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5. The IDLWAVE Shell

The IDLWAVE shell is an Emacs major mode which permits running the IDL program as an inferior process of Emacs, and works closely with the IDLWAVE major mode in buffers. It can be used to work with IDL interactively, to compile and run IDL programs in Emacs buffers and to debug these programs. The IDLWAVE shell is built on `comint', an Emacs packages which handles the communication with the IDL program. Unfortunately IDL for Windows does not have command-prompt versions and thus do not allow the interaction with Emacs(5) -- so the IDLWAVE shell currently only works under Unix and MacOSX.

5.1 Starting the Shell  How to launch IDL as a subprocess
5.2 Using the Shell  Interactively working with the Shell
5.3 Commands Sent to the Shell  
5.4 Debugging IDL Programs  
5.5 Examining Variables  
5.6 Custom Expression Examination  


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5.1 Starting the Shell

The IDLWAVE shell can be started with the command M-x idlwave-shell. In idlwave-mode the function is bound to C-c C-s. It creates a buffer `*idl*' which is used to interact with the shell. If the shell is already running, C-c C-s will simply switch to the shell buffer. The command C-c C-l (idlwave-shell-recenter-shell-window) displays the shell window without selecting it. The shell can also be started automatically when another command tries to send a command to it. To enable auto start, set the variable idlwave-shell-automatic-start to t.

In order to create a separate frame for the IDLWAVE shell buffer, call idlwave-shell with a prefix argument: C-u C-c C-s or C-u C-c C-l. If you always want a dedicated frame for the shell window, configure the variable idlwave-shell-use-dedicated-frame.

To launch a quick IDLWAVE shell directly from a shell prompt without an IDLWAVE buffer (e.g., as a replacement for running inside an xterm), define a system alias with the following content:

 
emacs -geometry 80x32 -eval "(idlwave-shell 'quick)"

Replace the `-geometry 80x32' option with `-nw' if you prefer the Emacs process to run directly inside the terminal window.

To use IDLWAVE with ENVI or other custom packages which change the `IDL> ' prompt, you must change the idlwave-shell-prompt-pattern, which defaults to `"^ ?IDL> "'. Normally, you can just replace the `IDL' in this expression with the prompt you see. A suitable pattern which matches the prompt for both ENVI and IDL simultaneously is `"^ ?\\(ENVI\\|IDL\\)> "'.

User Option: idlwave-shell-explicit-file-name (`idl')
This is the command to run IDL.

User Option: idlwave-shell-command-line-options
A list of command line options for calling the IDL program.

User Option: idlwave-shell-prompt-pattern
Regexp to match IDL prompt at beginning of a line.

User Option: idlwave-shell-process-name
Name to be associated with the IDL process.

User Option: idlwave-shell-automatic-start (nil)
Non-nil means attempt to invoke idlwave-shell if not already running.

User Option: idlwave-shell-initial-commands
Initial commands, separated by newlines, to send to IDL.

User Option: idlwave-shell-save-command-history (t)
Non-nil means preserve command history between sessions.

User Option: idlwave-shell-command-history-file (`~/.idlwave/.idlwhist')
The file in which the command history of the idlwave shell is saved. Unless it's an absolute path, it goes in idlwave-config-directory.
User Option: idlwave-shell-use-dedicated-frame (nil)
Non-nil means IDLWAVE should use a special frame to display the shell buffer.

User Option: idlwave-shell-frame-parameters
The frame parameters for a dedicated idlwave-shell frame.

User Option: idlwave-shell-raise-frame (t)
Non-nil means `idlwave-shell' raises the frame showing the shell window.

User Option: idlwave-shell-temp-pro-prefix
The prefix for temporary IDL files used when compiling regions.

User Option: idlwave-shell-mode-hook
Hook for customizing idlwave-shell-mode.


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5.2 Using the Shell

The IDLWAVE shell works in the same fashion as other shell modes in Emacs. It provides command history, command line editing and job control. The UP and DOWN arrows cycle through the input history just like in an X terminal(6). The history is preserved between emacs and IDL sessions. Here is a list of commonly used commands:

UP, M-p Cycle backwards in input history
DOWN, M-n Cycle forwards in input history
M-r Previous input matching a regexp
M-s Next input matching a regexp
return Send input or copy line to current prompt
C-c C-a Beginning of line; skip prompt
C-c C-u Kill input to beginning of line
C-c C-w Kill word before cursor
C-c C-c Send ^C
C-c C-z Send ^Z
C-c C-\ Send ^\
C-c C-o Delete last batch of process output
C-c C-r Show last batch of process output
C-c C-l List input history

In addition to these standard `comint' commands, idlwave-shell-mode provides many of the same commands which simplify writing IDL code available in IDLWAVE buffers. This includes abbreviations, online help, and completion. See 4.2 Routine Info and 4.3 Online Help and 4.4 Completion for more information on these commands.

