GNU bug report logs - #66394
29.1; Make register-read-with-preview more useful

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From: Eshel Yaron <me <at> eshelyaron.com>
To: Bastien Guerry <bzg <at> gnu.org>
Cc: jonas <at> bernoul.li, Michael Heerdegen <michael_heerdegen <at> web.de>, stefankangas <at> gmail.com, Thierry Volpiatto <thievol <at> posteo.net>, 66394 <at> debbugs.gnu.org, monnier <at> iro.umontreal.ca
Subject: bug#66394: 29.1; Make register-read-with-preview more useful
Date: Sat, 02 Dec 2023 11:54:17 +0100

Bastien Guerry <bzg <at> gnu.org> writes:

> Thierry Volpiatto <thievol <at> posteo.net> writes:
>
>>> - C-x r s would display the preview and copy the region to the "b"
>>>   register as soon as the "b" key is hit (using read-key).
>>
>> I suggest you use M-n RET instead if you want to be sure you don't
>> overwrite a register.
>
> What I am suggesting is to store the register _as soon as_ the user
> hits the "b" key.
>
> Since the recent changes, I need to hit one additional keystroke for
> zero benefit, which is a net less when you use registers a lot.
>
> I use "a", "b", "c" registers for quick copy and paste and can easily
> remember them; when I need more, I use register-list.el.
>
>> It is what it is doing actually with minibuffer.  Hitting "a" highlight
>> register "a" and send a message "overwriting register", then you can hit
>> RET if you want to overwrite.
>
> This might be useful in some cases. I don't suggest to change this. I
> suggest to allow the previous behavior for empty registers.
>
>> I think using read-key+minibuffer would be very complicated and would
>> need much more code, this for a small benefit: Saving one key (RET).
>
> I would say this is not a small benefit.

FWIW, I second Bastien's request to restore the existing behavior as the
default, or at least provide it as an option.  I think Michael requested
that as well in the beginning of this thread.

This patch brings some nice benefits, but it also presents a regression
in terms of UX, perhaps we could avoid that or make it opt-in?  It would
also be great if there were a NEWS entry that clearly describes the user
visible changes.


Thanks,

Eshel

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