Feature: Embedded Workspaces (or... Portals?)

[hanmindev]

I'm sure we're all familiar with #2 which amongst other things would allow you to have a persistent window throughout different workspaces.

I'm wondering if allowing workspaces to embed other workspaces might be a better solution. For example, on the outermost workspace I have two windows side by side, media player on the left, and a workspace on the right. When I enter the workspace on the right, I can do everything I can on a monitor with aerospace today – rearrange windows, as well as change workspaces, without affecting the outermost workspace.

With this approach you get sticky sidebars for free as you can put whatever you want on the outermost workspace, then do all your work in the inner workspace.

Potential Questions and Answers:
How would the controls work concretely?

• Need three operations, Create embedded workspace, Enter embedded workspace, Exist embedded workspace.
• Creating an embedded workspace will create a "window" that acts like any other window; you can move it around and whatever
• While focusing on the embedded workspace, you can enter it, then everything you do will be within the embedded workspace. You can create and enter into more embedded workspaces here if you want.
• Exit embedded workspace lets you move out one layer.
• Close embedded workspace can just work with close. This shouldn't remove the actual workspace.

What if I have workspace A on my left monitor, as well as within workspace B which is in my right monitor?

• Show it on whichever monitor you are focused on. Not letting the user do this sounds like an obvious solution but we have the problem of what if I brought in workspace C which has A.

What if I have multiple instances of a workspace within the same workspace?

• If focused on the outer workspace, show an arbitrary one. If focused on one of the inner workspaces, show that one. Honestly if you do this you're just asking for trouble.

What if I have a (directly/indirectly) recursive workspace?

• Perform tie-breaker based on your current depth, then moving outwards.