Merge pull request #198 from federico-terzi/dev

Version 0.5.2

Cargo.lock

@@ -370,7 +370,7 @@ dependencies = [
 
 [[package]]
 name = "espanso"
-version = "0.5.1"
+version = "0.5.2"
 dependencies = [
  "backtrace 0.3.37 (registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index)",
  "chrono 0.4.9 (registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index)",

Cargo.toml

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 [package]
 name = "espanso"
-version = "0.5.1"
+version = "0.5.2"
 authors = ["Federico Terzi <federicoterzi96@gmail.com>"]
 license = "GPL-3.0"
 description = "Cross-platform Text Expander written in Rust"

native/liblinuxbridge/bridge.cpp

@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ int32_t initialize(void * _context_instance) {
         return -4;
     }
     record_range->device_events.first = KeyPress;
-    record_range->device_events.last = KeyRelease;
+    record_range->device_events.last = ButtonPress;
 
     // We want to get the keys from all clients
     XRecordClientSpec  client_spec;
@@ -254,13 +254,16 @@ void event_callback(XPointer p, XRecordInterceptData *hook)
 
     switch (event_type) {
         case KeyPress:
-            //printf ("%d %d %s\n", key_code, res, buffer.data());
+            //printf ("Press %d %d %s\n", key_code, res, buffer.data());
             if (res > 0 && key_code != 22) {  // Printable character, but not backspace
                 keypress_callback(context_instance, buffer.data(), buffer.size(), 0, key_code);
             }else{ // Modifier key
                 keypress_callback(context_instance, NULL, 0, 1, key_code);
             }
             break;
+        case ButtonPress: // Send also mouse button presses as "other events"
+            //printf ("Press button %d\n", key_code);
+            keypress_callback(context_instance, NULL, 0, 2, key_code);
         default:
             break;
     }
@@ -268,19 +271,46 @@ void event_callback(XPointer p, XRecordInterceptData *hook)
     XRecordFreeData(hook);
 }
 
+void release_all_keys() {
+    char keys[32];
+    XQueryKeymap(xdo_context->xdpy, keys);  // Get the current status of the keyboard
+    for (int i = 0; i<32; i++) {
+        // Only those that show a keypress should be changed
+        if (keys[i] != 0) {
+            for (int k = 0; k<8; k++) {
+                if ((keys[i] & (1 << k)) != 0) {  // Bit by bit check
+                    int key_code = i*8 + k;
+                    XTestFakeKeyEvent(xdo_context->xdpy, key_code, false, CurrentTime);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 void send_string(const char * string) {
-    xdo_enter_text_window(xdo_context, CURRENTWINDOW, string, 12000);
+    // It may happen that when an expansion is triggered, some keys are still pressed.
+    // This causes a problem if the expanded match contains that character, as the injection
+    // will not be able to register that keypress (as it is already pressed).
+    // To solve the problem, before an expansion we get which keys are currently pressed
+    // and inject a key_release event so that they can be further registered.
+    release_all_keys();
+
+    xdo_enter_text_window(xdo_context, CURRENTWINDOW, string, 1000);
+}
+
+void send_enter() {
+    xdo_send_keysequence_window(xdo_context, CURRENTWINDOW, "Return", 1000);
 }
 
 void delete_string(int32_t count) {
     for (int i = 0; i<count; i++) {
-        xdo_send_keysequence_window(xdo_context, CURRENTWINDOW, "BackSpace", 8000);
+        xdo_send_keysequence_window(xdo_context, CURRENTWINDOW, "BackSpace", 1000);
     }
 }
 
 void left_arrow(int32_t count) {
     for (int i = 0; i<count; i++) {
-        xdo_send_keysequence_window(xdo_context, CURRENTWINDOW, "Left", 8000);
+        xdo_send_keysequence_window(xdo_context, CURRENTWINDOW, "Left", 1000);
     }
 }
 
@@ -495,6 +525,8 @@ int32_t is_current_window_special() {
             return 1;
         }else if (strstr(class_buffer, "Tilix") != NULL) {  // Tilix terminal
             return 1;
+        }else if (strstr(class_buffer, "kitty") != NULL) {  // kitty terminal
+            return 1;
         }
     }
 

native/liblinuxbridge/bridge.h

@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ extern "C" void cleanup();
  * Called when a new keypress is made, the first argument is an char array,
  * while the second is the size of the array.
  */
-typedef void (*KeypressCallback)(void * self, const char *buffer, int32_t len, int32_t is_modifier, int32_t key_code);
+typedef void (*KeypressCallback)(void * self, const char *buffer, int32_t len, int32_t event_type, int32_t key_code);
 
 extern KeypressCallback keypress_callback;
 
@@ -67,6 +67,11 @@ extern "C" void send_string(const char * string);
  */
 extern "C" void delete_string(int32_t count);
 
+/*
+ * Send an Enter key press
+ */
+extern "C" void send_enter();
+
 /*
  * Send the left arrow keypress, *count* times.
  */

native/libmacbridge/AppDelegate.mm

@@ -36,16 +36,20 @@
     [myStatusItem.button setTarget:self];
 
     // Setup key listener
-    [NSEvent addGlobalMonitorForEventsMatchingMask:(NSEventMaskKeyDown | NSEventMaskFlagsChanged)
+    [NSEvent addGlobalMonitorForEventsMatchingMask:(NSEventMaskKeyDown | NSEventMaskFlagsChanged | NSEventMaskLeftMouseDown | NSEventMaskRightMouseDown)
             handler:^(NSEvent *event){
+
         if (event.type == NSEventTypeKeyDown
             && event.keyCode != 0x33) { // Send backspace as a modifier
 
