bug#49689: [FEATURE REQUEST] Explicitly report change of input method

[Eli Zaretskii]

> Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2021 18:40:54 -0400
> From: Boruch Baum <boruch_baum@gmx.com>
> 
> Presently, a buffer's current input method is:
> 
>   1] Only reported in the form of a cryptic symbol on the mode line.

You get the full description if you hover the mouse pointer above that
symbol (it's actually a short string).  You can also do this:

  M-: current-input-method RET

>   2] Aforementioned cryptic symbol is not guaranteed to be unique
>      (BUG?).

There are too few short meaningful strings to guarantee uniqueness.
So, not a bug, but a mild misfeature due to screen estate constraints.

>   2.1] Example: Hebrew and Hebrew-new
> 
> Please consider explicitly reporting changes to the input method. I've
> done this to my personal satisfaction locally by adding a single line to
> the end of each of functions `activate-input-method' and
> `deactivate-input-method', both in file `mule-cmds'.
> 
>   (message "Current input method is now: %s" current-input-method))

I don't think I understand the feature request.  The message you
suggest is ephemeral: it will be removed on the next keystroke.  So
it's not like it will be shown there for prolonged periods of time.
How will it help?

> This change has additional benefits:
> 
>   1] Letting me know what I've done when I mis-type `C-\'.

Doesn't "C-h l" help you know that?

> 
>   2] Letting me know what to select when performing `C-h I'

Please elaborate how does that message help with this last task.

Thanks.