The ActionHooks plugin for jEdit is a highly efficient automation tool. It allows developers to map specific actions or BeanShell macros to event triggers fired by the EditBus (jEdit’s internal messaging network).
Instead of manually executing repetitive commands, you can hook tasks into daily editing cycles (such as opening, saving, or changing file focus). These ten time-saving ActionHooks can optimize a jEdit development workflow: 1. BufferUpdate.SAVED → Code Linting & Formatting
The Action: Automatically run toolchains like Prettier, Astyle, or language-specific syntax checkers.
Time-Saving Value: Eliminates manual code style fixes and formats files perfectly every time you hit Ctrl+S.
2. BufferUpdate.CREATED → Template & Boilerplate Injection
The Action: Triggers a macro that checks the extension of a newly created file and populates it with stock boilerplate text (e.g., standard HTML5 structures, copyright notices, or default Java class syntax).
Time-Saving Value: Saves minutes spent rewriting headers or searching for old files to copy and paste.
3. BufferUpdate.DIRTY_CHANGED → Real-Time Background Compilation
The Action: Pairs with the jEdit Console Plugin to run a background compilation check (javac, gcc, or a fast linter) as soon as file modifications stall.
Time-Saving Value: Catches syntax errors immediately while typing, rather than waiting for production build cycles.
4. ViewUpdate.CREATED → Workspace Restoration & Session Loading
The Action: Triggers a macro to instantly restore your custom docks, open specific project trackers, or split layout views whenever a new window is opened.
Time-Saving Value: Avoids manual restructuring of your workspace interface every time you open a secondary monitor or window instance. 5. BufferUpdate.SAVED → Automatic Git Staging
The Action: Intercepts a successful save event and executes a fast shell macro to run git add [current_file].
Time-Saving Value: Ensures that files are staged incrementally in the background, minimizing the risk of losing small code edits before a final commit.
6. EditPaneUpdate.BUFFER_CHANGED → Target Switcher for Build Tools
The Action: Detects when you switch from editing source files to test files, automatically updating the active target inside your AntFarm or Antelope automation panels.
Time-Saving Value: Stops you from accidentally running production compilations when you intended to run test suites.
7. BufferUpdate.SAVED → Dynamic Timestamp & Version Tag Updates
The Action: Scans the first 20 lines of a file on save and automatically replaces old fields with current metadata (e.g., updating @version 1.4 or Last Modified: [Date]).
Time-Saving Value: Completely automates document tracking maintenance, preventing outdated or mismatched inline documentation headers.
8. BufferUpdate.CLOSING → Session Cache & Unused Register Purging
The Action: Fires a housekeeping script that clears temporary text registers, removes dangling local scratchpad items, and flushes memory buffers before a file closes.
Time-Saving Value: Keeps jEdit responsive and lean during long development sessions without needing a full editor reboot.
9. BufferUpdate.LOADED → Read-Only Enforcement for Production Files
The Action: Evaluates file path criteria (e.g., checking if the path contains /dist, /prod, or /node_modules) and locks the file to Read-Only status if a match is found.
Time-Saving Value: Prevents unintended developer modifications to compiled outputs, vendor scripts, or live server configurations. 10. BufferUpdate.SAVED → Local Sync & Deployment Scripts
The Action: Triggers an automatic backup or sync command (such as rsync or the FTP plugin upload routine) whenever a local file is modified.
Time-Saving Value: Eliminates the manual step of moving files to local staging servers or sandbox containers for validation. 💡 Configuration Tip To configure these automation mappings in jEdit: All Plugins – jEdit – Plugin Central
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