Behaviour of the plotting pane

[thomasp85]

This issue serves as a list of observations about how the plotting pane differs from the normal expectations of an R graphics device (in the sense that these should get fixed to bring it in line with expectations)

• grid::new.page()/plot.new() should open a blank plot. Currently, calling these will not produce any discernible result. Only further plotting operations will show that a new plot was created.
• Calling grid::grid.points(1:10, 1:10) (or something to that effect) after having cleared all plots from the plotting pane does not have an effect. If no graphic device is available, a new default one should be opened (as it happens when calling the above in a fresh positron session)
• The plotting pane does not process any events and locator() doesn't work since it is a shim over png(). It would be expected that an on-screen device had this capability

[kevinushey]

How important do you think it is that Positron supports the locator out of the box?

Are there some examples of plot events (or how those plot events are used) that we could use as an example? Is there a set of these that you feel are essential to support?

[thomasp85]

Of the three, the event/locator part is def the lowest priority, but it will trip up those that use it. Biggest use case in my world I know of is the directlabels package but I'm sure it is essential to someones workflow :-)