qCalc Interactivity Guide (End User)

Purpose

Interactive mode lets a calculator run automatically after input changes, so you do not need to press Calculate every time.

Before You Start

• Interactive works only when both are true:
• Your user preference for interactive mode is ON.
• The specific calculator supports interactive mode.
• If either is off, behavior is manual (press Calculate).

How Interactive Triggers

• Typing in text-like inputs triggers a calculation after you leave the field, only if the value changed.
• Changing standard input or select fields triggers a calculation.
• Select2 field selections and clears also trigger a calculation.
• A short debounce delay is used so multiple quick edits become one calculation.

What Does Not Trigger Automatically

• Hidden fields.
• Controls marked to be ignored for interactive flow.
• Some table operations that need structural updates (see Table section below).

Table Input Behavior

• Clicking Update in a table keeps interactive mode working.
• The app briefly pauses interactive while syncing table data.
• After sync, interactive mode is restored if it was enabled before Update.
• One Calculate action then runs automatically to refresh output.
• Resize and Edit/Display doesn't trigger interactivity.

Useful Habits

• Use Update after changing table cells to ensure table payload is saved.
• If output seems stale, press Calculate once to confirm state.
• For large inputs, pause briefly after edits to let the debounce submit complete.

Troubleshooting Checklist

• Confirm your interactive preference is ON.
• Confirm the calculator actually supports interactive mode. You will see a button with record icon when a calculator supports interactive mode.
• Check that you changed a value (no change means no trigger for text-like inputs).
• If using table input, click Update after edits.

Performance Notes

• Interactive can produce frequent submissions on heavy calculators.
• For long-running calculations, manual Calculate may feel better.

Accessibility Notes

• The interactive toggle uses pressed-state semantics.
• If needed, keep interactive OFF and use manual Calculate for predictable step-by-step control.