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Why not? Some things make a lot of sense, like the context menu. The current right-click behavior just sets the text selection mark. This doesn't make much sens

Why not? Some things make a lot of sense, like the context menu. The current right-click behavior just sets the text selection mark. This doesn't make much sense anymore: every other editor uses click and drag to select text using the mouse. This frees the right mouse button, and a context menu makes lots of sense. Emacs is a highly complex software, which is then customized with lots of modes. Making functions accessible via a context menu would be awesome for both usability and productivity. The menus could be easily customized to further improve user workflows. As for the rest: maybe some of the features are nice to have. I don't really care for tabs, and standard shortcuts are usually a non-issue, since everyone ends up using whatever they prefer ("standard", Emacs, or Vim). In any case, most advanced functions are usually accessed by name, whatever the editor. The important takeaway is that every Emacs user should acknowledge the fact that the mouse is underutilized. We may not need it, but it's a huge barrier to overcome for new users.

kleiba 6y ago
Emacs of course has long supported menus but I think every serious user would agree that it's not necessarily a love child. I agree with you that it is the strength of menus in general that they allow for easy discoverability of functionality. However, at the same time, Emacs provides other ways to the same end. Simple interfaces are especially useful for newcomers, I agree to that point as well. At the same time, most power-users of Emacs do not use the mouse at all. While not everyone aspires (or even should aspire) to become an Emacs power user, the question might be asked at what point it would be wise to switch from mouse-based use to keyboard-based use as you progress? Does it even make sense to first learn an interface you're better off ditching at some point as your expertise raises?
- vvillena 6y ago
  It makes complete sense to start using the mouse, and to keep improving our own workflows over time. Take the Mac interface: it's built in a way that allows users to just use the mouse, but everything is accessible via keyboard shortcuts. One of the key features of the Mac is the constant feedback the user gets, and the fact that this feedback is always the same, whether the user uses the keyboard or the mouse. Animations, selections, menu highlight when invoking actions... It's a very well-thought experience that makes things better for all kinds of users.

kleiba 6y ago

Emacs of course has long supported menus but I think every serious user would agree that it's not necessarily a love child. I agree with you that it is the strength of menus in general that they allow for easy discoverability of functionality. However, at the same time, Emacs provides other ways to the same end. Simple interfaces are especially useful for newcomers, I agree to that point as well. At the same time, most power-users of Emacs do not use the mouse at all. While not everyone aspires (or even should aspire) to become an Emacs power user, the question might be asked at what point it would be wise to switch from mouse-based use to keyboard-based use as you progress? Does it even make sense to first learn an interface you're better off ditching at some point as your expertise raises?

vvillena 6y ago
It makes complete sense to start using the mouse, and to keep improving our own workflows over time. Take the Mac interface: it's built in a way that allows users to just use the mouse, but everything is accessible via keyboard shortcuts. One of the key features of the Mac is the constant feedback the user gets, and the fact that this feedback is always the same, whether the user uses the keyboard or the mouse. Animations, selections, menu highlight when invoking actions... It's a very well-thought experience that makes things better for all kinds of users.