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+==================
+IME handling guide
+==================
+
+This document explains how Gecko handles IME.
+
+Introduction
+============
+
+IME is an abbreviation of Input Method Editor. This is a technical term from
+Windows but these days, this is used on other platforms as well.
+
+IME is a helper application of a user's text input. It handles native key
+events before or after focused application (depending on the platform) and
+creates a composition string (a.k.a. preedit string), suggests a list of what
+the user attempts to input, commits composition string as a selected item off
+the list and commits composition string without any conversion. IME is used by
+Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Taiwan users for inputting Chinese characters
+because the number of them is beyond thousands and cannot be input from the
+keyboard directly. However, especially on mobile devices nowadays, IME is also
+used for inputting Latin languages like autocomplete. Additionally, IME may be
+used for handwriting systems or speech input systems on some platforms.
+
+If IME is available on focused elements, we call that state "enabled". If IME
+is not fully available(i.e., user cannot enable IME), we call this state
+"disabled".
+
+If IME is enabled but users use direct input mode (e.g., for inputting Latin
+characters), we call it "IME is closed". Otherwise, we call it "IME is open".
+(FYI: "open" is also called "active" or "turned on". "closed" is also called
+"inactive" or "turned off")
+
+So, this document is useful when you're try to fix a bug for text input in
+Gecko.
+
+
+Composition string and clauses
+==============================
+
+Typical Japanese IME can input two or more words into a composition string.
+When a user converts from Hiragana characters to Chinese characters the
+composition string, Japanese IME separates the composition string into multiple
+clauses. For example, if a user types "watasinonamaehanakanodesu", it's
+converted to Hiragana characters, "わたしのなまえはなかのです", automatically (In
+the following screenshots, the composition string has a wavy underline and the
+only one clause is called "raw input clause").
+
+.. image:: inputting_composition_string.png
+ :alt: Screenshot of raw composition string which is inputting Roman
+ character mode of MS-IME (Japanese)
+
+.. image:: raw_composition_string.png
+ :alt: Screenshot of raw composition string whose all characters are Hiragana
+ character (MS-IME, Japanese)
+
+When a user presses ``Convert`` key, Japanese IME separates the composition
+string as "わたしの" (my), "なまえは" (name is) and "なかのです" (Nakano). Then,
+converts each clause with Chinese characters: "私の", "名前は" and "中野です" (In
+the following screenshot each clause is underlined and not connected
+adjacently. These clauses are called "converted clause").
+
+.. image:: converted_composition_string.png
+ :alt: Screenshot of converted composition string (MS-IME, Japanese)
+
+If one or more clauses were not converted as expected, the user can choose one
+of the clauses with Arrow keys and look for the expected result form the list
+in the drop down menu (In the following screenshot, the clause with the thicker
+underline is called "selected clause").
+
+.. image:: candidatewindow.png
+ :alt: Screenshot of candidate window of MS-IME (Japanese) which converts the
+ selected clause
+
+Basically, composition string and each clause style is rendered by Gecko. And
+the drop down menu is created by IME.
+
+Each clause is represented with selection in the editor. From chrome script,
+you can check it with ``nsISelectionController``. In native code, you can
+access it with either ``nsISelectionController`` or ``mozilla::SelectionType``
+(the latter is recommended because of type safer). And editor sets these IME
+selections from ``mozilla::TextRangeType`` which are sent by
+``mozilla::WidgetCompositionEvent`` as ``mozilla::TextRangeArray``. The
+following table explains the mapping between them.
+
+.. table:: Selection types of each clause of composition string or caret
+
+ +------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+-------------------------+-------------------------+
+ | |`nsISelectionController`_ |`mozilla::SelectionType`_|`mozilla::TextRangeType`_|
+ +============================================================+=======================================+=========================+=========================+
+ |Caret |``SELECTION_NORMAL`` |``eNormal`` |``eCaret`` |
+ +------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+-------------------------+-------------------------+
+ |Raw text typed by the user |``SELECTION_IME_RAW_INPUT`` |``eIMERawClause`` |``eRawClause`` |
+ +------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+-------------------------+-------------------------+
+ |Selected clause of raw text typed by the user |``SELECTION_IME_SELECTEDRAWTEXT`` |``eIMESelectedRawClause``|``eSelectedRawClause`` |
+ +------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+-------------------------+-------------------------+
+ |Converted clause by IME |``SELECTION_IME_CONVERTEDTEXT`` |``eIMEConvertedClause`` |``eConvertedClause`` |
+ +------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+-------------------------+-------------------------+
+ |Selected clause by the user or IME and also converted by IME|``SELECTION_IME_SELECTEDCONVERTEDTEXT``|``eIMESelectedClause`` |``eSelectedClause`` |
+ +------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+-------------------------+-------------------------+
+
+Note that typically, "Selected clause of raw text typed by the user" isn't used
+because when composition string is already separated to multiple clauses, that
+means that the composition string has already been converted by IME at least
+once.
+
+.. _nsISelectionController: https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/dom/base/nsISelectionController.idl
+.. _mozilla::SelectionType: https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/dom/base/nsISelectionController.idl
+.. _mozilla::TextRangeType: https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/TextRange.h
+
+Modules handling IME composition
+================================
+
+widget
+------
+
+Each widget handles native IME events and dispatches ``WidgetCompositionEvent``
+with ``mozilla::widget::TextEventDispatcher`` to represent the behavior of IME
+in the focused editor.
+
+This is the only module that depends on the users platform. See also
+`Native IME handlers`_ section for the detail of each platform's
+implementation.
+
+.. note::
+
+ Android widget still does not use ``TextEventDispatcher`` to dispatch
+ ``WidgetCompositionEvents``, see
+ `bug 1137567 <https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1137567>`__.
