[UX] How to tell if we are in Paused Mode (using `Z` short-key) or not

[runlevel5]

Software version: htop 3.4.1

Pressing Z would pause the process update and the screen will become static. However it is HARD to tell if we are in Paused mode or not. I would like to propose that we might be able to add a PAUSED keyword somewhere (bottom function bar for example or header bar).

[Explorer09]

It's on the function bar (implemented already). However you can't see it until you have widened the terminal emulator window.

[runlevel5]

@Explorer09 thanks for pointing out, that again is an issue, perhaps we should append PAUSED text in Command header or even in the Main tab?

[Explorer09]

I have one idea. If the pause function is applied per-screen or per-tab, and if htop is run with Unicode support, then we can add a U+23F8 character on the tab to indicate the pause status. How to indicate this using only ASCII characters would be another problem. Feel free to experiment on that.

[runlevel5]

Like this?

how to indicate this using only ASCII characters would be another problem

Just append a text (PAUSED) next to Tab title?

[runlevel5]

Alternatively we could add it in its own place

[prvnprk]

Alternatively we could add it in its own place

This but with the text PAUSED at the centre, easily visible.

[runlevel5]

This but with the text PAUSED at the centre, easily visible.

There is no guarantee there is enough space if there are many tabs present at the same time.

[fasterit]

@runlevel5: Are you actually using htop for anything but playing around with potential UI improvements?
I am a bit surprised that you propose UI improvements but have not even spotted the "PAUSED" yourself. Ever.
/DLange

[runlevel5]

I am a bit surprised that you propose UI improvements but have not even spotted the "PAUSED" yourself. Ever.

I saw the PAUSED at the bottom. So please stop being sarcastic, it does not really help

[fasterit]

So your answer to the question is that you do not actually use htop for anything substantially beyond UI suggestions?

[Explorer09]

So your answer to the question is that you do not actually use htop for anything substantially beyond UI suggestions?

@fasterit Please, don't presume that user didn't use htop when they make a UI suggestion.
This argument is really unhelpful. @runlevel5 didn't act on a bad faith. Such question of yours can make users turn away from contributing to htop.

[runlevel5]

So your answer to the question is that you do not actually use htop for anything substantially beyond UI suggestions?

My answer is that I used it enough to feel certain decision on UX could be improved to make the experience better. So I guess you admit you have not used it enough. To be honest, I really dislike your aggressive attitude, you can always be constructive but you choose not to. No wonder many OSS projects need CODE OF CONDUCTS and in this case it is needed badly.

[natoscott]

@runlevel5 there is a code of conduct, please feel free to peruse. I don't think any lines were crossed here as yet - I see people getting frustrated, but no personal attacks or abuse - feel free to send me a private note if you feel otherwise ( nathans @ redhat.com ).

FWIW, my opinion from seeing those screenshots is that trying to represent this anywhere in the Screen Tabs will lead to poor UI/UX, the function bar is the right place for UI state information ... perhaps there's a way to make it more clear than it is currently.

If there are further posts here not relating to UI design or proposed UI improvements, I'll close out this issue. Thanks all!

[runlevel5]

@runlevel5 there is a code of conduct, please feel free to peruse. I don't think any lines were crossed here as yet - I see people getting frustrated, but no personal attacks or abuse - feel free to send me a private note if you feel otherwise ( nathans @ redhat.com ).

Thanks for the clarification. Heated arguments ought to happen but must be done in constructive manner.

FWIW, my opinion from seeing those screenshots is that trying to represent this anywhere in the Screen Tabs will lead to poor UI/UX, the function bar is the right place for UI state information ... perhaps there's a way to make it more clear than it is currently.

I agree with you, hence the very purpose of this ticket is to kickstart the discussion.