Re: gtk file selector patch proposal

[Michael Torrie <torriem byu edu>]

I can't remember if I responded to this, so I'll do it again.  While it would
be possible to add this feature, tab completion already works well in the
filename selection entry box.  Just type the first few letters and hit TAB
and it will expand out as much as it can, and show you all the
possibilities.  If it's a directory, it will expand right into that directory
automatically.  It is very slick. Kudos to whoever wrote those algorithms.
Does TAB completion fill the bill?  If so, I don't think it's worth the
effort to implement this.

Hmm.  I just had a brainstorm.  How about trapping keystrokes inside the list
boxes.  Push them into selection entry box and call the completion routine.
 Thus as you typed, you'd get a constantly refined list of your possible
selections.  That would be *very* cool.    And I could trap the arrow keys in
the selection entry box and then automatically move you into the files list
area.  That would make drill-down using the keyboard very fast and very
efficient!  Thanks for the idea.

cheers,
Michael


Guy Harris wrote:

> On Wed, Jul 26, 2000 at 12:40:46PM -0600, Michael Torrie wrote:
> > But I think I've demonstrated that a lot can be done within the existing
> > interfaces and preserving  compatibility with the entire 1.2.x API.
>
> Could support for typing characters in the "Directories" and "Files"
> list, where typing a given character selects, in that list, the item
> following the currently selected item (or, if no item is selected, the
> first item) beginning with that letter, be done with the existing API?
>
> It's a pain to have to go grab the rodent after having popped up the
> open box (which can often be done from the keyboard).