Conference vaxuum::online_bookbuilding

88.0. "Problem with code_example and left margin" by LISTNH::SIMONS (Al Simons 381-2187) Thu Feb 23 1989 11:02

    I have a small problem with block-style code examples. If the text
    after the code example is not preceded bby a <P> tag, the following
    text is left-justified outside the left margin. It may be a source bug
    that there is no <P>, but I think it is also a bug that I can go
    outside the left margin. You may disagree. Regardless, it is a low
    priority bug.
    
    Also a suggestion. I know that the horizontal real-estate is precious
    in the ONLINE style, but I much prefer the REPORT style's treatment of
    code examples, setting them off both vertically and horizontally from
    the surrounding text. In the ONLINE style, they tend to blend in with
    the surrounding text. Any chance of a change here? The following source
    demonstrates both "problems".
    
    Thanks for the consideration,
    -Al
    
    **************
    
<front_matter>
<title_page>
<title>(An ONLINE Margin Problem)
<endtitle_page>
<contents_file>
<endfront_matter>
<HEAD1>(A heading\a)
<p>
In the online format, a block code-example followed by a body of text that
does NOT start with a paragraph tag causes the left margin of that following 
text to be mis-set.
<p>
Also, the body of the code example is not nicely set off from the surrounding 
text, as is the case in the REPORT style.
<p>
Here is a block style code-example, to demonstrate the <quote>(problem).

<code_example>
THIS IS A ONE-LINE CODE EXAMPLE
<endcode_example>

Notice that using the 16-Jan bookbuilding tools, this block of text is set
too far to the left. The use of a paragraph tag would have prevented this
as shown by the example below, but
it seems to me to be a bug anyway. You may disagree. 

<code_example>
HERE IS ANOTHER CODE-EXAMPLE
<endcode_example>

<p>
Once again, more text outside of the code example block.
This time it is preceded by a paragraph tag, causing it to be properly
set at the left margin.
    

    Missing <P> tags: this type of thing happens in hardcopy as well as
    online because code examples, lists, etc. often change formatting
    parameters to output text in those contexts, text that is formatted
    differently. The <P> tag is needed to reset the context properly to
    paragraph text formatting.  
    
    Code examples: it's certainly possible to change the formatting
    of code examples if enough people think the change would be more
    effective. More vertical space is especially easy and may do the
    trick here. More horizontal space will mean that the horizontal
    scroll bar needs to be used more often to navigate examples, which
    people probably will not like.
    
    I'll take a look at the coding you include in your note.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Mary