Re: find-file and backward-kill-word

[Luc Teirlinck]

Reinhard Kotucha wrote:

   This is still possible with this configuration.  Except with the
   minibuffer prompt.  But I assume that this is ok for you.

   I think that most users expect that the cursor runs against a wall
   rather than move into the read-only portion of the minibuffer.

The question is not whether most users would expect that, but whether
most users would find that more useful.

With the proposed new default value of minibuffer-prompt-properties, namely
(read-only t point-entered minibuffer-avoid-prompt face minibuffer-prompt),
it at first view seems difficult (impossible?) to kill and yank any
part of the prompt in any way.  (I might be missing something.)
Killing and yanking the prompt is sometimes useful, say, when filing a
bug report or discussing Emacs' behavior over email.

On the other hand, I do not often accidentally enter the minibuffer
prompt and even if I do, it is no big deal, a variety of conveniently
bound commands get me out of there in a hurry.

Note that Custom makes it very convenient to get the behavior you
want.  When you customize minibuffer-prompt-properties through Custom
and click on "Show Value", you get:

    Minibuffer Prompt Properties: Hide Value
    [X] Read-Only
        Prevent prompt from being modified
    [ ] Inviolable
        Prevent point from ever entering prompt
    Other Properties:
    INS DEL Property: face
                Value: minibuffer-prompt
    INS
       State: this option has been changed outside the customize buffer.

Just check `inviolable' and save.

Sincerely,

Luc.