\input texinfo.tex@c %**start of header@setfilename ../../info/widget@settitle The Emacs Widget Library@syncodeindex fn cp@syncodeindex vr cp@syncodeindex ky cp@afourpaper@c %**end of header@copyingCopyright @copyright{} 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,2006, 2007 Free Software Foundation, Inc.@quotationPermission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this documentunder the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 orany later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with theInvariant Sections being ``The GNU Manifesto'', ``Distribution'' and``GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE'', with the Front-Cover texts being ``A GNUManual'', and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below. A copy of thelicense is included in the section entitled ``GNU Free DocumentationLicense'' in the Emacs manual.This document is part of a collection distributed under the GNU FreeDocumentation License. If you want to distribute this documentseparately from the collection, you can do so by adding a copy of thelicense to the document, as described in section 6 of the license.(a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You have freedom to copy and modifythis GNU Manual, like GNU software. Copies published by the FreeSoftware Foundation raise funds for GNU development.''@end quotation@end copying@dircategory Emacs@direntry* Widget: (widget). The "widget" package used by the Emacs Customization facility.@end direntry@node Top, Introduction, (dir), (dir)@comment node-name, next, previous, up@top The Emacs Widget Library@menu* Introduction::* User Interface::* Programming Example::* Setting Up the Buffer::* Basic Types::* Sexp Types::* Widget Properties::* Defining New Widgets::* Widget Browser::* Widget Minor Mode::* Utilities::* Widget Wishlist::* GNU Free Documentation License::* Index::@end menu@node Introduction, User Interface, Top, Top@comment node-name, next, previous, up@section IntroductionMost graphical user interface toolkits provide a number of standarduser interface controls (sometimes known as `widgets' or `gadgets').Emacs doesn't really support anything like this, except for anincredibly powerful text ``widget.'' On the other hand, Emacs doesprovide the necessary primitives to implement many other widgetswithin a text buffer. The @code{widget} package simplifies this task.@cindex basic widgets@cindex widgets, basic typesThe basic widgets are:@table @code@item linkAreas of text with an associated action. Intended for hypertext linksembedded in text.@item push-buttonLike link, but intended for stand-alone buttons.@item editable-fieldAn editable text field. It can be either variable or fixed length.@item menu-choiceAllows the user to choose one of multiple options from a menu, eachoption is itself a widget. Only the selected option will be visible inthe buffer.@item radio-button-choiceAllows the user to choose one of multiple options by activating radiobuttons. The options are implemented as widgets. All options will bevisible in the buffer.@item itemA simple constant widget intended to be used in the @code{menu-choice} and@code{radio-button-choice} widgets.@item choice-itemA button item only intended for use in choices. When invoked, the userwill be asked to select another option from the choice widget.@item toggleA simple @samp{on}/@samp{off} switch.@item checkboxA checkbox (@samp{[ ]}/@samp{[X]}).@item editable-listCreate an editable list. The user can insert or delete items in thelist. Each list item is itself a widget.@end tableNow, of what possible use can support for widgets be in a text editor?I'm glad you asked. The answer is that widgets are useful forimplementing forms. A @dfn{form} in Emacs is a buffer where the user issupposed to fill out a number of fields, each of which has a specificmeaning. The user is not supposed to change or delete any of the textbetween the fields. Examples of forms in Emacs are the @file{forms}package (of course), the customize buffers, the mail and news composemodes, and the @acronym{HTML} form support in the @file{w3} browser.@cindex widget library, why use itThe advantages for a programmer of using the @code{widget} package toimplement forms are:@enumerate@itemMore complex fields than just editable text are supported.@itemYou can give the users immediate feedback if they enter invalid data in atext field, and sometimes prevent entering invalid data.@itemYou can have fixed sized fields, thus allowing multiple fields to belined up in columns.@itemIt is simple to query or set the value of a field.@itemEditing happens in the buffer, not in the mini-buffer.@itemPackages using the library get a uniform look, making them easier forthe user to learn.@itemAs support for embedded graphics improve, the widget library will beextended to use the GUI features. This means that your code using thewidget library will also use the new graphic features automatically.@end enumerate@node User Interface, Programming Example, Introduction, Top@comment node-name, next, previous, up@section User InterfaceA form consists of read only text for documentation and some fields,where each field contains two parts, a tag and a value. The tags areused to identify the fields, so the documentation can refer to the@samp{foo field}, meaning the field tagged with @samp{Foo}. Here is anexample form:@exampleHere is some documentation.Name: @i{My Name} @strong{Choose}: This optionAddress: @i{Some PlaceIn some CitySome country.}See also @b{_other work_} for more information.Numbers: count to three below@b{[INS]} @b{[DEL]} @i{One}@b{[INS]} @b{[DEL]} @i{Eh, two?}@b{[INS]} @b{[DEL]} @i{Five!}@b{[INS]}Select multiple:@b{[X]} This@b{[ ]} That@b{[X]} ThusSelect one:@b{(*)} One@b{( )} Another One.@b{( )} A Final One.@b{[Apply Form]} @b{[Reset Form]}@end exampleThe top level widgets in this example are tagged @samp{Name},@samp{Choose}, @samp{Address}, @samp{_other work_}, @samp{Numbers},@samp{Select multiple}, @samp{Select one}, @samp{[Apply Form]}, and@samp{[Reset Form]}. There are basically two things the user can dowithin a form, namely editing the editable text fields and activatingthe buttons.@subsection Editable Text FieldsIn the example, the value for the @samp{Name} is most likely displayedin an editable text field, and so are values for each of the members ofthe @samp{Numbers} list. All the normal Emacs editing operations areavailable for editing these fields. The only restriction is that eachchange you make must be contained within a single editable text field.For example, capitalizing all text from the middle of one field to themiddle of another field is prohibited.Editable text fields are created by the @code{editable-field} widget.