-            const char * chars = [event.characters UTF8String];
+            const char *chars = [event.characters UTF8String];
             int len = event.characters.length;
 
             keypress_callback(context_instance, chars, len, 0, event.keyCode);
             //NSLog(@"keydown: %@, %d", event.characters, event.keyCode);
+        }else if (event.type == NSEventTypeLeftMouseDown || event.type == NSEventTypeRightMouseDown) {
+            // Send the mouse button clicks as "other" events, used to improve word matches reliability
+            keypress_callback(context_instance, NULL, 0, 2, event.buttonNumber);
         }else{
             // Because this event is triggered for both the press and release of a modifier, trigger the callback
             // only on release

native/libmacbridge/bridge.h

@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ int32_t headless_eventloop();
  * Called when a new keypress is made, the first argument is an char array,
  * while the second is the size of the array.
  */
-typedef void (*KeypressCallback)(void * self, const char *buffer, int32_t len, int32_t is_modifier, int32_t key_code);
+typedef void (*KeypressCallback)(void * self, const char *buffer, int32_t len, int32_t event_type, int32_t key_code);
 
 extern KeypressCallback keypress_callback;
 

native/libwinbridge/bridge.cpp

@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@
 
 #pragma comment( lib, "gdiplus.lib" )
 #include <gdiplus.h>
+#include <Windows.h>
 
 // How many milliseconds must pass between keystrokes to refresh the keyboard layout
 const long refreshKeyboardLayoutInterval = 2000;
@@ -258,10 +259,38 @@ LRESULT CALLBACK window_procedure(HWND window, unsigned int msg, WPARAM wp, LPAR
                     // We need to call the callback in two different ways based on the type of key
                     // The only modifier we use that has a result > 0 is the BACKSPACE, so we have to consider it.
                     if (result >= 1 && raw->data.keyboard.VKey != VK_BACK) {
-                        keypress_callback(manager_instance, reinterpret_cast<uint16_t*>(buffer.data()), buffer.size(), 0, raw->data.keyboard.VKey, is_key_down);
+                        keypress_callback(manager_instance, reinterpret_cast<uint16_t*>(buffer.data()), buffer.size(), 0, raw->data.keyboard.VKey, 0, is_key_down);
                     }else{
-                        keypress_callback(manager_instance, nullptr, 0, 1, raw->data.keyboard.VKey, is_key_down);
+                        //std::cout << raw->data.keyboard.MakeCode << " " << raw->data.keyboard.Flags << std::endl;
+                        int variant = 0;
+                        if (raw->data.keyboard.VKey == VK_SHIFT) {
+                            // To discriminate between the left and right shift, we need to employ a workaround.
+                            // See: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/5920301/distinguish-between-left-and-right-shift-keys-using-rawinput
+                            if (raw->data.keyboard.MakeCode == 42) { // Left shift
+                                variant = LEFT_VARIANT;
+                            }if (raw->data.keyboard.MakeCode == 54) { // Right shift
+                                variant = RIGHT_VARIANT;
                             }
+                        }else{
+                            // Also the ALT and CTRL key are special cases
+                            // Check out the previous Stackoverflow question for more information
+                            if (raw->data.keyboard.VKey == VK_CONTROL || raw->data.keyboard.VKey == VK_MENU) {
+                                if ((raw->data.keyboard.Flags & RI_KEY_E0) != 0) {
+                                    variant = RIGHT_VARIANT;
+                                }else{
+                                    variant = LEFT_VARIANT;
+                                }
+                            }
+                        }
+
+                        keypress_callback(manager_instance, nullptr, 0, 1, raw->data.keyboard.VKey, variant, is_key_down);
+                    }
+                }
+            }else if (raw->header.dwType == RIM_TYPEMOUSE) // Mouse input, registered as "other" events. Needed to improve the reliability of word matches
+            {
+                if ((raw->data.mouse.usButtonFlags & (RI_MOUSE_LEFT_BUTTON_DOWN | RI_MOUSE_RIGHT_BUTTON_DOWN | RI_MOUSE_MIDDLE_BUTTON_DOWN)) != 0) {
+                    //std::cout << "mouse down" << std::endl;
+                    keypress_callback(manager_instance, nullptr, 0, 2, raw->data.mouse.usButtonFlags, 0, 0);
                 }
             }
 
@@ -343,14 +372,19 @@ int32_t initialize(void * self, wchar_t * ico_path, wchar_t * bmp_path) {
         );
 
         // Register raw inputs
-        RAWINPUTDEVICE Rid[1];
+        RAWINPUTDEVICE Rid[2];
 
         Rid[0].usUsagePage = 0x01;
         Rid[0].usUsage = 0x06;
         Rid[0].dwFlags = RIDEV_NOLEGACY | RIDEV_INPUTSINK;   // adds HID keyboard and also ignores legacy keyboard messages
         Rid[0].hwndTarget = window;
 
-        if (RegisterRawInputDevices(Rid, 1, sizeof(Rid[0])) == FALSE) {  // Something went wrong, error.
+        Rid[1].usUsagePage = 0x01;
+        Rid[1].usUsage = 0x02;
+        Rid[1].dwFlags = RIDEV_NOLEGACY | RIDEV_INPUTSINK;   // adds HID mouse and also ignores legacy mouse messages
+        Rid[1].hwndTarget = window;
+
+        if (RegisterRawInputDevices(Rid, 2, sizeof(Rid[0])) == FALSE) {  // Something went wrong, error.
             return -1;
         }
 

native/libwinbridge/bridge.h

@@ -35,11 +35,14 @@ extern void * manager_instance;
  */
 extern "C" int32_t initialize(void * self, wchar_t * ico_path, wchar_t * bmp_path);
 
