Created attachment 64266 [details]
implementation of the feature (depends on patch from bug #279859)

Version:           unspecified
OS:                Linux

The table selection tool as per bug #279859 requires the user to manually indicate all the column and row dividers. However, in many situations it's trivial for the tool to detect the rows and columns automatically. It can't get it right every time, but it can get it right often and some of the remaining times it can at least get close. As long as the automatically-detected column and row dividers are easy to clear, they will save more time than they will cost.

Usage: the Table Selection Tool is used as per bug #279859. However, when the whole table is selected, automatic (dashed) row and column dividers appear. While they are dashed, they can be cleared by pressing Esc. Otherwise usage is unchanged — click near the edges of the table to add and remove row and column dividers (the dashed ones become solid at this point). The table is automatically copied to the clipboard after each change. When ready, paste into another document (spreadsheet, word processor, etc). Press Esc to clear the selection (twice if there are dashed dividers).

Implementation: dividers are placed in any place where they will not intersect any letter and the gap is not zero-width. A special case is made for selections spanning multiple pages to avoid placing dividers that cannot be seen.

Reproducible: Always


Actual Results:  
The table selection tool as per bug #279859 requires the user to manually indicate all the column and row dividers.

Expected Results:  
The table selection tool takes a good guess at the column and row dividers, allowing the user to clear them easily or adjust them when it gets them wrong.

This bug depends on bug #279859.