TAB Completion of file names (between quotes and after executive commands `.run' and `.compile'), routine names, class names, keywords, system variables, system variable tags etc. (idlwave-shell-complete).
M-TAB Same as TAB
C-c ? Routine Info display (idlwave-routine-info)
M-? IDL online help on routine (idlwave-routine-info-from-idlhelp)
C-c C-i Update routine info from buffers and shell (idlwave-update-routine-info)
C-c C-v Find the source file of a routine (idlwave-find-module)
C-c = Compile a library routine (idlwave-resolve)

User Option: idlwave-shell-arrows-do-history (t)
Non-nil means UP and DOWN arrows move through command history like xterm.

User Option: idlwave-shell-comint-settings
Alist of special settings for the comint variables in the IDLWAVE Shell.

User Option: idlwave-shell-file-name-chars
The characters allowed in file names, as a string. Used for file name completion.

User Option: idlwave-shell-graphics-window-size
Size of IDL graphics windows popped up by special IDLWAVE command.

IDLWAVE works in line input mode: You compose a full command line, using all the power Emacs gives you to do this. When you press RET, the whole line is sent to IDL. Sometimes it is necessary to send single characters (without a newline), for example when an IDL program is waiting for single character input with the GET_KBRD function. You can send a single character to IDL with the command C-c C-x (idlwave-shell-send-char). When you press C-c C-y (idlwave-shell-char-mode-loop), IDLWAVE runs a blocking loop which accepts characters and immediately sends them to IDL. The loop can be exited with C-g. It terminates also automatically when the current IDL command is finished. Check the documentation of the two variables described below for a way to make IDL programs trigger automatic switches of the input mode.

User Option: idlwave-shell-use-input-mode-magic (nil)
Non-nil means IDLWAVE should check for input mode spells in output.

User Option: idlwave-shell-input-mode-spells
The three regular expressions which match the magic spells for input modes.


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5.3 Commands Sent to the Shell

The IDLWAVE buffers and shell interact very closely. In addition to the normal commands you enter at the IDL> prompt, many other special commands are sent to the shell, sometimes as a direct result of invoking a key command, menu item, or toolbar button, but also automatically, as part of the normal flow of information updates between the buffer and shell.

The commands sent include breakpoint, .step and other debug commands (see section 5.4 Debugging IDL Programs), .run and other compilation statements (see section 5.4.4 Compiling Programs), examination commands like print and help (see section 5.5 Examining Variables), and other special purpose commands designed to keep information on the running shell current.

By default, much of this background shell input and output is hidden from the user, but this is configurable. The custom variable idlwave-abbrev-show-commands allows you to configure which commands sent to the shell are shown there. For a related customization for separating the output of examine commands, see 5.5 Examining Variables.

User Option: idlwave-shell-show-commands ('(run misc breakpoint))
A list of command types to echo in the shell when sent. Possible values are run for .run, .compile and other run commands, misc for lesser used commands like window, retall,close, etc., breakpoint for breakpoint setting and clearing commands, and debug for other debug, stepping, and continue commands. In addition, if the variable is set to the single symbol 'everything, all the copious shell input is displayed (which is probably only useful for debugging purposes). N.B. For hidden commands which produce output by side-effect, that output remains hidden (e.g., stepping through a print command). As a special case, any error message in the output will be displayed (e.g., stepping to an error).


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5.4 Debugging IDL Programs

Programs can be compiled, run, and debugged directly from the source buffer in Emacs, walking through arbitrarily deeply nested code, printing expressions and skipping up and down the calling stack along the way. IDLWAVE makes compiling and debugging IDL programs far less cumbersome by providing a full-featured, key/menu/toolbar-driven interface to commands like breakpoint, .step, .run, etc. It can even perform complex debug operations not natively supported by IDL (like continuing to the line at the cursor).

The IDLWAVE shell installs key bindings both in the shell buffer and in all IDL code buffers of the current Emacs session, so debug commands work in both places (in the shell, commands operate on the last file compiled). On Emacs versions which support it, a debugging toolbar is also installed. The toolbar display can be toggled with C-c C-d C-t (idlwave-shell-toggle-toolbar).

