Re: (make-frame-visible), doesn't

[Stefan Monnier]

> According to the documentation string, make-frame-visible will "Make
> the frame FRAME visible (assuming it is an X window)."

> If the frame is iconized, then make-frame-visible restores it, so it's
> visible.  But if the frame is just covered by other windows,
> make-frame-visible seems to do nothing.  I'm testing this using

>   emacsclient --eval '(make-frame-visible)'

> in an XFCE4 session (using the xfwm4 window manager).

> Using 'raise-frame' on the other hand makes the frame visible whether
> it's iconized or just covered by other windows.

I think it's due to a lack of clarity in the intended behavior.  IIUC it's
originally meant as the opposite of make-frame-invisible.  I.e. it only
makes it visible in the sense of "mapped" (even though potentially hidden
by other windows).  And even then, the window manager may decide to leave it
unmapped if the window lives in a workspace that's not the one
currently active.


        Stefan