bug#46627: [External] : bug#46627: [PATCH] Add new help command 'describe-command'

[Drew Adams <drew.adams@oracle.com>]

> (BTW, in the completion framework I often use,
> `ivy', there is a command to run the action
> associated with the minibuffer without leaving
> the minibuffer.

This feature was introduced by Icicles, BTW.
It's since been copied in other (more popular)
libraries, along with other Icicles features.

> That is, I run `C-h f', type in some text to
> complete on, and then hit `C-M-n' to repeatedly
> see the full documentation

That feature of providing help on candidates
was also introduced by Icicles, BTW.  But it's
available for all commands, not just help
commands.  IOW, you have both the command's
action and help available, for each candidate.

I introduced this in 1995, back when Icicles
was still called elect-mbuf.el (it was renamed
in 2005).

RMS was aware of this feature in the mid-2000s,
at least, when there was some discussion of
integrating some of Icicles into Emacs.

> This is a very effective way to scan for the
> correct function, often much more effective
> than apropos.

Yes.  As I mentioned, both apropos and such
on-the-fly completion-candidate help are useful.
Neither need be seen as a substitute for the
other.  This is like both `occur' and Isearch
being useful, each in its own way.