15.2 Examining information about combined methods

The method combinations view lets you examine information about the combined methods of the current generic function. You supply a signature and Generic Function Browser displays the combined methods of the generic function together with the arguments that match that method combination point.

Method combinations show you the calling order of methods. They use the class precedence lists of the classes on which the methods of a generic function operate. Being able to view these combinations gives you a simple way of seeing how before, after, and around methods are used in a particular generic function.

You can display this view by clicking the Method Combinations tab of a Generic Function Browser, or from the Debugger tool by choosing Debug > Frame > Method Combination in a frame containing a standard method. The method combinations view is shown in Generic function browser displaying method combinations below.

Figure 15.2 Generic function browser displaying method combinations

The method combinations view has a number of main sections, described below.

15.2.1 Function box

15.2.2 Signatures button

15.2.3 Arguments types box

15.2.4 List of method combinations

15.2.5 Description list

15.2.6 Restricting displayed signatures by class

LispWorks IDE User Guide (Windows version) - 25 Nov 2011