+#define LEFT_VARIANT 1
+#define RIGHT_VARIANT 2
+
 /*
  * Called when a new keypress is made, the first argument is an int array,
  * while the second is the size of the array.
  */
-typedef void (*KeypressCallback)(void * self, uint16_t *buffer, int32_t len, int32_t is_modifier, int32_t key_code, int32_t is_key_down);
+typedef void (*KeypressCallback)(void * self, uint16_t *buffer, int32_t len, int32_t event_type, int32_t key_code, int32_t variant, int32_t is_key_down);
 extern KeypressCallback keypress_callback;
 
 /*

snapcraft.yaml

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 name: espanso
-version: 0.5.1
+version: 0.5.2
 summary: A Cross-platform Text Expander written in Rust
 description: |
   espanso is a Cross-platform, Text Expander written in Rust.

src/bridge/linux.rs

@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@ extern {
     pub fn send_string(string: *const c_char);
     pub fn delete_string(count: i32);
     pub fn left_arrow(count: i32);
+    pub fn send_enter();
     pub fn trigger_paste();
     pub fn trigger_terminal_paste();
     pub fn trigger_shift_ins_paste();

src/bridge/windows.rs

@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ extern {
 
     // KEYBOARD
     pub fn register_keypress_callback(cb: extern fn(_self: *mut c_void, *const u16,
-                                                i32, i32, i32, i32));
+                                                i32, i32, i32, i32, i32));
 
     pub fn eventloop();
     pub fn send_string(string: *const u16);

src/config/mod.rs

@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ fn default_conflict_check() -> bool{ true }
 fn default_ipc_server_port() -> i32 { 34982 }
 fn default_use_system_agent() -> bool { true }
 fn default_config_caching_interval() -> i32 { 800 }
-fn default_word_separators() -> Vec<char> { vec![' ', ',', '.', '\r', '\n', 22u8 as char] }
+fn default_word_separators() -> Vec<char> { vec![' ', ',', '.', '?', '!', '\r', '\n', 22u8 as char] }
 fn default_toggle_interval() -> u32 { 230 }
 fn default_toggle_key() -> KeyModifier { KeyModifier::ALT }
 fn default_preserve_clipboard() -> bool {true}
@@ -61,7 +61,6 @@ fn default_passive_arg_escape() -> char { '\\' }
 fn default_passive_key() -> KeyModifier { KeyModifier::OFF }
 fn default_enable_passive() -> bool { false }
 fn default_enable_active() -> bool { true }
-fn default_action_noop_interval() -> u128 { 500 }
 fn default_backspace_limit() -> i32 { 3 }
 fn default_restore_clipboard_delay() -> i32 { 300 }
 fn default_exclude_default_entries() -> bool {false}
@@ -130,9 +129,6 @@ pub struct Configs {
     #[serde(default = "default_enable_active")]
     pub enable_active: bool,
 
-    #[serde(default = "default_action_noop_interval")]
-    pub action_noop_interval: u128,
-
     #[serde(default)]
     pub paste_shortcut: PasteShortcut,
 
@@ -193,7 +189,6 @@ impl Configs {
         validate_field!(result, self.passive_arg_delimiter, default_passive_arg_delimiter());
         validate_field!(result, self.passive_arg_escape, default_passive_arg_escape());
         validate_field!(result, self.passive_key, default_passive_key());
-        validate_field!(result, self.action_noop_interval, default_action_noop_interval());
         validate_field!(result, self.restore_clipboard_delay, default_restore_clipboard_delay());
 
         result
@@ -203,7 +198,20 @@ impl Configs {
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub enum BackendType {
     Inject,
-    Clipboard
+    Clipboard,
+
+    // On Linux systems there is a long standing issue with text injection (which
+    // in general is better than Clipboard copy/pasting) that prevents certain
+    // apps from correctly handling special characters (such as emojis or accented letters)
+    // when injected. For this reason, espanso initially defaulted on the Clipboard
+    // backend on Linux, as it was the most reliable (working in 99% of cases),
+    // even though it was less efficient and with a few inconveniences (for example, the
+    // previous clipboard content being overwritten).
+    // The Auto backend tries to take it a step further, by automatically determining
+    // when an injection is possible (only ascii characters in the replacement), and falling
+    // back to the Clipboard backend otherwise.
+    // Should only be used on Linux systems.
+    Auto
 }
 impl Default for BackendType {
     // The default backend varies based on the operating system.
@@ -318,6 +326,11 @@ impl ConfigSet {
         let default_file = config_dir.join(DEFAULT_CONFIG_FILE_NAME);
         let default = Configs::load_config(default_file.as_path())?;
 
+        // Check that a compatible backend is used, otherwise warn the user
+        if cfg!(not(target_os = "linux")) && default.backend == BackendType::Auto {
+            eprintln!("Warning: Using Auto backend is only supported on Linux, falling back to Inject backend.");
+        }
+
         // Analyze which config files has to be loaded
 
         let mut target_files = Vec::new();

src/context/linux.rs

@@ -26,14 +26,18 @@ use std::process::exit;
 use log::{debug, error, info};
 use std::ffi::CStr;
 use std::{thread, time};
+use std::sync::atomic::AtomicBool;
+use std::sync::Arc;
+use std::sync::atomic::Ordering::Acquire;
 
