GNU bug report logs -
#2473
usability issues on emacs's describe-mode
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Reported by: xah lee <xah <at> xahlee.org>
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:45:03 UTC
Severity: wishlist
Merged with 575
Fixed in version 29.1
Done: Lars Ingebrigtsen <larsi <at> gnus.org>
Bug is archived. No further changes may be made.
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Message #77 received at 2473 <at> emacsbugs.donarmstrong.com (full text, mbox):
On Sat, Feb 28, 2009 at 11:54 AM, Eli Zaretskii <eliz <at> gnu.org> wrote:
>> From: Stefan Monnier <monnier <at> iro.umontreal.ca>
>> Cc: 2473 <at> emacsbugs.donarmstrong.com, Eli Zaretskii <eliz <at> gnu.org>, xah <at> xahlee.org
>> Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:34:21 -0500
>>
>> > I see a 3rd way: make the buffer present an expandable list of modes,
>> > starting with just 2 items: the current major modes and "minor modes",
>> > e.g. similar to what we do in Speedbar, or maybe in Outline Mode
>> > (under "Hide Sublevels"). In ASCII art:
>>
>> > + Major Mode: RMAIL Mode
>> > + Minor Modes
>>
>> > Using hiding is a good idea -- thanks.
>>
>> > I think that partcular way would be inconvenient. Specifically, it
>> > would be a hassle to initially hide the major mode documentation.
>> > That is what users most often want to see; making them type a command
>> > to expose it would be a gratuitous hassle.
>>
>> > So I suggest putting the partly-hidden minor mode list first,
>> > followed by the totally visible major mode documentation.
>
> For the record: I don't mind whether the major mode is first or last,
> nor whether it is Initially shown expanded or collapsed.
>
>> I don't think the difference with what we have now is worth
>> the trouble.
>
> The difference is twofold, IMO:
>
> . it presents a UI that's familiar to most users
> . it makes it easy to show initially a very short text without
> hampering user's ability to get to the information she needs most
And it is very easy to implement ...
> If that's not worth the trouble, then what is?
>
> (In case it wasn't clear, I wasn't suggesting that we make this change
> before Emacs 23.1 is released.)
>
>
>
>
>
This bug report was last modified 3 years and 38 days ago.
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