Tab in the last text field in a tab should focus the next tab in the tabs of the entry editor.

[koppor]

Follow up to #11886

Refs #11785

[juliusalberto]

Hi - I would like to be assigned to this issue please. Thank you!

[Noah-Martin1]

Guidance on Completing Issue

Hello,

I am currently working on this issue with @juliusalberto and I'm a bit stuck. Specifically, I need help with the following:

1. Finding where JabRef handles tab key events:

   • I am not sure which part of the codebase is responsible for handling the tab key navigation within the Entry Editor. Could you provide guidance on where I should look for the relevant logic? (e.g., which file or class deals with tab key handling or keyboard navigation?)

2. Implementing the tab key behavior:

   • Once I locate the correct file, where would it be best to add the logic that moves focus to the next tab when pressing Tab in the last field of a tab? Should this be handled as part of an existing focus traversal policy, or would I need to implement a custom listener?

Any pointers or advice on these two points would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your help.

[koppor]

We do not know. Create a minimal JavaFX application with two tabs and check how it works there. Then port this knowledge to JabRef.

[Noah-Martin1]

JavaFX Key Handling and Focus Issue

Hello,

After exploring the codebase, I’ve learned how to check if a TextField in a Tab is the last one, and how to shift the focus to the next tab. However, I’ve encountered an issue with how JavaFX handles key events when a TextField is focused.

For example, if I create a listener for a TextField or even the EntryEditor, the listener won't execute while the TextField is in focus, as the TextField consumes the input before it reaches the listener/handler. This issue is currently evident with the setupKeyBindings function, which is intended to initialize shortcuts for navigating the entry editor. Only the "Ctrl + MINUS" key seems to work due to what I think is JavaFX handling key inputs before setupKeyBindings can.

I’ve tried using addEventFilter instead of addEventHandler, but the result is the same. I’ve also explored using JavaFX’s tabIndex and focus priority logic to control the order of focus between tabs and fields. So that pressing "tab" will cycle through all of the specified components in order. However, since the Tab class doesn’t have built-in tabIndex or focusTraversal properties, this has proven to be quite a challenge.

I’m unsure how to proceed or where I should be focusing my efforts. Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated thankyou.