CTAN sync 202403290302

8 files changed, 193 insertions, 154 deletions

diff --git a/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/Changes b/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/Changes
index 430476f263..a491647acf 100644
--- a/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/Changes
+++ b/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/Changes
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 hvextern.sty ----------------
 
+v 0.41  2024-03-27  - added compiler option=Rscript
+                    - fix for Windows and R runs
 v 0.40  2024-03-22  - added option mposttex for metapost program which
                       can be tex (default) | latex
 v 0.39  2024-01-30  - fixed bug with check for force option
diff --git a/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/doc/hvextern.pdf b/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/doc/hvextern.pdf
index cc8d172784..b98bc2283b 100644
--- a/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/doc/hvextern.pdf
+++ b/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/doc/hvextern.pdf
diff --git a/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/doc/hvextern.tex b/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/doc/hvextern.tex
index 77181285d0..92a8362866 100644
--- a/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/doc/hvextern.tex
+++ b/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/doc/hvextern.tex
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-%% $Id: hvextern.tex 883 2024-03-22 19:29:21Z herbert $
+%% $Id: hvextern.tex 884 2024-03-27 19:50:43Z herbert $
 \DocumentMetadata{}% for lualatex and pstricks
 \documentclass[english,paper=a4,twoside,usegeometry]{scrartcl}
 \usepackage{babel}
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ Werner Lemberg; Rolf Niepraschk}}
 
 %\newpage
 
-\setkeys{hv}{moveToExampleDir,ExampleDir=Exa,showFilename,verbose,force=false}
+\setkeys{hv}{moveToExampleDir,ExampleDir=Exa,showFilename,verbose,force=true}
 
 
 %\clearpage
@@ -63,9 +63,12 @@ external code changed. This doesn't depends on the setting of the option \Lkeywo
 
 \begin{sloppypar}
 This package allows to write external \MP, \TeX, \ConTeXt, \LaTeX, \LuaTeX, \LuaLaTeX, \XeTeX, \XeLaTeX, 
-\Index{Lua}, \Index{Perl}, \Index{Java} and/or \Index{Python}
+\Index{Lua}, \Index{Perl}, \Index{Java}, \Index{Python}, and /or \Index{R}
 source code, which will then be run via \texttt{shell escape} to create a PDF or text output to include
-it into the main \LaTeX\ document. 
+it into the main \LaTeX\ document. The values for the
+optional argument \Lkeyword{compiler}  must be the real prgram name  on the the local system, e.g. for Windows:
+mpost, tex, context.exe, latex.exe, luatex.exe, lualatex.exe, xetex.exe, xelatex.exe, 
+lua.exe, perl.exe, java.exe, pathon.exe, and /or Rscript.exe.
 \end{sloppypar}
 
 
@@ -418,6 +421,33 @@ must be end with a slash, e.g. \Lkeyval{./bin/}
 \define@key{hv}{runs}[1]{\setcounter{hv@extern@runs}{#1}}
 \end{verbatim}
 
+For Windows the \Lkeyword{progpath} should always be written with slashes and not
+backslashes. e.g.
+
+\begin{verbatim}
+  compiler=Rscript.exe,
+  progpath=C:/Program Files/R/R-4.3.3/bin/x64/,
+\end{verbatim}
+
+For macOS it is something like this:
+
+\begin{externalDocument}[
+  compiler=Rscript,
+  progpath=/opt/homebrew/bin/,
+  grfOptions={width=0.5\linewidth},
+  code=true,
+  usefancyvrb,
+  ext=R,
+  docType=R]{voss}
+#StartVisibleMain
+head(pressure) # Die ersten Werte der internen Datenliste
+pdf()          # erzeugt die PDF "Rplots.pdf"
+plot(pressure)
+#StopVisibleMain
+\end{externalDocument}
+
+
+
 Instead of the optional arguments
  \Lkeyword{compiler}, \Lkeyword{biber}, and \Lkeyword{xindex} one can define an individual
  command sequence by using the optional argument
@@ -539,7 +569,7 @@ public class Main {
 %$
 
 
-
+\clearpage
 
 \subsection{Grafik options}
 \begin{verbatim}
diff --git a/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/latex/hvextern.sty b/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/latex/hvextern.sty
index 16e127376f..5aaeb26f49 100644
--- a/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/latex/hvextern.sty
+++ b/macros/latex/contrib/hvextern/latex/hvextern.sty
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-%% $Id: hvextern.sty 882 2024-03-22 19:23:40Z herbert $
+%% $Id: hvextern.sty 884 2024-03-27 19:50:43Z herbert $
 %% This is file `hvextern.sty',
 %%
 %% Copyright (C) 2016-24
@@ -12,8 +12,8 @@
 %% and version 1.3c or later is part of all distributions of LaTeX
 %% version 2005/12/01 or later.
 