 #[repr(C)]
 pub struct LinuxContext {
-    pub send_channel: Sender<Event>
+    pub send_channel: Sender<Event>,
+    is_injecting: Arc<AtomicBool>,
 }
 
 impl LinuxContext {
-    pub fn new(send_channel: Sender<Event>) -> Box<LinuxContext> {
+    pub fn new(send_channel: Sender<Event>, is_injecting: Arc<AtomicBool>) -> Box<LinuxContext> {
         // Check if the X11 context is available
         let x11_available = unsafe {
             check_x11()
@@ -46,6 +50,7 @@ impl LinuxContext {
 
         let context = Box::new(LinuxContext {
             send_channel,
+            is_injecting
         });
 
         unsafe {
@@ -81,11 +86,19 @@ impl Drop for LinuxContext {
 // Native bridge code
 
 extern fn keypress_callback(_self: *mut c_void, raw_buffer: *const u8, len: i32,
-                            is_modifier: i32, key_code: i32) {
+                            event_type: i32, key_code: i32) {
     unsafe {
         let _self = _self as *mut LinuxContext;
 
-        if is_modifier == 0 {  // Char event
+        // If espanso is currently injecting text, we should avoid processing
+        // external events, as it could happen that espanso reinterpret its
+        // own input.
+        if (*_self).is_injecting.load(Acquire) {
+            debug!("Input ignored while espanso is injecting text...");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if event_type == 0 {  // Char event
             // Convert the received buffer to a string
             let c_str = CStr::from_ptr(raw_buffer as (*const c_char));
             let char_str = c_str.to_str();
@@ -100,12 +113,17 @@ extern fn keypress_callback(_self: *mut c_void, raw_buffer: *const u8, len: i32,
                     debug!("Unable to receive char: {}",e);
                 },
             }
-        }else{  // Modifier event
+        }else if event_type == 1 {  // Modifier event
+
             let modifier: Option<KeyModifier> = match key_code {
-                133 => Some(META),
+                133 => Some(LEFT_META),
-                50 => Some(SHIFT),
+                134 => Some(RIGHT_META),
-                64 => Some(ALT),
+                50 => Some(LEFT_SHIFT),
-                37 => Some(CTRL),
+                62 => Some(RIGHT_SHIFT),
+                64 => Some(LEFT_ALT),
+                108 => Some(RIGHT_ALT),
+                37 => Some(LEFT_CTRL),
+                105 => Some(RIGHT_CTRL),
                 22 => Some(BACKSPACE),
                 _ => None,
             };
@@ -113,7 +131,13 @@ extern fn keypress_callback(_self: *mut c_void, raw_buffer: *const u8, len: i32,
             if let Some(modifier) = modifier {
                 let event = Event::Key(KeyEvent::Modifier(modifier));
                 (*_self).send_channel.send(event).unwrap();
+            }else{  // Not one of the default modifiers, send an "other" event
+                let event = Event::Key(KeyEvent::Other);
+                (*_self).send_channel.send(event).unwrap();
             }
+        }else{ // Other type of event
+            let event = Event::Key(KeyEvent::Other);
+            (*_self).send_channel.send(event).unwrap();
         }
     }
 }

src/context/macos.rs

@@ -24,17 +24,21 @@ use crate::event::{Event, KeyEvent, KeyModifier, ActionType};
 use crate::event::KeyModifier::*;
 use std::ffi::{CString, CStr};
 use std::fs;
-use log::{info, error};
+use log::{info, error, debug};
 use std::process::exit;
+use std::sync::atomic::AtomicBool;
+use std::sync::Arc;
+use std::sync::atomic::Ordering::Acquire;
 
 const STATUS_ICON_BINARY : &[u8] = include_bytes!("../res/mac/icon.png");
 
 pub struct MacContext {
-    pub send_channel: Sender<Event>
+    pub send_channel: Sender<Event>,
+    is_injecting: Arc<AtomicBool>,
 }
 
 impl MacContext {
-    pub fn new(send_channel: Sender<Event>) -> Box<MacContext> {
+    pub fn new(send_channel: Sender<Event>, is_injecting: Arc<AtomicBool>) -> Box<MacContext> {
         // Check accessibility
         unsafe {
             let res = prompt_accessibility();
@@ -48,7 +52,8 @@ impl MacContext {
         }
 
         let context = Box::new(MacContext {
-           send_channel
+            send_channel,
+            is_injecting
         });
 
         // Initialize the status icon path
@@ -89,11 +94,19 @@ impl super::Context for MacContext {
 // Native bridge code
 
 extern fn keypress_callback(_self: *mut c_void, raw_buffer: *const u8, len: i32,
-                             is_modifier: i32, key_code: i32) {
+                             event_type: i32, key_code: i32) {
     unsafe {
         let _self = _self as *mut MacContext;
 
