macvim-dev / macvim-dev/macvim
Add an option so that opening a file from macOS’s "external editor" mechanism does not bring macvim to foreground
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- Dominant language
- Vim Script
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Description
In macOS, I am setting the default editor for source code files to open with macvim be default so that macvim can be the editor when debugging on lldb with lldb --editor. However, whenever a breakpoint is hit, or a frame changed, the focus automatically goes from lldb to macvim. I wish I could keep the focus on lldb instead.
Describe the solution you'd like
Maybe there could be an option called macvim_dont_bring_to_foreground, set to 0 by default, that enables the current behavior (bringing macvim to foreground when a remote command arrives), and can be set to 1 to disable the foreward bringing).
Describe alternatives you've considered
I have considered using vim in the terminal instead, by the server part of +clientserver is disabled.
Additional context
Add any other context or screenshots about the feature request here.
EDIT: lldb don’t use $EDITOR but the host’s external editor instead.
Contributor guide
First steps
- Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
- Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
- Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
- Open a pull request that references the issue number.
Research direction
Start by tracing MacVim’s macOS external-editor or remote-command handling and where it activates the application when a breakpoint or frame changes. Done means a configurable option preserves the current foreground behavior by default while allowing remote file openings to leave lldb focused; verify this through the external-editor workflow.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- macos, vim
- Domain
- desktop
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 4/5
- Estimated time
- 3-5 days
- Activity status
- Stale
- Clarity
- Mostly clear
- Newbie friendliness
- 35/100