[REQUEST] A "user Documentation Directory" Variable For Asciidoc

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As a user of the Kakoune editor, you're likely familiar with its powerful features and customization options. One of the most useful features is the :doc command, which allows you to search and view existing documentation. However, the current implementation loads documentation from only three directories: %val{config}, %val{runtime}/doc, and %val{runtime}/rc. In this article, we'll explore the idea of introducing a new variable, %val{user_doc}, to enable users to include their own documentation.

The Need for a Customizable Documentation Directory

Kakoune's :doc command is a game-changer for developers and power users. It provides a convenient way to access and view documentation, making it easier to learn new concepts and techniques. However, the current implementation has a limitation: it only loads documentation from a fixed set of directories. This can be restrictive for users who have their own notes and documentation that they'd like to include.

Introducing %val{user_doc}: A Customizable Documentation Directory

To address this limitation, we propose introducing a new variable, %val{user_doc}, which would allow users to specify their own documentation directory. This variable could be set to a custom path, such as %val{config}/doc or a completely different directory. By providing this flexibility, users can include their own notes, tutorials, and reference materials, making it easier to access and view the information they need.

Benefits of a Customizable Documentation Directory

A customizable documentation directory would offer several benefits to users:

  • Personalization: Users can include their own notes and documentation, making it easier to access and view the information they need.
  • Flexibility: Users can specify their own documentation directory, whether it's within the Kakoune config directory or a completely different location.
  • Organization: Users can keep their notes and documentation organized in a single directory, making it easier to find and view the information they need.

Use Cases for a Customizable Documentation Directory

Here are a few use cases for a customizable documentation directory:

  • Personal notes: Users can keep their personal notes and documentation in a single directory, making it easier to access and view the information they need.
  • Language-specific documentation: Users can include language-specific documentation, such as syntax references and tutorials, in a single directory.
  • Project-specific documentation: Users can include project-specific documentation, such as design documents and technical notes, in a single directory.

Implementation Details

To implement a customizable documentation directory, we would need to introduce a new variable, %val{user_doc}, in the asciidoc.kak file. This variable would allow users to specify their own documentation directory. We would also need to update the :doc command to load documentation from the specified directory.

Conclusion

A customizable documentation directory would be a valuable addition to Kakoune's feature set. By providing users with the flexibility to include their own notes and documentation, we can make it easier for them to access and view the information they need. believe that introducing a new variable, %val{user_doc}, would be a great way to achieve this goal.

Future Development

In the future, we could consider adding more features to the customizable documentation directory, such as:

  • Support for multiple directories: Users could specify multiple directories for documentation, making it easier to access and view information from different sources.
  • Automatic documentation discovery: Kakoune could automatically discover documentation files in the specified directory, making it easier to access and view the information users need.

As we discussed in our previous article, introducing a customizable documentation directory in Kakoune would be a valuable addition to the editor's feature set. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about this feature.

Q: What is the purpose of a customizable documentation directory?

A: The purpose of a customizable documentation directory is to allow users to include their own notes and documentation in a single directory, making it easier to access and view the information they need.

Q: How would the customizable documentation directory work?

A: The customizable documentation directory would be implemented as a new variable, %val{user_doc}, in the asciidoc.kak file. Users would be able to specify their own documentation directory, whether it's within the Kakoune config directory or a completely different location.

Q: What benefits would a customizable documentation directory provide?

A: A customizable documentation directory would provide several benefits to users, including:

  • Personalization: Users can include their own notes and documentation, making it easier to access and view the information they need.
  • Flexibility: Users can specify their own documentation directory, whether it's within the Kakoune config directory or a completely different location.
  • Organization: Users can keep their notes and documentation organized in a single directory, making it easier to find and view the information they need.

Q: How would the customizable documentation directory be implemented?

A: The customizable documentation directory would be implemented by introducing a new variable, %val{user_doc}, in the asciidoc.kak file. This variable would allow users to specify their own documentation directory. We would also need to update the :doc command to load documentation from the specified directory.

Q: Would the customizable documentation directory be optional or mandatory?

A: The customizable documentation directory would be optional. Users would be able to choose whether or not to use it, and would be able to specify their own documentation directory if they choose to use it.

Q: How would the customizable documentation directory interact with other Kakoune features?

A: The customizable documentation directory would interact with other Kakoune features, such as the :doc command, to provide a seamless user experience. Users would be able to access and view their documentation using the :doc command, and would be able to customize the documentation directory to suit their needs.

Q: Would the customizable documentation directory be backwards compatible?

A: Yes, the customizable documentation directory would be backwards compatible. Users who do not choose to use the customizable documentation directory would not be affected, and would continue to use the existing documentation directories.

Q: How would the customizable documentation directory be tested?

A: The customizable documentation directory would be tested using a combination of automated and manual testing methods. We would test the feature to ensure that it works as expected, and to identify and fix any bugs or issues that may arise.

Q: What is the estimated timeline for implementing the documentation directory?

A: The estimated timeline for implementing the customizable documentation directory is several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the feature and the resources available.

Conclusion

In this article, we've answered some frequently asked questions about the customizable documentation directory in Kakoune. We believe that this feature would be a valuable addition to the editor's feature set, and would provide users with a more personalized and flexible experience.