@strong{Warning:} In an @code{editable-field} widget, the editablefield must not be adjacent to another widget---that won't work.You must put some text in between. Either make this text part ofthe @code{editable-field} widget itself, or insert it with@code{widget-insert}.The @code{:format} keyword is useful for generating the necessarytext; for instance, if you give it a value of @code{"Name: %v "},the @samp{Name: } part will provide the necessary separating textbefore the field and the trailing space will provide theseparating text after the field. If you don't include the@code{:size} keyword, the field will extend to the end of theline, and the terminating newline will provide separation after.@strong{Warning:} In an @code{editable-field} widget, the @samp{%v} escapemust be preceded by some other text in the @code{:format} string(if specified).The editing text fields are highlighted with the@code{widget-field-face} face, making them easy to find.@deffn Face widget-field-faceFace used for other editing fields.@end deffn@subsection Buttons@cindex widget buttons@cindex button widgetsSome portions of the buffer have an associated @dfn{action}, which canbe @dfn{invoked} by a standard key or mouse command. These portionsare called @dfn{buttons}. The default commands for activating a buttonare:@table @kbd@item @key{RET}@deffn Command widget-button-press @var{pos} &optional @var{event}Invoke the button at @var{pos}, defaulting to point.If point is not located on a button, invoke the binding in@code{widget-global-map} (by default the global map).@end deffn@kindex Mouse-2 @r{(on button widgets})@item Mouse-2@deffn Command widget-button-click @var{event}Invoke the button at the location of the mouse pointer. If the mousepointer is located in an editable text field, invoke the binding in@code{widget-global-map} (by default the global map).@end deffn@end tableThere are several different kind of buttons, all of which are present inthe example:@table @emph@cindex option field tag@item The Option Field TagsWhen you invoke one of these buttons, you will be asked to choosebetween a number of different options. This is how you edit an optionfield. Option fields are created by the @code{menu-choice} widget. Inthe example, @samp{@b{Choose}} is an option field tag.@item The @samp{@b{[INS]}} and @samp{@b{[DEL]}} buttonsActivating these will insert or delete elements from an editable list.The list is created by the @code{editable-list} widget.@cindex embedded buttons@item Embedded ButtonsThe @samp{@b{_other work_}} is an example of an embeddedbutton. Embedded buttons are not associated with any fields, but can serveany purpose, such as implementing hypertext references. They areusually created by the @code{link} widget.@item The @samp{@b{[ ]}} and @samp{@b{[X]}} buttonsActivating one of these will convert it to the other. This is usefulfor implementing multiple-choice fields. You can create them with the@code{checkbox} widget.@item The @samp{@b{( )}} and @samp{@b{(*)}} buttonsOnly one radio button in a @code{radio-button-choice} widget can beselected at any time. When you invoke one of the unselected radiobuttons, it will be selected and the previous selected radio button willbecome unselected.@item The @samp{@b{[Apply Form]}} and @samp{@b{[Reset Form]}} buttonsThese are explicit buttons made with the @code{push-button} widget. Themain difference from the @code{link} widget is that the buttons will bedisplayed as GUI buttons when possible.@end tableTo make them easier to locate, buttons are emphasized in the buffer.@deffn Face widget-button-faceFace used for buttons.@end deffn@defopt widget-mouse-faceFace used for highlighting a button when the mouse pointer moves acrossit.@end defopt@subsection NavigationYou can use all the normal Emacs commands to move around in a formbuffer, plus you will have these additional commands:@table @kbd@item @key{TAB}@deffn Command widget-forward &optional countMove point @var{count} buttons or editing fields forward.@end deffn@item @kbd{M-@key{TAB}}@itemx @kbd{S-@key{TAB}}@deffn Command widget-backward &optional countMove point @var{count} buttons or editing fields backward.@end deffn@end table@node Programming Example, Setting Up the Buffer, User Interface, Top@comment node-name, next, previous, up@section Programming Example@cindex widgets, programming example@cindex example of using widgetsHere is the code to implement the user interface example (@pxref{UserInterface}).@lisp(require 'widget)(eval-when-compile (require 'wid-edit))(defvar widget-example-repeat)(defun widget-example () "Create the widgets from the Widget manual." (interactive) (switch-to-buffer "*Widget Example*") (kill-all-local-variables) (make-local-variable 'widget-example-repeat) (let ((inhibit-read-only t)) (erase-buffer)) (remove-overlays) (widget-insert "Here is some documentation.\n\n") (widget-create 'editable-field :size 13 :format "Name: %v " ; Text after the field! "My Name") (widget-create 'menu-choice :tag "Choose" :value "This" :help-echo "Choose me, please!" :notify (lambda (widget &rest ignore) (message "%s is a good choice!" (widget-value widget))) '(item :tag "This option" :value "This") '(choice-item "That option") '(editable-field :menu-tag "No option" "Thus option")) (widget-create 'editable-field :format "Address: %v" "Some Place\nIn some City\nSome country.") (widget-insert "\nSee also ") (widget-create 'link :notify (lambda (&rest ignore) (widget-value-set widget-example-repeat '("En" "To" "Tre")) (widget-setup)) "other work") (widget-insert " for more information.\n\nNumbers: count to three below\n") (setq widget-example-repeat (widget-create 'editable-list :entry-format "%i %d %v" :notify (lambda (widget &rest ignore) (let ((old (widget-get widget ':example-length)) (new (length (widget-value widget)))) (unless (eq old new) (widget-put widget ':example-length new) (message "You can count to %d." new)))) :value '("One" "Eh, two?" "Five!") '(editable-field :value "three"))) (widget-insert "\n\nSelect multiple:\n\n") (widget-create 'checkbox t) (widget-insert " This\n") (widget-create 'checkbox nil) (widget-insert " That\n") (widget-create 'checkbox :notify (lambda (&rest ignore) (message "Tickle")) t) (widget-insert " Thus\n\nSelect one:\n\n") (widget-create 'radio-button-choice :value "One" :notify (lambda (widget &rest ignore) (message "You selected %s" (widget-value widget))) '(item "One") '(item "Another One.") '(item "A Final One.")) (widget-insert "\n") (widget-create 'push-button :notify (lambda (&rest ignore) (if (= (length (widget-value widget-example-repeat)) 3) (message "Congratulation!") (error "Three was the count!"))) "Apply Form") (widget-insert " ") (widget-create 'push-button :notify (lambda (&rest ignore) (widget-example)) "Reset Form") (widget-insert "\n") (use-local-map widget-keymap) (widget-setup))@end lisp@node Setting Up the Buffer, Basic Types, Programming Example, Top@comment node-name, next, previous, up@section Setting Up the BufferWidgets are created with @code{widget-create}, which returns a@dfn{widget} object. This object can be queried and manipulated byother widget functions, until it is deleted with @code{widget-delete}.After the widgets have been created, @code{widget-setup} must be calledto enable them.