A $(q,t)$-Overview of $q$-Analogs

By a simple homogenization process, one may turn a $q$-analog into a symmetric $(q,t)$-analog. Although simple, this bijective correspondence makes many concepts and identities become more natural, and proofs follow readily from classical properties of symmetric functions in two variables. A more intricate non-homogeneous extension is also developed. We illustrate this approach, revisiting recent developments in the study of $γ$-positivity, Lucas analogues, and the monoid of Cyclotomic generating functions. This also leads naturally to new constructions and conjectures. We further explore other avenues of investigations, included graded and equivariant $γ$-positivity and $γ$-anti-positivity (also known as alternatingly $γ$-positive).