User Option: idlwave-shell-use-toolbar (t)
Non-nil means use the debugging toolbar in all IDL related buffers.

5.4.1 A Tale of Two Modes  
5.4.2 Debug Key Bindings  
5.4.3 Breakpoints and Stepping  
5.4.4 Compiling Programs  
5.4.5 Walking the Calling Stack  
5.4.6 Electric Debug Mode  


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5.4.1 A Tale of Two Modes

The many debugging, compiling, and examination commands provided in IDLWAVE are available simultaneously through two different interfaces: the original, multi-key command interface, and the new Electric Debug Mode. The functionality they offer is similar, but the way you interact with them is quite different. The main difference is that, in Electric Debug Mode, the source buffers are made read-only, and single key-strokes are used to step through, examine expressions, set and remove breakpoints, etc. The same variables, prefix arguments, and settings apply to both versions, and both can be used interchangeably. By default, when breakpoints are hit, Electric Debug Mode is enabled. The traditional interface is described first. See section 5.4.6 Electric Debug Mode, for more on that mode.

Note that electric debug mode can be prevented from activating automatically by customizing the variable idlwave-shell-automatic-electric-debug.


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5.4.2 Debug Key Bindings

The standard debugging key bindings are always available by default on the prefix key C-c C-d, so, for example, setting a breakpoint is done with C-c C-d C-b, and compiling a source file with C-c C-d C-c. You can also easily configure IDLWAVE to use one or more modifier keys not in use by other commands, in lieu of the prefix C-c C-d (though these bindings will typically also be available --- see idlwave-shell-activate-prefix-keybindings). For example, if you include in `.emacs':

 
(setq idlwave-shell-debug-modifiers '(control shift))

a breakpoint can then be set by pressing b while holding down shift and control keys, i.e. C-S-b. Compiling a source file will be on C-S-c, deleting a breakpoint C-S-d, etc. In the remainder of this chapter we will assume that the C-c C-d bindings are active, but each of these bindings will have an equivalent shortcut if modifiers are given in the idlwave-shell-debug-modifiers variable (see section 3.2 Lesson II: Customization). A much simpler and faster form of debugging for running code is also available by default -- see 5.4.6 Electric Debug Mode.

User Option: idlwave-shell-prefix-key (C-c C-d)
The prefix key for the debugging map idlwave-shell-mode-prefix-map.

User Option: idlwave-shell-activate-prefix-keybindings (t)
Non-nil means debug commands will be bound to the prefix key, like C-c C-d C-b.

User Option: idlwave-shell-debug-modifiers (nil)
List of modifier keys to use for additional binding of debugging commands in the shell and source buffers. Can be one or more of control, meta, super, hyper, alt, and shift.


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5.4.3 Breakpoints and Stepping

IDLWAVE helps you set breakpoints and step through code. Setting a breakpoint in the current line of the source buffer is accomplished with C-c C-d C-b (idlwave-shell-break-here). With a prefix arg of 1 (i.e. C-1 C-c C-d C-b), the breakpoint gets a /ONCE keyword, meaning that it will be deleted after first use. With a numeric prefix greater than one (e.g. C-4 C-c C-d C-b), the breakpoint will only be active the nth time it is hit. With a single non-numeric prefix (i.e. C-u C-c C-d C-b), prompt for a condition -- an IDL expression to be evaulated and trigger the breakpoint only if true. To clear the breakpoint in the current line, use C-c C-d C-d (idlwave-clear-current-bp). When executed from the shell window, the breakpoint where IDL is currently stopped will be deleted. To clear all breakpoints, use C-c C-d C-a (idlwave-clear-all-bp). Breakpoint lines are highlighted or indicated with an icon in the source code. Note that IDL places breakpoints as close as possible on or after the line you specify. IDLWAVE queries the shell for the actual breakpoint location which was set, so the exact line you specify may not be marked. You can re-sync the breakpoint list and display at any time (e.g., if you add or remove some on the command line) using C-c C-d C-l

Once the program has stopped somewhere, you can step through it. The most important stepping commands are C-c C-d C-s to execute one line of IDL code ("step into"); C-c C-d C-n to step a single line, treating procedure and function calls as a single step ("step over"); C-c C-d C-h to continue execution to the line at the cursor and C-c C-d C-r to continue execution. See section 5.3 Commands Sent to the Shell, for information on displaying or hiding the breakpoint and stepping commands the shell receives. Here is a summary of the breakpoint and stepping commands:

C-c C-d C-b Set breakpoint (idlwave-shell-break-here)
C-c C-d C-i Set breakpoint in function named here (idlwave-shell-break-in)
C-c C-d C-d Clear current breakpoint (idlwave-shell-clear-current-bp)
C-c C-d C-a Clear all breakpoints (idlwave-shell-clear-all-bp)
C-c C-d [ Go to the previous breakpoint.
C-c C-d ] Go to the next breakpoint.
C-c C-d C-j Set a breakpoint at the beginning of the enclosing routine.
C-c C-d C-s Step, into function calls (idlwave-shell-step)
C-c C-d C-n Step, over function calls (idlwave-shell-stepover)
C-c C-d C-k Skip one statement (idlwave-shell-skip)
C-c C-d C-u Continue to end of block (idlwave-shell-up)
C-c C-d C-m Continue to end of function (idlwave-shell-return)
C-c C-d C-o Continue past end of function (idlwave-shell-out)
C-c C-d C-h Continue to line at cursor position (idlwave-shell-to-here)
C-c C-d C-r Continue execution to next breakpoint, if any (idlwave-shell-cont)
C-c C-d C-up Show higher level in calling stack (idlwave-shell-stack-up)
C-c C-d C-down Show lower level in calling stack (idlwave-shell-stack-down)

All of these commands have equivalents in Electric Debug Mode, which provides faster access (see section 5.4.6 Electric Debug Mode).

User Option: idlwave-shell-mark-breakpoints (t)
Non-nil means mark breakpoints in the source file buffers. The value indicates the preferred method. Legal values are nil, t, face, and glyph.

User Option: idlwave-shell-breakpoint-face
The face for breakpoint lines in the source code if idlwave-shell-mark-breakpoints has the value face.


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5.4.4 Compiling Programs

In order to compile the current buffer under the IDLWAVE shell, press C-c C-d C-c (idlwave-save-and-run). This first saves the current buffer and then sends the command `.run path/to/file' to the shell. You can also execute C-c C-d C-c from the shell buffer, in which case the most recently compiled buffer will be saved and re-compiled.

When developing or debugging a program, it is often necessary to execute the same command line many times. A convenient way to do this is C-c C-d C-y (idlwave-shell-execute-default-command-line). This command first resets IDL from a state of interrupted execution by closing all files and returning to the main interpreter level. Then a default command line is send to the shell. To edit the default command line, call idlwave-shell-execute-default-command-line with a prefix argument: C-u C-c C-d C-y. If no default command line has been set (or you give two prefix arguments), the last command on the comint input history is sent.

User Option: idlwave-shell-mark-stop-line (t)
Non-nil means mark the source code line where IDL is currently stopped. The value specifies the preferred method. Legal values are nil, t, arrow, and face.

User Option: idlwave-shell-overlay-arrow (">")
The overlay arrow to display at source lines where execution halts, if configured in idlwave-shell-mark-stop-line.

User Option: idlwave-shell-stop-line-face
The face which highlights the source line where IDL is stopped, if configured in idlwave-shell-mark-stop-line.


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5.4.5 Walking the Calling Stack

While debugging a program, it can be very useful to check the context in which the current routine was called, for instance to help understand the value of the arguments passed. To do so conveniently you need to examine the calling stack. If execution is stopped somewhere deep in a program, you can use the commands C-c C-d C-UP (idlwave-shell-stack-up) and C-c C-d C-DOWN (idlwave-shell-stack-down), or the corresponding toolbar buttons, to move up or down through the calling stack. The mode line of the shell window will indicate the position within the stack with a label like `[-3:MYPRO]'. The line of IDL code at that stack position will be highlighted. If you continue execution, IDLWAVE will automatically return to the current level. See section 5.5 Examining Variables, for information how to examine the value of variables and expressions on higher calling stack levels.

<A NAME="EDEBUG"></A>


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5.4.6 Electric Debug Mode

Even with a convenient debug key prefix enabled, repetitive stepping, variable examination (see section 5.5 Examining Variables), and other debugging activities can be awkward and slow using commands which require multiple keystrokes. Luckily, there's a better way, inspired by the lisp e-debug mode, and available through the Electric Debug Mode. By default, as soon as a breakpoint is hit, this minor mode is enabled. The buffer showing the line where execution has halted is switched to Electric Debug Mode. This mode is visible as `*Debugging*' in the mode line, and a different face (violet by default, where color is available) for the line stopped at point. The buffer is made read-only and single-character bindings for the most commonly used debugging commands are enabled:

a Clear all breakpoints (idlwave-shell-clear-all-bp)
b Set breakpoint, C-u b for a conditional break, C-n b for nth hit (idlwave-shell-break-here)
d Clear current breakpoint (idlwave-shell-clear-current-bp)
h Continue to the line at cursor position (idlwave-shell-to-here)
i Set breakpoint in function named here (idlwave-shell-break-in)
[ Go to the previous breakpoint in the file (idlwave-shell-goto-previous-bp)
] Go to the next breakpoint in the file (idlwave-shell-goto-next-bp)
j Set breakpoint at beginning of enclosing routine (idlwave-shell-break-this-module)
k Skip one statement (idlwave-shell-skip)
m Continue to end of function (idlwave-shell-return)
n Step, over function calls (idlwave-shell-stepover)
o Continue past end of function (idlwave-shell-out)
p Print expression near point or in region with C-u p (idlwave-shell-print)
q End the debugging session and return to the Shell's main level (idlwave-shell-retall)
r Continue execution to next breakpoint, if any (idlwave-shell-cont)
s or SPACE Step, into function calls (idlwave-shell-step)
t Print a calling-level traceback in the shell
u Continue to end of block (idlwave-shell-up)
v Turn Electric Debug Mode off (idlwave-shell-electric-debug-mode)
x Examine expression near point (or in region with C-u x) with shortcut of examine type.
z Reset IDL (idlwave-shell-reset)
+ or = Show higher level in calling stack (idlwave-shell-stack-up)
- or _ Show lower level in calling stack (idlwave-shell-stack-down)
? Help on expression near point or in region with C-u ? (idlwave-shell-help-expression)
C-? Show help on the commands available.

Most single-character electric debug bindings use the final keystroke of the equivalent multiple key commands (which are of course also still available), but some differ (e.g. t,q,x). Some have additional convenience bindings (like SPACE for stepping). All prefix and other argument options described in this section for the commands invoked by electric debug bindings are still valid. For example, C-u b sets a conditional breakpoint, just as it did with C-u C-c C-d C-b.

You can toggle the electric debug mode at any time in a buffer using C-c C-d C-v (v to turn it off while in the mode), or from the Debug menu. Normally the mode will be enabled and disabled at the appropriate times, but occassionally you might want to edit a file while still debugging it, or switch to the mode for conveniently setting lots of breakpoints.

To quickly abandon a debugging session and return to normal editing at the Shell's main level, use q (idlwave-shell-retall). This disables electric debug mode in all IDLWAVE buffers(7). Help is available for the command shortcuts with C-?. If you find this mode gets in your way, you can keep it from automatically activating by setting the variable idlwave-shell-automatic-electric-debug to nil, or 'breakpoint. If you'd like the convenient electric debug shortcuts available also when run-time errors are encountered, set to t.

User Option: idlwave-shell-automatic-electric-debug ('breakpoint)
Whether to enter electric debug mode automatically when a breakpoint or run-time error is encountered, and then disable it in all buffers when the $MAIN$ level is reached (either through normal program execution, or retall). In addition to nil for never, and t for both breakpoints and errors, this can be 'breakpoint (the default) to enable it only at breakpoint halts.

User Option: idlwave-shell-electric-zap-to-file (t)
If set, when entering electric debug mode, select the window displaying the file where point is stopped. This takes point away from the shell window, but is useful for immediate stepping, etc.

<A NAME="EXAMINE"></A>


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5.5 Examining Variables

Do you find yourself repeatedly typing, e.g. print,n_elements(x), and similar statements to remind yourself of the type/size/structure/value/etc. of variables and expressions in your code or at the command line? IDLWAVE has a suite of special commands to automate these types of variable or expression examinations. They work by sending statements to the shell formatted to include the indicated expression.

These examination commands can be used in the shell or buffer at any time (as long as the shell is running), and are very useful when execution is stopped in a buffer due to a triggered breakpoint or error, or while composing a long command in the IDLWAVE shell. In the latter case, the command is sent to the shell and its output is visible, but point remains unmoved in the command being composed -- you can inspect the contituents of a command you're building without interrupting the process of building it! You can even print arbitrary expressions from older input or output further up in the shell window -- any expression, variable, number, or function you see can be examined.

If the variable idlwave-shell-separate-examine-output is non-nil (the default), all examine output will be sent to a special `*Examine*' buffer, rather than the shell. The output of prior examine commands is saved. In this buffer c clears the contents, and q hides the buffer.