-\def\hvexternFileversion{0.40}
-\ProvidesFile{hvextern}[2024/03/22 v\hvexternFileversion: package for running external documents (HV)]
+\def\hvexternFileversion{0.41}
+\ProvidesFile{hvextern}[2024/03/27 v\hvexternFileversion: package for running external documents (HV)]
 
 \newif\ifhv@extern@checkCode
 \hv@extern@checkCodefalse
@@ -73,6 +73,7 @@
 \newlength\hv@extern@mpwidth \setlength\hv@extern@mpwidth{\z@}
 
 \newif\ifhv@extern@save@force@state
+\newif\ifhv@extern@runR
 
 \define@key{hv}{progpath}{\def\hv@extern@progpath{#1}}
 \define@key{hv}{runsequence}[]{\def\hv@extern@runsequence{#1}}
@@ -86,7 +87,7 @@
 \define@key{hv}{BOpreamble}[black!12]{\def\hv@extern@BOpreamble{#1}}
 \define@key{hv}{BObody}[black!8]{\def\hv@extern@BObody{#1}}
 \define@key{hv}{docType}[latex]{\def\hv@extern@docType{#1}}
-%\define@choicekey*+{hv}{docType}[\val\nr]{latex,mp,tex,py,pl,lua,java,context,sh}[latex]{% 
+%\define@choicekey*+{hv}{docType}[\val\nr]{latex,mp,tex,py,pl,lua,java,context,sh,R}[latex]{% 
 %  \hv@typeout{doc type \nr}%
 %  \def\hv@extern@docType{\val}%
 %}{\PackageWarning{hvextern}{erroneous input (#1) for docType ignored. Using latex.}%
@@ -134,15 +135,32 @@
 \define@boolkey{hv}[hv@extern@]{eps}[true]{}
 \define@boolkey{hv}[hv@extern@]{verbose}[true]{}
 
-\define@choicekey*+{hv}{compiler}[\val\nr]{mpost,tex,latex,luatex,python3,perl,lua,java,%
-     xetex,pdflatex,lualatex,xelatex,context,sh,texlua}[pdflatex]{% 
-  \hv@ex@typeout{Compiler type (\nr) \val}%
-  \def\hv@extern@compiler{\val}%
-  \edef\hv@extern@compilerNo{\nr}%
-}{\PackageWarning{hvextern}{unknown compiler type (#1). Maybe you should define a run sequence???}%
-  \def\hv@extern@compiler{#1}%
-  \def\hv@extern@compilerNo{-1}%
- }
+\ifwindows
+  \define@choicekey*+{hv}{compiler}[\val\nr]{mpost.exe,tex.exe,latex.exe,luatex.exe,%
+     python3.exe,perl.exe,lua.exe,java.exe,%
+     xetex.exe,pdflatex.exe,lualatex.exe,xelatex.exe,context.exe,sh,%
+     texlua.exe,Rscript.exe}[pdflatex.exe]{% 
+      \hv@ex@typeout{Compiler type (\nr) \val}%
+      \def\hv@extern@compiler{\val}%
+      \edef\hv@extern@compilerNo{\nr}%
+      \ifnum\nr=15 \hv@extern@runRtrue\else\hv@extern@runRfalse\fi
+  }{\PackageWarning{hvextern}{unknown compiler type (#1). Maybe you should define 
+      a run sequence???}%
+    \def\hv@extern@compiler{#1}%
+    \def\hv@extern@compilerNo{-1}%
+  }
+\else
+  \define@choicekey*+{hv}{compiler}[\val\nr]{mpost,tex,latex,luatex,python3,perl,lua,java,%
+     xetex,pdflatex,lualatex,xelatex,context,sh,texlua,Rscript}[pdflatex]{% 
+    \hv@ex@typeout{Compiler type (\nr) \val}%
+    \def\hv@extern@compiler{\val}%
+    \edef\hv@extern@compilerNo{\nr}%
+    \ifnum\nr=15 \hv@extern@runRtrue\else\hv@extern@runRfalse\fi
+  }{\PackageWarning{hvextern}{unknown compiler type (#1). Maybe you should define a run sequence???}%
+    \def\hv@extern@compiler{#1}%
+    \def\hv@extern@compilerNo{-1}%
+  }
+\fi
 \define@boolkey{hv}[hv@extern@]{shellesc}[true]{}
 \define@key{hv}{aboveskip}[\medskipamount]{\setlength\hv@extern@aboveskip{#1}}
 \define@key{hv}{belowpreambleskip}[2pt]{\setlength\hv@extern@belowpreambleskip{#1}}
@@ -156,57 +174,57 @@
  \setkeys{hv}{%
   align=\centering,%    Ausgabe zentrieren
   aboveskip=\medskipamount,% space above everything
-  belowpreambleskip=2pt,   %\smallskipamount,% space below preamble
-  belowbodyskip=2pt,       %\smallskipamount,% space below body
+  belowpreambleskip=2pt,%\smallskipamount,% space below preamble
+  belowbodyskip=2pt,   %\smallskipamount,% space below body
   belowskip=\medskipamount,% space below everything
   BGpreamble=black!12,% Backgroundcolor for preamble
   BGbody=black!8,%      Backgroundcolor for body
   BOpreamble=black!12,% Bodercolor for preamble
   BObody=black!8,%      Bodercolor for body
-  biber=false,%		Biber laufen lassen?
+  biber=false,%		    Biber laufen lassen?
   caption=,%	        keine Caption
   cleanup={},% 	        Hilfsdateien nicht löschen
   code=false,%          show Code
   compiler=pdflatex,%	zu verwendener Compiler
-  crop=false,%		erzeugte PDF "croppen"
+  crop=false,%		    erzeugte PDF "croppen"
   cropmargin=2,%        2pb margin
-  docType=latex,%	LaTeX example Code
+  docType=latex,%	    LaTeX example Code
   eps=false,%           create an eps output?          
   ExampleDir=Examples,% Unterverzeichnis für Beispiele
   ext=tex,%             file extension
-  float=false,%		nicht als Gleitumgebung
+  float=false,%		    nicht als Gleitumgebung
   floatsetting=!htb,%   placement
-  force=true,%		Compiler, auch wenn PDF existiert?
-  frame=false,%		keinen Rahmen um Abbildung
+  force=true,%	  	    Compile, auch wenn PDF existiert?
+  frame=false,%		    keinen Rahmen um Abbildung
   framesep=\the\fboxsep,% 
-  grfOptions={},%	Optionen der einzubindenden Grafik
+  grfOptions={},%	    Optionen der einzubindenden Grafik
   includegraphic=true,% Grafik einbinden oder User überlassen
   inline=false,%        Grafik nicht in derselben Zeile
-  label=,%		kein Label
-  lstOptions={},%	Optionen für das Listing
+  label=,%		        kein Label
+  lstOptions={},%	    Optionen für das Listing
   moveToExampleDir=false,%  Verschieben nach ExamplesDir
   mpwidth=0pt,%         no minipage
   mpsep=1em,%           sep  between two minipages
   mpvalign=t,%          if side by side output the vertical alignment          
   outerFN=false,%       use fullwidth in twocolumn mode (starred floats)
-  pages=1,%		welche Seiten auszugeben sind
+  pages=1,%		        welche Seiten auszugeben sind
   pagesep=1em,%         horizontal sep between pages
-  progpath={},
+  progpath={},%
   redirect=false,%      write output into a file *.txt
-  runs=1,%		Anzahl Compiler-Durchläufe
-  runsAfter=0, % Anzahl Durchläufe nach makeindex
-  runsequence={},%	Im Moment nicht aktiv
-  shellesc=false,%       use shell-escape
+  runs=1,%		        Anzahl Compiler-Durchläufe
+  runsAfter=0, %        Anzahl Durchläufe nach makeindex
+  runsequence={},%	    Im  Moment nicht aktiv
+  shellesc=false,%      use shell-escape
   shiftFN=\z@,%         raise printed filename
   showFilename=false,%  Filenamen im Rand angeben
-  showoutput=true,%         with false only code is shown
+  showoutput=true,%     with false only code is shown
   tcbox=true,%          use tcolorbox
-  textOptions={},%	Options for text output
+  textOptions={},%	    Options for text output
   usefancyvrb=false,%   use VerbatimInput instead of listings
   verbose=false,%       no extra output in the logfile
   vshift=\z@,%          raise object (pdf) with \raisebox{}{}
-  xindex=false,%	xindex laufen lassen?
-  xindexOptions={},%     options for xindex
+  xindex=false,%	    xindex laufen lassen?
+  xindexOptions={},%    options for xindex
   mposttex=tex,%        mpost program tex or latex
   }%
 }
@@ -441,6 +459,14 @@
   {\NumChar StartVisiblePreamble}
   {\NumChar StopVisiblePreamble}
 
