13.2 Examining information about method combinations
13.2.7 Performing operations on signatures
You can manipulate the signatures displayed using the commands in the Signature menu. By default, the generic function browser displays the signatures of all methods defined on the generic function. When there are many methods, or when the distinction between different classes is not clear, this can be confusing.
To simplify the display, you can restrict the signatures to a chosen class and its superclasses. This is done as follows:
- 1. Choose Signature > Restrict.
- A dialog appears.
- 2. Type the name of the class that you wish to restrict the signatures displayed to into this dialog.
The display changes so that only those signatures that belong to the specified class or any of its superclasses are shown. In situations where there are a large number of complicated signatures, this can simplify the display and add to your understanding of the methods defined. You should be aware of the difference between this method and the use of the Filter area.
- Restricting signatures confines the signatures displayed by means of the class of the signatures.
- Filtering signatures confines the signatures displayed by means of the text displayed in the Signatures area.
Choose Signature > Restrict again to change the restriction and specify a new class. Choose Signature > Release to display the signatures for all methods defined once again.
Common LispWorks User Guide, Liquid Common Lisp Version 5.0 - 18 OCT 1996 Generated with Harlequin WebMaker