@defun widget-create type [ keyword argument ]@dots{}Create and return a widget of type @var{type}.The syntax for the @var{type} argument is described in @ref{Basic Types}.The keyword arguments can be used to overwrite the keyword argumentsthat are part of @var{type}.@end defun@defun widget-delete widgetDelete @var{widget} and remove it from the buffer.@end defun@defun widget-setupSet up a buffer to support widgets.This should be called after creating all the widgets and before allowingthe user to edit them.@refill@end defunIf you want to insert text outside the widgets in the form, therecommended way to do that is with @code{widget-insert}.@defun widget-insertInsert the arguments, either strings or characters, at point.The inserted text will be read-only.@end defunThere is a standard widget keymap which you might find useful.@findex widget-button-press@findex widget-button-click@defvr Const widget-keymapA keymap with the global keymap as its parent.@*@key{TAB} and @kbd{C-@key{TAB}} are bound to @code{widget-forward} and@code{widget-backward}, respectively. @key{RET} and @kbd{Mouse-2}are bound to @code{widget-button-press} and@code{widget-button-click}.@refill@end defvr@defvar widget-global-mapKeymap used by @code{widget-button-press} and @code{widget-button-click}when not on a button. By default this is @code{global-map}.@end defvar@node Basic Types, Sexp Types, Setting Up the Buffer, Top@comment node-name, next, previous, up@section Basic TypesThis is the general syntax of a type specification:@example@var{name} ::= (@var{name} [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{args}) | @var{name}@end exampleWhere, @var{name} is a widget name, @var{keyword} is the name of aproperty, @var{argument} is the value of the property, and @var{args}are interpreted in a widget specific way.@cindex keyword argumentsThe following keyword arguments apply to all widgets:@table @code@vindex value@r{ keyword}@item :valueThe initial value for widgets of this type.@vindex format@r{ keyword}@item :formatThis string will be inserted in the buffer when you create a widget.The following @samp{%} escapes are available:@table @samp@item %[@itemx %]The text inside will be marked as a button.By default, the text will be shown in @code{widget-button-face}, andsurrounded by brackets.@defopt widget-button-prefixString to prefix buttons.@end defopt@defopt widget-button-suffixString to suffix buttons.@end defopt@item %@{@itemx %@}The text inside will be displayed with the face specified by@code{:sample-face}.@item %vThis will be replaced with the buffer representation of the widget'svalue. What this is depends on the widget type.@strong{Warning:} In an @code{editable-field} widget, the @samp{%v} escapemust be preceded by some other text in the format string (if specified).@item %dInsert the string specified by @code{:doc} here.@item %hLike @samp{%d}, with the following modifications: If the documentationstring is more than one line, it will add a button which will togglebetween showing only the first line, and showing the full text.Furthermore, if there is no @code{:doc} property in the widget, it willinstead examine the @code{:documentation-property} property. If it is alambda expression, it will be called with the widget's value as anargument, and the result will be used as the documentation text.@item %tInsert the string specified by @code{:tag} here, or the @code{princ}representation of the value if there is no tag.@item %%Insert a literal @samp{%}.@end table@vindex button-face@r{ keyword}@item :button-faceFace used to highlight text inside %[ %] in the format.@vindex button-prefix@r{ keyword}@vindex button-suffix@r{ keyword}@item :button-prefix@itemx :button-suffixText around %[ %] in the format.These can be@table @emph@item nilNo text is inserted.@item a stringThe string is inserted literally.@item a symbolThe value of the symbol is expanded according to this table.@end table@vindex doc@r{ keyword}@item :docThe string inserted by the @samp{%d} escape in the formatstring.@vindex tag@r{ keyword}@item :tagThe string inserted by the @samp{%t} escape in the formatstring.@vindex tag-glyph@r{ keyword}@item :tag-glyphName of image to use instead of the string specified by @code{:tag} onEmacsen that supports it.@vindex help-echo@r{ keyword}@item :help-echoSpecifies how to display a message whenever you move to the widget witheither @code{widget-forward} or @code{widget-backward} or move the mouseover it (using the standard @code{help-echo} mechanism). The argumentis either a string to display, a function of one argument, the widget,which should return a string to display, or a form that evaluates tosuch a string.@vindex follow-link@r{ keyword}@item :follow-linkSpecifies how to interpret a @key{mouse-1} click on the widget.@xref{Links and Mouse-1,,, elisp, the Emacs Lisp Reference Manual}.@vindex indent@r{ keyword}@item :indentAn integer indicating the absolute number of spaces to indent childrenof this widget.@vindex offset@r{ keyword}@item :offsetAn integer indicating how many extra spaces to add to the widget'sgrandchildren compared to this widget.@vindex extra-offset@r{ keyword}@item :extra-offsetAn integer indicating how many extra spaces to add to the widget'schildren compared to this widget.@vindex notify@r{ keyword}@item :notifyA function called each time the widget or a nested widget is changed.The function is called with two or three arguments. The first argumentis the widget itself, the second argument is the widget that waschanged, and the third argument is the event leading to the change, ifany.@vindex menu-tag@r{ keyword}@item :menu-tagTag used in the menu when the widget is used as an option in a@code{menu-choice} widget.@vindex menu-tag-get@r{ keyword}@item :menu-tag-getFunction used for finding the tag when the widget is used as an optionin a @code{menu-choice} widget. By default, the tag used will be either the@code{:menu-tag} or @code{:tag} property if present, or the @code{princ}representation of the @code{:value} property if not.@vindex match@r{ keyword}@item :matchShould be a function called with two arguments, the widget and a value,and returning non-@code{nil} if the widget can represent the specified value.@vindex validate@r{ keyword}@item :validateA function which takes a widget as an argument, and returns @code{nil}if the widget's current value is valid for the widget. Otherwise itshould return the widget containing the invalid data, and set thatwidget's @code{:error} property to a string explaining the error.The following predefined function can be used:@defun widget-children-validate widgetAll the @code{:children} of @var{widget} must be valid.@end defun@vindex tab-order@r{ keyword}@item :tab-orderSpecify the order in which widgets are traversed with@code{widget-forward} or @code{widget-backward}. This is only partiallyimplemented.