+
+mozilla::widget::TextEventDispatcher
+------------------------------------
+
+This class is used by native IME handler(s) on each platform. This capsules the
+logic to dispatch ``WidgetCompositionEvent`` and ``WidgetKeyboardEvent`` for
+making the behavior on each platform exactly same. For example, if
+``WidgetKeyboardEvent`` should be dispatched when there is a composition is
+managed by this class in XP level. First of use, native IME handlers get the
+rights to use ``TextEventDispatcher`` with a call of
+``BeginNativeInputTransaction()``. Then, ``StartComposition()``,
+``SetPendingComposition()``, ``FlushPendingComposition()``,
+``CommitComposition()``, etc. are available if
+``BeginNativeInputTransaction()`` return true. These methods automatically
+manage composition state and dispatch ``WidgetCompositionEvent`` properly.
+
+This is also used by ``mozilla::TextInputProcessor`` which can emulates (or
+implements) IME with chrome script. So, native IME handlers using this class
+means that the dispatching part is also tested by automated tests.
+
+mozilla::WidgetCompositionEvent
+-------------------------------
+
+Internally, ``WidgetCompositionEvent`` represents native IME behavior. Its
+message is one of following values:
+
+eCompositionStart
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+This is dispatched at starting a composition. This represents a DOM
+``compositionstart`` event. The mData value is a selected string at dispatching
+the DOM event and it's automatically set by ``TextComposition``.
+
+eCompositionUpdate
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+This is dispatched by ``TextComposition`` when an ``eCompositionChange`` will
+change the composition string. This represents a DOM ``compositionupdate``
+event.
+
+eCompositionEnd
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+This is dispatched by ``TextComposition`` when an ``eCompositionCommitAsIs`` or
+``eCompositionCommit`` event is dispatched. This represents a DOM
+``compositionend`` event.
+
+eCompositionChange
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+This is used internally only. This is dispatched at modifying a composition
+string, committing a composition, changing caret position and/or changing
+ranges of clauses. This represents a DOM text event which is not in any
+standards. ``mRanges`` should not be empty only with this message.
+
+eCompositionCommitAsIs
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+This is used internally only. This is dispatched when a composition is
+committed with the string. The ``mData`` value should be always be an empty
+string. This causes a DOM text event without clause information and a DOM
+``compositionend`` event.
+
+eCompositionCommit
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+This is used internally only. This is dispatched when a composition is
+committed with specific string. The ``mData`` value is the commit string. This
+causes a DOM text event without clause information and a DOM ``compositionend``
+event.
+
+.. table:: Table of event messages
+
+ +--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+-------------------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
+ | |meaning of mData |who sets ``mData``? |``mRanges`` |representing DOM event|
+ +==========================+===========================================+===============================+=======================+======================+
+ |``eCompositionStart`` |selected string before starting composition|``TextComposition`` |``nullptr`` |``compositionstart`` |
+ +--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+-------------------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
+ |``eCompositionUpdate`` |new composition string |``TextComposition`` |``nullptr`` |``compositionupdate`` |
+ +--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+-------------------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
+ |``eCompositionEnd`` |commit string |``TextComposition`` |``nullptr`` |``compositionend`` |
+ +--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+-------------------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
+ |``eCompositionChange`` |new composition string |widget (or ``TextComposition``)|must not be ``nullptr``|``text`` |
+ +--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+-------------------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
+ |``eCompositionCommitAsIs``|N/A (must be empty) |nobody |``nullptr`` |None |
+ +--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+-------------------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
+ |``eCompositionCommit`` |commit string |widget (or ``TextComposition``)|``nullptr`` |None |
+ +--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+-------------------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
+
+PresShell
+---------
+
+``PresShell`` receives the widget events and decides an event target from
+focused document and element. Then, it sends the events and the event target to
+``IMEStateManager``.
+
+mozilla::IMEStateManager
+------------------------
+
+``IMEStateManager`` looks for a ``TextComposition`` instance whose native IME
+context is same as the widget' which dispatches the widget event. If there is
+no proper ``TextComposition`` instance, it creates the instance. And it sends
+the event to the ``TextComposition`` instance.
+
+Note that all instances of ``TextComposition`` are managed by
+``IMEStateManager``. When an instance is created, it's registered to the list.
+When composition completely ends, it's unregistered from the list (and released
+automatically).
+
+mozilla::TextComposition
+------------------------
+
+``TextComposition`` manages a composition and dispatches DOM
+``compositionupdate`` events.
+
+When this receives an ``eCompositionChange``, ``eCompositionCommit`` or
+``eCompositionCommitAsIs`` event, it dispatches the event to the stored node
+which was the event target of ``eCompositionStart`` event. Therefore, this
+class guarantees that all composition events for a composition are fired on
+same element.
+
+When this receives ``eCompositionChange`` or ``eCompositionCommit``, this
+checks if new composition string (or committing string) is different from the
+last data stored by the ``TextComposition``. If the composition event is
+changing the composition string, the ``TextComposition`` instance dispatches
+``WidgetCompositionEvent`` with ``eCompositionUpdate`` into the DOM tree
+directly and modifies the last data. The ``eCompositionUpdate`` event will
+cause a DOM ``compositionupdate`` event.
+
+When this receives ``eCompositionCommitAsIs`` or ``eCompositionCommit``, this
+dispatches an ``eCompositionEnd`` event which will cause a DOM
+``compositionend`` event after dispatching ``eCompositionUpdate`` event and/or
+``eCompositionChange`` event if necessary.
+
+One of the other important jobs of this is, when a focused editor handles a
+dispatched ``eCompositionChange`` event, this modifies the stored composition
+string and its clause information. The editor refers the stored information for
+creating or modifying a text node representing a composition string.
