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The !symtab Command: Set Symbol Table

Syntax: !symtab [name]
This command is the interface to an important capability: named symbol tables. The symbol table is the internal data structure that maps the names of cells in memory to the cell's data. By default, there is only one symbol table, and all opened cells are kept in the same ``space''. This command is used to open new symbol tables, or to switch between symbol tables. The name can be any text word, and it identifies a symbol table. If name is not given, the symbol table used will be the default symbol table. If name is ``?'', a list of the symbol tables presently defined is shown on the prompt line.

When switching between symbol tables, the user is prompted to save any unsaved cells. After the symbol table is switched, the default ``noname'' cell is opened for editing, in the new symbol table. The Cells Listing pop-up will list the cells that have been opened in the current symbol table.

This feature allows cells of the same name to be in the database simultaneously.

Only the default symbol table is checked for unsaved cells when the program exits. It is intended that the named symbol tables not be used for editing, but for reference purposes.

If there are different versions of the same cell name in different symbol tables, they should be written to disk under different names or they will overwrite one another.


next up previous contents index
Next: Variables Up: Symbol Table Previous: Symbol Table   Contents   Index
Stephen R. Whiteley 2006-10-23