(texinfo)Writing a Node


How to Write an `@node' Line
----------------------------

  The easiest way to write an `@node' line is to write `@node' at the
beginning of a line and then the name of the node, like this:

     @node NODE-NAME

  If you are using GNU Emacs, you can use the update node commands
provided by Texinfo mode to insert the names of the pointers; or you
can leave the pointers out of the Texinfo file and let `makeinfo'
insert node pointers into the Info file it creates.  (Note: Texinfo
Mode, and Note: makeinfo Pointer Creation.)

  Alternatively, you can insert the `Next', `Previous', and `Up'
pointers yourself.  If you do this, you may find it helpful to use the
Texinfo mode keyboard command `C-c C-c n'.  This command inserts
`@node' and a comment line listing the names of the pointers in their
proper order.  The comment line helps you keep track of which arguments
are for which pointers.  This comment line is especially useful if you
are not familiar with Texinfo.

  The template for a fully-written-out node line with `Next',
`Previous', and `Up' pointers looks like this:

     @node NODE-NAME, NEXT, PREVIOUS, UP

  If you wish, you can ignore `@node' lines altogether in your first
draft and then use the `texinfo-insert-node-lines' command to create
`@node' lines for you.  However, we do not recommend this practice.  It
is better to name the node itself at the same time that you write a
segment so you can easily make cross references.  A large number of
cross references are an especially important feature of a good Info
file.

  After you have inserted an `@node' line, you should immediately write
an @-command for the chapter or section and insert its name.  Next (and
this is important!), put in several index entries.  Usually, you will
find at least two and often as many as four or five ways of referring
to the node in the index.  Use them all.  This will make it much easier
for people to find the node.

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