Re: An easier way to edit variables

[Ted Zlatanov]

On Tue, 13 Jan 2015 21:53:52 +0000 (UTC) Tom <address@hidden> wrote: 

T> Ted Zlatanov <tzz <at> lifelogs.com> writes:
>> 
>> The `describe-variable' popup already has a link to the customization
>> interface but the in-place-editing would be really nice.  Perhaps it
>> could be implemented as an accordion-style interface (like in
>> `customize-group') so it's hidden by default, yet you don't need to hit
>> a link and go to a different buffer to use it.
>> 

T> It should work for all variables, of course, not just for 
T> customizable variables.

Perhaps, but I think it's significantly less useful to users if you just
drop them into a "enter a Lisp form" interface.  It could actually be
harmful and lose their data.

T> I think it was pressing e for edit in the Help buffer, then
T> the buffer is narrowed to the variable value only (which can be a 
T> complex list or anything) which you can modify in place and
T> then press C-c C-c to apply it to the variable and exit
T> edit mode.
...
T> That's why a quick edit feature in the Help buffer is useful, because
T> you already see the value there, so if it's complex list
T> (e.g. a font lock setting or anything) then you don't have to
T> copy it etc, if you just want to change one thing in it,
T> you just press e, you get the lisp value, you edit it,
T> press C-c C-c and it is applied instantly.

You'd need good custom editors for strings, lists, alists, plists... and
a guess on which one to use... and lots of luck :)  IMHO it's better to
try to write customization tools that all users can use, and link to
those.

T> BTW, I should add that when I wrote "easier" in the subject I 
T> meant easier for Lisp hackers who change Lisp variables on
T> a daily basis.

I really think those guys are in the minority and already know about
`setq` and `M-:` and so on. If you're targeting them specifically, it's
not as useful as I thought.

Ted