+%---- R
+%\input{hvextern-R.cfg}
+\hv@extern@ExampleType{R}
+  {\NumChar StartVisibleMain}
+  {\NumChar StopVisibleMain}
+  {\NumChar StartVisiblePreamble}
+  {\NumChar StopVisiblePreamble}
+
 
 %%%---------------------------------  end config part ------------------
 
@@ -518,12 +544,21 @@
              \hv@ex@typeout{running \hv@extern@compiler~ \hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext > \hvExternFilename.txt}%
              \ShellEscape{\hv@extern@progpath\hv@extern@compiler\space\hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext\space > \hvExternFilename.txt}%
            \else
-             \hv@ex@typeout{running \hv@extern@compiler~\hv@run@options~\hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext}%
-             \ShellEscape{\hv@extern@progpath\hv@extern@compiler\space\hv@run@options\space\hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext}%
+             \ifwindows 
+               \hv@ex@typeout{running \hv@extern@compiler~\hv@run@options~\hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext}%
+               \ShellEscape{"\hv@extern@progpath\hv@extern@compiler" \hv@run@options\space\hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext}%
+             \else
+               \hv@ex@typeout{running \hv@extern@compiler~\hv@run@options~\hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext}%
+               \ShellEscape{\hv@extern@progpath\hv@extern@compiler\space\hv@run@options\space\hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext}%
+             \fi
            \fi
          \fi
          \addtocounter{@@@runs}{-1}%
        \repeat
+       \ifhv@extern@runR   % we have Rscript
+         \hv@ex@typeout{copy r-dummy.pdf to \hvExternFilename.pdf}%
+         \ShellEscape{\hv@move\space Rplots.pdf \hvExternFilename.pdf}%
+       \fi      
        \hv@ex@typeout{... done}%
        \ifhv@extern@biber
          \ShellEscape{biber  \hvExternFilename}%  NAch biber nochmal latex
@@ -551,8 +586,13 @@
                \hv@ex@typeout{running \hv@extern@compiler~ \hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext > \hvExternFilename.txt}%
                \ShellEscape{\hv@extern@progpath\hv@extern@compiler\space\hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext\space > \hvExternFilename.txt}%
              \else
-               \hv@ex@typeout{running \hv@extern@compiler~ \hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext}%
-               \ShellEscape{\hv@extern@progpath\hv@extern@compiler\space\hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext}%
+               \ifwindows
+                 \hv@ex@typeout{running \hv@extern@compiler~ \hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext}%
+                 \ShellEscape{"\hv@extern@progpath\hv@extern@compiler" \hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext}%
+               \else
+                 \hv@ex@typeout{running \hv@extern@compiler~ \hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext}%
+                 \ShellEscape{\hv@extern@progpath\hv@extern@compiler\space\hvExternFilename\hv@extern@ext}%
+               \fi
              \fi
            \fi
            \addtocounter{@@@runs}{-1}%
diff --git a/macros/latex/contrib/starray/README.md b/macros/latex/contrib/starray/README.md
index c36549c601..1bea234a15 100644
--- a/macros/latex/contrib/starray/README.md
+++ b/macros/latex/contrib/starray/README.md
@@ -72,7 +72,10 @@ The Current Maintainer of this work is Alceu Frigeri
 -------------
 
 ## Changelog
-* Version 1.8 (this) 
+* Version 1.9 (this) 
+    - Removing some internal structures (_base_prop, _def_prop) deprecated by the last three updates.
+
+* Version 1.8
     - code speedup thanks to 'linked' property lists. Code now relies on a more recent l3kernel.
 