@enumerate a@itemWidgets with tabbing order @code{-1} are ignored.@item(Unimplemented) When on a widget with tabbing order @var{n}, go to thenext widget in the buffer with tabbing order @var{n+1} or @code{nil},whichever comes first.@itemWhen on a widget with no tabbing order specified, go to the next widgetin the buffer with a positive tabbing order, or @code{nil}@end enumerate@vindex parent@r{ keyword}@item :parentThe parent of a nested widget (e.g.@: a @code{menu-choice} item or anelement of a @code{editable-list} widget).@vindex sibling-args@r{ keyword}@item :sibling-argsThis keyword is only used for members of a @code{radio-button-choice} or@code{checklist}. The value should be a list of extra keywordarguments, which will be used when creating the @code{radio-button} or@code{checkbox} associated with this item.@end table@deffn {User Option} widget-glyph-directoryDirectory where glyphs are found.Widget will look here for a file with the same name as specified for theimage, with either a @file{.xpm} (if supported) or @file{.xbm} extension.@end deffn@deffn{User Option} widget-glyph-enableIf non-@code{nil}, allow glyphs to appear on displays where they are supported.@end deffn@menu* link::* url-link::* info-link::* push-button::* editable-field::* text::* menu-choice::* radio-button-choice::* item::* choice-item::* toggle::* checkbox::* checklist::* editable-list::* group::@end menu@node link, url-link, Basic Types, Basic Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The @code{link} Widget@findex link@r{ widget}Syntax:@example@var{type} ::= (link [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... [ @var{value} ])@end exampleThe @var{value}, if present, is used to initialize the @code{:value}property. The value should be a string, which will be inserted in thebuffer.By default the link will be shown in brackets.@defopt widget-link-prefixString to prefix links.@end defopt@defopt widget-link-suffixString to suffix links.@end defopt@node url-link, info-link, link, Basic Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The @code{url-link} Widget@findex url-link@r{ widget}Syntax:@example@var{type} ::= (url-link [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{url})@end example@findex browse-url-browser-function@r{, and @code{url-link} widget}When this link is invoked, the @acronym{WWW} browser specified by@code{browse-url-browser-function} will be called with @var{url}.@node info-link, push-button, url-link, Basic Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The @code{info-link} Widget@findex info-link@r{ widget}Syntax:@example@var{type} ::= (info-link [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{address})@end exampleWhen this link is invoked, the built-in Info reader is started on@var{address}.@node push-button, editable-field, info-link, Basic Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The @code{push-button} Widget@findex push-button@r{ widget}Syntax:@example@var{type} ::= (push-button [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... [ @var{value} ])@end exampleThe @var{value}, if present, is used to initialize the @code{:value}property. The value should be a string, which will be inserted in thebuffer.By default the tag will be shown in brackets.@defopt widget-push-button-prefixString to prefix push buttons.@end defopt@defopt widget-push-button-suffixString to suffix push buttons.@end defopt@node editable-field, text, push-button, Basic Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The @code{editable-field} Widget@findex editable-field@r{ widget}Syntax:@example@var{type} ::= (editable-field [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... [ @var{value} ])@end exampleThe @var{value}, if present, is used to initialize the @code{:value}property. The value should be a string, which will be inserted in thefield. This widget will match all string values.The following extra properties are recognized:@table @code@vindex size@r{ keyword}@item :sizeThe width of the editable field.@*By default the field will reach to the end of the line.@vindex value-face@r{ keyword}@item :value-faceFace used for highlighting the editable field. Default is@code{widget-field-face}, see @ref{User Interface}.@vindex secret@r{ keyword}@item :secretCharacter used to display the value. You can set this to e.g.@: @code{?*}if the field contains a password or other secret information. Bydefault, this is @code{nil}, and the value is not secret.@vindex valid-regexp@r{ keyword}@item :valid-regexpBy default the @code{:validate} function will match the content of thefield with the value of this attribute. The default value is @code{""}which matches everything.@vindex keymap@r{ keyword}@vindex widget-field-keymap@item :keymapKeymap used in the editable field. The default value is@code{widget-field-keymap}, which allows you to use all the normalediting commands, even if the buffer's major mode suppresses some ofthem. Pressing @key{RET} invokes the function specified by@code{:action}.@end table@node text, menu-choice, editable-field, Basic Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The @code{text} Widget@findex text@r{ widget}@vindex widget-text-keymapThis is just like @code{editable-field}, but intended for multiline textfields. The default @code{:keymap} is @code{widget-text-keymap}, whichdoes not rebind the @key{RET} key.@node menu-choice, radio-button-choice, text, Basic Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The @code{menu-choice} Widget@findex menu-choice@r{ widget}Syntax:@example@var{type} ::= (menu-choice [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{type} ... )@end exampleThe @var{type} argument represents each possible choice. The widget'svalue will be that of the chosen @var{type} argument. This widget willmatch any value matching at least one of the specified @var{type}arguments.@table @code@vindex void@r{ keyword}@item :voidWidget type used as a fallback when the value does not match any of thespecified @var{type} arguments.@vindex case-fold@r{ keyword}@item :case-foldSet this to @code{nil} if you don't want to ignore case when prompting for achoice through the minibuffer.@vindex children@r{ keyword}@item :childrenA list whose @sc{car} is the widget representing the currently chosentype in the buffer.@vindex choice@r{ keyword}@item :choiceThe current chosen type.@vindex args@r{ keyword}@item :argsThe list of types.@end table@node radio-button-choice, item, menu-choice, Basic Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The @code{radio-button-choice} Widget@findex radio-button-choice@r{ widget}Syntax:@example@var{type} ::= (radio-button-choice [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{type} ... )@end exampleThe component types specify the choices, with one radio button foreach. The widget's value will be that of the chosen @var{type}argument. This widget matches any value that matches at least one ofthe specified @var{type} arguments.The following extra properties are recognized.