[Tex/LaTex] How to disable \renewcommand

incompatibilitymacros

I've got a custom class derived from report. I defined some standard commands inside of it to reflect its specific, so they look like:

\newcommand\contentsname{Custom Content}
\newcommand\bibname{Custom Bibname}
\newcommand\appendixname{Custom Appendix}

The problem is, when I add inputenc and babel packages which I also need, these commands become overridden with their localized versions from these packages. Of course, I can redefine the commands again in the document preamble, but I'm just curious: is there a general way to define commands which cannot be redefined later with \renewcommand in other classes?

Best Answer

Not really but you can delay your definitions hopefully after anyone else so that you win.

Your class file can use

\AtBeginDocument{%
\renewcommand\contentsname{Custom Content}%
\renewcommand\bibname{Custom Bibname}%
\renewcommand\appendixname{Custom Appendix}%
}

so then the (re)definitions will not happen until the end of the preamble. Of course other packages may delay their definitions too, so you still have to be careful of loading order.

Related Solutions

[Tex/LaTex] Renewcommand not working

This is because \mag is a TeX primitive used in setting magnification levels of fonts. While you are able to change it, it has disastrous consequences, since it's used in its original setting, which you've adjusted. Translated into more colloquial terms, this would be like deciding to change the fuel used in your car, since it suits your wallet better. So, instead of using petrol, you opt for diesel (say). The car still requires petrol to run without further modification, regardless of your preference, causing major problems (either immediately, or down the road).^*

The solution: Do not redefine a TeX primitive (via \renewcommand, \def, or the like). You should use an alternative macro for your definition of randomstr. For example,

\newcommand{\Mag}{randomstr}

should work, since control sequences (macros) are case-sensitive.

_{^* In the above discussion, the car/engine is (La)TeX, petrol is \mag and diesel is the "redefinition of \mag".}

[Tex/LaTex] How to renewcommand in newcommand

Fragile commands like \renewcommand have to be \protected when used in moving arguments like the one of \caption (see What is the difference between Fragile and Robust commands? for more info).

Moreover, you have to add a trailing % whenever you don't want to insert extra space (see What is the use of percent signs (%) at the end of lines?).

So you should change your definition to

\newcommand{\U}[1]{%
    \protect\renewcommand{\mu}{\upmu}%
    \ensuremath{\mathrm{~#1}}%
}

Best Answer

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[Tex/LaTex] Renewcommand not working

[Tex/LaTex] How to renewcommand in newcommand

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