[OS X TeX] Re: Save date-time, not Print date

[Joachim Kock]

> Whenever I print a document, I get the PRINT date. Is it possible  
> to get the (last) SAVE date-time instead?

In my opinion, this should be the task of the editor (with a save hook
inserting a date stamp), not the task of tex.

> I thought I remembered something about it but was unable to find in  
> the archive anything other than version control which is a lot more  
> than what I would like since all I want to know is if what I have  
> handed out to the students is "current".

On Fri, 14 Jul 2006, I explained how to set up such a save hook in Alpha
(adapted from save hooks that exist in most of Alpha's programming modes).

> Before I bother sourceforge with a request, though, I would like to  
> have the opinion of this list on the merit(s) of the case, if any.

You mention that TeXShop saves the file on Typeset even if the file
has not been modified.  I think this is a bug.  By principle, typesetting
a file is not supposed to modify the file; you ought to be able to
typeset an old file as saved years ago, without suddenly seeing a 
different modification date on it.  Gratuitously saving an unmodified
file also has a bad effect on backup schemes, and may interfere with
version control.

I think Dick explained me many years ago that TeXShop has to save the
file because of a translation back and forth between unicode and
something else, which takes place behind the scenes.  I think a 
workaround for this bug would be valuable.

Cheers,
Joachim.