 * Version 1.7
diff --git a/macros/latex/contrib/starray/doc/starray.pdf b/macros/latex/contrib/starray/doc/starray.pdf
index 8302c0d0d9..b5b0dc24b4 100644
--- a/macros/latex/contrib/starray/doc/starray.pdf
+++ b/macros/latex/contrib/starray/doc/starray.pdf
diff --git a/macros/latex/contrib/starray/doc/starray.tex b/macros/latex/contrib/starray/doc/starray.tex
index 171cd37038..0b24d131c8 100644
--- a/macros/latex/contrib/starray/doc/starray.tex
+++ b/macros/latex/contrib/starray/doc/starray.tex
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 %%
 %% The Current Maintainer of this work is Alceu Frigeri
 %%
-%% This is version {1.8} {2024/03/22}
+%% This is version {1.9} {2024/03/28}
 %%
 %% The list of files that compose this work can be found in the README.md file at
 %% https://ctan.org/pkg/starray
@@ -106,18 +106,17 @@ Creates a new \tsobj[marg]{starray} or raises a warning  if the name is already
 \end{tsremark}
 
 \subsection{Conditionals}\label{conditionals:exist}
-\begin{codedescribe}[code,EXP,new=2023/05/20]{\starray_if_exist_p:n,\starray_if_exist:nTF,\starray_if_valid_p:n,\starray_if_valid:nTF}
+\begin{codedescribe}[code,EXP,new=2023/05/20,update=2024/03/28]{\starray_if_exist_p:n,\starray_if_exist:nTF,\starray_if_valid_p:n,\starray_if_valid:nTF}
 \begin{codesyntax}%
 \tsmacro{\starray_if_exist_p:n}{starray}
 \tsmacro{\starray_if_exist:nTF}{starray,if-true,if-false}
 \tsmacro{\starray_if_valid_p:n}{starray}
 \tsmacro{\starray_if_valid:nTF}{starray,if-true,if-false}
 \end{codesyntax}
-\tsobj{\starray_if_exist:nTF} only tests if \tsobj[marg]{starray} (the base property) is defined. It doesn't verifies if it really is a  \tsobj[pkg]{starray}.
-\tsobj{\starray_if_valid:nTF} further tests if an internal boolean (\tsobj[key]{is\_starray}) is also defined. This doesn't necessary mean it is a \tsobj[pkg]{starray} or if it's a really valid one (chances are that it is, but...), see \tsobj{\starray_term_syntax:nTF}, section \ref{conditionals:terms}, for a more reliable validity test.
+\tsobj{\starray_if_exist:nTF} only tests if \tsobj[marg]{starray} (the base property) is defined. It doesn't verifies if it really is a  \tsobj[pkg]{starray}. \tsobj{\starray_if_valid:nTF} is functionally equivalent since release 1.9. See \tsobj{\starray_term_syntax:nTF}, section \ref{conditionals:terms}, for a more reliable validity test.
 \end{codedescribe}
 \begin{tsremark}
-The predicate versions, \tsobj{_p}, expand to either \tsobj{\prg_return_true:} or \tsobj{\prg_return_false:}.
+The predicate versions, \tsobj{_p}, expand to either \tsobj{\prg_return_true:} or \tsobj{\prg_return_false:}
 \end{tsremark}
 
 \section{Defining and initialising a starray structure}\label{pack:def}
diff --git a/macros/latex/contrib/starray/latex/starray.sty b/macros/latex/contrib/starray/latex/starray.sty
index 43b2f39851..221c8ca45f 100644
--- a/macros/latex/contrib/starray/latex/starray.sty
+++ b/macros/latex/contrib/starray/latex/starray.sty
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 %%
 %% The Current Maintainer of this work is Alceu Frigeri
 %%
-%% This is version {1.8} {2024/03/22} 
+%% This is version {1.9} {2024/03/28} 
 %%
 %% The list of files that compose this work can be found in the README.md file at
 %% https://ctan.org/pkg/starray
@@ -23,8 +23,8 @@
 
 \ProvidesExplPackage
     {starray}
-    {2024/03/22}
-    {1.8}
+    {2024/03/28}
+    {1.9}
     {A structured array/hash of properties}
 
 
@@ -38,8 +38,8 @@
   {
      name        .code:n = {starray} ,
      prefix      .code:n = {starray} ,
-     date        .code:n = {2024/03/22},
-     version     .code:n = {1.8} ,
+     date        .code:n = {2024/03/28},
+     version     .code:n = {1.9} ,
      description .code:n = {A~structured~array/hash~of~properties}
   }
 \cs_if_exist:NF \PkgInfo 
@@ -331,7 +331,7 @@
 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
 % TODO variables declaration
 
