[idea] Dynamic workspace number overlay/swap (replacing state_icon) when entering navigation mode (prefix+w)

[joonhwan]

idea / problem

Summary

When entering workspace navigation mode (prefix + w), users can jump directly to any workspace using number keys (1..9). To make this visual and intuitive without cluttering the UI, we propose dynamically replacing the workspace state_icon (or state_text) token with the 1-based index number (1, 2, 3...) specifically while in navigation mode. This applies to all workspace entries in sidebar visual order, including grouped worktree workspaces.

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Context & Current Behavior

• Collapsed Sidebar: Always displays numbers (1, 2, 3...) next to workspace icons.
• Expanded Sidebar: Renders standard metadata tokens (e.g. state_icon, workspace, branch, git_status). However, when pressing prefix + w to enter Mode::Navigate, users only see workspace names and status dots, requiring them to count rows to know which number key (1..9) targets which workspace.
• Visual Order Alignment: Herdr's indexed_switch_workspace resolves key numbers based on the visual order of entries in the sidebar (including grouped/indented worktrees).

requested change

Proposed Feature: Swap state_icon with Index Number on prefix + w

Instead of permanently adding a new index column or shifting text width, we can swap the leading status token dynamically during navigation:

1. Normal Mode:
   Sidebar renders workspace status dots (state_icon) and titles as usual (including indented worktree members):

   ● workspace-alpha
└─ ● feature-worktree
● workspace-beta

2. Navigation Mode (prefix + w):
   The state_icon (or state_text) token on every workspace row temporarily transforms into its visual 1-based index number badge:

   1 workspace-alpha
└─ 2 feature-worktree
3 workspace-beta

3. On Exit:
   Upon selecting a workspace or pressing Esc, all index numbers instantly revert back to normal state_icon status dots.

why you want this

• Zero Layout Shift: Replaces existing status dot width directly, avoiding layout shifts or text truncation in tight sidebar viewports.
• Worktree-Aware: Works seamlessly across both top-level workspaces and grouped/indented worktrees because index numbers strictly match Herdr's visual row ordering for key navigation.
• Clean & Contextual: The interface remains clean during normal work, but instantly reveals target numbers the moment navigation mode (prefix + w) is activated.
• Consistency: Aligns the direct number-key navigation experience of the expanded sidebar with the collapsed sidebar.

[joonhwan]

Ready to PR. Following is screenshot when i press prefix+w

@ogulcancelik

[joonhwan]

Oh... I found visual index for workspace is wierd in case of collapsed sidebar. should they be 1..9 only?