+
+And before dispatching ``eComposition*`` events, this class removes ASCII
+control characters from dispatching composition event's data in the default
+settings. Although, this can be disabled with
+``"dom.compositionevent.allow_control_characters"`` pref.
+
+Finally, this class guarantees that requesting to commit or cancel current
+composition to IME is perefored synchronously. See
+`Forcibly committing composition`_ section for the detail.
+
+editor/libeditor
+----------------
+
+`mozilla::EditorEventListener <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/editor/libeditor/EditorEventListener.cpp>`__
+listens for trusted DOM ``compositionstart``, ``text`` and ``compositionend``
+events and notifies
+`mozilla::EditorBase <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/editor/libeditor/EditorBase.cpp>`__
+and
+`mozilla::TextEditor <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/editor/libeditor/TextEditor.cpp>`__
+of the events.
+
+When ``EditorBase`` receives an ``eCompositionStart``
+(DOM ``"compositionstart"``) event, it looks for a proper ``TextComposition``
+instance and stores it.
+
+When ``TextEditor`` receives an ``eCompositionChange`` (DOM ``"text"``) event,
+it creates or modifies a text node which includes the composition string and
+`mozilla::CompositionTransaction <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/editor/libeditor/CompositionTransaction.cpp>`__
+(it was called ``IMETextTxn``) sets IME selections for representing the clauses
+of the composition string.
+
+When ``EditorBase`` receives an ``eCompositionEnd`` (DOM ``"compositionend"``)
+event, it releases the stored ``TextComposition`` instance.
+
+nsTextFrame
+-----------
+``nsTextFrame`` paints IME selections.
+
+mozilla::IMEContentObserver
+---------------------------
+
+``IMEContentObserver`` observes various changes of a focused editor. When a
+corresponding element of a ``TextEditor`` or ``HTMLEditor`` instance gets
+focus, an instance is created by ``IMEStateManager``, then, starts to observe
+and notifies ``widget`` of IME getting focus. When the editor loses focus, it
+notifies ``widget`` of IME losing focus and stops observing everything.
+Finally, it's destroyed by ``IMEStateManager``.
+
+This class observes selection changes (caret position changes), text changes of
+a focused editor and layout changes (by reflow or scroll) of everything in the
+document. It depends on the result of ``nsIWidget::GetIMEUpdatePreference()``
+what is observed.
+
+When this notifies ``widget`` of something, it needs to be safe to run
+script because notifying something may cause dispatching one or more DOM events
+and/or new reflow. Therefore, ``IMEContentObserver`` only stores which
+notification should be sent to ``widget``. Then,
+``mozilla::IMEContentObserver::IMENotificationSender`` tries to send the
+pending notifications when it might become safe to do that. Currently, it's
+tried:
+
+* after a native event is dispatched from ``PresShell::HandleEventInternal()``
+* when new focused editor receives DOM ``focus`` event
+* when next refresh driver tick
+
+.. note::
+
+ The 3rd timing may not be safe actually, but it causes a lot of oranges of
+ automated tests.
+
+See also `Notifications to IME`_ section for the detail of sending
+notifications.
+
+Currently, ``WidgetQueryContentEvent`` is handled via ``IMEContentObserver``
+because if it has a cache of selection, it can set reply of
+``eQuerySelectedText`` event only with the cache. That is much faster than
+using ``ContentEventHandler``.
+
+e10s support
+============
+
+Even when a remote process has focus, native IME handler in chrome process does
+its job. So, there is process boundary between native IME handler and focused
+editor. Unfortunately, it's not allowed to use synchronous communication from
+chrome process to a remote process. This means that chrome process (and also
+native IME and our native IME handler) cannot query the focused editor contents
+directly. For fixing this issue, we have ``ContentCache`` classes around
+process boundary.
+
+mozilla::ContentCache
+---------------------
+This is a base class of ``ContentCacheInChild`` and ``ContentCacheInParent``
+and IPC-aware. This has common members of them including all cache data:
+
+``mText``
+ Whole text in focused editor. This may be too big but IME may request all
+ text in the editor.
+
+ If we can separate editor contents per paragraph, moving selection between
+ paragraphs generates pseudo focus move, we can reduce this size and runtime
+ cost of ``ContentEventHandler``. However, we've not had a plan to do that
+ yet. Note that Microsoft Word uses this hack.
+
+``mCompositionStart``
+ Offset of composition string in ``mText``. When there is no composition,
+ this is ``UINT32_MAX``.
+
+``mSelection::mAnchor``, ``mSelection::mFocus``
+ Offset of selection anchor and focus in ``mText``.
+
+``mSelection::mWritingMode``
+ Writing mode at selection start.
+
+``mSelection::mAnchorCharRect``, ``mSelection::mFocusCharRect``
+ Next character rectangle of ``mSelection::mAnchor`` and
+ ``mSelection::mFocus``. If corresponding offset is end of the editor
+ contents, its rectangle should be a caret rectangle.
+
+ These rectangles shouldn't be empty rect.
+
+``mSelection::mRect``
+ Unified character rectangle in selection range. When the selection is
+ collapsed, this should be caret rect.
+
+``mFirstRect``
+ First character rect of ``mText``. When ``mText`` is empty string, this
+ should be caret rect.
+
+``mCaret::mOffset``
+ Always same as selection start offset even when selection isn't collapsed.
+
+``mCaret::mRect``
+ Caret rect at ``mCaret::mOffset``. If caret isn't actually exists, it's
+ computed with a character rect at the offset.
+
+``mTextRectArray::mStart``
+ If there is composition, ``mStart`` is same as ``mCompositionStart``.
+ Otherwise, ``UINT32_MAX``.
+
+``mTextRectArray::mRects``
+ Each character rectangle of composition string.
+
+``mEditorRect``
+ The rect of editor element.
+
+mozilla::ContentCacheInChild
+----------------------------
+
+This exists only in remote processes. This is created as a member of
+`PuppetWidget <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/PuppetWidget.cpp>`__.
