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Source-entry surface

docs/research/concepts/source-entry-surface.md

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Source-entry surface

Definition

A source-entry surface is a rendered editor surface that still preserves a clear path back into source-like editing.

Examples:

  • links
  • images
  • HTML blocks

Why this matters

These are not just rendered artifacts.

They have interaction law:

  • plain click may edit
  • mod-click may open or jump
  • the rendered form still has a source-oriented editing seam

Current research conclusion

Typora is especially strong on this class of behavior.

It gives a practical model for:

  • plain click vs mod-click on links
  • image insertion and source policies
  • HTML block edit entry

Use

Use this concept when deciding whether a rendered thing should:

  • open directly
  • edit directly
  • jump into source mode
  • stay in generic rendered content only