Can we get a toggle button in the post editor that lets us use the Tab key to insert 4 Spaces?

Question

Could we get a Toggle Button when writing a post that would make it so that the Tab key inserts Space x 4 instead of tabbing out of the TextBox?

There are so many times when I'm writing an answer containing code and would like to indent it correctly, however the tab key leaves the TextBox instead of indenting my typing.

This is even more annoying when writing answers, as the Tab key moves to the "Post Answer" button, and hitting Enter before you notice ends up posting an incomplete answer.

My current workaround is to copy 4 spaces and use Ctrl+V instead of Tab to indent my code as I'm typing it, but this is obnoxious as it requires an extra step, and has to be re-copied anytime I copy/paste anything else. And I'm very forgetful and frequently hit Tab out of habit anyways.

Note that this is not quite a duplicate of Have “Tab” key insert spaces when writing a question or answer as I'm not asking for a universal feature that would prevent keyboard navigation completely, but would instead like an optional toggle button or CheckBox to turn this feature on/off depending on user preference :)

Answer 1

The easiest solution is to write the code in your editor/IDE of choice - effectively offline and then copy+paste it into the answer box. This works for the following reasons:

1. You can actually check the code compiles and runs before posting it as an answer.
2. The editor/IDE will do all the code formatting for you - virtually all languages use 4 spaces these days.
3. If the formatting isn't 100% correct a quick click of the code button should sort it out.

Answer 2

They should just add indent/dedent buttons like good editors have, so you can just select and hit the button to move in either direction.

Answer 3

This might make the site harder to use for some people with disabilities and breaks the usability. I understand what you're saying with the whole "tab lock" thing, but that's another level of complexity in both the code and the UI. Suggestion: have Space + Tab = Space x4. To prevent the issue about accidentally posting, maybe go to the 'community wiki' checkbox first? Not the best, but...

Also, one thing I do is type the code out in the editor (ignoring the preview) and then just select all the text and hit the code button. It works fine, and you forget about it.