-        if is_modifier == 0 {  // Char event
+        // If espanso is currently injecting text, we should avoid processing
+        // external events, as it could happen that espanso reinterpret its
+        // own input.
+        if (*_self).is_injecting.load(Acquire) {
+            debug!("Input ignored while espanso is injecting text...");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if event_type == 0 {  // Char event
             // Convert the received buffer to a string
             let c_str = CStr::from_ptr(raw_buffer as (*const c_char));
             let char_str = c_str.to_str();
@@ -108,12 +121,16 @@ extern fn keypress_callback(_self: *mut c_void, raw_buffer: *const u8, len: i32,
                     error!("Unable to receive char: {}",e);
                 },
             }
-        }else{  // Modifier event
+        }else if event_type == 1 {  // Modifier event
             let modifier: Option<KeyModifier> = match key_code {
-                0x37 => Some(META),
+                0x37 => Some(LEFT_META),
-                0x38 => Some(SHIFT),
+                0x36 => Some(RIGHT_META),
-                0x3A => Some(ALT),
+                0x38 => Some(LEFT_SHIFT),
-                0x3B => Some(CTRL),
+                0x3C => Some(RIGHT_SHIFT),
+                0x3A => Some(LEFT_ALT),
+                0x3D => Some(RIGHT_ALT),
+                0x3B => Some(LEFT_CTRL),
+                0x3E => Some(RIGHT_CTRL),
                 0x33 => Some(BACKSPACE),
                 _ => None,
             };
@@ -121,7 +138,13 @@ extern fn keypress_callback(_self: *mut c_void, raw_buffer: *const u8, len: i32,
             if let Some(modifier) = modifier {
                 let event = Event::Key(KeyEvent::Modifier(modifier));
                 (*_self).send_channel.send(event).unwrap();
+            }else{  // Not one of the default modifiers, send an "other" event
+                let event = Event::Key(KeyEvent::Other);
+                (*_self).send_channel.send(event).unwrap();
             }
+        }else{ // Other type of event
+            let event = Event::Key(KeyEvent::Other);
+            (*_self).send_channel.send(event).unwrap();
         }
     }
 }

src/context/mod.rs

@@ -30,7 +30,8 @@ use std::sync::mpsc::Sender;
 use crate::event::Event;
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 use std::fs::create_dir_all;
-use std::sync::Once;
+use std::sync::{Once, Arc};
+use std::sync::atomic::AtomicBool;
 
 pub trait Context {
     fn eventloop(&self);
@@ -38,20 +39,20 @@ pub trait Context {
 
 // MAC IMPLEMENTATION
 #[cfg(target_os = "macos")]
-pub fn new(send_channel: Sender<Event>) -> Box<dyn Context> {
+pub fn new(send_channel: Sender<Event>, is_injecting: Arc<AtomicBool>) -> Box<dyn Context> {
-    macos::MacContext::new(send_channel)
+    macos::MacContext::new(send_channel, is_injecting)
 }
 
 // LINUX IMPLEMENTATION
 #[cfg(target_os = "linux")]
-pub fn new(send_channel: Sender<Event>) -> Box<dyn Context> {
+pub fn new(send_channel: Sender<Event>, is_injecting: Arc<AtomicBool>) -> Box<dyn Context> {
-    linux::LinuxContext::new(send_channel)
+    linux::LinuxContext::new(send_channel, is_injecting)
 }
 
 // WINDOWS IMPLEMENTATION
 #[cfg(target_os = "windows")]
-pub fn new(send_channel: Sender<Event>) -> Box<dyn Context> {
+pub fn new(send_channel: Sender<Event>, is_injecting: Arc<AtomicBool>) -> Box<dyn Context> {
-    windows::WindowsContext::new(send_channel)
+    windows::WindowsContext::new(send_channel, is_injecting)
 }
 
 // espanso directories

src/context/windows.rs

@@ -24,17 +24,21 @@ use crate::event::KeyModifier::*;
 use std::ffi::c_void;
 use std::{fs};
 use widestring::{U16CString, U16CStr};
-use log::{info, error};
+use log::{info, error, debug};
+use std::sync::atomic::AtomicBool;
+use std::sync::Arc;
+use std::sync::atomic::Ordering::Acquire;
 
 const BMP_BINARY : &[u8] = include_bytes!("../res/win/espanso.bmp");
 const ICO_BINARY : &[u8] = include_bytes!("../res/win/espanso.ico");
 
 pub struct WindowsContext {
     send_channel: Sender<Event>,
+    is_injecting: Arc<AtomicBool>,
 }
 
 impl WindowsContext {
-    pub fn new(send_channel: Sender<Event>) -> Box<WindowsContext> {
+    pub fn new(send_channel: Sender<Event>, is_injecting: Arc<AtomicBool>) -> Box<WindowsContext> {
         // Initialize image resources
 
         let espanso_dir = super::get_data_dir();
@@ -68,6 +72,7 @@ impl WindowsContext {
 
         let context = Box::new(WindowsContext{
             send_channel,
+            is_injecting,
         });
 
         unsafe {
@@ -103,11 +108,20 @@ impl super::Context for WindowsContext {
 // Native bridge code
 
 extern fn keypress_callback(_self: *mut c_void, raw_buffer: *const u16, len: i32,
-                            is_modifier: i32, key_code: i32, is_key_down: i32) {
+                            event_type: i32, key_code: i32, variant: i32, is_key_down: i32) {
     unsafe {
         let _self = _self as *mut WindowsContext;
+
+        // If espanso is currently injecting text, we should avoid processing
+        // external events, as it could happen that espanso reinterpret its
+        // own input.
+        if (*_self).is_injecting.load(Acquire) {
+            debug!("Input ignored while espanso is injecting text...");
+            return;
+        }
+
         if is_key_down != 0 {  // KEY DOWN EVENT
-            if is_modifier == 0 {  // Char event
+            if event_type == 0 {  // Char event
                 // Convert the received buffer to a string
                 let buffer = std::slice::from_raw_parts(raw_buffer, len as usize);
                 let c_string = U16CStr::from_slice_with_nul(buffer);
@@ -130,20 +144,31 @@ extern fn keypress_callback(_self: *mut c_void, raw_buffer: *const u16, len: i32
                 }
             }
         }else{  // KEY UP event
-            if is_modifier != 0 {  // Modifier event
+            if event_type == 1 {  // Modifier event
-                let modifier: Option<KeyModifier> = match key_code {
+                let modifier: Option<KeyModifier> = match (key_code, variant) {
-                    0x5B | 0x5C => Some(META),
+                    (0x5B, _) => Some(LEFT_META),
-                    0x10 => Some(SHIFT),
+                    (0x5C, _) => Some(RIGHT_META),
-                    0x12 => Some(ALT),
+                    (0x10, 1) => Some(LEFT_SHIFT),
-                    0x11 => Some(CTRL),
+                    (0x10, 2) => Some(RIGHT_SHIFT),
-                    0x08  => Some(BACKSPACE),
+                    (0x12, 1) => Some(LEFT_ALT),
+                    (0x12, 2) => Some(RIGHT_ALT),
+                    (0x11, 1) => Some(LEFT_CTRL),
+                    (0x11, 2) => Some(RIGHT_CTRL),
+                    (0x08, _)  => Some(BACKSPACE),
                     _ => None,
                 };
 
