This function shows the document tree identified by doc in the window specified by window, which is a window identifier as returned by window_create or is one of the predefined window names help, helpwin[1-4], msg, or msgwin[1-4]. In the latter case, the window need not already exist. In both cases, the new document replaces whatever was previously displayed in the window. The specified document must not already be displayed in another window. doc_show returns 1 on success, or 0 if the window is not a supported window for doc_show.

If window specifies an edit class window, doc_show does the same initialization as the edit command (that is, document type instance files (instance.acl and instance.js) and document command files (docname.acl and docname.js) are read if they exist, and editfilehook is called). Context rules are also enabled for the document.