Fixing `K` (`doc-str`) In Conjure For Hy Language Support

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving into a specific issue with Conjure when using the Hy programming language. A user has reported that the K function, which is used to look up documentation, isn't working as expected in Hy. Let's break down the problem, the proposed solution, and how we can get this fixed.

Understanding the Issue

So, the main problem is that the K function, or doc-str, isn't pulling up the documentation when you're working with Hy. The user, who by the way, deserves a big shout-out for bringing this to our attention, pinpointed a specific section of the Conjure code that seems to be the culprit. This section likely contains outdated Hy features, which is causing the lookup to fail.

The problematic code snippet is located in conjure/client/hy/stdio.fnl. Specifically, lines 88-90 are where things seem to be going wrong. The original code probably relies on elements of Hy that have since been updated or replaced, leading to the K function's malfunction. This is a classic case of software evolution where changes in one area (Hy's features) break compatibility in another (Conjure's documentation lookup).

When a user tries to use the K function on a Hy object, Conjure attempts to retrieve the associated documentation. However, because the code is outdated, it's looking in the wrong places or using the wrong methods to fetch this information. This results in either no documentation being displayed or an error message, which isn't ideal when you're trying to understand how a particular function or macro works.

To put it simply, the K function is supposed to make our lives easier by quickly providing documentation. But, because of these outdated features, it's currently falling short for Hy users. This not only affects the user experience but also hinders the learning process for those new to Hy, as they can't easily access the documentation they need.

Proposed Solution

The user has proposed a potential fix that involves updating the code to align with the current Hy features. Here’s the suggested change:

    code (.. "(if (in (hy.mangle '" obj "") _hy_macros)
                (help (get _hy_macros (hy.mangle '" obj "")))
                (help \"" obj "\"))")

Let's walk through these changes:

1. mangle is now in the hy namespace: Previously, mangle might have been directly accessible. Now, it needs to be explicitly called via the hy namespace like hy.mangle. This ensures that the correct mangle function is being used, especially in environments where multiple namespaces might be in play.
2. --macros-- no longer exists; the equivalent is now _hy_macros: In older versions of Hy, macros might have been stored in a different location. The new standard is to use _hy_macros. Updating this reference ensures that Conjure is looking in the right place for macro documentation.
3. doc no longer exists; to get help for macros, first, the object must be mangled and the result used to look up the function object in _hy_macros: This is a significant change. The old method of directly accessing documentation via doc is no longer valid. Now, the object needs to be mangled first, and then the mangled name is used to look up the function object in _hy_macros. This ensures that the correct documentation is retrieved for macros.

In essence, these changes adapt the code to the current structure and conventions of Hy, ensuring that Conjure can correctly locate and display documentation for Hy objects and macros. This should restore the functionality of the K function and provide Hy users with the documentation they need.

Explanation of Changes

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of why these changes are important. First off, mangle now lives in the hy namespace. Think of namespaces like family names. In the past, mangle might have been a common first name, easily recognized. But now, to avoid confusion with other mangles out there, you need to specify the family name: hy.mangle. This makes sure you're calling the right mangle function from the Hy family.

Next up, --macros-- is no more. It's been replaced by _hy_macros. Imagine --macros-- as an old address book. It used to hold all the macro contacts, but it's outdated now. The new address book is _hy_macros. Updating this ensures that Conjure is looking in the correct place for macro information. This is crucial because macros are a fundamental part of Hy, and being able to access their documentation is essential for understanding and using them effectively.

Finally, the way we access documentation has changed. The old doc method is no longer valid. Now, we need to mangle the object first and then use the mangled name to find the function object in _hy_macros. This is like having to go through a specific process to get a file from a new filing system. You can't just ask for the file directly; you need to follow the steps to locate it correctly. This change ensures that Conjure can accurately retrieve documentation for macros by following the updated Hy conventions.

These changes collectively bring the Conjure code up to date with the current Hy environment, ensuring that the K function works as expected and provides users with the documentation they need. This not only improves the user experience but also makes it easier for developers to work with Hy and understand its various components.

Docker Environment Issues

The user also ran into a snag while trying to contribute, bless their heart! They followed the instructions in CONTRIBUTING.md, but the Docker environment installed an older version of Neovim that's no longer supported by Conjure. Specifically, Ubuntu 24.04 ships with Neovim version 0.9.5-6ubuntu2, which seems to be causing compatibility issues.

This highlights a potential issue with the development environment setup. If the Docker environment isn't providing a compatible version of Neovim, it makes it difficult for contributors to test and submit their changes. This can be a significant barrier to entry for new contributors who are eager to help improve the project.

To address this, the Docker environment needs to be updated to use a version of Neovim that is supported by Conjure. This could involve specifying a particular version of Neovim in the Dockerfile or using a different base image that includes a compatible version. Ensuring that the development environment is up-to-date and consistent is crucial for fostering a healthy and active contributor community.

Next Steps

So, what's next? Ideally, someone with the right setup needs to test these proposed changes and confirm that they fix the issue. If they do, a pull request can be submitted to merge the updated code into the main branch. Additionally, the Docker environment should be updated to ensure that contributors can easily test and submit their changes.

This is where the community comes in! If you're familiar with Hy and Conjure, and you have a working development environment, please consider testing these changes. Your contribution can help improve the experience for all Hy users.

In the meantime, the Conjure maintainers should look into updating the Docker environment to provide a compatible version of Neovim. This will remove a significant obstacle for potential contributors and make it easier for them to get involved in the project.

By addressing both the code issue and the development environment issue, we can ensure that Conjure remains a valuable tool for Hy developers and that the project continues to thrive with the help of its community.

Conclusion

Alright, folks! We've dissected the issue with the K function in Conjure when using Hy, explored the proposed solution, and identified a problem with the Docker environment. Now, it's time to take action. Let's test these changes, update the environment, and make Conjure even better for everyone. Thanks again to the user who brought this to our attention. Your contribution is greatly appreciated! Keep coding, and stay awesome!