+When ``PuppetWidget`` receives notifications to IME from ``IMEContentObserver``
+in the remote process, it makes this class modify its cached content. Then,
+this class do that with ``WidgetQueryContentEvents``. Finally, ``PuppetWidget``
+sends the notification and ``ContentCacheInParent`` instance as
+``ContentCache`` to its parent process.
+
+mozilla::ContentCacheInParent
+-----------------------------
+
+This exists as a member of ``TabParent``. When ``TabParent`` receives
+notification from corresponding remote process, it assigns
+``ContentCacheInParent`` new ``ContentCache`` and post the notification to
+``ContentCacheInParent``. If all sent ``WidgetCompositionEvents`` and
+``WidgetSelectionEvents`` are already handled in the remote process,
+``ContentCacheInParent`` sending the notifications to widget.
+
+And also this handles ``WidgetQueryContentEvents`` with its cache. Supported
+event messages of them are:
+
+* ``eQuerySelectedText`` (only with ``SelectionType::eNormal``)
+* ``eQueryTextContent``
+* ``eQueryTextRect``
+* ``eQueryCaretRect``
+* ``eQueryEditorRect``
+
+Additionally, this does not support query content events with XP line breakers
+but this must not be any problem since native IME handlers query contents with
+native line breakers.
+
+``ContentCacheInParent`` also manages sent ``WidgetCompositionEvents`` and
+``WidgetSelectionEvents``. After these events are handled in the remote
+process, ``TabParent`` receives it with a call of
+``RecvOnEventNeedingAckHandled()``. Then, it calls
+``ContentCacheInParent::OnEventNeedingAckHandled()``. Finally,
+``ContentCacheInParent`` flushes pending notifications.
+
+How do mozilla::TextComposition and mozilla::IMEStateManager work in e10s mode?
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+In remote process, they work as non-e10s mode. On the other hand, they work
+specially in parent process.
+
+When ``IMEStateManager`` in parent process receives ``eCompositionStart``, it
+creates ``TextComposition`` instance normally. However, if the event target has
+remote contents, ``TextComposition::DispatchCompositionEvent()`` directly sends
+the event to the remote process instead of dispatching the event into the
+target DOM tree in the process.
+
+That means that even in a parent process, anybody can retrieve
+``TextComposition`` instance, but it just does nothing in parent process.
+
+``IMEStateManager`` works more complicated because ``IMEStateManager`` in each
+process need to negotiate about owner ship of managing input context.
+
+When a remote process gets focus, temporarily, ``IMEStateManager`` in parent
+process disables IME in the widget. After that, ``IMEStateManager`` in the
+remote process will set proper input context for the focused editor. At this
+time, ``IMEStateManager`` in the parent process does nothing. Therefore,
+``IMEContentObserver`` is never created while a remote process has focus.
+
+When a remote process loses focus, ``IMEStateManager`` in parent process
+notifies ``IMEStateManager`` in the remote process of
+"Stop IME state management". When ``IMEStateManager::StopIMEStateManagement()``
+is called in the remote process by this, the ``IMEStateManager`` forgets all
+focus information (i.e., that indicates nobody has focus).
+
+When ``IMEStateManager`` in parent process is notified of pseudo focus move
+from or to menubar while a remote process has focus, it notifies the remote
+process of "Menu keyboard listener installed". Then, ``TabChild`` calls
+``IMEStateManager::OnInstalledMenuKeyboardListener()`` in the remote process.
+
+Style of each clause
+--------------------
+
+The style of each IME selection is managed by
+`LookAndFeel <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/LookAndFeel.h>`__
+class per platform. Therefore, it can be overridden by prefs.
+
+Background color, foreground color (text color) and underline color can be
+specified with following prefs. The values must be string of "#rrggbb" format.
+
+* ``ui.IMERawInputBackground``
+* ``ui.IMERawInputForeground``
+* ``ui.IMERawInputUnderline``
+* ``ui.IMESelectedRawTextBackground``
+* ``ui.IMESelectedRawTextForeground``
+* ``ui.IMESelectedRawTextUnderline``
+* ``ui.IMEConvertedTextBackground``
+* ``ui.IMEConvertedTextForeground``
+* ``ui.IMEConvertedTextUnderline``
+* ``ui.IMESelectedConvertedTextBackground``
+* ``ui.IMESelectedConvertedTextForeground``
+* ``ui.IMESelectedConvertedTextUnderline``
+
+Underline style can be specified with the following prefs. The values are
+integer, 0: none, 1: dotted, 2: dashed, 3: solid, 4: double, 5: wavy (The
+values same as ``mozilla::StyleTextDecorationStyle`` defined in
+`nsStyleConsts.h <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/layout/style/nsStyleConsts.h>`__).
+
+* ``ui.IMERawInputUnderlineStyle``
+* ``ui.IMESelectedRawTextUnderlineStyle``
+* ``ui.IMEConvertedTextUnderlineStyle``
+* ``ui.IMESelectedConvertedTextUnderlineStyle``
+
+Underline width can be specified with ``"ui.IMEUnderlineRelativeSize"`` pref.
+This affects all types of clauses. The value should be 100 or 200. 100 means
+normal width, 200 means double width.
+
+On some platforms, IME may support its own style for each clause. Currently,
+this feature is supported in TSF mode of Windows and on Linux. The style
+information is stored in ``TextRangeStyle`` which is defined in
+`TextRange.h <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/TextRange.h>`__.
+It's a member of ``TextRange``. ``TextRange`` is stored in ``mRanges`` of
+``WidgetCompositionEvent`` only when its message is ``eCompositionChange``.
