Thanks a lot for keeping up the excellent program Notepad ++.
However. When I record and execute a macro, the execution will not produce the same actions as the recording. My feeling is that it maybe has to do with the cursor positioning being different during the execution.
I apologize for not supplying a complete example of the problem. If that is needed I will naturally do so. However, the problem occurs so often, almost more often than not, so my question is: Is there a problem with the macro function in Notepad++ or is there some setting or basic fact I have neglected. (I have used macros in many editors since the 1980's so I think I can say that I have a basic idea what should happen.)
Thanks again for all work being put into the project.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Macros record basic Scintila actions, and don't always keep the semantics (the editor level action). This is the basic issue, and its correction will take time. But there are plans to arrange this.
In the meantime, if you can post a short macro with undesired behaviour, it will help.
CChris
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Illustrating possible bug in Notepad++ macrofunction.
The bug is maybe related to cursorpositioning in macros?
The execution of the macro will not yield the same result as is obtained during the recording.
This file originally contained the following three similar groups of characters:
ab cd ef
gh ij kl
mn op qr
ab cd ef
gh ij kl
mn op qr
ab cd ef
gh ij kl
mn op qr
The cursor was put on the first line of the second group of characters (starting ab) and macro recording started.
The purpose of the macro was to exchange the first character in each pair of characters to an X.
Only the arrow-keys and the delete key were used to replace these characters by X.
I jumped a little randomly around, using the arrowkeys.
The correct final result is seen in the second group of characters:
Xb Xd Xf
Xh Xj Xl
Xn Xp Xr
After that (the cursor was correctly put in the corresponding first position on the first line of the next group of characters) and stopped recording and executed.
The third group of characters is widely different from the expected second group:
XX cXXef
ghXij Xl
Xn Xp qr
Thanks a lot for all the work you put into this project.
Notepad++ is really a good product.
Y Lo
The file finally looked like this:
ab cd ef
gh ij kl
mn op qr
Xb Xd Xf
Xh Xj Xl
Xn Xp Xr
XX cXXef
ghXij Xl
Xn Xp qr
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Could you open shortcuts.xml, copy the definition of your macro - it starts with <Macro name=mymacro_name ... and ends at the firsy </Macro> - and post it here? email it to cchris if there is any issue in posting it I think the problem magistrally illustrate my earlier point, but I'd like to be sure. As I said, the cure is not an easy fix.
CChris
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I opened shortcuts.xml. As I understand, only the macro "Trim Trailing and save" is saved there. The macros I have made are not mentioned here. (But they are stored somewhere, since I can close np++ and they are available when I reopen the pgm. I can also find the macros under "Shortcut mapper"
I need more instructions if I should be able to find where my macro is recorded.
Maybe I should clarify:
When I open np++ I can find the "pre-recorded" macro "Trim Trailing and save" together with the macros I have recorded under the menu "Macros". However, rather unexpected to me, in shortcuts.xml, I think only "Trim Trailing and save" is stored, not the macros recorded by me. If I should supply this information, please inform me how to find the complete information about the content of the macros recorded by me.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
You have two shortcutsxml, and opened the rong one One is alongside notepad++exe, one is in %APPDATA%\Notepad++\ You'll find the macros by opening the other file It's not a good idea imho to have two sets of config files, but this happens when not careful or consistent in installing - hard to avoid
CChris
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I am sorry, I just can't find where the entire keystroke-combinations of stored macros are stored. I can only find the following folders relating to notepad++
C:\Program Files\Notepad++
this folder contains shortcuts.xml (and also the np++ application etc)
shortcuts.xml is included in its whole below
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Notepad++
f.ex. containing a shortcut to np++ application
When I set the system to search for shortcuts.xml it will only turn up one version of the file.
I don't know how to find the %APPDATA% folder. I can find the following folder:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data
It does not contain a np++ folder though.
(I am currently using an old XP pro 2002 sp2 system at an Internetcafe)
For me, the %APPDATA% Notepad++ folder is at C:\Documents and Settings\Propriétaire\Application Data\Notepad++ . NP++ looks for shortcuts.xml only there and in its own folder - and it find your macro, so it really must be there.
I can't see why the file would be hidden, but perhaps. Did you try finding shortcuts.xml in the whole of Docs and Settings and its subfolders?
CChris
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I don't know where the appdata is in this system. I searched the harddisks from the top for shortcuts.xml.
There is an option during installation "Do not use %appdata%". I chose this and now the macros I make store in the np++ "program files" folder.
This is the chunk of text I wish to process with the example macro (macro named ycc_test_00):
ab cd ef
gh ij kl
I wish to put the cursor at "a" and move around with the arrows exchanging the first letter of every pair to capitals. I only use arrowkeys, deletekey and corresponding upper case letter key.
The result of the macro should be like this:
Ab Cd Ef
Gh Ij Kl
During recording of the macro everything is OK, but during execution the following garbled result is obtained:
It seems the macro-engine loses track of its position (one step left) when I step down one line? It starts erasing the blanks instead of the first letters of the pairs.