-\prop_new:N \l__starray_tmpA_prop
+%\prop_new:N \l__starray_tmpA_prop
 
 %%%%
 %%%% 'general' (internal) returning bool
@@ -354,11 +354,6 @@
 \int_do_while:nNnn {\l_tmpa_int} > {0}
   {
     \tl_put_left:Nn \l_tmpa_tl {A}
-    \prop_new:c { l__starray_tmp \l_tmpa_tl _hash_prop }
-    \prop_new:c { l__starray_tmp \l_tmpa_tl _def_prop }
-    \prop_new:c { l__starray_tmp \l_tmpa_tl _idx_prop }
-    \int_new:c  { l__starray_tmp \l_tmpa_tl _int }
-    \seq_new:c  { l__starray_tmp \l_tmpa_tl _seq }
     \tl_new:c   { l__starray_tmp \l_tmpa_tl _tl }
     \tl_new:c   { l__starray_tmp \l_tmpa_tl :A_tl }
     \tl_new:c   { l__starray_tmp \l_tmpa_tl :B_tl }
@@ -367,15 +362,17 @@
     \int_decr:N \l_tmpa_int
   }
 
-\tl_new:N \l__starray_tmpa_tl
-\tl_new:N \l__starray_tmpb_tl
+\tl_new:N \l__starray_tmp_A_tl
+\tl_new:N \l__starray_tmp_B_tl
+\tl_new:N \l__starray_tmp_C_tl
+\tl_new:N \l__starray_tmp_D_tl
 
 \tl_new:N \l__starray_showcmd_tl
 
 %%%%
 %%%% (sub)structure returning tl.
 %%%%
-\tl_new:N \l__starray_tmpST_tl
+\tl_new:N \l__starray_tmp_ST_tl
 
 
 %%%%
@@ -427,19 +424,19 @@
 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
 
 
-\prg_new_eq_conditional:NNn \__starray_if_exist:n \prop_if_exist:c {p, T, F, TF}
+\prg_new_eq_conditional:NNn \__starray_if_exist:n \cs_if_exist:c {p, T, F, TF}
 
 \prg_generate_conditional_variant:Nnn \__starray_if_exist:n {e} {p, T, F, TF}
 
 
 \prg_new_conditional:Npnn \starray_if_exist:n #1 {p, T, F, TF}
   {
-    \__starray_if_exist:nTF {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _def_prop}
+    \__starray_if_exist:nTF {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _base_defref_tl}
       { \prg_return_true: }
       { \prg_return_false: }
   }
 
-
+% DEPRECATED, unless some other (simple) test become available
 %\prg_new_conditional:Npnn \__starray_if_valid:n #1 {p, T, F, TF}
 %  {
 %    \bool_lazy_and:nnTF {\prop_if_exist_p:c {#1}} {\prop_item:cn {#1} {is_starray}}
@@ -447,14 +444,14 @@
 %      { \prg_return_false: }
 %  }
 
-\prg_new_eq_conditional:NNn \__starray_if_valid:n \prop_if_exist:c {p, T, F, TF}
+\prg_new_eq_conditional:NNn \__starray_if_valid:n \cs_if_exist:c {p, T, F, TF}
 
 \prg_generate_conditional_variant:Nnn \__starray_if_valid:n {e} {p, T, F, TF}
 
 
 \prg_new_conditional:Npnn \starray_if_valid:n #1 {p, T, F, TF}
   {
-    \__starray_if_valid:nTF {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _def_prop}
+    \__starray_if_valid:nTF {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _defref_tl}
       { \prg_return_true: }
       { \prg_return_false: }
   }
@@ -480,15 +477,9 @@
 
     \int_new:c
       { \l__starray_prefix_tl #2 _base_iter_int }
-
-    \prop_new:c { \l__starray_prefix_tl #2 _base_prop }
-
-    \prop_gset_from_keyval:cn
-      { \l__starray_prefix_tl #2 _base_prop }
-      {
-        def_ref = #1 ,
-        is_starray  = \c_true_bool ,
-      }
+      
+    \tl_new:c { \l__starray_prefix_tl #2 _base_defref_tl }
+    \tl_set:cn { \l__starray_prefix_tl #2 _base_defref_tl } {#1}
 
     \prop_new_linked:c {\l__starray_prefix_tl #2 _base_idxhash_prop}
       
@@ -506,22 +497,12 @@
 % needs protection.
 \cs_new_protected:Npn \__starray_new:n #1
   {
-    \prop_new:c
-      { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _def_prop }
-
-    \prop_gset_from_keyval:cn
-      { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _def_prop }
-      {
-        is_starray = \c_true_bool ,
-        def_ref   = #1
-      }
-
-    \prop_clear:N \l_tmpa_prop
+    \tl_new:c { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _defref_tl }
+    \tl_set:cn { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _defref_tl } {#1}
 
     \seq_new:c { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _defstkeys_seq }
       
-    \prop_new:c {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _defkeys_prop}
-
+    \prop_new_linked:c {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _defkeys_prop}
   }
 
