sphinx-doc / sphinx-doc/sphinx

Document why `:label:` is recommended for `math` directives

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type:enhancement
Dominant language
Python
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Description

We had some confusion recently about the recommendation of :label: rather than :name: for the math directives:

In the Sphinx math directive section it recommends using label in order to get numbered equations.

However, the docutils math directive page does not list :label: and does list :name: (similar to how other directives get unique IDs).

Can Sphinx document the reason that it does not recommend using :name: and instead recommends :label: to avoid confusion to users that are referencing both sets of documentation?

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Research direction

Read Sphinx's math directive section and the linked docutils math directive page, comparing their treatment of 🏷️ and :name:. Document why Sphinx recommends 🏷️ and clarify how users referencing both sets of documentation should understand the difference.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
python
Domain
documentation
Issue type
Documentation
Difficulty
2/5
Estimated time
1-3 hours
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Clearly specified
Newbie friendliness
48/100

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