Request: Import/Export preferences dialog with working directory as default

[grimes2]

The current default directory is user-dir. I think, the correct place for the xml file is the working directory (or a subdirectory of it). The working directory variable should work now.

Talking about this dialog:

[stefan-kolb]

@JabRef/developers We got a few different working dirs. Maybe we should discuss if we really need them or just use one working dir for all dialogs:

    public static final String FILE_WORKING_DIRECTORY = "fileWorkingDirectory";
    public static final String IMPORT_WORKING_DIRECTORY = "importWorkingDirectory";
    public static final String EXPORT_WORKING_DIRECTORY = "exportWorkingDirectory";
    public static final String WORKING_DIRECTORY = "workingDirectory";

[stefan-kolb]

Especially FILE_WORKING_DIRECTORY is debatable. used for external file type application selection and in the file dialog of the general tab of an entry.

[grimes2]

IMPORT_WORKING_DIRECTORY and EXPORT_WORKING_DIRECTORY are used to remember last used directory. This is ok.
Reason: It is ok to outsource this various format stuff from working directory.

[Siedlerchr]

Working Directory is clear, it is always the location of the bib file (if not otherwise set).
Yeah, I think File_Working_Directory is confusing, especially for adding a file to an entry. There I would expect to open the dlg in the Working_Directory. However, some may prefer having two different dirs for that. No idea. Ask the users.

[stefan-kolb]

It's not really about the user right now it's about the concept because it's inconsistent at the moment.

[grimes2]

My user opinion regarding FILE_WORKING_DIRECTORY: You can remove the variable, text field, browse button in the preferences. And also remove the checkbox below and set WORKING_DIRECTORY as default for the entry editor dialog.
Reason: It is ok to store the supplemental file material with the corresponding bib file.
EDIT: It is complicated. The text field sets the variable FILE_DIRECTORY. This directory is used by "Move file to file directory" in Entry editor > File. This is useful. The checkbox below toggles between WORKING_DIRECTORY and FILE_DIRECTORY or bib-file-specific PDF directory. This is really something for advanced user. Summary: It's better, not to touch the code. Bug: FILE_WORKING_DIRECTORY is set to a full path with file.

[grimes2]

I want to work on this issue. But I need your ok, that this change from user-dir to working-dir for the preferences xml is useful.

[Siedlerchr]

@JabRef/developers Any comments on this? From my point of view it's okay to change it to working-dir

[stefan-kolb]

Issue not closed yet, see my comment on file prefs.

[koppor]

@grimes2 Where is the text field for FILE_WORKING_DIRECTORY? And the checkbox? I see only the screenshot with Export Preferenes.

In the preferences, I see:

In the context menu of a database, I see:

The different directories are explained at #459 (comment) - IMHO not yet in the documentation

Is it possible that I am on the wrong track? But "checkbox" sounds like GUI.

[grimes2]

I was wrong. It is the textbox for the FILE_DIRECTORY and the checkbox below (Use the BIB file location as primary file directory) toggles between FILE_DIRECTORY and WORKING_DIRECTORY. This is ok, but I don't know the purpose of FILE_WORKING_DIRECTORY and I doubt it's working properly, because the variable is set to a full path (with file name). It is really confusing. I mixed up the directories.

[stefan-kolb]

We remove FILE_WORKING_DIRECTORY and use WORKING_DIRECTORY instead.

[koppor]

@grimes2 Do you mean "Main file directory" and "Use the BIB file location as primary directory"?

[grimes2]

Yes. I think this layout is not intuitive. Default "Main file directory" should be the working directory. The checkbox "Use the BIB file location as primary directory" should be replaced by radio buttons: a) Use custom main file directory, b) Use BIB file directory. (This are just some ideas)

[grimes2]

@stefan-kolb Can you explain? I thought, FILE_WORKING_DIRECTORY is essentially the same as FILE_DIRECTORY.