 \cs_generate_variant:Nn \__starray_new:n { e }
@@ -536,7 +517,7 @@
 % needs protection.
 \cs_new_protected:Npn \starray_new:n #1
   {
-    \__starray_if_exist:nTF {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _def_prop}
+    \__starray_if_exist:nTF {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _defref_tl}
       {
         \msg_warning:nnnn {starray} {strict / (re)define} {new:1} {#1}
       }
@@ -550,7 +531,7 @@
 % needs protection.
 \prg_new_protected_conditional:Npnn \starray_new:n #1 {T, F, TF}
   {
-    \__starray_if_exist:nTF {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _def_prop}
+    \__starray_if_exist:nTF {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _defref_tl}
       { \prg_return_false: }
       {
         \__starray_new:e {#1 }
@@ -575,7 +556,7 @@
 %%%%    <st-ref> . \q_nil \q_stop
 %%%% so that even if {ref} (has no dot, no idx) it will return 'the root ref'
 %%%%
-%%%% e.g.: \tl_set:Ne \l__tmpb_tl {\__starray_get_root:w \l__starray_tmpa_tl . \q_nil \q_stop}
+%%%% e.g.: \tl_set:Ne \l__tmpb_tl {\__starray_get_root:w \l__starray_tmp_A_tl . \q_nil \q_stop}
 %%%%
 %%%% It will return the 'root ref' assuming that the ref is of form root.name.name (no [idx])
 %%%%
@@ -618,7 +599,7 @@
 % needs protection, because of _p
 \cs_new_protected:Npn \starray_def_prop:nnn #1#2#3
   {
-    \__starray_if_valid:nTF {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _def_prop}
+    \__starray_if_exist:nTF {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _defref_tl}
       { \__starray_def_prop:nnn  {#1} {#2} {#3} }
       {
         \msg_warning:nnxxx {starray}{reference / invalid-starray} 
@@ -630,7 +611,7 @@
 % needs protection, because of _p
 \prg_new_protected_conditional:Npnn \starray_def_prop:nnn #1#2#3 {T, F, TF}
   {
-    \__starray_if_valid:nTF {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _def_prop}
+    \__starray_if_exist:nTF {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _defref_tl}
       {
         \__starray_def_prop:nnn  {#1} {#2} {#3}
         \prg_return_true:
@@ -676,7 +657,7 @@
 
 \cs_new_protected:Npn \__starray_fix_terms_seq_aux:nnnn #1#2#3#4
   {
-    \__starray_if_valid:eTF {\l__starray_prefix_tl #2 _ #3 . #4 _base_prop}
+    \__starray_if_exist:eTF {\l__starray_prefix_tl #2 _ #3 . #4 _base_defref_tl}
       {
        \__starray_fix_terms:nn {#1.#4}{#2_#3.#4}
       }
@@ -688,10 +669,8 @@
 
 \cs_new_protected:Npn \__starray_fix_terms_seq:nnnn #1#2#3#4
   {
-    \prop_get:cnN
-      {\l__starray_prefix_tl #2 _base_prop}
-      {def_ref}
-      \l_tmpa_tl
+    \tl_set_eq:Nc \l_tmpa_tl {\l__starray_prefix_tl #2 _base_defref_tl}
+      
     \seq_map_inline:cn
       {\tl_use:N \l__starray_prefix_tl \tl_use:N \l_tmpa_tl _defstkeys_seq}
       {\__starray_fix_terms_seq_aux:nnnn {#1}{#2}{#4}{##1} }
@@ -718,7 +697,7 @@
   {
     \tl_set:Ne \l_tmpb_tl {\__starray_get_root:w #1 . \q_nil \q_stop}
   
-    \__starray_if_valid:nTF { \l__starray_prefix_tl \l_tmpb_tl _def_prop}
+    \__starray_if_exist:nTF { \l__starray_prefix_tl \l_tmpb_tl _defref_tl}
       {
         \__starray_fix_terms:ee {\l_tmpb_tl}{\l_tmpb_tl}
       }
@@ -738,7 +717,7 @@
 
 \cs_new_protected:Npn \starray_def_struct:nn #1#2
   {
-    \__starray_if_valid:nTF { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _def_prop}
+    \__starray_if_exist:nTF { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _defref_tl}
       {
         \__starray_def_struct:nn  {#1} {#2}
       }
@@ -751,7 +730,7 @@
 
 \prg_new_protected_conditional:Npnn \starray_def_struct:nn #1#2 {T, F, TF}
   {
-    \__starray_if_valid:nTF { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _def_prop}
+    \__starray_if_exist:nTF { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _defref_tl}
       {
         \__starray_def_struct:nn  {#1} {#2}
         \prg_return_true:
@@ -789,7 +768,7 @@
       {
         \__starray_def_from_keyval_testdot_aux:wTF #2
           {
-            \tl_set:Ne \l__starray_tmpST_tl { #1 }
+            \tl_set:Ne \l__starray_tmp_ST_tl { #1 }
             \prg_return_true:
           } % dot struct, OK
           {
@@ -804,11 +783,11 @@
     \group_begin:
       \__starray_def_from_keyval_testdot:wTF #2 . \q_nil \q_stop
         {
-          \tl_set:ce {l__starray_tmp A _tl} {#1 . \l__starray_tmpST_tl}
-          \__starray_def_struct:ne {#1} {\l__starray_tmpST_tl}
+          \tl_set:Ne \l__starray_tmpA_tl {#1 . \l__starray_tmp_ST_tl}
+          \__starray_def_struct:ne {#1} {\l__starray_tmp_ST_tl}
           \keyval_parse:nnn
-            {\__starray_def_from_keyval_parse:en  {\tl_use:c {l__starray_tmp A _tl}}}
-            {\__starray_def_from_keyval_parse:enn {\tl_use:c {l__starray_tmp A _tl}}}
+            {\__starray_def_from_keyval_parse:en  {\tl_use:N \l__starray_tmpA_tl}}
+            {\__starray_def_from_keyval_parse:enn {\tl_use:N \l__starray_tmpA_tl}}
             {#3}
         }
         {
@@ -837,7 +816,7 @@
 