+
+Lifetime of composition string
+==============================
+
+When native IME notifies Gecko of starting a composition, a widget dispatches
+``WidgetCompositionEvent`` with ``eCompositionStart`` which will cause a DOM
+``compositionstart`` event.
+
+When native IME notifies Gecko of a composition string change, a caret position
+change and/or a change of length of clauses, a widget dispatches
+``WidgetCompositionEvent`` with ``eCompositionChange`` event. It will cause a
+DOM ``compositionupdate`` event when composition string is changing. That is
+dispatched by ``TextComposition`` automatically. After that when the widget and
+``PresShell`` of the focused editor have not been destroyed yet, the
+``eCompositionChange`` will cause a DOM text event which is not in any web
+standards.
+
+When native IME notifies Gecko of the ending of a composition, a widget
+dispatches ``WidgetCompositionEvent`` with ``eCompositionCommitAsIs`` or
+``eCompositionCommit``. If the committing string is different from the last set
+of data (i.e., if the event message is ``eCompositionCommit``),
+``TextComposition`` dispatches a DOM ``compositionupdate`` event. After that,
+when the widget and ``PresShell`` of the focused editor have not been destroyed
+yet, an ``eCompositionChange`` event dispatched by ``TextComposition``, that
+causes a DOM text event. Finally, if the widget and PresShell of the focused
+editor has not been destroyed yet too, ``TextComposition`` dispatches an
+``eCompositionEnd`` event which will cause a DOM compositionend event.
+
+Limitation of handling composition
+==================================
+
+Currently, ``EditorBase`` touches undo stack at receiving every
+``WidgetCompositionEvent``. Therefore, ``EditorBase`` requests to commit
+composition when the following cases occur:
+
+* The editor loses focus
+* The caret is moved by mouse or Javascript
+* Value of the editor is changed by Javascript
+* Node of the editor is removed from DOM tree
+* Somethings object is modified in an HTML editor, e.g., resizing an image
+* Composition string is moved to a different position which is specified by
+ native IME (e.g., only a part of composition is committed)
+
+In the future, we should fix this limitation. If we make ``EditorBase`` not
+touch undo stack until composition is committed, some of the cases must be
+fixed.
+
+Notifications to IME
+====================
+
+XP part of Gecko uses ``nsIWidget::NotifyIME()`` for notifying ``widget`` of
+something useful to handle IME. Note that some of them are notified only when
+``nsIWidget::GetIMEUpdatePreference()`` returns flags which request the
+notifications.
+
+``NOTIFY_IME_OF_TEXT_CHANGE``, ``NOTIFY_IME_OF_SELECTION_CHANGE``,
+``NOTIFY_IME_OF_POSITION_CHANGE`` and
+``NOTIFY_IME_OF_COMPOSITION_EVENT_HANDLED`` are always sent by following order:
+
+1. ``NOTIFY_IME_OF_TEXT_CHANGE``
+2. ``NOTIFY_IME_OF_SELECTION_CHANGE``
+3. ``NOTIFY_IME_OF_POSITION_CHANGE``
+4. ``NOTIFY_IME_OF_COMPOSITION_EVENT_HANDLED``
+
+If sending one of above notifications causes higher priority notification, the
+sender should abort to send remaining notifications and restart from high
+priority notification again.
+
+Additionally, all notifications except ``NOTIFY_IME_OF_BLUR`` should be sent
+only when it's safe to run script since the notification may cause querying
+content and/or dispatching composition events.
+
+NOTIFY_IME_OF_FOCUS
+-------------------
+
+When an editable editor gets focus and ``IMEContentObserver`` starts to observe
+it, this is sent to widget. This must be called after the previous
+``IMEContentObserver`` notified widget of ``NOTIFY_IME_OF_BLUR``.
+
+Note that even if there are pending notifications, they are canceled when
+``NOTIFY_IME_OF_FOCUS`` is sent since querying content with following
+notifications immediately after getting focus does not make sense. The result
+is always same as the result of querying contents at receiving this
+notification.
+
+NOTIFY_IME_OF_BLUR
+------------------
+
+When an ``IMEContentObserver`` instance ends observing the focused editor, this
+is sent to ``widget`` synchronously because assumed that this notification
+causes neither query content events nor composition events.
+
+If ``widget`` wants notifications even while all windows are inactive,
+``IMEContentObserver`` doesn't end observing the focused editor. I.e., in this
+case, ``NOTIFY_IME_OF_FOCUS`` and ``NOTIFY_IME_OF_BLUR`` are not sent to
+``widget`` when a window which has a composition is being activated or
+inactivated.
+
+When ``widget`` wants notifications during inactive, ``widget`` includes
+``NOTIFY_DURING_DEACTIVE`` to the result of
+``nsIWidget::GetIMEUpdatePreference()``.
+
+If this notification is tried to sent before sending ``NOTIFY_IME_OF_FOCUS``,
+all pending notifications and ``NOTIFY_IME_OF_BLUR`` itself are canceled.
+
+NOTIFY_IME_OF_TEXT_CHANGE
+-------------------------
+
+When text of focused editor is changed, this is sent to ``widget`` with a range
+of the change. But this is sent only when result of
+``nsIWidget::GetIMEUpdatePreference()`` includes ``NOTIFY_TEXT_CHANGE``.
+
+If two or more text changes occurred after previous
+``NOTIFY_IME_OF_TEXT_CHANGE`` or ``NOTIFY_IME_OF_FOCUS``, the ranges of all
+changes are merged. E.g., if first change is from ``1`` to ``5`` and second
+change is from ``5`` to ``10``, the notified range is from ``1`` to ``10``.
+
+If all merged text changes were caused by composition,
+``IMENotification::mTextChangeData::mCausedOnlyByComposition`` is set to true.
+This is useful if native IME handler wants to ignore all text changes which are
+expected by native IME.