@table @code@vindex entry-format@r{ keyword}@item :entry-formatThis string will be inserted for each entry in the list.The following @samp{%} escapes are available:@table @samp@item %vReplace with the buffer representation of the @var{type} widget.@item %bReplace with the radio button.@item %%Insert a literal @samp{%}.@end table@vindex button-args@r{ keyword}@item :button-argsA list of keywords to pass to the radio buttons. Useful for settinge.g.@: the @samp{:help-echo} for each button.@vindex buttons@r{ keyword}@item :buttonsThe widgets representing the radio buttons.@vindex children@r{ keyword}@item :childrenThe widgets representing each type.@vindex choice@r{ keyword}@item :choiceThe current chosen type@vindex args@r{ keyword}@item :argsThe list of types.@end tableYou can add extra radio button items to a @code{radio-button-choice}widget after it has been created with the function@code{widget-radio-add-item}.@defun widget-radio-add-item widget typeAdd to @code{radio-button-choice} widget @var{widget} a new radio buttonitem of type @var{type}.@end defunPlease note that such items added after the @code{radio-button-choice}widget has been created will @strong{not} be properly destructed whenyou call @code{widget-delete}.@node item, choice-item, radio-button-choice, Basic Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The @code{item} Widget@findex item@r{ widget}Syntax:@example@var{item} ::= (item [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{value})@end exampleThe @var{value}, if present, is used to initialize the @code{:value}property. The value should be a string, which will be inserted in thebuffer. This widget will only match the specified value.@node choice-item, toggle, item, Basic Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The @code{choice-item} Widget@findex choice-item@r{ widget}Syntax:@example@var{item} ::= (choice-item [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{value})@end exampleThe @var{value}, if present, is used to initialize the @code{:value}property. The value should be a string, which will be inserted in thebuffer as a button. Activating the button of a @code{choice-item} isequivalent to activating the parent widget. This widget will only matchthe specified value.@node toggle, checkbox, choice-item, Basic Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The @code{toggle} Widget@findex toggle@r{ widget}Syntax:@example@var{type} ::= (toggle [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]...)@end exampleThe widget has two possible states, @samp{on} and @samp{off}, whichcorrespond to a @code{t} or @code{nil} value, respectively.The following extra properties are recognized:@table @code@item :onA string representing the @samp{on} state. By default the string@samp{on}.@item :offA string representing the @samp{off} state. By default the string@samp{off}.@vindex on-glyph@r{ keyword}@item :on-glyphName of a glyph to be used instead of the @samp{:on} text string, onemacsen that supports this.@vindex off-glyph@r{ keyword}@item :off-glyphName of a glyph to be used instead of the @samp{:off} text string, onemacsen that supports this.@end table@node checkbox, checklist, toggle, Basic Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The @code{checkbox} Widget@findex checkbox@r{ widget}This widget has two possible states, @samp{selected} and@samp{unselected}, which corresponds to a @code{t} or @code{nil} value.Syntax:@example@var{type} ::= (checkbox [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]...)@end example@node checklist, editable-list, checkbox, Basic Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The @code{checklist} Widget@findex checklist@r{ widget}Syntax:@example@var{type} ::= (checklist [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{type} ... )@end exampleThe @var{type} arguments represent each checklist item. The widget'svalue will be a list containing the values of all checked @var{type}arguments. The checklist widget will match a list whose elements allmatch at least one of the specified @var{type} arguments.The following extra properties are recognized:@table @code@vindex entry-format@r{ keyword}@item :entry-formatThis string will be inserted for each entry in the list.The following @samp{%} escapes are available:@table @samp@item %vReplaced with the buffer representation of the @var{type} widget.@item %bReplace with the checkbox.@item %%Insert a literal @samp{%}.@end table@vindex greedy@r{ keyword}@item :greedyUsually a checklist will only match if the items are in the exactsequence given in the specification. By setting @code{:greedy} tonon-@code{nil}, it will allow the items to come in any sequence.However, if you extract the value they will be in the sequence givenin the checklist, i.e.@: the original sequence is forgotten.@vindex button-args@r{ keyword}@item :button-argsA list of keywords to pass to the checkboxes. Useful for settinge.g.@: the @samp{:help-echo} for each checkbox.@vindex buttons@r{ keyword}@item :buttonsThe widgets representing the checkboxes.@vindex children@r{ keyword}@item :childrenThe widgets representing each type.@vindex args@r{ keyword}@item :argsThe list of types.@end table@node editable-list, group, checklist, Basic Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The @code{editable-list} Widget@findex editable-list@r{ widget}Syntax:@example@var{type} ::= (editable-list [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{type})@end exampleThe value is a list, where each member represents one widget of type@var{type}.The following extra properties are recognized:@table @code@vindex entry-format@r{ keyword}@item :entry-formatThis string will be inserted for each entry in the list.The following @samp{%} escapes are available:@table @samp@item %vThis will be replaced with the buffer representation of the @var{type}widget.@item %iInsert the @b{[INS]} button.@item %dInsert the @b{[DEL]} button.@item %%Insert a literal @samp{%}.@end table@vindex insert-button-args@r{ keyword}@item :insert-button-argsA list of keyword arguments to pass to the insert buttons.@vindex delete-button-args@r{ keyword}@item :delete-button-argsA list of keyword arguments to pass to the delete buttons.@vindex append-button-args@r{ keyword}@item :append-button-argsA list of keyword arguments to pass to the trailing insert button.@vindex buttons@r{ keyword}@item :buttonsThe widgets representing the insert and delete buttons.@vindex children@r{ keyword}@item :childrenThe widgets representing the elements of the list.@vindex args@r{ keyword}@item :argsList whose @sc{car} is the type of the list elements.@end table@node group, , editable-list, Basic Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The @code{group} Widget@findex group@r{ widget}This widget simply group other widgets together.Syntax:@example@var{type} ::= (group [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{type}...)