v1.5.2 - Slash commands, KiCad settings sync, improved auto-save

New Features:
- Slash commands (/rev, /date, /company, etc.) with autocomplete popup
- KiCad Settings Sync: autosave interval matches KiCad backup preferences
- Three autosave modes: KiNotes (custom), KiCad sync, Disabled
- Insert Variable submenu in Import dropdown
- Centralized KiCad data extraction (kicad_extractor.py)
- Improved Debug Info dialog with actionable hints

Fixes:
- Time tracking settings persistence (12hr/24hr, enable, show diary)
- Auto-save timer interval persistence between sessions
- PCM package structure (files directly under plugins/)
- Import paths for PCM compatibility
- Visual editor modified flag tracking

Changes:
- DEBUG_ENABLED=False for release
- Updated metadata.json with v1.5.2

Author: way2pramil

KiNotes/__version__.py

@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 import os
 import json
 
-__version__ = "1.5.0"
+__version__ = "1.5.2"
 __author__ = "PCBtools.xyz"
 __license__ = "Apache-2.0"
 

KiNotes/core/defaultsConfig.py

@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@
 # DEBUG SETTINGS - Console output control
 # ============================================================
 DEBUG_ENABLED = False  # Master debug flag - set True for development only
-DEPLOY_BUILD = 33      # Incremented by deploy script - verifies fresh deployment
+DEPLOY_BUILD = 66      # Incremented by deploy script - verifies fresh deployment
 
 def debug_print(msg: str) -> None:
     """Print debug message only if DEBUG_ENABLED is True."""
@@ -105,6 +105,19 @@ def debug_print(msg: str) -> None:
     'show_work_diary_button': True,
 }
 
+# ============================================================
+# KICAD SETTINGS SYNC DEFAULTS
+# ============================================================
+KICAD_SYNC_DEFAULTS = {
+    # Autosave mode: 'kinotes' (default 5s), 'kicad' (sync), 'disabled'
+    'autosave_mode': 'kinotes',
+    # KiNotes default interval when not syncing (ms)
+    'kinotes_default_ms': 5000,
+    # Minimum interval to prevent CPU overload (3s)
+    'sync_min_interval_ms': 3000,
+    # No max cap - matches KiCad exactly (even 15 min = 900000ms)
+}
+
 # ============================================================
 # WINDOW SIZING DEFAULTS
 # ============================================================
@@ -314,7 +327,7 @@ def debug_print(msg: str) -> None:
     'md_import': True,   # Markdown import (MD → RichText)
 
     # UI modules
-    'save': False,       # Save operations
+    'save': True,        # Save operations (auto-save, manual save)
     'click': False,      # Click events
     'size': False,       # Window sizing
     'editor': False,     # Visual editor operations
@@ -338,8 +351,12 @@ def debug_module(module: str, msg: str) -> None:
         msg: Message to print (without [KiNotes] prefix)
     """
     if DEBUG_ENABLED and DEBUG_MODULES.get(module, False):
+        import sys
         prefix = module.upper()
-        print(f"[KiNotes {prefix}] {msg}")
+        output = f"[KiNotes {prefix}] {msg}"
+        # Use stderr for KiCad embedded Python (stdout may be redirected)
+        print(output, file=sys.stderr)
+        sys.stderr.flush()
 
 
 # ============================================================
@@ -366,6 +383,8 @@ def get_default_settings() -> dict:
         'blacklist_empty': DEFAULTS['blacklist_empty'],
         'background_color': DEFAULTS['bg_color_name'],
         'text_color': DEFAULTS['text_color_name'],
+        # KiCad sync settings
+        'autosave_mode': KICAD_SYNC_DEFAULTS['autosave_mode'],
     }
 
 

KiNotes/kinotes_action.py

@@ -102,6 +102,18 @@ def _show_error_dialog(error_msg):
 def _force_reload_modules():
     """Force reload all UI modules to pick up latest changes."""
     try:
+        # Reload defaultsConfig FIRST (contains DEPLOY_BUILD and settings)
+        from core import defaultsConfig
+        importlib.reload(defaultsConfig)
+        print("[KiNotes] Reloaded defaultsConfig")
+        # Reload kicad_extractor (centralized extraction)
+        from core import kicad_extractor
+        importlib.reload(kicad_extractor)
+        print("[KiNotes] Reloaded kicad_extractor")
+        # Reload variable_snippets (/ command autocomplete)
+        from core import variable_snippets
+        importlib.reload(variable_snippets)
+        print("[KiNotes] Reloaded variable_snippets")
         # Reload in dependency order: visual_editor, markdown_converter, then main_panel
         from ui import visual_editor, markdown_converter, main_panel
         importlib.reload(visual_editor)
@@ -115,6 +127,9 @@ def _force_reload_modules():
 
