def help(obj, visualization=True, ansi=True, backend=None,
         recursive=False, pattern=None):
    """
    Extended version of the built-in help that supports parameterized
    functions and objects. A pattern (regular expression) may be used to
    filter the output and if recursive is set to True, documentation for
    the supplied object is shown. Note that the recursive option will
    only work with an object instance and not a class.

    If ansi is set to False, all ANSI color
    codes are stripped out.
    """
    backend = backend if backend else Store.current_backend
    info = Store.info(obj, ansi=ansi, backend=backend, visualization=visualization,
                      recursive=recursive, pattern=pattern, elements=elements_list)

    msg = ("\nTo view the visualization options applicable to this "
           "object or class, use:\n\n"
           "   holoviews.help(obj, visualization=True)\n\n")
    if info:
        print((msg if visualization is False else '') + info)
    else:
        pydoc.help(obj)