I don't see the need to modify the forum code for this. There's software for virtually every OS out there to provide keyboard macros. You define some key combinations, like CTRL-B or maybe Shift-CTRL-B for bold, and this inserts [b]|[/b] with the cursor | sitting between the BBcode tags.
I guess, more sophisticated software could allow the distinction to wrap selected text with the appropriate BBcode tags or if no text is selected, insert the tags with the cursor sitting within the those.
I mean, I wouldn't mind if the post entry screen would recognize certain key combos by the underlying forum code, but you can have basically the same with some software addon.
Maybe we can, but I thought if it's easily implementable, it will save us from using third-party software to achieve this.
Only @PowerGlove can confirm this, but I think he won't be able to make that kind of choice. Because to enable this function you need to change the posting system. You have to implement a WYSIWYG.
WYSIWYG editors are interesting because they make the editor look like Word. The problem is that they require javascripts and the like, which could put security at risk. Something nobody wants.
Furthermore, for those who like to use Tor to visit the forum, they would not be able to post or would have several complications.
Well, I'm not a developer, but if implementing such a thing can cause security issues, I guess it shouldn't be implemented. I suggested it because I thought it could provide more convenience while not having to use any third-party software for the features.