                 if let Some(modifier) = modifier {
                     let event = Event::Key(KeyEvent::Modifier(modifier));
                     (*_self).send_channel.send(event).unwrap();
+                }else{  // Not one of the default modifiers, send an "other" event
+                    let event = Event::Key(KeyEvent::Other);
+                    (*_self).send_channel.send(event).unwrap();
                 }
+            }else{
+                // Other type of event
+                let event = Event::Key(KeyEvent::Other);
+                (*_self).send_channel.send(event).unwrap();
             }
         }
     }

src/engine.rs

@@ -33,6 +33,9 @@ use std::collections::HashMap;
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 use regex::{Regex, Captures};
 use std::time::SystemTime;
+use std::sync::Arc;
+use std::sync::atomic::AtomicBool;
+use std::sync::atomic::Ordering::{Relaxed, Release, Acquire, AcqRel, SeqCst};
 
 pub struct Engine<'a, S: KeyboardManager, C: ClipboardManager, M: ConfigManager<'a>,
                   U: UIManager, R: Renderer> {
@@ -41,29 +44,28 @@ pub struct Engine<'a, S: KeyboardManager, C: ClipboardManager, M: ConfigManager<
     config_manager: &'a M,
     ui_manager: &'a U,
     renderer: &'a R,
+    is_injecting: Arc<AtomicBool>,
 
     enabled: RefCell<bool>,
     last_action_time: RefCell<SystemTime>,  // Used to block espanso from re-interpreting it's own inputs
-    action_noop_interval: u128,
 }
 
 impl <'a, S: KeyboardManager, C: ClipboardManager, M: ConfigManager<'a>, U: UIManager, R: Renderer>
     Engine<'a, S, C, M, U, R> {
     pub fn new(keyboard_manager: &'a S, clipboard_manager: &'a C,
                config_manager: &'a M, ui_manager: &'a U,
-               renderer: &'a R) -> Engine<'a, S, C, M, U, R> {
+               renderer: &'a R, is_injecting: Arc<AtomicBool>) -> Engine<'a, S, C, M, U, R> {
         let enabled = RefCell::new(true);
         let last_action_time = RefCell::new(SystemTime::now());
-        let action_noop_interval = config_manager.default_config().action_noop_interval;
 
         Engine{keyboard_manager,
             clipboard_manager,
             config_manager,
             ui_manager,
             renderer,
+            is_injecting,
             enabled,
             last_action_time,
-            action_noop_interval,
         }
     }
 
@@ -139,11 +141,8 @@ impl <'a, S: KeyboardManager, C: ClipboardManager, M: ConfigManager<'a>, U: UIMa
             return;
         }
 
-        // avoid espanso reinterpreting its own actions
+        // Block espanso from reinterpreting its own actions
-        if self.check_last_action_and_set(self.action_noop_interval) {
+        self.is_injecting.store(true, Release);
-            debug!("Last action was too near, nooping the action.");
-            return;
-        }
 
         let char_count = if trailing_separator.is_none() {
             m.triggers[trigger_offset].chars().count() as i32
@@ -190,14 +189,25 @@ impl <'a, S: KeyboardManager, C: ClipboardManager, M: ConfigManager<'a>, U: UIMa
                     None
                 };
 
-                match config.backend {
+                let backend = if config.backend == BackendType::Auto {
-                    BackendType::Inject => {
-                        // Send the expected string. On linux, newlines are managed automatically
-                        // while on windows and macos, we need to emulate a Enter key press.
-
                     if cfg!(target_os = "linux") {
-                            self.keyboard_manager.send_string(&target_string);
+                        let all_ascii = target_string.chars().all(|c| c.is_ascii());
+                        if all_ascii {
+                            debug!("All elements of the replacement are ascii, using Inject backend");
+                            &BackendType::Inject
                         }else{
+                            debug!("There are non-ascii characters, using Clipboard backend");
+                            &BackendType::Clipboard
+                        }
+                    }else{
+                        &BackendType::Inject
+                    }
+                }else{
+                    &config.backend
+                };
+
+                match backend {
+                    BackendType::Inject => {
                         // To handle newlines, substitute each "\n" char with an Enter key press.
                         let splits = target_string.split('\n');
 
@@ -208,7 +218,6 @@ impl <'a, S: KeyboardManager, C: ClipboardManager, M: ConfigManager<'a>, U: UIMa
 
