[comp.emacs] Request for Forms Entry Mode for GNU Emacs

mroz@moose.steinmetz (peter a mroz) (09/23/87)

[***]

OK you'se guys, meaning gnu emacs lisp hackers::::::

I'm in the process of writing some gnu lisp code to do forms entry as
part of another application.  Has anyone done something like this
already?  

My idea is to have a screen generator routine that builds the screens
based on some form of input, and a "forms" mode that allows the user
to move around the different fields with the cursor keys and change
values.  When they're all done, hitting C-c C-c would check for
changes in values and execute an action routine.

I will be needing to support two basic types of inputs to the screen
generator routine.  Here they are, along with their necessary
subelements:

	1. Informational labels (protected fields)

		- text
		- x,y screen location, where (0,0) is the upper left
		  hand corner of the buffer

	2. Data entry fields (changeable field)

		- name
		- default value (or none)
		- maximum length
		- type (numeric or alphanumeric or list of acceptable values)
		- x,y screen location, where (0,0) is the upper left
		  hand corner of the buffer


I don't think ;that it will be very hard to write but if someone has already
done it PLEASE let me know.  I'd rather not reinvent the wheel.


Thanks muchly,
Peter Mroz
General Electric			| ARPA: mroz@ge-crd.arpa
Corporate Research and Development	| UUCP: mroz@moose.steinmetz.ge.com
PO Box 8, 37-2081			| clever saying stuck in here
Schenectady, NY 12301			| 518-387-6021