On Wed, 2009-09-16 at 07:41 -0700, Brian Harvey wrote:
> > In Perfect Scheme interactive mode if I type:
> > (define pi 3.14)
> > (define pi 22/7)
> > a window pops up
> I would find such a Scheme unusable.
Okay, constructive suggestion first. In an interactive mode in
an ideal Scheme, what to do in case of multiple defines of the
same name would be a user setting, and whatever was done should
be done instantly and silently without interrupting the user's
vitally important concentration and flow state. Ideally there
would be some visual feedback (like the previous 'define' form
quietly disappearing if the settings indicate that the new one
should replace it). Under no circumstances should a popup be
used.
A popup is a UI element that interrupts workflow and grabs
"focus" unexpectedly which usually misdirects or blocks text
intended to go somewhere else. The interruption can break your
concentration and flow state, which is VERY BAD in a programming
environment. Worse, even if they draw your attention to a
problem, most of them are modal and prevent you from navigating
around in the system to see what context the problem arises in
before you make a decision. Again, this is horrible in a
system that has any real complexity, like a programming
environment.
And finally, many of them require you to touch the mouse.
That probably annoys me more than it does most folks, but
still. Requiring someone to touch the mouse is just tacky
and unprofessional.
Bear
_______________________________________________
r6rs-discuss mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.r6rs.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/r6rs-discuss