The two most basic examine commands are bound to C-c C-d C-p, to print the expression at point, and C-c C-d ?, to invoke help on this expression(8). The expression at point is either an array expression or a function call, or the contents of a pair of parentheses. The selected expression is highlighted, and simultaneously the resulting output is highlighted in the shell. Calling the above commands with a prefix argument will use the current region as expression instead of using the one at point. Two prefix arguments (C-u C-u C-c C-d C-p) will prompt for an expression.

For added speed and convenience, there are mouse bindings which allow you to click on expressions and examine their values. Use S-Mouse-2 to print an expression and C-M-Mouse-2 to invoke help (i.e. you need to hold down META and CONTROL while clicking with the middle mouse button). If you simply click, the nearest expression will be selected in the same manner as described above. You can also drag the mouse in order to highlight exactly the specific expression or sub-expression you want to examine. For custom expression examination, and the powerful customizable pop-up examine selection, See section 5.6 Custom Expression Examination.

The same variable inspection commands work both in the IDL Shell and IDLWAVE buffers, and even for variables at higher levels of the calling stack. For instance, if you're stopped at a breakpoint in a routine, you can examine the values of variables and expressions inside its calling routine, and so on, all the way up through the calling stack. Simply step up the stack, and print variables as you see them (see section 5.4.5 Walking the Calling Stack, for information on stepping back through the calling stack). The following restrictions apply for all levels except the current:

User Option: idlwave-shell-expression-face
The face for idlwave-shell-expression-overlay. Allows you to choose the font, color and other properties for the expression printed by IDL.

User Option: idlwave-shell-output-face
The face for idlwave-shell-output-overlay. Allows to choose the font, color and other properties for the most recent output of IDL when examining an expression."

User Option: idlwave-shell-separate-examine-output (t)
If non-nil, re-direct the output of examine commands to a special `*Examine*' buffer, instead of in the shell itself.


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5.6 Custom Expression Examination

The variety of possible variable and expression examination commands is endless (just look, for instance, at the keyword list to widget_info()). Rather than attempt to include them all, IDLWAVE provides two easy methods to customize your own commands, with a special mouse examine command, and two macros for generating your own examine key and mouse bindings.

The most powerful and flexible mouse examine command of all is available on C-S-Mouse-2. Just as for all the other mouse examine commands, it permits click or drag expression selection, but instead of sending hard-coded commands to the shell, it pops-up a customizable selection list of examine functions to choose among, configured with the idlwave-shell-examine-alist variable(9). This variable is a list of key-value pairs (an alist in Emacs parlance), where the key gives a name to be shown for the examine command, and the value is the command strings itself, in which the text ___ (three underscores) will be replaced by the selected expression before being sent to the shell. An example might be key Structure Help with value help,___,/STRUCTURE. In that case, you'd be prompted with Structure Help, which might send something like help,var,/STRUCTURE to the shell for output. idlwave-shell-examine-alist comes configured by default with a large list of examine commands, but you can easily customize it to add your own.

In addition to configuring the functions available to the pop-up mouse command, you can easily create your own customized bindings to inspect expressions using the two convenience macros idlwave-shell-examine and idlwave-shell-mouse-examine. These create keyboard or mouse-based custom inspections of variables, sharing all the same properties of the built-in examine commands. Both functions take a single string argument sharing the syntax of the idlwave-shell-examine-alist values, e.g.:

 
(add-hook 'idlwave-shell-mode-hook
          (lambda ()
            (idlwave-shell-define-key-both [s-down-mouse-2] 
                                 (idlwave-shell-mouse-examine 
                                  "print, size(___,/DIMENSIONS)"))
            (idlwave-shell-define-key-both [f9] (idlwave-shell-examine
                                       "print, size(___,/DIMENSIONS)"))
            (idlwave-shell-define-key-both [f10] (idlwave-shell-examine 
                                        "print,size(___,/TNAME)"))
            (idlwave-shell-define-key-both [f11] (idlwave-shell-examine
                                        "help,___,/STRUCTURE"))))
Now pressing f9, or middle-mouse dragging with the SUPER key depressed, will print the dimensions of the nearby or highlighted expression. Pressing f10 will give the type string, and f11 will show the contents of a nearby structure. As you can see, the possibilities are only marginally finite.

User Option: idlwave-shell-examine-alist
An alist of examine commands in which the keys name the command and are displayed in the selection pop-up, and the values are custom IDL examine command strings to send, after all instances of ___ are replaced by the indicated expression.


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