Noodlesoft Forums

Apology in advance in case this issue has already been discussed …

Certain actions with patterns have attributes with options. For instance, the Rename action can use the name attribute/element in its pattern, which has Title Case and other options. The bottom of the pattern editor displays an "Example: …" line that may indicate results of options applied to attributes. But some options, like Replace text… for name, have no modification indicator at this level; it's has to be explicitly checked by selecting the option.

If that explanation seems muddled these images should clarify it. First, a rule with a Rename action:


Next, the pattern editor for that action:

In its Example: line it looks like name and extension have no options applied, reenforced by this menu when name is selected:

Note that Replace text… is unchecked, perhaps a bug because selecting it displays this:

Surprise -- there's no previous indication that a text replacement is in effect for this rule/pattern/attribute until explicitly selecting the option for it!

Hopefully the issue's obvious now.

It's tedious drilling down this deeply to determine which options, if any, are active for pattern attributes. Just a simple "(un)modified attribute option(s)" indicator (e.g. colored gumdrop: red: modified, green: unmodified) at the pattern editor level, augmenting the Example: line, would be a much appreciated improvement. Per-attribute indicators might be ideal, if possible without being unwieldy. An indicator at the rule level is another possibility. And there may be other contexts where similar higher-level indicators would be useful.

Thanks for any attention to this!

Interesting idea. I think I'd opt for indicating it in the token (as is already done when you make a number/date adjustment). Suggestions on a suitable symbol are welcome.

Mr_Noodle wrote:Interesting idea. I think I'd opt for indicating it in the token (as is already done when you make a number/date adjustment).

For example, the (±) appended to a token with a modified Adjust Date… option? A per-token indicator seems the most useful and thorough method to identify where hidden modified options are lurking.

Suggestions on a suitable symbol are welcome.

Not sure, especially if symbols could differ depending on the option. What about using bold, italic, or other stylized text for the token that indicates modification?

Not sure if that is specific enough. I don't want to change the text like that unless it's something more primary than a text replacement, which is an optional and not frequently used aspect. For the time being, I've chosen a symbol; we'll see how it goes when it's in beta.

Mr_Noodle wrote:For the time being, I've chosen a symbol; we'll see how it goes when it's in beta.

Thanks; that'll probably be fine.