gf-lt/docs/filepicker-search.md

Filepicker Search Implementation - Notes

Goal

Add / key functionality in filepicker (Ctrl+O) to filter/search files by name, similar to how / works in the main TUI textview.

Requirements

• Press / to activate search mode
• Live case-insensitive filtering
• ../ (parent directory) always visible
• Show "No matching files" when nothing matches
• Esc to cancel (return to main app for sending messages)
• Enter to confirm search and close search input

Approaches Tried

Approach 1: Modify Flex Layout In-Place

Add search input to the existing flex container by replacing listView with searchInput.

Issues:

• tview's RemoveItem/AddItem causes UI freezes/hangs
• Using app.QueueUpdate or app.Draw didn't help
• Layout changes don't render properly

Approach 2: Add Input Capture to ListView

Handle / key in listView's SetInputCapture.

Issues:

• Key events don't reach listView when filepicker is open
• Global app input capture handles / for main textview search first
• Even when checking pages.GetFrontPage(), the key isn't captured

Approach 3: Global Handler with Page Replacement

Handle / in global app input capture when filepicker page is frontmost.

Issues:

• Search input appears but text is invisible (color issues)
• Enter/Esc not handled - main TUI captures them
• Creating new pages adds on top instead of replacing, causing split-screen effect
• Enter on file item opens new filepicker (page stacking issue)

Approach 4: Overlay Page (Modal-style)

Create a new flex with search input on top and filepicker below, replace the page.

Issues:

• Page replacement causes split-screen between main app and filepicker
• Search input renders but invisible text
• Enter/Esc handled by main TUI, not search input
• State lost when recreating filepicker

Root Causes

1. tview UI update issues: Direct manipulation of flex items causes freezes or doesn't render
2. Input capture priority: Even with page overlay, main TUI's global input capture processes keys first
3. Esc key conflict: Esc is used for sending messages in main TUI, and it's hard to distinguish when filepicker is open
4. Focus management: tview's focus system doesn't work as expected with dynamic layouts

Possible Solutions (Not Tried)

1. Use tview's built-in Filter method: ListView has a SetFilterFunc that might work
2. Create separate search primitive: Instead of replacing list, use a separate text input overlay
3. Different key for search: Use a key that isn't already mapped in main TUI
4. Fork/extend tview: May need to modify tview itself for better dynamic UI updates
5. Use form with text input: tview.Forms might handle input better

Current State

All search-related changes rolled back. Filepicker works as before without search functionality.