Development spurred by the simulation work (Kumar); want to simplify parameter lists but have full flexibility. Resolve this by having a folding/unfolding mechanism for parameters - this allows one to see parameters only when they are relevant to the current context (i.e., we don't need to list all of the Briggs weighting control options if we're not using Brigg's weighting!).
Also enables an interactive view that helps users recognize when parameters are different from defaults (aids in navigating the system and the use of globals).
Key
Blue letters = parameter different from the task default
Green highlight of doc = expandable parameter
Blue highlight of doc = expanded parameter
Red letters = parameter type incorrect; invalid menu choice; outside of range - NYI
Revised:
parametername = default value
parametername = not default value
expandable_parametername = value
expandable_parametername = not default value
subparametername = default value
subparametername = not default value
Example:
vis = 'gcal.split.ms'
imagename = 'tgcal'
mode = 'channel'
nchan = 1
start = 0
step = 1
width = 1
alg = 'clark'
niter = 100
gain = 0.1
threshold = 10.0
etc, etc.
Interface changes
Proposal: remove restore function
In general there is no longer a need to restore the state of the overall set of parameters. This can be done on a task basis as needed using the default function. Currently it's a bookkeeping issue which we'd like to go away.
Proposal: mfalg -> alg
The mosaic algorithm names can be the same as for single field work (e.g., clark, hogbom, etc). The user shouldn't have to differentiate between multi-field and single field; this can be done in the task.
Proposal: combine plotxy/flagxy (add parameter to enable flagging)
Proposal: split manual flagging (specifying antenna, time, etc) versus autoflagging (threshold, etc) into two tasks.