 _force_reload_modules()
 
+# Re-import DEPLOY_BUILD after reload to get fresh value
+from core.defaultsConfig import DEPLOY_BUILD
+
 from core.notes_manager import NotesManager
 from core.designator_linker import DesignatorLinker
 from core.metadata_extractor import MetadataExtractor

KiNotes/metadata.json

@@ -1,15 +1,14 @@
 {
   "$schema": "https://go.kicad.org/pcm/schemas/v1",
   "name": "KiNotes",
-  "description": "Smart Engineering Notes for KiCad 9+ with @REF linking, BOM import, and PDF export",
-  "description_full": "KiNotes brings real engineering notes directly inside KiCad pcbnew — with zero friction.\n\nFeatures:\n• Dual-Mode Editor: Visual WYSIWYG or Markdown\n• Auto-link designators: type @R1, @U3 → highlights component on PCB\n• Import board metadata: BOM, Stackup, Netlist, Layers, Diff Pairs\n• Dark/Light themes with custom colors\n• Export to PDF and Markdown\n• Per-task time tracking with work diary\n• Git-friendly .kinotes/ folder storage\n\nBuilt by PCBtools.xyz for modern KiCad workflows.",
+  "description": "Engineering notes that live inside KiCad — auto-save, Smart-Link, time tracking",
+  "description_full": "Your design decisions shouldn't live in a separate notepad. KiNotes keeps engineering notes right inside KiCad—where they belong.\n\nA note written today saves hours tomorrow. A design decision documented now prevents the same argument six months from now.\n\nFeatures:\n• Smart-Link: Click R1, U3, C5 → highlights component on PCB\n• Net highlighting: Click VCC, GND, SDA → highlights traces\n• Visual WYSIWYG editor (Notion-like experience)\n• Auto-save: Your notes survive your forgetting\n• Dark/Light themes with custom colors\n• Task list with time tracking\n• Export to PDF\n• Git-friendly .kinotes/ folder storage\n• 100% offline, no cloud accounts\n\nBuilt for engineers who've learned that memory is unreliable, but good notes aren't.\n\nOpen source (Apache 2.0) by PCBtools.xyz",
   "identifier": "com.pcbtools.kinotes",
   "type": "plugin",
   "author": {
     "name": "PCBtools.xyz",
     "contact": {
-      "web": "https://pcbtools.xyz",
-      "github": "https://github.com/way2pramil"
+      "web": "https://pcbtools.xyz"
     }
   },
   "maintainer": {
@@ -20,16 +19,14 @@
   },
   "license": "Apache-2.0",
   "resources": {
-    "homepage": "https://pcbtools.xyz",
-    "repository": "https://github.com/way2pramil/KiNotes",
-    "issues": "https://github.com/way2pramil/KiNotes/issues"
+    "homepage": "https://pcbtools.xyz/tools/kinotes",
+    "repository": "https://github.com/way2pramil/KiNotes"
   },
   "versions": [
     {
-      "version": "1.5.0",
-      "date": "2025-12-17",
+      "version": "1.5.2",
       "status": "stable",
       "kicad_version": "9.0"
-          }
+    }
   ]
 }

KiNotes/ui/components/__init__.py

@@ -1,14 +1,16 @@
 """
 KiNotes UI Components - Reusable widgets.
 
-Provides themed buttons, icons, and custom controls.
+Provides themed buttons, icons, autocomplete, and custom controls.
 """
 from .buttons import RoundedButton, PlayPauseButton, ToggleSwitch
 from .icons import Icons
+from .autocomplete_popup import SnippetAutocompletePopup
 
 __all__ = [
     'RoundedButton',
     'PlayPauseButton', 
     'ToggleSwitch',
-    'Icons'
+    'Icons',
+    'SnippetAutocompletePopup'
 ]

KiNotes/ui/dialogs/about_dialog.py

@@ -18,9 +18,12 @@
 
 # Import version from single source
 try:
-    from ...__version__ import __version__
+    from __version__ import __version__
 except ImportError:
-    __version__ = "1.4.2"  # Fallback
+    try:
+        from ...__version__ import __version__
+    except ImportError:
+        __version__ = "1.5.2"  # Fallback
 