(If I delete with backspace instead I get the same result))
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I made some further experiments. Could this problem have to do with HOW NEW LINE IS REPRESENTED. I have seen similar things happening my own programs. New line is represented differently in f.ex. Linux and Windows. If new line is represented by either one or two characters will make a difference for where the cursor is positioned.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I'd suggest recording this:
delete
insert 'A'
next word right (ctrl+right)
delete
insert 'C'
next word right
delete
insert 'E'
home
line down
delete
insert 'G'
...
Better?
The automatic uppercasing is something a script language will do, not a macro.
CChris
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Thanks a lot for keeping up the excellent program Notepad ++.
However. When I record and execute a macro, the execution will not produce the same actions as the recording. My feeling is that it maybe has to do with the cursor positioning being different during the execution.
I apologize for not supplying a complete example of the problem. If that is needed I will naturally do so. However, the problem occurs so often, almost more often than not, so my question is: Is there a problem with the macro function in Notepad++ or is there some setting or basic fact I have neglected. (I have used macros in many editors since the 1980's so I think I can say that I have a basic idea what should happen.)
Thanks again for all work being put into the project.
Only 1 bug ?
I think the only bug here is the existence of this crap application.
> Only 1 bug ?
> I think the only bug here is the existence of this crap application.
If I were you I would use another editor instead of wasting my time in this forum for whining.
Don
Macros record basic Scintila actions, and don't always keep the semantics (the editor level action). This is the basic issue, and its correction will take time. But there are plans to arrange this.
In the meantime, if you can post a short macro with undesired behaviour, it will help.
CChris
Thanks a lot for taking the time, Chris.
Illustrating possible bug in Notepad++ macrofunction.
The bug is maybe related to cursorpositioning in macros?
The execution of the macro will not yield the same result as is obtained during the recording.
This file originally contained the following three similar groups of characters:
ab cd ef
gh ij kl
mn op qr
ab cd ef
gh ij kl
mn op qr
ab cd ef
gh ij kl
mn op qr
The cursor was put on the first line of the second group of characters (starting ab) and macro recording started.
The purpose of the macro was to exchange the first character in each pair of characters to an X.
Only the arrow-keys and the delete key were used to replace these characters by X.
I jumped a little randomly around, using the arrowkeys.
The correct final result is seen in the second group of characters:
Xb Xd Xf
Xh Xj Xl
Xn Xp Xr
After that (the cursor was correctly put in the corresponding first position on the first line of the next group of characters) and stopped recording and executed.
The third group of characters is widely different from the expected second group:
XX cXXef
ghXij Xl
Xn Xp qr
Thanks a lot for all the work you put into this project.
Notepad++ is really a good product.
Y Lo
The file finally looked like this:
ab cd ef
gh ij kl
mn op qr
Xb Xd Xf
Xh Xj Xl
Xn Xp Xr
XX cXXef
ghXij Xl
Xn Xp qr
Could you open shortcuts.xml, copy the definition of your macro - it starts with <Macro name=mymacro_name ... and ends at the firsy </Macro> - and post it here? email it to cchris if there is any issue in posting it I think the problem magistrally illustrate my earlier point, but I'd like to be sure. As I said, the cure is not an easy fix.
CChris
I opened shortcuts.xml. As I understand, only the macro "Trim Trailing and save" is saved there. The macros I have made are not mentioned here. (But they are stored somewhere, since I can close np++ and they are available when I reopen the pgm. I can also find the macros under "Shortcut mapper"
I need more instructions if I should be able to find where my macro is recorded.
Thanks for taking interest.
shortcuts.xml
<Macros>
<Macro name="Trim Trailing and save" Ctrl="no" Alt="yes" Shift="yes" Key="83">
<Action type="2" message="0" wParam="42024" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="2" message="0" wParam="41006" lParam="0" sParam="" />
</Macro>
</Macros>
Maybe I should clarify:
When I open np++ I can find the "pre-recorded" macro "Trim Trailing and save" together with the macros I have recorded under the menu "Macros". However, rather unexpected to me, in shortcuts.xml, I think only "Trim Trailing and save" is stored, not the macros recorded by me. If I should supply this information, please inform me how to find the complete information about the content of the macros recorded by me.
You have two shortcutsxml, and opened the rong one One is alongside notepad++exe, one is in %APPDATA%\Notepad++\ You'll find the macros by opening the other file It's not a good idea imho to have two sets of config files, but this happens when not careful or consistent in installing - hard to avoid
CChris
I am sorry, I just can't find where the entire keystroke-combinations of stored macros are stored. I can only find the following folders relating to notepad++
C:\Program Files\Notepad++
this folder contains shortcuts.xml (and also the np++ application etc)
shortcuts.xml is included in its whole below
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Notepad++
f.ex. containing a shortcut to np++ application
When I set the system to search for shortcuts.xml it will only turn up one version of the file.
I don't know how to find the %APPDATA% folder. I can find the following folder:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data
It does not contain a np++ folder though.