@end exampleThe value is a list, with one member for each @var{type}.@node Sexp Types, Widget Properties, Basic Types, Top@comment@section Sexp Types@cindex sexp typesA number of widgets for editing @dfn{s-expressions} (Lisp types), sexpfor short, are also available. These basically fall in severalcategories described in this section.@menu* constants::* generic::* atoms::* composite::@end menu@node constants, generic, Sexp Types, Sexp Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection The Constant Widgets@cindex constant widgetsThe @code{const} widget can contain any Lisp expression, but the user isprohibited from editing it, which is mainly useful as a component of oneof the composite widgets.The syntax for the @code{const} widget is:@example@var{type} ::= (const [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... [ @var{value} ])@end exampleThe @var{value}, if present, is used to initialize the @code{:value}property and can be any s-expression.@deffn Widget constThis will display any valid s-expression in an immutable part of thebuffer.@end deffnThere are two variations of the @code{const} widget, namely@code{variable-item} and @code{function-item}. These should contain asymbol with a variable or function binding. The major difference fromthe @code{const} widget is that they will allow the user to see thevariable or function documentation for the symbol.@deffn Widget variable-itemAn immutable symbol that is bound as a variable.@end deffn@deffn Widget function-itemAn immutable symbol that is bound as a function.@end deffn@node generic, atoms, constants, Sexp Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection Generic Sexp Widget@cindex generic sexp widgetThe @code{sexp} widget can contain any Lisp expression, and allows theuser to edit it inline in the buffer.The syntax for the @code{sexp} widget is:@example@var{type} ::= (sexp [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... [ @var{value} ])@end example@deffn Widget sexpThis will allow you to edit any valid s-expression in an editable bufferfield.The @code{sexp} widget takes the same keyword arguments as the@code{editable-field} widget. @xref{editable-field}.@end deffn@node atoms, composite, generic, Sexp Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection Atomic Sexp Widgets@cindex atomic sexp widgetThe atoms are s-expressions that do not consist of other s-expressions.For example, a string, a file name, or a symbol are atoms, while a listis a composite type. You can edit the value of an atom with thefollowing widgets.The syntax for all the atoms are:@example@var{type} ::= (@var{construct} [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... [ @var{value} ])@end exampleThe @var{value}, if present, is used to initialize the @code{:value}property and must be an expression of the same type as the widget.That is, the string widget can only be initialized with a string.All the atom widgets take the same keyword arguments as the@code{editable-field} widget. @xref{editable-field}.@deffn Widget stringAllows you to edit a string in an editable field.@end deffn@deffn Widget regexpAllows you to edit a regular expression in an editable field.@end deffn@deffn Widget characterAllows you to enter a character in an editable field.@end deffn@deffn Widget fileAllows you to edit a file name in an editable field.Keywords:@table @code@vindex must-match@r{ keyword}@item :must-matchIf this is set to non-@code{nil}, only existing file names will beallowed in the minibuffer.@end table@end deffn@deffn Widget directoryAllows you to edit a directory name in an editable field.Similar to the @code{file} widget.@end deffn@deffn Widget symbolAllows you to edit a Lisp symbol in an editable field.@end deffn@deffn Widget functionAllows you to edit a lambda expression, or a function name with completion.@end deffn@deffn Widget variableAllows you to edit a variable name, with completion.@end deffn@deffn Widget integerAllows you to edit an integer in an editable field.@end deffn@deffn Widget numberAllows you to edit a number in an editable field.@end deffn@deffn Widget booleanAllows you to edit a boolean. In Lisp this means a variable which iseither @code{nil} meaning false, or non-@code{nil} meaning true.@end deffn@node composite, , atoms, Sexp Types@comment node-name, next, previous, up@subsection Composite Sexp Widgets@cindex composite sexp widgetsThe syntax for the composite widget construct is:@example@var{type} ::= (@var{construct} [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{component}...)@end example@noindentwhere each @var{component} must be a widget type. Each component widgetwill be displayed in the buffer, and will be editable by the user.@deffn Widget consThe value of a @code{cons} widget must be a cons-cell whose @sc{car}and @sc{cdr} have two specified types. It uses this syntax:@example@var{type} ::= (cons [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{car-type} @var{cdr-type})@end example@end deffn@deffn Widget choiceThe value matched by a @code{choice} widget must have one of a fixedset of types. The widget's syntax is as follows:@example@var{type} ::= (choice [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{type} ... )@end exampleThe value of a @code{choice} widget can be anything that matches any of the@var{types}.@end deffn@deffn Widget listThe value of a @code{list} widget must be a list whose element typesmatch the specified component types:@example@var{type} ::= (list [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{component-type}...)@end exampleThus, @code{(list string number)} matches lists of two elements,the first being a string and the second being a number.@end deffn@deffn Widget vectorThe @code{vector} widget is like the @code{list} widget but matchesvectors instead of lists. Thus, @code{(vector string number)} matchesvectors of two elements, the first being a string and the second beinga number.@end deffnThe above suffice for specifying fixed size lists and vectors. To getvariable length lists and vectors, you can use a @code{choice},@code{set}, or @code{repeat} widget together with the @code{:inline}keyword. If any component of a composite widget has the@code{:inline} keyword set, its value must be a list which will thenbe spliced into the composite. For example, to specify a list whosefirst element must be a file name, and whose remaining elements shouldeither be the symbol @code{t} or two strings (file names), you can usethe following widget specification:@example(list file (choice (const t) (list :inline t :value ("foo" "bar") string string)))@end exampleThe value of a widget of this type will either have the form@code{(file t)} or @code{(file @var{string} @var{string})}.This concept of @code{:inline} may be hard to understand. It wascertainly hard to implement, so instead of confusing you more bytrying to explain it here, I'll just suggest you meditate over it fora while.