Re: read-regexp

[Stefan Monnier <monnier@iro.umontreal.ca>]

>>> The problem is in the ambiguous name of the argument DEFAULT.
>>> It was intended to provide exactly the same functionality as the
>>> argument STRING-DESCRIBING-DEFAULT of the function `read-face-name',
>>> i.e. to display in the minibuffer prompt what default the function
>>> will use if the user types RET.
>> 
>> The question is rather: why isn't that string available via M-n as
>> defaults usually do?  I think adding that regexp to M-n is a better
>> option, and that makes the use of the name `default'
>> completely justified.

> This string is not available via M-n due to historical requirements of
> `occur'.  It used to display the last element of regexp-history
> in the prompt and use it when the user types RET.  Other commands
> that use read-regexp historically don't require such a string.

I still don't understand.  Your occur explanation explains why it's
displayed in the prompt and used as default value, but not why it's not
in the M-n.


        Stefan