[gnu.emacs] subsystems' style guide

jv@mhres.mh.nl (Johan Vromans) (06/11/89)

With a number of successful Emacs subsystems, and probably many more
to come, I think there is a need for something like a "style guide".

Let me explain.

A number of subsystems have very similar functionality. Most of them
have commands to 'select something', 'navigate', 'page', 'search' and
'save'.
It is discouraging to experience that hitting 's' means 'save' in one
subsystem, and 'search' in another. The latter needs 'C-o' to save,
which of course has a different meaning elsewhere ...

It is error-prone to experience that hitting 'q' means 'normal exit'
in one subsystem, but 'exit-without-save' in another. Other
possibilities are 'x' or 'Q'. But 'x' is often used for expunging.

I think it would be wise to coordinate on the look and feel of
subsystems. One of the major advantages of GNU Emacs' subsystems is
that they all behave similar. This is severely damaged by having these
subsystems behave differently.

Any comments?

[Let's see how to send this article. Maybe C-c C-c works ... 
 Yup, it did! :-) ]
-- 
Johan Vromans			 jv@mh.nl via european backbone (mcvax)
Multihouse Automatisering bv		uucp: ..!{mcvax,hp4nl}!mh.nl!jv
Doesburgweg 7					  phone: +31 1820 62944
2803 PL Gouda - The Netherlands			    fax: +31 1820 62500