                             self.keyboard_manager.send_string(split);
                         }
-                        }
                     },
                     BackendType::Clipboard => {
                         // If the preserve_clipboard option is enabled, save the current
@@ -218,6 +227,10 @@ impl <'a, S: KeyboardManager, C: ClipboardManager, M: ConfigManager<'a>, U: UIMa
                         self.clipboard_manager.set_clipboard(&target_string);
                         self.keyboard_manager.trigger_paste(&config.paste_shortcut);
                     },
+                    _ => {
+                        error!("Unsupported backend type evaluation.");
+                        return;
+                    }
                 }
 
                 if let Some(moves) = cursor_rewind {
@@ -246,14 +259,12 @@ impl <'a, S: KeyboardManager, C: ClipboardManager, M: ConfigManager<'a>, U: UIMa
 
             self.clipboard_manager.set_clipboard(&previous_clipboard_content);
         }
+
+        // Re-allow espanso to interpret actions
+        self.is_injecting.store(false, Release);
     }
 
     fn on_enable_update(&self, status: bool) {
-        // avoid espanso reinterpreting its own actions
-        if self.check_last_action_and_set(self.action_noop_interval) {
-            return;
-        }
-
         let message = if status {
             "espanso enabled"
         }else{
@@ -269,11 +280,6 @@ impl <'a, S: KeyboardManager, C: ClipboardManager, M: ConfigManager<'a>, U: UIMa
     }
 
     fn on_passive(&self) {
-        // avoid espanso reinterpreting its own actions
-        if self.check_last_action_and_set(self.action_noop_interval) {
-            return;
-        }
-
         let config = self.config_manager.active_config();
 
         if !config.enable_passive {

src/event/mod.rs

@@ -53,9 +53,11 @@ impl From<i32> for ActionType {
 #[derive(Debug, Clone)]
 pub enum KeyEvent {
     Char(String),
-    Modifier(KeyModifier)
+    Modifier(KeyModifier),
+    Other
 }
 
+#[warn(non_camel_case_types)]
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub enum KeyModifier {
     CTRL,
@@ -64,6 +66,70 @@ pub enum KeyModifier {
     META,
     BACKSPACE,
     OFF,
+
+    // These are specific variants of the ones above. See issue: #117
+    // https://github.com/federico-terzi/espanso/issues/117
+    LEFT_CTRL,
+    RIGHT_CTRL,
+    LEFT_ALT,
+    RIGHT_ALT,
+    LEFT_META,
+    RIGHT_META,
+    LEFT_SHIFT,
+    RIGHT_SHIFT,
+}
+
+impl KeyModifier {
+    /// This function is used to compare KeyModifiers, considering the relations between
+    /// the generic modifier and the specific left/right variant
+    /// For example, CTRL will match with CTRL, LEFT_CTRL and RIGHT_CTRL;
+    /// but LEFT_CTRL will only match will LEFT_CTRL
+    pub fn shallow_equals(current: &KeyModifier, config: &KeyModifier) -> bool {
+        use KeyModifier::*;
+
+        match config {
+            KeyModifier::CTRL => {
+                current == &LEFT_CTRL || current == &RIGHT_CTRL || current == &CTRL
+            },
+            KeyModifier::SHIFT => {
+                current == &LEFT_SHIFT || current == &RIGHT_SHIFT || current == &SHIFT
+            },
+            KeyModifier::ALT => {
+                current == &LEFT_ALT || current == &RIGHT_ALT || current == &ALT
+            },
+            KeyModifier::META => {
+                current == &LEFT_META || current == &RIGHT_META || current == &META
+            },
+            KeyModifier::BACKSPACE => {
+                current == &BACKSPACE
+            },
+            KeyModifier::LEFT_CTRL => {
+                current == &LEFT_CTRL
+            },
+            KeyModifier::RIGHT_CTRL => {
+                current == &RIGHT_CTRL
+            },
+            KeyModifier::LEFT_ALT => {
+                current == &LEFT_ALT
+            },
+            KeyModifier::RIGHT_ALT => {
+                current == &RIGHT_ALT
+            },
+            KeyModifier::LEFT_META => {
+                current == &LEFT_META
+            },
+            KeyModifier::RIGHT_META => {
+                current == &RIGHT_META
+            },
+            KeyModifier::LEFT_SHIFT => {
+                current == &LEFT_SHIFT
+            },
+            KeyModifier::RIGHT_SHIFT => {
+                current == &RIGHT_SHIFT
+            },
+            _ => {false},
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 // Receivers
@@ -75,3 +141,64 @@ pub trait KeyEventReceiver {
 pub trait ActionEventReceiver {
     fn on_action_event(&self, e: ActionType);
 }
+
+// TESTS
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+    use super::KeyModifier::*;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_shallow_equals_ctrl() {
+        assert!(KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&CTRL, &CTRL));
+        assert!(KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&LEFT_CTRL, &CTRL));
+        assert!(KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&RIGHT_CTRL, &CTRL));
+
+        assert!(!KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&CTRL, &LEFT_CTRL));
+        assert!(!KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&CTRL, &RIGHT_CTRL));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_shallow_equals_shift() {
+        assert!(KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&SHIFT, &SHIFT));
+        assert!(KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&LEFT_SHIFT, &SHIFT));
+        assert!(KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&RIGHT_SHIFT, &SHIFT));
+
+        assert!(!KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&SHIFT, &LEFT_SHIFT));
+        assert!(!KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&SHIFT, &RIGHT_SHIFT));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_shallow_equals_alt() {
+        assert!(KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&ALT, &ALT));
+        assert!(KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&LEFT_ALT, &ALT));
+        assert!(KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&RIGHT_ALT, &ALT));
+
+        assert!(!KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&ALT, &LEFT_ALT));
+        assert!(!KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&ALT, &RIGHT_ALT));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_shallow_equals_meta() {
+        assert!(KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&META, &META));
+        assert!(KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&LEFT_META, &META));
+        assert!(KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&RIGHT_META, &META));
+
+        assert!(!KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&META, &LEFT_META));
+        assert!(!KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&META, &RIGHT_META));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_shallow_equals_backspace() {
+        assert!(KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&BACKSPACE, &BACKSPACE));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_shallow_equals_off() {
+        assert!(!KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&OFF, &CTRL));
+        assert!(!KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&OFF, &ALT));
+        assert!(!KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&OFF, &META));
+        assert!(!KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&OFF, &SHIFT));
+    }
+}

