Is it possible to make an erlang shell, which starts in a separate part of window's space when you're opening your erlang project?

[ghost]

I was reading this thread.
#185

Please, check if this feature(#426) is implementable.

@horkhe

I guess the question is if it is possible to make Erlang
Shellhttp://www.erlang.org/doc/man/shell.htmlcommands work in the
IDEA Erlang Console. Right?

Actually, I have the same question. Is it possible to make an erlang shell, which starts in a separate part of window's space when you're opening your erlang project?
like (python shell) which is present in, say, WingIDE?
see http://www.voidspace.org.uk/ironpython/images/wing.png

@deadok22
Run configuration is not the case. Because it's not convenient to open a spectacular configuration each time you want to try something in the erlang shell which uses 'current project/src dir' working directory.

Opening a separate shell and running there an erl process is not the case too. As you have to switch between windows constantly.

I've googled a lot. And the only thing I found for now is to create a custom external tool entry or using run configurations.

Maybe it's possible to automate this sequence of actions(yep, I know, this is an ugly solution, but this is just a prototype, a quickfix):

1. create a custom external tool entry(erl shell)/run configuration during a project creation
2. When erlang project is being loaded, run this external tool.
   In this case erlang shell will be opened automatically in the bottom of the IDE as 'Run'...

Script shell is a very convenient feature for IDEs designed for languages with scripting interfaces.
I've been programming in Python for 5+ years and I totally get used to this. I think that many people will be very thankful for this feature.

Thanks a lot in advance.

[deadok22]

Hi @khryplyvenko,

I did some digging and I've found out that it is possible to implement what you propose. Yet I have some questions to ask before I get down to implementing it.

1. What is wrong with using run configurations? You can have a run configuration being run throughout a whole development session of yours - thus you only run it once when you first need it. (I'm asking because Erlang console run configuration provides auto-complete, parameters suggestion, etc. - see @horkhe's message in Please implement a version of the erlang shell, or at least fake it. #185)

2. Whatever way of running Erlang shell we choose we should decide on what working directory and what arguments should it be started with. If we use run configurations, we may introduce some sort of project-level configuration, where it is possible to select which console run configuration should be run when the project is loaded. This way we may have a customizable shell environment which is very flexible and may suit more users' needs.

[ghost]

1. What is wrong with using run configurations? You can have a run configuration being run >throughout a whole development session of yours - thus you only run it once when you first need it. >(I'm asking because Erlang console run configuration provides auto-complete, parameters >suggestion, etc. - see @horkhe's message in Please implement a version of the erlang shell, or at least fake it. #185)

Wrong is that fact, that you have to choose relevant run configuration each time you load the project.
If there was a some 'run configuration for inner usage' which would be started automatically when you load the project... It would be nice. As it would have all benefits you described in your first comment.

2. Whatever way of running Erlang shell we choose we should decide on what working directory >and what arguments should it be started with. If we use run configurations, we may introduce >some sort of project-level configuration, where it is possible to select which console run >configuration should be run when the project is loaded. This way we may have a customizable >shell environment which is very flexible and may suit more users' needs.

I think, that usage of run configurations is the best way. I totally agree with your second comment.

[ghost]

I upgraded my idea to idea-IC-133.696 version(from 12th to 13th)
And there is such a feature:
Tools->Open Terminal
If you open a terminal, it opens in the bottom of the window. And if you close idea window entirely & then start idea it again, it automatically opens a terminal.
I think that this may help you to implement #426