Auto-attach overlapping connections pods when moving modules in the module view

[jamiebullock]

---Migrated from Sifter - Sifter issue 441---

[jamiebullock]

Reported via "Notes for Integra Live with Riccardo" document

[jamiebullock]

I'm not sure if this is really a good idea. It seems like it might be cool to do this, but we'd be presenting the user with a choice of two different ways to connect ports, which I don't think is a good idea. Modules should feel solid and fixed, connections should feel light. Dragging modules around to make connections doesn't feel right to me. But let's leave this open for discussion...

[jamiebullock]

I agree that this needs more thought. I quite like the idea of sensitive pods. They react by glowing or something only when another pod with which they can establish a connection with (in to out etc.) comes near, and after a short delay create the arrow line to connect the modules. You could then disconnect by repeating the same action toggle-like.
I'm mindful of the Zen of Python but the fact that you have another choice, and create the same connection by clicking on a pod and dragging to the other one in both directions should not pose a problem. Look at it as a sort of cognitive redundancy! It would also make the disconnection a lot easier - clicking on a thin curved line is not great.

[jamiebullock]

OK, let's do this. I've thought of a great use case, which justifies having two systems. Think about when we have 2 modules, with two or more inputs/outputs. E.g. we want to connect a stereo delay to a stereo reverb. Dragging the delay to the reverb with both pods (we call them pins) overlapping connects both. This is the quickest way to connect/disconnect n-channel modules. However you also need to be able to manually connect things for the cases where you don't just want a stereo-to-stereo connection.

[jamiebullock]

Superseded by #986