src/keyboard/linux.rs

@@ -35,7 +35,9 @@ impl super::KeyboardManager for LinuxKeyboardManager {
     }
 
     fn send_enter(&self) {
-        // On linux this is not needed, so NOOP
+        unsafe {
+            send_enter();
+        }
     }
 
     fn trigger_paste(&self, shortcut: &PasteShortcut) {

src/main.rs

@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ extern crate lazy_static;
 use std::thread;
 use std::fs::{File, OpenOptions};
 use std::process::exit;
-use std::sync::mpsc;
+use std::sync::{mpsc, Arc};
 use std::sync::mpsc::Receiver;
 use std::time::Duration;
 
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ use crate::protocol::*;
 use std::io::{BufReader, BufRead};
 use crate::package::default::DefaultPackageManager;
 use crate::package::{PackageManager, InstallResult, UpdateResult, RemoveResult};
+use std::sync::atomic::AtomicBool;
 
 mod ui;
 mod edit;
@@ -319,11 +320,15 @@ fn daemon_main(config_set: ConfigSet) {
 
     let (send_channel, receive_channel) = mpsc::channel();
 
-    let context = context::new(send_channel.clone());
+    // This atomic bool is used to "disable" espanso when espanding its own matches, otherwise
+    // we could reinterpret the characters we are injecting
+    let is_injecting = Arc::new(std::sync::atomic::AtomicBool::new(false));
+
+    let context = context::new(send_channel.clone(), is_injecting.clone());
 
     let config_set_copy = config_set.clone();
     thread::Builder::new().name("daemon_background".to_string()).spawn(move || {
-        daemon_background(receive_channel, config_set_copy);
+        daemon_background(receive_channel, config_set_copy, is_injecting);
     }).expect("Unable to spawn daemon background thread");
 
     let ipc_server = protocol::get_ipc_server(config_set, send_channel.clone());
@@ -333,7 +338,7 @@ fn daemon_main(config_set: ConfigSet) {
 }
 
 /// Background thread worker for the daemon
-fn daemon_background(receive_channel: Receiver<Event>, config_set: ConfigSet) {
+fn daemon_background(receive_channel: Receiver<Event>, config_set: ConfigSet, is_injecting: Arc<AtomicBool>) {
     let system_manager = system::get_manager();
     let config_manager = RuntimeConfigManager::new(config_set, system_manager);
 
@@ -354,6 +359,7 @@ fn daemon_background(receive_channel: Receiver<Event>, config_set: ConfigSet) {
                              &config_manager,
                              &ui_manager,
                              &renderer,
+                             is_injecting,
     );
 
     let matcher = ScrollingMatcher::new(&config_manager, &engine);

src/matcher/mod.rs

@@ -239,6 +239,7 @@ pub trait MatchReceiver {
 pub trait Matcher : KeyEventReceiver {
     fn handle_char(&self, c: &str);
     fn handle_modifier(&self, m: KeyModifier);
+    fn handle_other(&self);
 }
 
 impl <M: Matcher> KeyEventReceiver for M {
@@ -250,6 +251,9 @@ impl <M: Matcher> KeyEventReceiver for M {
             KeyEvent::Modifier(m) => {
                 self.handle_modifier(m);
             },
+            KeyEvent::Other => {
+                self.handle_other();
+            },
         }
     }
 }

src/matcher/scrolling.rs

@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ impl <'a, R: MatchReceiver, M: ConfigManager<'a>> super::Matcher for ScrollingMa
         // TODO: at the moment, activating the passive key triggers the toggle key
         // study a mechanism to avoid this problem
 
-        if m == config.toggle_key {
+        if KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&m, &config.toggle_key)  {
             check_interval(&self.toggle_press_time,
                            u128::from(config.toggle_interval), || {
                 self.toggle();
@@ -223,7 +223,7 @@ impl <'a, R: MatchReceiver, M: ConfigManager<'a>> super::Matcher for ScrollingMa
                     self.current_set_queue.borrow_mut().clear();
                 }
             });
-        }else if m == config.passive_key {
+        }else if KeyModifier::shallow_equals(&m, &config.passive_key) {
             check_interval(&self.passive_press_time,
                            u128::from(config.toggle_interval), || {
                 self.receiver.on_passive();
@@ -235,6 +235,17 @@ impl <'a, R: MatchReceiver, M: ConfigManager<'a>> super::Matcher for ScrollingMa
             let mut current_set_queue = self.current_set_queue.borrow_mut();
             current_set_queue.pop_back();
         }
+
+        // Consider modifiers as separators to improve word matches reliability
+        let mut was_previous_char_word_separator = self.was_previous_char_word_separator.borrow_mut();
+        *was_previous_char_word_separator = true;
+    }
+
+    fn handle_other(&self) {
+        // When receiving "other" type of events, we mark them as valid separators.
+        // This dramatically improves the reliability of word matches
+        let mut was_previous_char_word_separator = self.was_previous_char_word_separator.borrow_mut();
+        *was_previous_char_word_separator = true;
     }
 }