 # Import debug_print
 try:

KiNotes/ui/dialogs/settings_dialog.py

@@ -37,12 +37,16 @@
 # Import centralized defaults - handle both KiCad plugin and standalone context
 try:
     from ...core.defaultsConfig import (
-        WINDOW_DEFAULTS, PERFORMANCE_DEFAULTS, DEFAULTS, BETA_DEFAULTS, TIME_TRACKER_DEFAULTS, debug_print
+        WINDOW_DEFAULTS, PERFORMANCE_DEFAULTS, DEFAULTS, BETA_DEFAULTS, 
+        TIME_TRACKER_DEFAULTS, KICAD_SYNC_DEFAULTS, debug_print
     )
+    from ...core.kicad_extractor import get_kicad_sync
 except ImportError:
     from core.defaultsConfig import (
-        WINDOW_DEFAULTS, PERFORMANCE_DEFAULTS, DEFAULTS, BETA_DEFAULTS, TIME_TRACKER_DEFAULTS, debug_print
+        WINDOW_DEFAULTS, PERFORMANCE_DEFAULTS, DEFAULTS, BETA_DEFAULTS, 
+        TIME_TRACKER_DEFAULTS, KICAD_SYNC_DEFAULTS, debug_print
     )
+    from core.kicad_extractor import get_kicad_sync
 
 
 # ------------------------------ Helpers ---------------------------------
@@ -521,7 +525,7 @@ def _build_panel_size_section(self, parent, sizer):
         self._build_pdf_format_section(self._scroll_panel, sizer)
 
