[josm-dev] Thoughts for further step to modeless operation in JOSM

[Gervase Markham]

Martin Koppenhoefer wrote:
> I'm happy with modes. Actually I don't see any benefit of a modeless
> editor. 

Usability research consistently shows that modes are a barrier to fluid
interaction. You may have got used to it, and be able to use both
equally well - great :-) But that doesn't make them equally learnable
and usable for everyone.

> Most vector-drawing (like illustrator, freehand, and also
> bitmap like photoshop) programms I know are using modes as well, and
> this for the simple reason that you don't add nodes when you don't
> want to.

This is one reason node addition uses Alt-click.

Gerv