Repeat and Predict - Two Keys to Efficient Text Editing

Repeat and Predict - Two Keys to Efficient Text Editing

Toshiyuki Masui, Ken Nakayama


ABSTRACT

We propose a simple and powerful predictive interface technique for text editing tasks. With our technique called the dynamic macro creation, when a user types a special ``repeat'' key after doing repetitive operations in a text editor, an editing sequence corresponding to one iteration is detected, defined as a macro, and executed at the same time. Although being simple, a wide range of repetitive tasks can be performed just by typing the repeat key. When we use another special ``predict'' key for conventional prediction techniques in addition to the repeat key, wider range of prediction schemes can be performed depending on the order of using these two keys.

KEYWORDS:

Text Editing, Predictive Interface, Programming By Example, PBE, Programming by Demonstration, PBD, Keyboard Macro, Dynamic Macro Creation