JabRef / jabref

Graphical Java application for managing BibTeX and biblatex (.bib) databases
https://devdocs.jabref.org
MIT License
3.62k stars 2.57k forks source link

[Brainstorming] Groups / keywords architecture #12133

Open ThiloteE opened 20 hours ago

ThiloteE commented 20 hours ago

There has been a lot of discussion and confusion about folders, groups, tags, keywords and labels and what differentiates them. See for example https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues/11026#issuecomment-2370583648 and https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues/8739#issuecomment-1123621570

What we have right now in JabRef 5.15:

  1. A Frankenstein groups feature that is actually something in between groups and keywords (more keyword than group, to be honest), but we call it groups and the information is stored in the "groups" field, but also partially in binary information in JabRef internal syntax at the bottom of the library file. Entries can be added and removed to groups via the entry editor and via the groups sidepane on the left. See https://docs.jabref.org/finding-sorting-and-cleaning-entries/groups.
  2. The field "keywords", whose definition follows the bibtex standard. Those keywords are accessible via the entry editor.

What primary characteristics differentiate group/keyword systems?

What secondary characteristics exist? Those are qualities that depend on how the primary qualities are implemented.

Database structure of JabRef

Database structure of external Apps

koppor commented 19 hours ago

This refs https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues/11026#issuecomment-2370583648.

ThiloteE commented 19 hours ago

Koppor, you think like me. Funny. I referenced the same comment in my second sentence of this issue here.

koppor commented 19 hours ago

For a structured approach, one needs to write down what existing tools are doing. For instance: BibDesk.

They are are good in distinguishing automatic and non-autoamtic groups:

Image

I think, users need both: automatic (e.g., based on citations, keywords, ...) and non-automatic (manual categorization)


This also refs https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/blob/main/docs/decisions/0019-implement-special-fields-as-separate-fields.md. Thus, the dimenstion is not only automatic and manual, but also how to render in the entry table.

koppor commented 19 hours ago

To really come up with a solution, one needs to have a minimal example showing the different options. One can start with Chocolate.bib. In other words requirements analysis 😅

ThiloteE commented 19 hours ago

This issue here is not yet about a solution. Just brainstorming for now. I wanted you to look at the Thunderbird link I posted.

koppor commented 18 hours ago

We need "Draft issues" 🤣🤣

I personally use OneNote for such things, but in the Web Browser, its aweful 🙈.