5.5.4 General writing

• Do not forget to create @cindex entries for new sections of text. Commands usually need a @funindex entry, for example,

  @cindex pitches, writing in different octaves
  @funindex \relative
  

  Do not add @code{...} around the @funindex argument; this is handled internally. While @cindex entries get added to the main index only, @funindex entries are added to both the command index and the main index. Both index commands should go in front of the actual material (each on a separate line).

• @cindex entries should not be capitalized, i.e.,

  @cindex time signature
  

  is preferred instead of “Time signature”. Only use capital letters for musical terms which demand them, e.g., “D.S. al Fine”.

• For Scheme function index entries, only include the final part, i.e.,

  @funindex modern-voice-cautionary
       and NOT
  @funindex #(set-accidental-style modern-voice-cautionary)
  

• Use American spelling. LilyPond’s internal property names use this convention.
• Here is a list of preferred terms to be used:
  • − Simultaneous, NOT concurrent.
  • − Measure: the unit of music.
  • − Bar line: the symbol delimiting a measure, NOT barline.
  • − Note head, NOT notehead.
  • − Chord construct, NOT just chord (when referring to <...>).
  • − Staff, NOT stave.
  • − Staves, NOT Staffs: phrases such as

    multiple @internalsref{Staff}s
    

    should be rephrased to

    multiple @internalsref{Staff} contexts