+
+If at least one text change of the merged text changes was caused by current
+composition,
+``IMENotification::mTextChangeData::mIncludingChangesDuringComposition`` is set
+to true. This is useful if native IME handler wants to ignore delayed text
+change notifications.
+
+If at least one text change of the merged text changes was caused when there
+was no composition,
+``IMENotification::mTextChangeData::mIncludingChangesWithoutComposition`` is
+set to true.
+
+NOTIFY_IME_OF_SELECTION_CHANGE
+------------------------------
+
+When selection (or caret position) is changed in focused editor, widget is
+notified of this.
+
+If the last selection change was occurred by a composition event event
+handling, ``IMENotification::mSelectionChangeData::mCausedByComposition`` is
+set to true. This is useful if native IME handler wants to ignore the last
+selection change which is expected by native IME.
+
+If the last selection change was occurred by an ``eSetSelection`` event,
+``IMENotification::mSelectionChangeData::mCausedBySelectionEvent`` is set to
+true. This is useful if native IME handler wants to ignore the last selection
+change which was requested by native IME.
+
+If the last selection is occurred during a composition,
+``IMENotification::mSelectionChangeData::mOccurredDuringComposition`` is set to
+true. This is useful if native IME handler wants to ignore the last selection
+change which occurred by web application's ``compositionstart`` or
+``compositionupdate`` event handler before inserting composition string.
+
+NOTIFY_IME_OF_POSITION_CHANGE
+-----------------------------
+
+When reflow or scroll occurs in the document, this is sent to widget, but this
+is sent only when result of ``nsIWidget::GetIMEUpdatePreference()`` includes
+``NOTIFY_POSITION_CHANGE``.
+
+This might be useful to update a candidate window position or something.
+
+NOTIFY_IME_OF_COMPOSITION_EVENT_HANDLED
+---------------------------------------
+
+After ``TextComposition`` handles ``eCompositionStart``,
+``eCompositionChange``, ``eComposiitionCommit`` or ``eCompositionCommitAsIs``,
+this notification is sent to widget. This might be useful to update a candidate
+window position or something.
+
+NOTIFY_IME_OF_MOUSE_BUTTON_EVENT
+--------------------------------
+
+When a ``mousedown`` event or a ``mouseup`` event is fired on a character in a
+focused editor, this is sent to widget. But this is sent only when result of
+``nsIWidget::GetIMEUpdatePreference()`` includes
+``NOTIFY_MOUSE_BUTTON_EVENT_ON_CHAR``. This is sent with various information.
+See ``IMENotification::mMouseButtonEventData`` in
+`IMEData.h <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/IMEData.h>`__
+for the detail.
+
+If native IME supports mouse button event handling, ``widget`` should notify
+IME of mouse button events with this. If IME consumes an event, ``widget``
+should return ``NS_SUCCESS_EVENT_CONSUMED`` from ``nsIWidget::NotifyIME()``.
+Then, ``EditorBase`` doesn't handle the mouse event.
+
+Note that if a ``mousedown`` event or a ``mouseup`` event is consumed by a web
+application (before a focused editor handles it), this notification is not sent
+to ``widget``. This means that web applications can handle mouse button events
+before IME.
+
+Requests to IME
+===============
+
+XP part of Gecko can request IME to commit or cancel composition. This must be
+requested via ``IMEStateManager::NotifyIME()``. Then, ``IMEStateManager`` looks
+for a proper ``TextComposition`` instance. If it's found,
+``TextComposition::RequestToCommit()`` for calling ``nsIWidget::NotifyIME()``
+and handles some extra jobs.
+
+widget should call the proper native API if it's available. Even if commit or
+canceling composition does not occur synchronously, widget doesn't need to
+emulate it since ``TextComposition`` will emulate it automatically. In other
+words, widget should only request to commit or cancel composition to IME.
+
+REQUEST_TO_COMMIT_COMPOSITION
+-----------------------------
+
+A request to commit current composition to IME. See also following
+"`Forcibly committing composition`_" section for additional information.
+
+REQUEST_TO_CANCEL_COMPOSITION
+-----------------------------
+
+A request to cancel current composition to IME. In other words, a request to
+commit current composition with an empty string.
+
+Forcibly committing composition
+===============================
+
+When ``TextComposition::RequestToCommit()`` calls ``nsIWidget::NotifyIME()``,
+it guarantees synchronous commit or canceling composition.
+
+In order to put it into practice, we need to handle the following four
+scenarios:
+
+The composition is committed with non-empty string synchronously
+----------------------------------------------------------------
+
+This is the most usual case. In this case, ``TextComposition`` handles
+``WidgetCompositionEvent`` instances during a request normally. However, in a
+remote process in e10s mode, this case never occurs since requests to native
+IME is handled asynchronously.
+
+The composition is not committed synchronously but later
+--------------------------------------------------------
+
+This is the only case in a remote process in e10s mode or occurs on Linux even
+in non-e10s mode if the native IME is iBus. The callers of
+``NotifyIME(REQUEST_TO_COMMIT_COMPOSITION)`` may expect that composition string
+is committed immediately for their next job. For such a case,
+``TextComposition::RequestToCommit()`` synthesizes DOM composition events and a
+DOM text event for emulating to commit composition synchronously. Additionally,
+``TextComposition`` ignores committing events which are dispatched by widget
+when the widget receives native IME events.
+
+In this case, using the last composition string as commit string.
+
+However, if the last composition string is only an ideographic space (fullwidth
+space), the composition string may be a placeholder of some old Chinese IME on
+Windows.
