[Feature]: Preserve Original Payload Buffer and Allow Format Switching (Similar to Docklight Tabs)

[kaangrbz]

Motivation

I'm often frustrated that MQTTX does not preserve the original payload buffer exactly as it is received. When a message arrives in hex, MQTTX interprets the payload based on the current display format, which makes it difficult to view the same raw bytes in multiple formats (Hex, ASCII, Decimal, etc.) without losing the original representation.

For debugging binary protocols or mixed-format payloads, it's essential to keep the raw buffer untouched and simply view it in different formats as needed.

Detailed design

I would like MQTTX to:

• Store and display the original raw payload buffer exactly as received, without modifying or reinterpreting the bytes.
• Allow the user to switch the payload view format using tabs or a dropdown — Hex, ASCII, Decimal, UTF-8, etc.
• When switching formats, MQTTX should simply convert the preserved original buffer into the selected representation.
• Ensure that all conversions are purely visual so the underlying bytes always remain unchanged.
• Provide an interface similar to Docklight, where users can switch formats quickly and easily.
• A tabbed interface similar to Docklight would be ideal for switching display formats quickly.

Alternatives

• Docklight already provides tabs that allow switching between formats (Hex, ASCII, Decimal) while preserving the raw buffer. However, this requires leaving MQTTX and using a different tool, disrupting workflow.
• Manually converting data using external converters (hex/ASCII/decimal tools). This slows down work and increases the chance of mistakes.
• Continuing with MQTTX's current behavior, where the payload may be interpreted instead of preserved. This makes it unreliable for debugging binary data streams.

Without this feature, users who analyze raw MQTT payloads might prefer tools like Docklight instead of MQTTX.

More detail (optional)

• A tabbed interface for format switching would greatly improve usability and speed.
• A tooltip could indicate that the displayed value is a transformed view of the same raw bytes.