Re: multiple plot lines with plot '-'

[Tait <gnu...@t4...>]

> If you are suggesting that associating a file descriptor with a file; 
> opening; reading; closing; reopening (with implies a seek(0) ) ; and 
> rereading   is the same as opening ; reading up to 'e' marker *in the 
> data* then continuing to read the same opened device,  I have to say 
> your reasoning is getting a bit contrived.
> 
> I find it hard to see that as being the same behavior.

Maybe we're drifting beyond the point of useful distinction. I mean in
terms of behavior the users see, plot consumes inputs. Each data set
given to plot is consumed by that plot. Plot 'file' opens and reads
file; it's consumed in generating the plot, and everything is reset
for the next plot, whether in the same plot command or in a
subsequent. For instance...
	plot 'file1'
	plot 'file2'
is the same -- for purposes of reading input -- as
	plot 'file1', 'file2'

And...
	plot '-'
	...
	e
	plot '-'
	...
	e
is the same, in terms of reading input, as
	plot '-', '-'
	...
	e
	...
	e

In both cases, the data is consumed by the plot command, and the
next plot command begins consuming a new set of data (even though
file1 and file2 may be the same, and thus consume the same data
multiple times).

That's what I mean when I say the behavior of '-' and 'file'
are the same. I think I see the model you suggest, though,
which is more like saying the lines between plot and e create
a named record called '-', which would then be treated the same
as a named record called 'file1' and referenced multiple times.
If those lines could be given a name explicitly -- other than
'-' -- and could exist outside of an appendage to a plot
command, then I think that model would make more sense. And
that's a little closer to what Allin was suggesting, which is
why I liked that idea.