+
+.. image:: ChangJie.png
+ :alt: aScreenshot of ChangJie (Traditional Chinese IME) which puts an
+ ideographic space into composition string for placeholder
+
+In this case, although, we should not commit the placeholder character because
+it's not a character which the user wanted to input but we commit it as is. The
+reason is, inputting an ideographic space causes a composition. Therefore, we
+cannot distinguish if committing composition is unexpected. If the user uses
+such old Chinese IME, ``"intl.ime.remove_placeholder_character_at_commit"``
+pref may be useful but we don't support them anymore in default settings
+(except if somebody will find a good way to fix this issue).
+
+The composition is committed synchronously but with empty string
+----------------------------------------------------------------
+
+This case may occur on Linux or with some IME on other platforms. If a web
+application implements autocomplete, committing with different strings
+especially an empty string it might cause confusion.
+
+In this case, TextComposition overwrites the commit string of
+``eCompositionChange`` event dispatched by widget. However, if the last
+composition string is only an ideographic space, it shouldn't be committed. See
+the previous case.
+
+Note that this case doesn't work as expected when composition is in a remote
+process in e10s mode.
+
+The composition is not committed
+--------------------------------
+
+On Linux, there is no API to request commit or canceling composition forcibly.
+Instead, Gecko uses ``gtk_im_context_reset()`` API for this purpose because
+most IME cancel composition with it. But there are some IMEs which do nothing
+when Gecko calls it.
+
+If this occurs, Gecko should restart composition with a DOM
+``compositionstart`` event , a DOM ``compositionupdate`` event and a DOM
+``text`` event at caret position.
+
+.. note::
+
+ This issue hasn't been supported yet.
+
+IME state management
+====================
+
+IME is a text input system. It means that except when a user wants to input
+some text, IME shouldn't be available. For example, pressing the space key to
+attempt scrolling a page may be consumed and prevented by IME. Additionally,
+password editors need to request special behavior with IME.
+
+For solving this issue, Gecko sets the proper IME state at DOM focus change.
+
+First, when a DOM node gets focus, nsFocusManager notifies ``IMEStateManager``
+of the new focused node (calls ``IMEStateManager::OnChangeFocus()``).
+``IMEStateManager`` asks desired IME state by calling
+``nsIContent::GetDesiredIMEState()`` of the node. If the node owns
+``TextEditor`` instance, it asks for the desired IME state from the editor and
+returns the result.
+
+Next, ``IMEStateManager`` initializes ``InputContext`` (defined in
+`IMEData.h <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/IMEData.h>`__)
+with the desired IME state and node information. Then, it calls
+``nsIWidget::SetInputContext()`` with the ``InputContext``.
+
+Finally, widget stores the InputContext and enables or disables IME if the
+platform has such an API.
+
+InputContext
+------------
+
+InputContext is a struct. Its ``mIMEState``, ``mHTMLInputType``,
+``mHTMLInputInputMode`` and ``mActionHint`` are set at
+``nsIWidget::SetInputContext()`` called.
+
+mIMEState
+^^^^^^^^^
+IME state has two abilities. One is enabled state:
+
+ENABLED
+"""""""
+
+This means IME is fully available. E.g., when an editable element such as
+``<input type="text">``, ``<textarea>`` or ``<foo contenteditable>`` has focus.
+
+DISABLED
+""""""""
+
+This means IME is not available. E.g., when a non-editable element has focus or
+no element has focus, the desired IME state is ``DISABLED``.
+
+PASSWORD
+""""""""
+
+This means IME state should be the same as the state when a native password
+field has focus. This state is set only when
+``<input type="password"> (ime-mode: auto;)``,
+``<input type="text" style="ime-mode: disabled;">`` or
+``<textarea style="ime-mode: disabled;">``.
+
+The other is IME open state:
+
+DONT_CHANGE_OPEN_STATE
+""""""""""""""""""""""
+
+The open state of IME shouldn't be changed. I.e., Gecko should keep the last
+IME open state.
+
+OPEN
+""""
+Open IME. This is specified only when ime-mode of the new focused element is
+``active``.
+
+CLOSE
+"""""
+Close IME. This is specified only when ime-mode of the new focused element is
+``inactive``.
+
+.. note::
+
+ E.g., on Linux, applications cannot manage IME open state. On such
+ platforms, this is ignored.
+
+.. note::
+
+ IME open state should be changed only when ``nsIWidget::SetInputContext()``
+ is called at DOM focus change because changing IME open state while an
+ editor has focus makes users confused. The reason why
+ ``nsIWidget::SetInputContext()`` is called is stored in
+ ``InputContextAction::mCause``.
+
+How does Gecko disable IME in IMM mode on Windows
+"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
+
+Every window on Windows is associated an ``IMContext``. When Gecko disables
+IME,
+`mozilla::widget::IMEHandler <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/windows/WinIMEHandler.cpp>`__::SetInputContext()
+disassociates the context from the window.
+
+How does Gecko disable IME in TSF mode on Windows
+"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
+
+`mozilla::widget::TSFTextStore <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/windows/TSFTextStore.cpp>`__
+sets focus to a dummy context which disables the keyboard.
+
+How does Gecko disable IME on Mac
+"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
+
+`mozilla::widget::TextInputHandler <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/cocoa/TextInputHandler.mm>`__::HandleKeyDownEvent()
+doesn't call focused view's interpretKeyEvents. This prevents native key events
+to be passed to IME.
+
+How does Gecko disable IME on GTK
+"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
+
+`mozilla::widget::IMContextWrapper <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/gtk/IMContextWrapper.cpp>`__
+sets focus to a dummy context which doesn't have IME composition.
+
+How does Gecko disable IME on Android
+"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
+
+?
+
+mHTMLInputType
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+The value is a string representing the focused editor.
+
+``"text"``, ``"password"``, ``"number"``, etc.
+ When an ``<input>`` element gets focus, the value is the type of the input
+ element.
+
+``"textarea"``
+ When a ``<textarea>`` element gets focus, the value is ``"textarea"``.