     def _build_performance_section(self, parent, sizer):
-        """Build performance settings section (timer interval)."""
+        """Build performance settings section (autosave mode + timer interval)."""
         perf_header = wx.StaticText(parent, label="⚡ Performance")
         set_label_style(perf_header, self._theme, bold=True, size=10)
         sizer.Add(perf_header, 0, wx.LEFT | wx.BOTTOM, SECTION_MARGIN)
@@ -535,34 +539,121 @@ def _build_performance_section(self, parent, sizer):
         current_settings = notes_manager.load_settings() if notes_manager else {}
         current_interval_ms = current_settings.get('timer_interval_ms', PERFORMANCE_DEFAULTS['timer_interval_ms'])
         current_interval_sec = current_interval_ms // 1000  # Convert to seconds for UI
-        
-        # Timer interval row
-        timer_row = wx.BoxSizer(wx.HORIZONTAL)
-        
-        timer_label = wx.StaticText(perf_panel, label="Auto-save interval:")
-        timer_label.SetForegroundColour(hex_to_colour(self._theme["text_primary"]))
-        timer_row.Add(timer_label, 0, wx.ALIGN_CENTER_VERTICAL | wx.RIGHT, 8)
-        
-        # SpinCtrl for interval (3-60 seconds)
+        current_autosave_mode = current_settings.get('autosave_mode', KICAD_SYNC_DEFAULTS['autosave_mode'])
+        
+        # ========== Autosave Mode Radio Buttons ==========
+        mode_label = wx.StaticText(perf_panel, label="Auto-save mode:")
+        mode_label.SetForegroundColour(hex_to_colour(self._theme["text_primary"]))
+        perf_sizer.Add(mode_label, 0, wx.LEFT | wx.TOP, 10)
+        
+        # Check KiCad sync availability and get all backup settings
+        kicad_sync = get_kicad_sync()
+        kicad_available = kicad_sync.is_available()
+        kicad_interval_sec = None
+        self._kicad_backup_settings = {}  # Store for info panel
+        if kicad_available:
+            kicad_interval_ms = kicad_sync.get_autosave_interval_ms()
+            if kicad_interval_ms:
+                kicad_interval_sec = kicad_interval_ms // 1000
+            # Get all backup settings for info display
+            self._kicad_backup_settings = kicad_sync.get_all_backup_settings()
+        
+        # ========== Row 1: KiNotes mode with inline spinner ==========
+        kinotes_row = wx.BoxSizer(wx.HORIZONTAL)
+        
+        self._autosave_mode_kinotes = wx.RadioButton(perf_panel, label="  KiNotes", style=wx.RB_GROUP)
+        self._autosave_mode_kinotes.SetForegroundColour(hex_to_colour(self._theme["text_primary"]))
+        self._autosave_mode_kinotes.SetValue(current_autosave_mode == 'kinotes')
+        self._autosave_mode_kinotes.Bind(wx.EVT_RADIOBUTTON, self._on_autosave_mode_change)
+        kinotes_row.Add(self._autosave_mode_kinotes, 0, wx.ALIGN_CENTER_VERTICAL | wx.RIGHT, 8)
+        
+        # SpinCtrl inline with radio (3-300 seconds = 5 min max)
         min_sec = PERFORMANCE_DEFAULTS['timer_min_ms'] // 1000
         max_sec = PERFORMANCE_DEFAULTS['timer_max_ms'] // 1000
         self._timer_interval_spin = wx.SpinCtrl(perf_panel, min=min_sec, max=max_sec, 
-                                                 initial=max(min_sec, min(current_interval_sec, max_sec)))
-        block_scroll_wheel(self._timer_interval_spin)  # Prevent accidental value changes while scrolling
+                                                 initial=max(min_sec, min(current_interval_sec, max_sec)),
+                                                 size=(70, -1))
+        block_scroll_wheel(self._timer_interval_spin)
         self._timer_interval_spin.SetForegroundColour(hex_to_colour(self._theme["text_primary"]))
         self._timer_interval_spin.SetBackgroundColour(hex_to_colour(self._theme["bg_editor"]))
-        timer_row.Add(self._timer_interval_spin, 0, wx.ALIGN_CENTER_VERTICAL | wx.RIGHT, 4)
+        kinotes_row.Add(self._timer_interval_spin, 0, wx.ALIGN_CENTER_VERTICAL | wx.RIGHT, 4)
+        
+        self._sec_label = wx.StaticText(perf_panel, label="seconds")
+        self._sec_label.SetForegroundColour(hex_to_colour(self._theme["text_secondary"]))
+        kinotes_row.Add(self._sec_label, 0, wx.ALIGN_CENTER_VERTICAL)
+        
+        perf_sizer.Add(kinotes_row, 0, wx.LEFT | wx.TOP, 15)
+        
+        # ========== Row 2: Sync with KiCad ==========
+        if kicad_available and kicad_interval_sec:
+            # Format interval for display (e.g., "5 min" or "30s")
+            if kicad_interval_sec >= 60:
+                mins = kicad_interval_sec // 60
+                secs = kicad_interval_sec % 60
+                if secs:
+                    interval_display = f"{mins}m {secs}s"
+                else:
+                    interval_display = f"{mins} min"
+            else:
+                interval_display = f"{kicad_interval_sec}s"
+            kicad_label = f"  Sync with KiCad ({interval_display})"
+        else:
+            kicad_label = "  Sync with KiCad (unavailable)"
+        
+        self._autosave_mode_kicad = wx.RadioButton(perf_panel, label=kicad_label)
+        self._autosave_mode_kicad.SetForegroundColour(hex_to_colour(self._theme["text_primary"]))
+        self._autosave_mode_kicad.SetValue(current_autosave_mode == 'kicad')
+        self._autosave_mode_kicad.Enable(kicad_available and kicad_interval_sec is not None)
+        self._autosave_mode_kicad.Bind(wx.EVT_RADIOBUTTON, self._on_autosave_mode_change)
+        perf_sizer.Add(self._autosave_mode_kicad, 0, wx.LEFT | wx.TOP, 15)
+        
+        # ========== KiCad Info Panel (shown when KiCad sync selected) ==========
+        self._kicad_info_panel = wx.Panel(perf_panel)
+        self._kicad_info_panel.SetBackgroundColour(hex_to_colour(self._theme.get("bg_toolbar", "#F5F5F5")))
+        kicad_info_sizer = wx.BoxSizer(wx.VERTICAL)
+        
+        # Build info text from KiCad Session settings
+        if self._kicad_backup_settings:
+            session_display = self._kicad_backup_settings.get('session_autosave_display', 'N/A')
+            backup_enabled = self._kicad_backup_settings.get('enabled', False)
+            backup_on_autosave = self._kicad_backup_settings.get('backup_on_autosave', False)
+            
+            info_lines = [
+                f"KiCad → Preferences → Common → Session:",
+                f"  • Auto save: {session_display}",
+                f"",
+                f"Project Backup: {'✓ Enabled' if backup_enabled else '✗ Disabled'}",
+                f"  • Backup on autosave: {'✓' if backup_on_autosave else '✗'}",
+            ]
+            info_text = "\n".join(info_lines)
+        else:
+            info_text = "KiCad settings not available"
+        
+        kicad_info_label = wx.StaticText(self._kicad_info_panel, label=info_text)
+        kicad_info_label.SetForegroundColour(hex_to_colour(self._theme.get("text_secondary", "#666666")))
+        kicad_info_label.SetFont(wx.Font(9, wx.FONTFAMILY_DEFAULT, wx.FONTSTYLE_NORMAL, wx.FONTWEIGHT_NORMAL))
+        kicad_info_sizer.Add(kicad_info_label, 0, wx.ALL, 8)
 
