on "another
system", but runs the command locally, with other purposes.

One could imagine a `start-file-process' file name handler for URLs,
which makes local copies of the files, and applies then the command
using these saved files. On your local host.

> At least that is what I think I understand.  What the word "file" in
> "start-file-process" is supposed to be about, I have no clue whatsoever.
> Something like "start-nonlocal-process" or "start-handled-process" or
> "start-process-anywhere" seems to be more informative.

Me too. The function name was decided by Stefan. As usual, I don't
discuss names. See <http://thread.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.devel/73149>.

Anyway, "start-nonlocal-process" or "start-process-anywhere" might be
misleading as well, because the process is started locally via
`start-process', when `default-directory' does not have a file name
handler.

Stefan: I do NOT intend to discuss it again :-)

Best regards, Michael.