(I am currently using an old XP pro 2002 sp2 system at an Internetcafe)
If I find them, I will come back, naturally.
shortcuts.xml
<NotepadPlus>
<InternalCommands />
<Macros>
<Macro name="Trim Trailing and save" Ctrl="no" Alt="yes" Shift="yes" Key="83">
<Action type="2" message="0" wParam="42024" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="2" message="0" wParam="41006" lParam="0" sParam="" />
</Macro>
</Macros>
<UserDefinedCommands>
<Command name="launch in Firefox" Ctrl="yes" Alt="yes" Shift="yes" Key="88">firefox "$(FULL_CURRENT_PATH)"</Command>
<Command name="launch in IE" Ctrl="yes" Alt="yes" Shift="yes" Key="73">iexplore "$(FULL_CURRENT_PATH)"</Command>
<Command name="Get php help" Ctrl="no" Alt="yes" Shift="no" Key="112">http://www.php.net/%20$(CURRENT_WORD)</Command>
<Command name="Google Search" Ctrl="no" Alt="yes" Shift="no" Key="113">http://www.google.com/search?q=$(CURRENT_WORD)</Command>
<Command name="Wikipedia Search" Ctrl="no" Alt="yes" Shift="no" Key="114">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=$(CURRENT_WORD)</Command>
<Command name="open file" Ctrl="no" Alt="yes" Shift="no" Key="116">$(NPP_DIRECTORY)\notepad++.exe $(CURRENT_WORD)</Command>
<Command name="open in another instance" Ctrl="no" Alt="yes" Shift="no" Key="117">$(NPP_DIRECTORY)\notepad++.exe $(CURRENT_WORD) -nosession -multiInst</Command>
<Command name="Open containing folder" Ctrl="no" Alt="no" Shift="no" Key="0">explorer $(CURRENT_DIRECTORY)</Command>
<Command name="Open current dir cmd" Ctrl="no" Alt="no" Shift="no" Key="0">cmd /K cd $(CURRENT_DIRECTORY)</Command>
</UserDefinedCommands>
</NotepadPlus>
For me, the %APPDATA% Notepad++ folder is at C:\Documents and Settings\Propriétaire\Application Data\Notepad++ . NP++ looks for shortcuts.xml only there and in its own folder - and it find your macro, so it really must be there.
I can't see why the file would be hidden, but perhaps. Did you try finding shortcuts.xml in the whole of Docs and Settings and its subfolders?
CChris
I don't know where the appdata is in this system. I searched the harddisks from the top for shortcuts.xml.
There is an option during installation "Do not use %appdata%". I chose this and now the macros I make store in the np++ "program files" folder.
This is the chunk of text I wish to process with the example macro (macro named ycc_test_00):
ab cd ef
gh ij kl
I wish to put the cursor at "a" and move around with the arrows exchanging the first letter of every pair to capitals. I only use arrowkeys, deletekey and corresponding upper case letter key.
The result of the macro should be like this:
Ab Cd Ef
Gh Ij Kl
During recording of the macro everything is OK, but during execution the following garbled result is obtained:
Ab Cd EfGghIijKkl
The macro is recorded like this:
<Macro name="ycc_test_000" Ctrl="no" Alt="no" Shift="no" Key="0">
<Action type="0" message="2180" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="1" message="2170" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="A" />
<Action type="0" message="2306" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="0" message="2306" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="0" message="2180" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="1" message="2170" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="C" />
<Action type="0" message="2306" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="0" message="2306" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="0" message="2180" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="1" message="2170" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="E" />
<Action type="0" message="2300" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="0" message="2304" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="0" message="2180" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="1" message="2170" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="K" />
<Action type="0" message="2304" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="0" message="2304" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="0" message="2304" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="0" message="2304" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="0" message="2180" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="1" message="2170" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="I" />
<Action type="0" message="2304" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="0" message="2304" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="0" message="2304" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="0" message="2304" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="0" message="2180" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="" />
<Action type="1" message="2170" wParam="0" lParam="0" sParam="G" />
</Macro>
I interpret the "message" parameter like this:
2180 delete-key
2306 R-arrow
2300 D-arrow
2304 L-arrow
As I see it the macro is correctly recorded (exactly like I went through it during recording) and the garbling must occur later, during the execution.
It seems the macro-engine loses track of its position (one step left) when I step down one line? It starts erasing the blanks instead of the first letters of the pairs.
(If I delete with backspace instead I get the same result))
I made some further experiments. Could this problem have to do with HOW NEW LINE IS REPRESENTED. I have seen similar things happening my own programs. New line is represented differently in f.ex. Linux and Windows. If new line is represented by either one or two characters will make a difference for where the cursor is positioned.
I'd suggest recording this:
delete
insert 'A'
next word right (ctrl+right)
delete
insert 'C'
next word right
delete
insert 'E'
home
line down
delete
insert 'G'
...
Better?
The automatic uppercasing is something a script language will do, not a macro.
CChris
As I understand there is a bug in the macro-function. I hope it has come to the developers' attention through this thread.
Thanks for all good work being put into Notepad++