@deffn Widget setSpecifies a type whose values are the lists whose elements all belongto a given set. The order of elements of the list is not significant.Here's the syntax:@example@var{type} ::= (set [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{permitted-element} ... )@end exampleUse @code{const} to specify each permitted element, like this:@code{(set (const a) (const b))}.@end deffn@deffn Widget repeatSpecifies a list of any number of elements that fit a certain type.@example@var{type} ::= (repeat [@var{keyword} @var{argument}]... @var{type})@end example@end deffn@node Widget Properties, Defining New Widgets, Sexp Types, Top@comment node-name, next, previous, up@section Properties@cindex properties of widgets@cindex widget propertiesYou can examine or set the value of a widget by using the widget objectthat was returned by @code{widget-create}.@defun widget-value widgetReturn the current value contained in @var{widget}.It is an error to call this function on an uninitialized widget.@end defun@defun widget-value-set widget valueSet the value contained in @var{widget} to @var{value}.It is an error to call this function with an invalid @var{value}.@end defun@strong{Important:} You @emph{must} call @code{widget-setup} aftermodifying the value of a widget before the user is allowed to edit thewidget again. It is enough to call @code{widget-setup} once if youmodify multiple widgets. This is currently only necessary if the widgetcontains an editing field, but may be necessary for other widgets in thefuture.If your application needs to associate some information with the widgetobjects, for example a reference to the item being edited, it can bedone with @code{widget-put} and @code{widget-get}. The property namesmust begin with a @samp{:}.@defun widget-put widget property valueIn @var{widget} set @var{property} to @var{value}.@var{property} should be a symbol, while @var{value} can be anything.@end defun@defun widget-get widget propertyIn @var{widget} return the value for @var{property}.@var{property} should be a symbol, the value is what was last set by@code{widget-put} for @var{property}.@end defun@defun widget-member widget propertyNon-@code{nil} if @var{widget} has a value (even @code{nil}) forproperty @var{property}.@end defunOccasionally it can be useful to know which kind of widget you have,i.e.@: the name of the widget type you gave when the widget was created.@defun widget-type widgetReturn the name of @var{widget}, a symbol.@end defun@cindex active widget@cindex inactive widget@cindex activate a widget@cindex deactivate a widgetWidgets can be in two states: active, which means they are modifiable bythe user, or inactive, which means they cannot be modified by the user.You can query or set the state with the following code:@lisp;; Examine if @var{widget} is active or not.(if (widget-apply @var{widget} :active) (message "Widget is active.") (message "Widget is inactive.");; Make @var{widget} inactive.(widget-apply @var{widget} :deactivate);; Make @var{widget} active.(widget-apply @var{widget} :activate)@end lispA widget is inactive if it, or any of its ancestors (found byfollowing the @code{:parent} link), have been deactivated. To make surea widget is really active, you must therefore activate both it andall its ancestors.@lisp(while widget (widget-apply widget :activate) (setq widget (widget-get widget :parent)))@end lispYou can check if a widget has been made inactive by examining the valueof the @code{:inactive} keyword. If this is non-@code{nil}, the widget itselfhas been deactivated. This is different from using the @code{:active}keyword, in that the latter tells you if the widget @strong{or} any ofits ancestors have been deactivated. Do not attempt to set the@code{:inactive} keyword directly. Use the @code{:activate}@code{:deactivate} keywords instead.@node Defining New Widgets, Widget Browser, Widget Properties, Top@comment node-name, next, previous, up@section Defining New Widgets@cindex new widgets@cindex defining new widgetsYou can define specialized widgets with @code{define-widget}. It allowsyou to create a shorthand for more complex widgets, including specifyingcomponent widgets and new default values for the keywordarguments.@defun define-widget name class doc &rest argsDefine a new widget type named @var{name} from @code{class}.@var{name} and class should both be symbols, @code{class} should be oneof the existing widget types.The third argument @var{doc} is a documentation string for the widget.After the new widget has been defined, the following two calls willcreate identical widgets:@itemize @bullet@item@lisp(widget-create @var{name})@end lisp@item@lisp(apply widget-create @var{class} @var{args})@end lisp@end itemize@end defunUsing @code{define-widget} just stores the definition of the widget typein the @code{widget-type} property of @var{name}, which is what@code{widget-create} uses.If you only want to specify defaults for keywords with no complexconversions, you can use @code{identity} as your conversion function.The following additional keyword arguments are useful when defining newwidgets:@table @code@vindex convert-widget@r{ keyword}@item :convert-widgetFunction to convert a widget type before creating a widget of thattype. It takes a widget type as an argument, and returns the convertedwidget type. When a widget is created, this function is called for thewidget type and all the widget's parent types, most derived first.The following predefined functions can be used here:@defun widget-types-convert-widget widgetConvert @code{:args} as widget types in @var{widget}.@end defun@defun widget-value-convert-widget widgetInitialize @code{:value} from @code{:args} in @var{widget}.@end defun@vindex copy@r{ keyword}@item :copyFunction to deep copy a widget type. It takes a shallow copy of thewidget type as an argument (made by @code{copy-sequence}), and returns adeep copy. The purpose of this is to avoid having different instancesof combined widgets share nested attributes.The following predefined functions can be used here:@defun widget-types-copy widgetCopy @code{:args} as widget types in @var{widget}.@end defun@vindex value-to-internal@r{ keyword}@item :value-to-internalFunction to convert the value to the internal format. The functiontakes two arguments, a widget and an external value, and returns theinternal value. The function is called on the present @code{:value}when the widget is created, and on any value set later with@code{widget-value-set}.@vindex value-to-external@r{ keyword}@item :value-to-externalFunction to convert the value to the external format. The functiontakes two arguments, a widget and an internal value, and returns theexternal value. The function is called on the present @code{:value}when the widget is created, and on any value set later with@code{widget-value-set}.