Citation Dialog Library Mode Uses Search Mode From Main Window
Understanding the Issue
The citation dialog library mode uses a search mode from the main window, which can be a problem when it comes to customizing the search experience. The main window's search mode is controlled by the search.quicksearch-mode preference, which is set by the quick search bar's menu. However, there is no way to control this preference from within the citation dialog. This can lead to a less-than-ideal search experience for users who want more control over their search settings.
Exploring Options
There are a couple of options to consider when it comes to addressing this issue:
1. Exposing Search Mode in Library Mode
One option is to expose the search mode in library mode, using a separate preference that doesn't interfere with the setting in the main window. This would allow users to customize their search experience within the citation dialog. However, this might make the dialog more complicated than Quick Format, which is a simpler search interface.
2. Using All Fields & Tags Mode
Another option is to simply use All Fields & Tags mode in library mode. This would eliminate the need to expose a search mode in the citation dialog, and would provide a consistent search experience across the application. While this might not be the most ideal solution, it could be a viable option if users don't rely heavily on the search mode in the classic dialog.
The Classic Dialog: A Historical Perspective
The classic dialog exposed the search mode, but it's unclear how many people relied on this feature. With the introduction of Selected Items, users can now search their library by full-text content, which might reduce the need for a search mode in the citation dialog.
Performance Considerations
Using All Fields & Tags mode in library mode might be slower on huge libraries, but this is unlikely to be a significant issue on modern computers. Most users might not even notice a difference, and those who do might not switch between search modes for performance reasons.
Designing a Solution
If we decide to expose a search mode in the citation dialog, we need to consider where to place it. The settings menu in the bottom right corner might not be the best location, as it's not immediately visible. We could use a magnifying glass icon in the input field, but a dropmarker might not work well next to the Z icon. One possible solution is to move the Z icon to the left edge of the toolbar, which would provide a clear visual cue for the search mode.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the citation dialog library mode's search mode is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While exposing a search mode in library mode might be a viable option, it could also make the dialog more complicated than Quick Format. Using All Fields & Tags mode in library mode might be a simpler solution, but it would eliminate the need for a search mode in the citation dialog. Ultimately, we should try using All Fields & Tags mode and see if we get complaints from users.
Recommendations
- Try using All Fields & Tags mode in library mode and monitor user feedback.
- Consider exposing a search mode in library mode, but use a separate preference to avoid interfering with the main window's setting.
- Design a clear and intuitive interface for the search mode, using a magnifying glass icon and a dropmarker or other visual cues.
- Move the Z icon to the left edge of the toolbar to provide a clear visual cue for the search mode.
Technical Details
GitHub Links
Code Snippets
CollectionTreeRow.setSearch(data)
this.collectionTreeRow.setSearch(data);
search.quicksearch-mode pref
search.quicksearch-mode = "all_fields_and_tags";
Design Mockups
Search Mode Interface
+---------------+
| Search Mode |
+---------------+
| [Magnifying |
| Glass Icon] |
| [Dropmarker] |
| [Search Input] |
+---------------+
Z Icon Movement
+---------------+
| [Toolbar] |
| [Z Icon] |
| [Moved to Left] |
+---------------+
```<br/>
**Citation Dialog Library Mode: A Search Mode Conundrum - Q&A**
===========================================================
**Frequently Asked Questions**
---------------------------
### Q: What is the issue with the citation dialog library mode's search mode?
A: The citation dialog library mode uses a search mode from the main window, which can be a problem when it comes to customizing the search experience. The main window's search mode is controlled by the `search.quicksearch-mode` preference, which is set by the quick search bar's menu. However, there is no way to control this preference from within the citation dialog.
### Q: Why can't we just use the main window's search mode?
A: While we could use the main window's search mode, it would not provide the level of customization that users need. The main window's search mode is controlled by a single preference, which does not allow for the level of flexibility that users require.
### Q: What are the options for addressing this issue?
A: There are two main options for addressing this issue:
1. Expose the search mode in library mode, using a separate preference that doesn't interfere with the setting in the main window.
2. Use All Fields & Tags mode in library mode.
### Q: What are the pros and cons of each option?
A: Here are the pros and cons of each option:
**Option 1: Expose the search mode in library mode**
Pros:
* Provides users with more control over their search experience
* Allows for customization of search settings
Cons:
* May make the dialog more complicated than Quick Format
* Requires additional development and testing
**Option 2: Use All Fields & Tags mode in library mode**
Pros:
* Simplifies the search experience
* Eliminates the need for a search mode in the citation dialog
Cons:
* May not provide the level of customization that users need
* May be slower on huge libraries
### Q: What is the classic dialog's search mode, and how does it relate to this issue?
A: The classic dialog exposed the search mode, but it's unclear how many people relied on this feature. With the introduction of Selected Items, users can now search their library by full-text content, which might reduce the need for a search mode in the citation dialog.
### Q: What are the performance considerations for using All Fields & Tags mode in library mode?
A: Using All Fields & Tags mode in library mode might be slower on huge libraries, but this is unlikely to be a significant issue on modern computers. Most users might not even notice a difference, and those who do might not switch between search modes for performance reasons.
### Q: How can we design a solution for this issue?
A: To design a solution for this issue, we need to consider the following:
* Expose a search mode in library mode, using a separate preference that doesn't interfere with the setting in the main window.
* Use a magnifying glass icon in the input field, and a dropmarker or other visual cues to indicate the search mode.
* Move the Z icon to the left edge of the toolbar to provide a clear visual cue for the search mode.
### Q: What are the recommendations for addressing this issue?
A: Here are the recommendations for addressing this issue:
* Try using All Fields & Tags mode in library mode and monitor user feedback.
* Consider exposing a search mode in library mode, but use a separate preference to avoid interfering with the main window's setting.
* Design a clear and intuitive interface for the search mode, using a magnifying glass icon and a dropmarker or other visual cues.
* Move the Z icon to the left edge of the toolbar to provide a clear visual cue for the search mode.
### Q: What are the technical details for this issue?
A: Here are the technical details for this issue:
* The `search.quicksearch-mode` preference is set by the quick search bar's menu.
* The `CollectionTreeRow.setSearch(data)` function is used to set the search mode in library mode.
* The `search.quicksearch-mode` pref is used to control the search mode in the main window.
### Q: What are the code snippets for this issue?
A: Here are the code snippets for this issue:
* `this.collectionTreeRow.setSearch(data);`
* `search.quicksearch-mode = "all_fields_and_tags";`
### Q: What are the design mockups for this issue?
A: Here are the design mockups for this issue:
* A search mode interface with a magnifying glass icon, a dropmarker, and a search input field.
* A Z icon moved to the left edge of the toolbar to provide a clear visual cue for the search mode.