[Concept] Split tiddler by using Import mechanism

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Mat

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Dec 27, 2015, 9:44:33 AM12/27/15
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This should be a valuable feature but it is beyond my skills to implement so just mentioning it FWIW;

I strongly suspect the "import mechanism" (the green drop zone thingy) can be used to "split a long tiddler in two". Selecting a text segment and dropping it on the drop zone will create a new tiddler containing this text (actually inappropriately so, #2157)

I imagine a "split tiddler" feature that takes advantage of this but has a separate dropzone soemwhere and where the new tiddler is by default titled "original tiddler name #2". Perhaps also copying the tags of original tiddler. And instead of having the tiddler "Imported tiddlers" triggered, like in normal import, it is the new tiddler that appears, perhaps in edit mode for immediate continued work.

It is a bit surprising how we don't yet have a solution for splitting tiddlers considering tiddler philosophy and the problem with long tiddlers and the resistance towards tiddler slices/sections.

As I said... beyond my level tho.

<:-)

Tobias Beer

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Dec 28, 2015, 1:03:02 AM12/28/15
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Hi Mat,
 
I imagine a "split tiddler" feature that takes advantage of this but has a separate dropzone soemwhere and where the new tiddler is by default titled "original tiddler name #2". Perhaps also copying the tags of original tiddler. And instead of having the tiddler "Imported tiddlers" triggered, like in normal import, it is the new tiddler that appears, perhaps in edit mode for immediate continued work.

I think this is a reasonable idea and I also think it doesn't need another dropzone, but rather that the on we have behaves differently if it is given a chunk of text instead of what appears to be a title (link).

It is a bit surprising how we don't yet have a solution for splitting tiddlers considering tiddler philosophy and the problem with long tiddlers and the resistance towards tiddler slices/sections.

There's always CTRL+X, "New Tiddler"  (Button), CTRL+V. Not sure DnD makes this process any easier.

Best wishes,

Tobias.

Mat

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Dec 28, 2015, 7:43:58 AM12/28/15
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Thanks for input, Tobias.


I think this is a reasonable idea and I also think it doesn't need another dropzone,

You're right.


There's always CTRL+X, "New Tiddler"  (Button), CTRL+V. Not sure DnD makes this process any easier.

Well that argument then applies to "New Here" and "Clone" too, but I'm really happy they exist. If a DnD "split" feature could also feature including the title and tags from the source tiddler then I think it would bring value and make workflow simpler.

<:-)

Tobias Beer

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Dec 28, 2015, 10:22:28 AM12/28/15
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Hi Mat,
 
There's always CTRL+X, "New Tiddler"  (Button), CTRL+V. Not sure DnD makes this process any easier.

Well that argument then applies to "New Here" and "Clone" too

I see what you're saying. Perhaps the dropzone could be split up into different drop targets that actually do different things while all generally in the same area.
 
but I'm really happy they exist. If a DnD "split" feature could also feature including the title and tags from the source tiddler then I think it would bring value and make workflow simpler.

Could perhaps be trapped by keyboard modifiers, e.g. ALT. But those wouldn't exist on mobile / touch. So in these environment's we'd perhaps want (some slightly bigger area at) the right side of the dropzone to import and (some perhaps smaller area on) its left side to open an editor.

Best wishes,

Tobias. 

Mat

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Dec 28, 2015, 4:00:36 PM12/28/15
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Hi again Tobias

As noted, it's just a conceptual idea. But if anyone were to pick up on it, I think your objection about sticking with one area made sense. If that's not possible then I think maybe there should be a clear distinction so that people don't spill their droppings in the wrong area. I'm not sure where though... but one idea might be at the bottom/footer of the current tiddler - or, actually, any tiddler. It's an otherwise unused area and it would probably simplify the capturing/copying of the tags and the title of that dropped-at tiddler. It would be a bit like a combo of "import" and "New here". Haven't thought it through.

<:-)

Tobias Beer

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Dec 29, 2015, 5:04:47 AM12/29/15
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Hi Mat,
 
As noted, it's just a conceptual idea. But if anyone were to pick up on it, I think your objection about sticking with one area made sense. If that's not possible then I think maybe there should be a clear distinction so that people don't spill their droppings in the wrong area.

The thing is, while we currently have a (visual) drop-zone... you don't actually have to use it. It's more of an indicator. There's plenty real-estate in the ui where you can just as well drop your text- or tidbits. Having multiple drop-targets we introduce a requirement for a much more specific target area, at least for different / special use-cases.
 
I'm not sure where though... but one idea might be at the bottom/footer of the current tiddler - or, actually, any tiddler. It's an otherwise unused area and it would probably simplify the capturing/copying of the tags and the title of that dropped-at tiddler. It would be a bit like a combo of "import" and "New here". Haven't thought it through.

I think this could make sense:
  • Use the top half of the screen (including the current upper dropzone label) to do import. 
  • Use the bottom half of the screen (including a lower dropzone label) to create a tiddler opening an editor.
So, the actual dropzone would literally be half the screen each... and only the dropzone label would be at the very top or very bottom as an overlay. Both dropzones should be almost translucent while hovering either dropzone should increase opacity so that it stands out more. This definitely requires dropzones to be stable enough to vanish at all times, or at least we need that X to close them and get back to the wiki.

Best wishes,

Tobias.
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