I've recently started using dedicated windows because I have certain windows (a python interpreter, sometimes a PDF of a LaTeX document), that I do not want obstructed under any circumstances. This mostly works great, except sometimes, I run a command that wants to open a new window and instead of splitting the window, it opens a whole new frame!
For an MWE of this issue, if you have AucTeX, try creating a buffer with the .tex extension and paste in the following code:
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\begin{document}
(progn
(defun toggle-window-dedicated ()
"Control whether or not Emacs is allowed to display another
buffer in current window."
(interactive)
(message
(if (let (window (get-buffer-window (current-buffer)))
(set-window-dedicated-p window (not (window-dedicated-p window))))
"%s: Can't touch this!"
"%s is up for grabs.")
(current-buffer))
(force-mode-line-update)
)
(global-set-key (kbd "C-c d") 'toggle-window-dedicated)
(turn-on-reftex))
\begin{equation}
1+1=2\label{fish}
\end{equation}
\eqref{fish}
\end{document}
First, evaluate the great big Elisp expression that I randomly put in the middle of my TeX file. Next, split your frame into two windows using C-x 2 or C-x 3. Type C-c d to make your current window dedicated, then C-x o to switch to the other, non-dedicated window. Now move the cursor the the word fish in \eqref{fish} and type C-c & to find the label its referring to.
Emacs opens a new frame! I have confirmed that Emacs25 has this behavior with a blank .emacs.
If you tried the same behavior with a frame containing only one window, Emacs sensibly splits the window. I would like Emacs to always split windows in situations like this, and never open new frames unless I explicitly request it.
First, Is there a way to do that? Second, should I file a bug report?
