The previous approach (implemented in dd1dd78312) was simple
(send typing notices for as long as the "controller" is running),
but this proved to be overly simplistic and unable to handle edge-cases:
- in multi-user rooms (or rooms with a prefix requirement), the bot
used to send a typing notice while "working", but its work consisted
of ignoring the message. So it then sent a "not typing" notice.
This is wasteful and otherwise problematic - certain clients (like nheko)
do not handle this "race" well.
- certain reactions (anything other than 🗣️ right now) are meant to be
ignored. There's no point in doing the same "typing / not typing"
dance
- there are other instances where the bot may do work, but doesn't (due
to configuration or lack of capabilities)
This new more fine-grained implementation of typing notices aims to:
- only send a typing notice if actual "slow work" will be done
- avoid stopping & restarting typing notices (wasteful) if a chain of work is to
be performed (processing voice messages and doing speech-to-text +
text-generation + ...). Rather, maintaining typing notice sending
throughout
Previously, the bot only had rudimentary typing notification support.
It used to send a single notification when starting a long task
and did not bother with notifications anymore.
By default matrix-rust-sdk gives these notifications a validity of 4
seconds, so it would expire shortly. If the bot takes longer to respond,
you'd see the typing notification expire and wonder if a response is
coming.
Another edge case is the bot sending an answer quicker and the typing
notice still being on. Some clients (like element-web) seem to hide the
typing notice when a new message comes, so they don't experience this as
problematic.
The reworked typing notification system should be robust:
- typing notices are sent continuously, until the bot finishes doing
work
- if the bot is performing multiple actions in a room (even for
different people), typing notices would continue to be sent until the
bot becomes idle
- as soon as the bot becomes idle, a "not typing anymore" notice is sent
to clear the state
