Please be more specific with what you mean. Do you mean you miss having every extension listed alphabetically in the left sidebar?

Yes, that too.  :)

I have bookmarked http://www.php.net/manual/en/.  Until recently, that page displayed a very detailed table of contents which included the major subsections within each chapter.  For example, under "Language Reference", there was a list of direct links to "Basic Syntax", "Types", "Variables", etc.  (the first-level bullet points found at http://www.php.net/manual/en/langref.php)

I very much miss the left nav as well.  The chapter-level TOC is fine for the most part (providing the detailed TOC is still available *somewhere*).  I would like to see the chapter currently being viewed expanded there.  For example, the alphabetical extension listing would only show up if I were looking at the "Function Reference" chapter.  Perhaps create an expandable tree view there, such that the user could drill down into details as they wished?

I agree, the navigation now is much worse than before.

>  For example, under "Language Reference",
> there was a list of direct links to "Basic Syntax", "Types",

These are still there, and even more detailed listing and description for each chapter and subsection, from the TOC on the left.

> I very much miss the left nav as well. The chapter-level TOC
> is fine for the most part (providing the detailed TOC is still
> available *somewhere*).

The left hand navigation is much more detailed now and contains all its parent chapter and a detailed subsection listing with (hopefully) better description for each subchapter

Maybe I'm just resistant to change.  

> These are still there, and even more detailed listing and 
> description for each chapter and subsection, from the TOC 
> on the left.

I compared to Aug2007 from archive.org, and I have to say it is a great improvement.  Still, the original index.php was quick.  One click vs. two clicks, I suppose.  Why not use both?

> The left hand navigation is much more detailed now and contains 
> all its parent chapter and a detailed subsection listing with 
> (hopefully) better description for each subchapter

I certainly agree.  It offers an excellent level of detail.  I find the alphabetical list of extensions easier to use than the categorized version, however, and the latter could benefit from some sorting as well.  Same idea: why not both?

> Still, the original index.php was quick.  One click vs.
> two clicks, I suppose.  Why not use both?

I don't think we can, for technical reasons.
I'll look into it though.

> I certainly agree.  It offers an excellent level of detail.
> I find the alphabetical list of extensions easier to use than the
> categorized version, however, and the latter could benefit
> from some sorting as well.  Same idea: why not both?

Alternative extension categorization is available from http://php.net/extensions, I suppose we can add alphabetical categorization there.

Alphabetical listing from the left-and TOC will however not get back in, it was completely uncontrollable. The left hand TOC only lists "related" (same category) extensions.

-Hannes

I understand and agree about the left TOC in regard to extensions.  It is quite a big list.  The alternative list feels like home.  I'll keep it handy.

> Alphabetical listing from the left-and TOC will however not get 
> back in, it was completely uncontrollable. The left hand TOC only 
> lists "related" (same category) extensions.

I meant to sort the categories as they are now, like:

    * Affecting PHP's Behaviour
    * Audio Formats Manipulation
    * Authentication Services

Interesting and a good point.
I don't remember why the categories aren't alphabetical, but there was a reason for it.. I'll see if I can find it, or fix it.

The orginal index page has now been "restored" so the only issue is alphabetical sorting of extensions categories, correct?

Everything is alphabetized now in manual.xml.in so this bug is closed. The changes will show up online sometime, likely next week.