Feature Request: Auto-Set Window Title To File Name

by Alex Johnson 52 views

In this article, we'll delve into a feature request that aims to enhance user experience by automatically setting the window title to the opened file's name. This functionality, if implemented, would significantly improve multitasking and window management, especially when dealing with multiple files of the same type. Let's explore the motivation behind this request, the current behavior, the expected behavior, and the verification process.

Motivation: Enhancing User Experience with Clear Window Titles

When users juggle multiple files of the same type, such as numerous PDF documents or spreadsheets, in applications like Puter, a common frustration arises. The problem is that all windows display the same generic application name as their title. This lack of distinction makes it challenging for users to quickly identify and navigate between different open files. Imagine having several PDF documents open, each labeled simply as "PDF Viewer." It becomes a guessing game to find the specific document you need, leading to a poor user experience and decreased productivity.

To address this, application developers should have the option to automatically set their app's window title to the opened file's name. This seemingly small change can have a significant impact on usability. By displaying the file name in the window title, users can instantly identify which file is open in which window. This enhancement streamlines multitasking, simplifies window management, and ultimately boosts user satisfaction. This feature's configurability through app settings in the developer center is crucial, granting developers the control they need over their app's window behavior. Giving developers this control ensures that the feature can be tailored to the specific needs and context of their application, preventing a one-size-fits-all approach that might not be suitable for every scenario. This level of customization empowers developers to create a more polished and user-friendly experience for their users.

Current Behavior: The Problem of Generic Window Titles

Currently, when multiple files are opened within the same application, all windows exhibit the same title: the application name. There is no built-in mechanism for developers to configure their applications to dynamically use the opened file's name as the window title. This limitation poses a significant usability hurdle, particularly for users who frequently work with multiple documents simultaneously. The inability to differentiate between windows at a glance forces users to click through each window individually, a time-consuming and frustrating process. This not only disrupts workflow but also increases the likelihood of errors, as users may inadvertently make changes to the wrong file. The absence of this feature highlights a gap in current application functionality, underscoring the need for a more intuitive and efficient window management system.

Reproduction Steps:

To illustrate the issue, consider these steps:

  1. Navigate to the Puter desktop.
  2. Create or locate two distinct PDF files (e.g., "document1.pdf" and "document2.pdf").
  3. Open both PDF files using the default PDF viewer application.
  4. Observe that both windows display the same title (the application name), making it impossible to discern which window contains which document without actively clicking into each window.
  5. Navigate to the developer center and attempt to edit any application.
  6. Observe that there is no setting available to control window title behavior for opened files.

This simple experiment demonstrates the current limitation and underscores the need for a more flexible and user-friendly approach to window titling.

Expected Behavior: A Clear and Informative Window Title

The anticipated behavior is that developers can enable a setting within the app edit section that automatically sets the window title to the opened file's name when users open files in their application. When this setting is active, and a user opens a file, the window title should display the file's basename (the file name without the full path) instead of solely the application name. This seemingly minor adjustment can significantly enhance the user experience, particularly for individuals who frequently work with multiple files simultaneously. By providing a clear and informative window title, users can quickly and easily identify the content of each window, streamlining their workflow and reducing the risk of errors. This improvement aligns with the broader goal of creating intuitive and user-friendly applications that empower users to be more productive and efficient.

Acceptance Criteria:

To ensure the successful implementation of this feature, the following acceptance criteria should be met:

  • [ ] A new checkbox option is available in the app edit section labeled "Automatically set window title to opened file's name."
  • [ ] The checkbox state is properly saved when updating an app's settings.
  • [ ] The checkbox state is correctly loaded and displayed when editing an existing app.
  • [ ] When the setting is enabled for an app, opening a file in that app sets the window title to the file's name.
  • [ ] The form change tracking system properly detects changes to this new checkbox.
  • [ ] The reset functionality properly restores the original checkbox state when discarding changes.

These criteria provide a clear and measurable framework for evaluating the feature's functionality and ensuring that it meets the intended requirements.

Verification: Ensuring Functionality and Stability

To ensure the feature functions as intended and does not introduce any regressions, a comprehensive verification process is essential. This process involves both manual and automated testing, covering various aspects of the feature's implementation.

Manual Testing:

Manual testing allows for a hands-on evaluation of the feature, providing valuable insights into its usability and overall effectiveness. The following steps outline the manual testing process:

  1. Open the developer center and navigate to edit an existing application.
  2. Verify that the new checkbox appears in the app settings with the appropriate label and description.
  3. Enable the checkbox and save the application settings.
  4. Reload the app edit page and verify that the checkbox remains checked.
  5. Open a file with a specific name (e.g., "test-document.pdf") using the configured application.
  6. Verify that the window title displays "test-document.pdf" instead of just the application name.
  7. Open multiple different files in the same application and verify that each window shows its respective file name.
  8. Test the form change detection by toggling the checkbox and verifying that the save/cancel buttons respond appropriately.
  9. Test the reset functionality by making changes and clicking cancel to verify that the checkbox returns to its original state.

These manual tests provide a thorough assessment of the feature's core functionality and its integration with the existing application settings.

Automated Testing:

Automated testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability and reliability of the feature. By running the existing test suite, developers can identify any regressions that may have been introduced during the implementation process. This proactive approach helps to prevent bugs and ensures that the feature functions correctly across different environments and configurations. Automated tests also provide a valuable safety net, allowing developers to make changes with confidence and minimizing the risk of introducing unintended side effects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the feature request to automatically set the window title to the opened file's name is a valuable enhancement that promises to improve user experience and streamline multitasking. By providing clear and informative window titles, users can navigate between different files more efficiently, reducing frustration and improving productivity. The proposed implementation, with its emphasis on configurability and thorough verification, ensures that the feature is both user-friendly and reliable. This enhancement exemplifies a commitment to creating intuitive applications that empower users to work more effectively. If you're interested in learning more about UI/UX design principles, a great resource is the Nielsen Norman Group website, which offers a wealth of information on usability and user-centered design.