> for backwards compatibility?
>
> --[[smcv]]
+
+>> [[!template id=gitbranch author="[[smcv]]" branch=smcv/definetemplate]]
+>> [[!tag patch]]
+>> OK, here is a branch implementing what I said. It adds the `definetemplate`
+>> directive to [[plugins/goodstuff]] as its last commit.
+>>
+>> Templates with the current strange semantics will still work, until
+>> IkiWiki breaks compatibility.
+>>
+>> Possible controversies:
+>>
+>> * Should the `definetemplate` plugin be core, or in goodstuff, or neither?
+>>
+>> * Should \[[!definetemplate]] be allowed on any page (with the implementation
+>> of `template("foo")` looking for a `definetemplate` in `templates/foo`,
+>> then a `definetemplate` in `foo`, then fall back to the current logic)?
+>> If not, should \[[!definetemplate]] raise an error when used on a page not
+>> in `templates/`, since it will have no practical effect there?
+>>
+>> * Is it OK to rely on `definetemplate` being enabled in the basewiki's
+>> templates?
+>>
+>> * Should the "use definetemplate" wording in the documentation of
+>> template and edittemplate be stronger? Should those plugins automatically
+>> load definetemplate?
+>>
+>> --[[smcv]]
+
+>>> this looks like a good idea to me.
+>>>
+>>> * i'd put it in core, and add a transition for the time compatibility gets
+>>> broken, provided the transitioning system will be used in that. templates
+>>> can't be expected to just work as markdown+ikiwiki too.
+>>>
+>>> (it being in core would also solve my qualms about `section => "web"` /
+>>> `\[[!tag type/web]]`).
+>>>
+>>> * if definetemplate gets deemed core, no "use definetemplate!" notes on the
+>>> template/edittemplate pages will be required any more.
+>>>
+>>> * first i was sceptical of the approach of re-running scan to make sure the
+>>> `my %templates` is filled, but it is indeed a practical solution.
+>>>
+>>> * the name "`definetemplate`" gives me the first impression that something
+>>> is assigned (as in `#define`), but actually it highlights a region in the
+>>> file. wouldn't "`templatebody`" be a better description of the meaning of
+>>> the directive?
+>>>
+>>> --[[chrysn]]