Re: by default, point should not enter the minibuffer prompt

[Miles Bader]

"Drew Adams" <address@hidden> writes:
> Find file: /current/dir/jjjjjjjjjj
> kkkkkkkkkkk
>
> M-: (forward-line -1)
>
> The cursor ends up on the F of Find file, not at the start of the input after
> the prompt.

The problem is that you are using `forward-line'.  It is a low-level
function that does not do any sort of checking.  Emacs commands intended
for user use (C-a, C-p, etc) should act correctly and avoid the prompt.

> However, it sounds like there might be some disagreement over what the default
> behavior is or should be. Stefan seems to say that by default users should be
> able to move to the prompt beginning (so they can copy prompt text), but Miles
> seems to say - and it appears to be generally true (except multi-line cases 
> such
> as that shown above), that by default you cannot move the cursor over the 
> prompt
> (using C-a at least).

Normal user commands are designed so that in normal usage, the cursor
won't end up in the prompt inadvertently.  However, if the user tries to
force the issue, by using an unusual command sequence (e.g., "C-a C-b"),
he can do so.

The aim is to make normal usage convenient (by avoiding the prompt),
while still giving the user freedom to access that text if he really
wants to.

-Miles

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