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From: kjg@bcat1.prime.com (Ken Gartner)
Newsgroups: comp.text.tex
Subject: Redefining a macro in terms of itself
Message-ID: <1991Jan15.061451@bcat1.prime.com>
Date: 15 Jan 91 11:14:51 GMT
Reply-To: kjg@s49.prime.com
Organization: Prime Computer
Lines: 43
Nntp-Posting-Host: bcat1.prime.com


   While trying to create a private LaTeX style file, I stumbled while attempting
to redefine \tableofcontents and \marginpar in terms of themselves. This is what
my intention is:

PSEUDOCODE

\renewcommand{\tableofcontents}{\parskip 0in \tableofcontents}
\renewcommand{\marginpar}{#1}{\scriptsize \marginpar{#1}}

  Unfortunately (for me) is that renewcommand seems to do the
assignment such that the first use of the newly defined command
endlessly loops when used.  I think the \let is what I want since there is
an indication that it copies the current definition -- unfortunately
(again for me) the following generate some noise about

% Try to get table of contents tighter for article:
\let\k1\tableofcontents
\renewcommand{\tableofcontents}{\parskip 0in \k1}


   ! Missing \begin{document}.
   \@latexerr ...for immediate help.}\errmessage {#1}

   ...
   l.53 \let\k1\tableofcontents
   ? ^D


I would be most appreciative if someone could give pointers on profitable
use of \let including use with macros that take arguments.  I am not any
kind of [*]TeXpert at this point so try to be gentle ...

kjg


-- 
Kenneth J. Gartner                      |   kjg@s49.prime.com
Prime Computer (CPU Group)              |   1-508-620-2800 x3287
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"Cursedbehewho thinks my opinions reflect Prime Official policy"