 \cs_new_protected:Npn \starray_def_from_keyval:nn #1#2
   {
-    \__starray_if_valid:nTF { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _def_prop}
+    \__starray_if_exist:nTF { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _defref_tl}
       {
         \keyval_parse:nnn
           {\__starray_def_from_keyval_parse:en  {#1}}
@@ -855,7 +834,7 @@
 
 \prg_new_protected_conditional:Npnn \starray_def_from_keyval:nn #1#2 {T, F, TF}
   {
-    \__starray_if_valid:nTF { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _def_prop}
+    \__starray_if_exist:nTF { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _defref_tl}
       {
         \keyval_parse:nnn
           {\__starray_def_from_keyval_parse:en  {#1}}
@@ -888,12 +867,12 @@
       {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _base_iter_int}
       {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _base_cnt_int}
 
-    \tl_set:Ne \l__starray_tmpa_tl
+    \tl_set:Ne \l__starray_tmp_A_tl
       { \int_to_Alph:e {\int_use:c {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _base_cnt_int} }  }
 
     \prop_put:cee {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _base_idxhash_prop}
       { \int_use:c {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _base_cnt_int} }
-      { \l__starray_tmpa_tl }
+      { \l__starray_tmp_A_tl }
 
     \prop_put:cee {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _base_iterhash_prop}
       { \int_use:c {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _base_cnt_int} }
@@ -903,7 +882,7 @@
       {
         \prop_put:cee {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _base_idxhash_prop}
           { #2  }
-          { \l__starray_tmpa_tl  }
+          { \l__starray_tmp_A_tl  }
 
         \prop_put:cee {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _base_iterhash_prop}    
           { #2  }
@@ -911,18 +890,20 @@
       }
 
     \prop_new_linked:c
-      { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _ \l__starray_tmpa_tl _term_prop }
+      { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _ \l__starray_tmp_A_tl _term_prop }
 
-    \prop_get:cnN {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _base_prop} {def_ref} \l_tmpb_tl
+    \tl_set_eq:Nc \l_tmpb_tl {\l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _base_defref_tl}
 
-    \prop_gset_eq:cc { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _ \l__starray_tmpa_tl _term_prop } {\l__starray_prefix_tl \l_tmpb_tl _defkeys_prop}
+    \prop_gset_eq:cc { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _ \l__starray_tmp_A_tl _term_prop } {\l__starray_prefix_tl \l_tmpb_tl _defkeys_prop}
+    
+    %\prop_make_linked:c { \l__starray_prefix_tl #1 _ \l__starray_tmp_A_tl _term_prop }
 
 % map over 'all sub-starrays parts of def_ref -> st_seq (those starting with a dot, @st_seq)
     \seq_map_inline:cn
       {\l__starray_prefix_tl \l_tmpb_tl _defstkeys_seq}
       {
         \__starray_sub_base_new:nnn
-          { \l_tmpb_tl }{ #1 _ \l__starray_tmpa_tl } {##1}
+          { \l_tmpb_tl }{ #1 _ \l__starray_tmp_A_tl } {##1}
       }
 
   }
@@ -1014,15 +995,12 @@
       { \int_use:c {\l__starray_prefix_tl #2#3 _base_iter_int } }
       { l__starray_tmp #1 A_tl }
       {
-        \prop_get:cnc
-          {\l__starray_prefix_tl #2#3 _base_prop} 
-          {def_ref} 
-          { l__starray_tmp #1 Adefref_tl }          
+    \tl_set_eq:Nc \l__starray_tmp_C_tl {\l__starray_prefix_tl #2#3 _base_defref_tl}
           
-        \seq_if_empty:cF {\l__starray_prefix_tl \use:c { l__starray_tmp #1 Adefref_tl } _defstkeys_seq}
+        \seq_if_empty:cF {\l__starray_prefix_tl \l__starray_tmp_C_tl  _defstkeys_seq}
           {
             \seq_map_inline:cn
-              {\l__starray_prefix_tl \use:c { l__starray_tmp #1 Adefref_tl } _defstkeys_seq}
+              {\l__starray_prefix_tl \l__starray_tmp_C_tl  _defstkeys_seq}
               {
                 \__starray_set_iter:neTF 
                   { 1 }
@@ -1793,13 +1771,8 @@
           %    #3.<#4>_[<#4>] (idx construct from #4) 'next #3'
           %
 
-            \prop_get:cnN
-              {\l__starray_prefix_tl #2 _base_prop}
-              {def_ref}
-              \l__starray_tmp_A_tl
-
             \seq_if_in:cnTF 
-              {\tl_use:N \l__starray_prefix_tl \tl_use:N \l__starray_tmp_A_tl _defstkeys_seq} 
+              {\tl_use:N \l__starray_prefix_tl \tl_use:c {\l__starray_prefix_tl #2 _base_defref_tl} _defstkeys_seq} 
               {#4}
               { 
                 \int_compare:nNnTF {\int_use:c { \tl_use:N \l__starray_prefix_tl #3 .#4 _base_iter_int }} < {1}
@@ -1837,26 +1810,21 @@
               }
           }
           {          
-            \prop_get:cnN
-              {\l__starray_prefix_tl #2 _base_prop}
-              {def_ref}
-              \l__starray_tmp_A_tl
-
             \seq_if_in:ceTF 
-              {\tl_use:N \l__starray_prefix_tl \tl_use:N \l__starray_tmp_A_tl _defstkeys_seq}
+              {\tl_use:N \l__starray_prefix_tl \tl_use:c {\l__starray_prefix_tl #2 _base_defref_tl} _defstkeys_seq}
               { \tl_use:c{l__starray_tmp #1 :B_tl} }
               {
                 \prop_get:ceNTF
                   { \l__starray_prefix_tl #3. \tl_use:c{l__starray_tmp #1 :B_tl} _base_idxhash_prop }
                   { \tl_use:c{l__starray_tmp #1 :A_tl}}
-                  \l__starray_tmp_B_tl
+                  \l__starray_tmp_D_tl
                   {
                     %% here should be all the remaining code. 'everything fine so far'.
                     \tl_set:ce
                       { l__starray_tmp #1 _idx_tl }
                       {
                         #3 . \tl_use:c{l__starray_tmp #1 :B_tl} _
-                          \tl_use:N \l__starray_tmp_B_tl
+                          \tl_use:N \l__starray_tmp_D_tl
                       }
                     \tl_put_left:cn { l__starray_tmp #1 :B_tl } { #3 . }
 