-        sec_label = wx.StaticText(perf_panel, label="seconds")
-        sec_label.SetForegroundColour(hex_to_colour(self._theme["text_secondary"]))
-        timer_row.Add(sec_label, 0, wx.ALIGN_CENTER_VERTICAL)
+        self._kicad_info_panel.SetSizer(kicad_info_sizer)
+        perf_sizer.Add(self._kicad_info_panel, 0, wx.LEFT | wx.RIGHT | wx.TOP, 25)
 
-        perf_sizer.Add(timer_row, 0, wx.ALL, 10)
+        # Show/hide based on current mode
+        self._kicad_info_panel.Show(current_autosave_mode == 'kicad')
+        
+        # ========== Row 3: Disabled ==========
+        self._autosave_mode_disabled = wx.RadioButton(perf_panel, label="  Disabled (manual save only)")
+        self._autosave_mode_disabled.SetForegroundColour(hex_to_colour(self._theme["text_primary"]))
+        self._autosave_mode_disabled.SetValue(current_autosave_mode == 'disabled')
+        self._autosave_mode_disabled.Bind(wx.EVT_RADIOBUTTON, self._on_autosave_mode_change)
+        perf_sizer.Add(self._autosave_mode_disabled, 0, wx.LEFT | wx.TOP | wx.BOTTOM, 15)
+        
+        # Enable/disable custom interval based on mode
+        self._update_timer_controls_state()
 
         perf_hint = wx.StaticText(perf_panel, 
-            label="Higher values = better performance, lower = faster saves (Min: 3s)")
+            label="Higher values = better performance, lower = faster saves")
         perf_hint.SetForegroundColour(hex_to_colour(self._theme["text_secondary"]))
-        perf_sizer.Add(perf_hint, 0, wx.LEFT | wx.BOTTOM, 10)
+        perf_sizer.Add(perf_hint, 0, wx.LEFT | wx.TOP | wx.BOTTOM, 10)
 
         perf_panel.SetSizer(perf_sizer)
         sizer.Add(perf_panel, 0, wx.EXPAND | wx.LEFT | wx.RIGHT, SECTION_MARGIN)
@@ -571,6 +662,25 @@ def _build_performance_section(self, parent, sizer):
         self._add_separator(parent, sizer)
         sizer.AddSpacer(SECTION_SPACING)
 
+    def _on_autosave_mode_change(self, event):
+        """Handle autosave mode radio button change."""
+        self._update_timer_controls_state()
+        
+        # Show/hide KiCad info panel based on mode
+        is_kicad_mode = self._autosave_mode_kicad.GetValue()
+        if hasattr(self, '_kicad_info_panel'):
+            self._kicad_info_panel.Show(is_kicad_mode)
+            # Relayout the scroll panel
+            self._scroll_panel.Layout()
+            self._scroll_panel.FitInside()
+    
+    def _update_timer_controls_state(self):
+        """Enable/disable custom interval controls based on autosave mode."""
+        # Custom interval only enabled for 'kinotes' mode
+        enabled = self._autosave_mode_kinotes.GetValue()
+        self._timer_interval_spin.Enable(enabled)
+        self._sec_label.Enable(enabled)
+    
     def _build_pdf_format_section(self, parent, sizer):
         """Build PDF export format settings section."""
         pdf_header = wx.StaticText(parent, label="💾 PDF Export Format")
@@ -950,6 +1060,14 @@ def get_result(self):
             bg_color_name = bg_choices[self._bg_choice.GetSelection()]
             text_color_name = txt_choices[self._txt_choice.GetSelection()]
 
+        # Determine autosave mode from radio buttons
+        if self._autosave_mode_kicad.GetValue():
+            autosave_mode = 'kicad'
+        elif self._autosave_mode_disabled.GetValue():
+            autosave_mode = 'disabled'
+        else:
+            autosave_mode = 'kinotes'
+        
         return {
             'dark_mode': self._selected_theme_dark,
             'bg_color_name': bg_color_name if not self._selected_theme_dark else self._config.get('bg_color_name', 'Ivory Paper'),
@@ -967,6 +1085,7 @@ def get_result(self):
             'scale_factor': None if self._scale_auto_checkbox.GetValue() else self._scale_slider.GetValue() / 100.0,
             'panel_width': self._panel_width_spin.GetValue(),
             'panel_height': self._panel_height_spin.GetValue(),
+            'autosave_mode': autosave_mode,
             'timer_interval_ms': self._timer_interval_spin.GetValue() * 1000,  # Convert seconds to ms
             'beta_markdown': self._beta_markdown_cb.GetValue(),
             'beta_bom': self._beta_bom_cb.GetValue(),