@vindex create@r{ keyword}@item :createFunction to create a widget from scratch. The function takes oneargument, a widget type, and creates a widget of that type, inserts itin the buffer, and returns a widget object.@vindex delete@r{ keyword}@item :deleteFunction to delete a widget. The function takes one argument, a widget,and should remove all traces of the widget from the buffer.The default value is:@defun widget-default-delete widgetRemove @var{widget} from the buffer.Delete all @code{:children} and @code{:buttons} in @var{widget}.@end defunIn most cases you should not change this value, but instead use@code{:value-delete} to make any additional cleanup.@vindex value-create@r{ keyword}@item :value-createFunction to expand the @samp{%v} escape in the format string. It willbe called with the widget as its argument and should insert arepresentation of the widget's value in the buffer.Nested widgets should be listed in @code{:children} or @code{:buttons}to make sure they are automatically deleted.@vindex value-delete@r{ keyword}@item :value-deleteShould remove the representation of the widget's value from the buffer.It will be called with the widget as its argument. It doesn't have toremove the text, but it should release markers and delete nested widgetsif these are not listed in @code{:children} or @code{:buttons}.@vindex value-get@r{ keyword}@item :value-getFunction to extract the value of a widget, as it is displayed in thebuffer.The following predefined function can be used here:@defun widget-value-value-get widgetReturn the @code{:value} property of @var{widget}.@end defun@vindex format-handler@r{ keyword}@item :format-handlerFunction to handle unknown @samp{%} escapes in the format string. Itwill be called with the widget and the character that follows the@samp{%} as arguments. You can set this to allow your widget to handlenon-standard escapes.@findex widget-default-format-handlerYou should end up calling @code{widget-default-format-handler} to handleunknown escape sequences, which will handle the @samp{%h} and any futureescape sequences, as well as give an error for unknown escapes.@vindex action@r{ keyword}@item :actionFunction to handle user initiated events. By default, @code{:notify}the parent.The following predefined function can be used here:@defun widget-parent-action widget &optional eventTell @code{:parent} of @var{widget} to handle the @code{:action}.Optional @var{event} is the event that triggered the action.@end defun@vindex prompt-value@r{ keyword}@item :prompt-valueFunction to prompt for a value in the minibuffer. The function shouldtake four arguments, @var{widget}, @var{prompt}, @var{value}, and@var{unbound} and should return a value for widget entered by the user.@var{prompt} is the prompt to use. @var{value} is the default value touse, unless @var{unbound} is non-@code{nil}, in which case there is no defaultvalue. The function should read the value using the method most naturalfor this widget, and does not have to check that it matches.@end tableIf you want to define a new widget from scratch, use the @code{default}widget as its base.@deffn Widget defaultWidget used as a base for other widgets.It provides most of the functionality that is referred to as ``bydefault'' in this text.@end deffn@node Widget Browser, Widget Minor Mode, Defining New Widgets, Top@comment node-name, next, previous, up@section Widget Browser@cindex widget browserThere is a separate package to browse widgets. This is intended to helpprogrammers who want to examine the content of a widget. The browsershows the value of each keyword, but uses links for certain keywordssuch as @samp{:parent}, which avoids printing cyclic structures.@deffn Command widget-browse @var{widget}Create a widget browser for @var{widget}.When called interactively, prompt for @var{widget}.@end deffn@deffn Command widget-browse-other-window @var{widget}Create a widget browser for @var{widget} and show it in another window.When called interactively, prompt for @var{widget}.@end deffn@deffn Command widget-browse-at @var{pos}Create a widget browser for the widget at @var{pos}.When called interactively, use the position of point.@end deffn@node Widget Minor Mode, Utilities, Widget Browser, Top@comment node-name, next, previous, up@section Widget Minor Mode@cindex widget minor modeThere is a minor mode for manipulating widgets in major modes thatdon't provide any support for widgets themselves. This is mostlyintended to be useful for programmers doing experiments.@deffn Command widget-minor-modeToggle minor mode for traversing widgets.With arg, turn widget mode on if and only if arg is positive.@end deffn@defvar widget-minor-mode-keymapKeymap used in @code{widget-minor-mode}.@end defvar@node Utilities, Widget Wishlist, Widget Minor Mode, Top@comment node-name, next, previous, up@section Utilities.@cindex utility functions for widgets@defun widget-prompt-value widget prompt [ value unbound ]Prompt for a value matching @var{widget}, using @var{prompt}.The current value is assumed to be @var{value}, unless @var{unbound} isnon-@code{nil}.@refill@end defun@defun widget-get-sibling widgetGet the item which @var{widget} is assumed to toggle.This is only meaningful for radio buttons or checkboxes in a list.@end defun@node Widget Wishlist, GNU Free Documentation License, Utilities, Top@comment node-name, next, previous, up@section Wishlist@cindex todo@itemize @bullet@itemIt should be possible to add or remove items from a list with @kbd{C-k}and @kbd{C-o} (suggested by @sc{rms}).@itemThe @samp{[INS]} and @samp{[DEL]} buttons should be replaced by a singledash (@samp{-}). The dash should be a button that, when invoked, askswhether you want to add or delete an item (@sc{rms} wanted to git rid ofthe ugly buttons, the dash is my idea).@itemThe @code{menu-choice} tag should be prettier, something like the abbreviatedmenus in Open Look.@itemFinish @code{:tab-order}.@itemMake indentation work with glyphs and proportional fonts.@itemAdd commands to show overview of object and class hierarchies to thebrowser.@itemFind a way to disable mouse highlight for inactive widgets.@itemFind a way to make glyphs look inactive.@itemAdd @code{property-list} widget.@itemAdd @code{association-list} widget.@itemAdd @code{key-binding} widget.@itemAdd @code{widget} widget for editing widget specifications.@itemFind clean way to implement variable length list.See @code{TeX-printer-list} for an explanation.@item@kbd{C-h} in @code{widget-prompt-value} should give type specific help.@itemAdd a @code{mailto} widget.@end itemize@node GNU Free Documentation License, Index, Widget Wishlist, Top@appendix GNU Free Documentation License@include doclicense.texi@node Index, , GNU Free Documentation License, Top@comment node-name, next, previous, up@unnumbered IndexThis is an alphabetical listing of all concepts, functions, commands,variables, and widgets described in this manual.@printindex cp@setchapternewpage odd@contents@bye@ignore arch-tag: 2b427731-4c61-4e72-85de-5ccec9c623f0@end ignore