LyX ⇒ Altering the source code for customization?

[messwithlyx]

LyX is outstanding, but there are a few features that I find quite annoying. For instance, pressing the space bar when typing an equation will exit math mode. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any way to turn this feature off.

I'm posting to ask if anyone has experience diving into the source code. Suppose I wanted to change this one little feature. How involved would it be? I have some experience in C++ and more experience in other languages (Python, AHK, Matlab). My guess is that I would have to figure out where this specific feature is in the code, remove it, and then recompile. Do you think this idea is feasible?

I just thought I'd ask if anyone has experience with this kind of "customization" before I dive in head first. I'm a little out of my comfort zone, but not opposed to learning and hard work.

- Michael

[scottkosty]

Hi Michael,

Welcome to this forum!

Here is a patch (made against master branch) that I think does what you want. I don't know what else it breaks, so use with caution. In testing, it works for me (space no longer exits math):

What OS are you on? Compiling on Mac and Windows is quite complicated from what I've heard from LyX users (but it can be done if you're persistent!). On Linux, I've found compiling LyX to be very easy.

If you have any other questions like this, I suggest you join the mailing list lyx-devel@lists.lyx.org. Also, it sounds like you have other feedback that could improve LyX. If that is the case, we would love to hear your feedback at lyx-devel@lists.lyx.org. Or open bug reports or feature requests on http://www.lyx.org/trac

Scott