+
+``""``
+ When an HTML editor (an element whose ``contenteditable`` attribute is
+ ``true`` or document whose ``designMode`` is ``"on"``) gets focus, the
+ value is empty. And also, when the other elements get focus.
+
+mHTMLInputMode
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+The value is ``inputmode`` attribute value of the focused editor. This is set
+only when ``"dom.forms.inputmode"`` pref is true.
+
+mActionHint
+^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+The value is ``enterkeyhint`` attribute value of the focused editor when
+``"dom.forms.enterkeyhint"`` pref is true. This is useful for deciding the
+caption for the submit button in virtual keyboard. E.g., the value could be
+``"Go"``, ``"Next"`` or ``"Search"``.
+
+Native IME handlers
+===================
+
+Following classes handles IME on each platform:
+
+Windows
+-------
+
+`mozilla::widget::IMEHandler`__
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+This class manages input method context of each window and makes ``IMMHandler``
+or ``TSFTextStore`` work with active IME and focused editor. This class has
+only static members, i.e., never created its instance.
+
+__ https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/windows/WinIMEHandler.cpp
+
+`mozilla::widget::IMMHandler`__
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+This class is used when TSF mode is disabled by pref (``"intl.tsf.enabled"``
+since 108, formerly named ``"intl.tsf.enable"``) or active IME is for IMM
+(i.e., not TIP for TSF).
+
+This class handles ``WM_IME_*`` messages and uses ``Imm*()`` API. This is a
+singleton class since Gecko supports only on IM context in a process.
+Typically, a process creates windows with default IM context. Therefore, this
+design is enough (ideally, an instance should be created per IM context,
+though). The singleton instance is created when it becomes necessary.
+
+__ https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/windows/IMMHandler.cpp
+
+`mozilla::widget::TSFTextStore`__
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+This class handles IME events in TSF mode and when TIP (IME implemented with
+TSF) is active. This instances are created when an editable element gets focus
+and released when it loses focus.
+
+``TSFTextStore`` implements some COM interfaces which is necessary to work with
+TIP. And similarly, there is a singleton class, ``TSFStaticSink``, to observe
+active TIP changes.
+
+TSF is the most complicated IME API on all platforms, therefore, design of this
+class is also very complicated.
+
+FIrst, TSF/TIP requests to lock the editor content for querying or modifying
+the content or selection. However, web standards don't have such mechanism.
+Therefore, when it's requested, ``TSFTextStore`` caches current content and
+selection with ``WidgetQueryContentEvent``. Then, it uses the cache to reply to
+query requests, and modifies the cache as they requested. At this time,
+``TSFTextStore`` saves the requests of modification into the queue called
+``PendingAction``. Finally, after unlocking the contents, it flushes the
+pending actions with dispatches ``WidgetCompositionEvent``s via
+``TextEventDispatcher``.
+
+Then, ``IMEContentObserver`` will notify some changes caused by the dispatched
+``WidgetCompositionEvents`` (they are notified synchronously in chrome or
+non-e10s mode, but asynchronously from a remote process in e10s mode). At this
+time, ``TSFTextStore`` may receive notifications which indicates web
+application changes the content differently from cache in ``TSFTextStore``.
+However, ``TSFTextStore`` ignores such fact temporarily until the composition
+is finished completely. The reason is that, notifying unexpected text or
+selection changes to TSF and/or TIP during composition may behave them odd.
+
+When a composition is committed and it receives
+``NOTIFY_IME_OF_COMPOSITION_EVENT_HANDLED``, ``TSFTextStore`` clears the cache
+of contents and notifying TSF of merged text changes and the last selection
+change if they are not caused by composition. By this step, TSF and TIP may
+sync its internal cache with actual contents.
+
+Note that if new composition is started before
+``NOTIFY_IME_OF_COMPOSITION_EVENT_HANDLED`` notification, ``TSFTextStore``
+handles the a composition with cached contents which may be different from
+actual contents. So, e.g., reconversion around caret may not work as unexpected
+in such case, but we don't have a good solution for this issue.
+
+On the other hand, ``TSFTextStore`` cannot cache character rectangles since if
+there are a lot of characters, caching the rectangles require a lot of CPU cost
+(to compute each rect) and memory. Therefore, ``TSFTextStore`` will use
+insertion point relative query for them
+`bug 1286157 <https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1286157>`__. Then,
+it can retrieve expected character's rect even if the cache of ``TSFTextStore``
+is different from the actual contents because TIP typically needs caret
+position's character rect (for a popup to indicate current input mode or next
+word suggestion list) or first character rect of the target clause of current
+composition (for a candidate list window of conversion).
+
+__ https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/windows/TSFTextStore.cpp
+
+Mac
+---
+
+Both IME and key events are handled in
+`TextInputHandler.mm <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/cocoa/TextInputHandler.mm>`__.
+
+``mozilla::widget::TextInputHandlerBase`` is the most base class.
+``mozilla::widget::IMEInputHandler`` inherits ``TextInputHandlerBase`` and
+handles IME related events. ``mozilla::widget::TextInputHandler`` inherits
+``TextInputHandlerBase`` and implements ``NSTextInput`` protocol of Cocoa. Its
+instance is created per
+`nsChildView <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/cocoa/nsChildView.mm>`__
+instance.
+
+GTK
+---
+
+`mozilla::widget::IMContextWrapper <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/gtk/IMContextWrapper.cpp>`__
+handles IME. The instance is created per top level window.
+
+Android
+-------
+
+`org.mozilla.geckoview.GeckoEditable <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/mobile/android/geckoview/src/main/java/org/mozilla/geckoview/GeckoEditable.java>`__ handles native IME events and `mozilla::widget::GeckoEditableSupport <https://searchfox.org/mozilla-central/source/widget/android/GeckoEditableSupport.cpp>`__
+dispatches ``Widget*Event``.