Re: org-pop-mode

["Mark E. Shoulson" <mark@shoulson.com>]

On 3/18/20 3:00 AM, Ihor Radchenko wrote:
>> Any feedback?
> >From the first glance it does not look too different from inline
> headings. Could you highlight the difference?
>
> Best,
> Ihor

Well, it's true there is similarity.  I even found in my notes where I 
noticed inline tasks and their similarity, but all I wrote there was 
"but mine is different," so maybe that isn't so helpful.  I have not 
used inline tasks, and was only barely familiar with them (I did know 
they existed, though), so that is my excuse for having invented my own 
wheel.

In terms of differences, let's see:

inline tasks are, from a strict outline point-of-view, a zillion levels 
down (approximately), which makes them indent waaaay over if you're 
using org-indent-mode.  My org-pop is the "normal," expected single 
level down.

inline tasks mark the end of the task with a special header at the same 
level as the task.  Org-pop marks the end of the digression with a 
special header at the same level as the "base" (the surrounding text).  
Your call as to what makes better sense.

inline tasks are well-integrated and worked deep into the innards of 
org-mode, to the point that it seems from looking at code that they 
cause something of a headache to developers with their exceptional 
behavior.  On the plus side, that means that many/most packages will Do 
the Right Thing in the face of inline tasks.  My org-pop is new and 
non-standard, with hacks to make a few key things work right with it, 
but doesn't have the support of... well, anything else.  I'm pretty sure 
exporting works well with inline tasks, but currently org-pop has no 
special tweaks for it (I'm not even sure what they should be).  This is 
a reason to stick with inline tasks.

Both approaches sinfully break the underlying outline-mode structure, 
which explicitly forbids exactly what we're trying to accomplish with 
them.  Inline tasks have (way) more seniority and support and indulgence 
for doing so, though.

I haven't experimented much with inline tasks as regards the two or 
three behaviors that I actually cared enough about to write org-pop; 
have to see if they do something like I would have wanted.

Thanks!

~mark