Re: console command - why not official in linux etc.


Under Linux/UNIX, tclsh and wish both have access to stdin, stdout, and
stderr and Linux/UNIX have 'proper' shell terminal windows as a basic
part of the system.


Yes, historically this is true. However, But I believe the 'windows'
console has much benefit on linux. I'm not sure what is meant by
'proper' shell, since on linux, most shell use is bash. At best, a
bash shell terminal when used by tclsh or wish is a painful process.

The windows console does much more than simply provide an outlet for
stderr etc. Some of the uses of the console provide features missing
from a bash shell console, such as,

1. bash shells do not permit command reuse and editing.
1a. the console allows for control-c copy rather than killing the
program
1b. the console permits copy/paste mouse editing on up-arrowed line
1c. the console has a source command that opens a file dialog box
2. bash shells do not provide tcl completions and syntax coloring.
3. bash shells do not provide easy font changes.
4. bash shells cannot be progamatically hidden and restored
5. console would make portable code more portable

As for the positive features, given how the current console code
works, it's rather easy to enhance. The .console widget is a full
fledged text widget. I've used it for quick selections - i.e. I can
output some list, then d-click on an item and my program can find what
I've selected.

It's also easy to add menus, buttons etc. and easy to add tags, for
changing color of the output, scrolling or not scrolling, etc. See the
link in the wiki above.

Now, if there was any extra CODE that needed to be written to provide
this nice debugging, informational window, I might not have begun this
thread. But all the code is already either in place or published on
the wiki. All that is needed is some clerical work.

In addition, there is no downside. If one does not wish to use the
console, everything will continue to work as per usual. It is only
when one issues [console show] that anything would change.

I am reminded that code evolves - often in ways unforseen by the
original developers. When feathers were first evolving, their uses
were thought to be for insulation. But then these wonderful gadgets
found other uses and the original reasons are often overlooked.

The console is a great tool. It's simple, intuitive, and far less
complex than tkcon (the alternative often suggested) and there's
already a dedicated command name with complete documentation. Plus
it's completely optional and nearly free to include.

Why are linux users being left out? We're not second class citizens :)

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