A couple of small feature requests

[motocoder]

I have been using the editor extensively at work over the last week. I am really liking it, and have a few small feature suggestions that I would like to pass along.

• I have the editor configured to run a single instance. I will frequently tell the running instance to edit a file by typing "hippoedit filename" from a CMD prompt. In this scenario, I have noticed that the keyboard focus does not go to HippoEdit; I have to take the mouse and click the window. It would be great if HippoEdit would get focus in this scenario.
• In the status bar, it would be nice to show the number of characters selected. I frequently make a selection as a way to count the width of some string.
• In the file explorer window, it would be good to be able to make the root of the tree be some subfolder
• I would like to figure out a way to associate some environment variables with a particular workspace. At work we have this concept called "enlistments" associated with our version control system. I have set up a workspace for each enlistment, and if I could also have it load some environment variables, then I can set up Tools to do things like check-out a file and have it apply to the appropriate enlistment

Thanks again for a great product.

[alex]

1. It would be great if HippoEdit would get focus in this scenario...

This is an old bug I thought is already fixed ... I have created a bug report topic for it, where we can track result of the fix.

2. In the status bar, it would be nice to show the number of characters selected. I frequently make a selection as a way to count the width of some string.

I think, it is already there... Or I have not understood the request. Just select some text, not release the mouse and check status bar:

3. In the file explorer window, it would be good to be able to make the root of the tree be some subfolder

Yes, maybe this is not a bad idea... I will check if it will be possible to add it in 1.50. but generally, also in 1.50 will be another way to achieve what you want, by using virtual folders in project explorer, where would be possible to set any file folder as virtual project folder with content selected by a file mask and updated as far as file system has been changed.

4. I would like to figure out a way to associate some environment variables with a particular workspace. At work we have this concept called "enlistments" associated with our version control system. I have set up a workspace for each enlistment, and if I could also have it load some environment variables, then I can set up Tools to do things like check-out a file and have it apply to the appropriate enlistment

OK, I see the use case, and I think this is really can be a good feature as for workspace as for the projects... I have seen something similar in other editors but was not aware about the use case. Do you have some good implementation example of this feature in other editor/tool? This also seems to be not very complex to implement but, I do not promise that can add this in 1.50. Maybe later (1.5x).
As a temporary workaround, I can suggest you to use projects, and associate a project (just load it) in a specific workspace. Projects can have, project specific tools, so can specialization of the tool for every workspace, located in project. I think, project tools are also shown in toolbar. And if you will assign, same shortcuts, you can get what you want - just a little bit more work.

Best regards,
Alex.

[motocoder]

This is an old bug I thought is already fixed ... I have created a bug report topic for it, where we can track result of the fix.
I think, it is already there... Or I have not understood the request. Just select some text, not release the mouse and check status bar:
(Attachment Link)
Yes, maybe this is not a bad idea... I will check if it will be possible to add it in 1.50. but generally, also in 1.50 will be another way to achieve what you want, by using virtual folders in project explorer, where would be possible to set any file folder as virtual project folder with content selected by a file mask and updated as far as file system has been changed.
OK, I see the use case, and I think this is really can be a good feature as for workspace as for the projects... I have seen something similar in other editors but was not aware about the use case. Do you have some good implementation example of this feature in other editor/tool? This also seems to be not very complex to implement but, I do not promise that can add this in 1.50. Maybe later (1.5x).
As a temporary workaround, I can suggest you to use projects, and associate a project (just load it) in a specific workspace. Projects can have, project specific tools, so can specialization of the tool for every workspace, located in project. I think, project tools are also shown in toolbar. And if you will assign, same shortcuts, you can get what you want - just a little bit more work.

Best regards,
Alex.

Hi Alex -

Thanks for the reply, and sorry for the slow reply on my part. With the exception of the workspaces / env. variables thing, I think the alternatives that you suggest would be fine (better in fact).

I will have to check into the status bar thing. I typically select text by holding down the shift key and using the arrows, so perhaps that feature doesn't work when text is selected that way?

[motocoder]

Oh, also - regarding the project specific environment variables. "E" text editor has it:

http://www.e-texteditor.com/wiki/index.php/Projects#Project_Specific_Environment_Variables

[alex]

It does not matter, if you do selection with mouse or with keyboard. Selection size is displayed any way, but it is cleaned after some time when you stop selecting (generally it is replaced by some other info). So, you need to check in time, when you are selecting.

Feature with root folder for File Explorer I have already added to 1.50, will be available in new 1.50 alpha update.

Thanks for example from E Text Editor. I will check it.