@@ -2089,8 +2057,8 @@
           { \l__starray_parser_aux_tl \l__starray_parsed_term_tl }
         \tl_set:Nn \l__starray_parser_aux_tl { . }
 
-        \__starray_if_valid:eTF 
-          {\l__starray_prefix_tl \l__starray_parsed_ref_tl _base_prop}
+        \__starray_if_exist:eTF 
+          {\l__starray_prefix_tl \l__starray_parsed_ref_tl _base_defref_tl}
           {
             \quark_if_nil:nTF {#2}
             {       % this is the last one
@@ -2283,7 +2251,7 @@
 
 \cs_new_protected:Npn \__starray_show_def_item:nnn #1#2#3
   {
-    \tl_gput_right:Nn \l__starray_tmpa_tl
+    \tl_gput_right:Nn \l__starray_tmp_B_tl
     {
       \l__starray_showcmd_tl > #1 \use:nnn { ~ } { ~ } { ~ }
       \tl_to_str:n { {#2} }
@@ -2296,7 +2264,7 @@
 \cs_new_protected:Npn \__starray_show_def:nnn #1#2#3
   {
     \group_begin:
-      \tl_gput_right:Nn \l__starray_tmpa_tl
+      \tl_gput_right:Nn \l__starray_tmp_B_tl
       {
         \l__starray_showcmd_tl > #1
         \tl_to_str:n {{#3} ~ struct}
@@ -2324,24 +2292,24 @@
 
 \cs_new_protected:Npn \starray_show_def:n #1
   {
-    \tl_clear:N \l__starray_tmpa_tl
+    \tl_clear:N \l__starray_tmp_B_tl
     \tl_set:Nn \l__starray_showcmd_tl \iow_newline:
     \__starray_show_def:nnn {}{}{#1}
 
     \msg_show:nnxxx {starray}{info / show}
       { show~def }
       { The~ starray~ <#1> ~is~defined~as~follow: }
-      { \tl_use:N \l__starray_tmpa_tl }
+      { \tl_use:N \l__starray_tmp_B_tl }
   }
 
 
 \cs_new_protected:Npn \starray_show_def_in_text:n #1
   {
-    \tl_clear:N \l__starray_tmpa_tl
+    \tl_clear:N \l__starray_tmp_B_tl
     \tl_set:Nn \l__starray_showcmd_tl \par
     \__starray_show_def:nnn {}{}{#1}
   
-    \tl_use:N \l__starray_tmpa_tl
+    \tl_use:N \l__starray_tmp_B_tl
   }
 
 
@@ -2365,7 +2333,7 @@
 \cs_new_protected:Npn \__starray_show_term_item:nnnnn #1#2#3#4#5
   {
     \group_begin:
-      \tl_gput_right:Nn \l__starray_tmpa_tl
+      \tl_gput_right:Nn \l__starray_tmp_B_tl
         {
           \l__starray_showcmd_tl > #1
           \tl_to_str:n { {#3[#4]} ~ (idx: ~ #5)}
@@ -2376,10 +2344,7 @@
         {\l__starray_prefix_tl #2 #3 _ #5 _term_prop} 
         {\__starray_show_def_item:nnn {#1 } {##1}{##2}}
   
-      \prop_get:cnN 
-        { \l__starray_prefix_tl #2 #3 _base_prop } 
-        { def_ref } 
-        \l_tmpa_tl
+    \tl_set_eq:Nc \l_tmpa_tl {\l__starray_prefix_tl #2#3 _base_defref_tl}
          
       \seq_if_empty:cTF { \l__starray_prefix_tl \l_tmpa_tl _defstkeys_seq }
         {}
@@ -2412,24 +2377,24 @@
 
 \cs_new_protected:Npn \starray_show_terms:n #1
   {
-    \tl_clear:N \l__starray_tmpa_tl
+    \tl_clear:N \l__starray_tmp_B_tl
     \tl_set:Nn \l__starray_showcmd_tl \iow_newline:
     \__starray_show_terms:nnn {}{}{#1}
 
     \msg_show:nnxxx {starray}{info / show}
       { show~terms }
       { The~ starray~ <#1> ~has~the~following~terms: }
-      { \tl_use:N \l__starray_tmpa_tl }
+      { \tl_use:N \l__starray_tmp_B_tl }
   }
 
 
 \cs_new_protected:Npn \starray_show_terms_in_text:n #1
   {
-    \tl_clear:N \l__starray_tmpa_tl
+    \tl_clear:N \l__starray_tmp_B_tl
     \tl_set:Nn \l__starray_showcmd_tl \par
     \__starray_show_terms:nnn {}{}{#1}
   
-     \tl_use:N \l__starray_tmpa_tl
+     \tl_use:N \l__starray_tmp_B_tl
   }