Metadata custom URL input list not populating

[Pita440]

Describe the bug I am trying to use the “Definitions URL” option for a new “List” type metadata term. However, it is unclear how a user should create or format their URL data to return to Clowder for use. Also, the listed default metadata tags that use this “Definitions URL” do not work, so it’s unclear how a user is supposed to use this custom URL functionality.

To Reproduce Steps to reproduce the behavior:

1. Go to a Space
2. Click on the “Manage Metadata Terms & Definitions”
3. Scroll down to the “Add a Metadata Term”
4. Try to create a new term with “Type” as “List” and using a “Definitions URL” for the “Defined by” as “URL”

Expected behavior I expected clearer instructions for how a custom URL should return data for use in Clowder and that default metadata examples of custom URL lists would work. It would be helpful to link to detailed instructions of how to format the data returned by a custom URL, such as an example JSON or “required fields” schematic.

Screenshots The default examples are URLs that don’t work (404 error message). But even if the link did work, it is unclear how a user is supposed to create or format their URL data to return for Clowder to use.

Trying to use the default URL list tag returns an empty dropdown menu.

Desktop (please complete the following information):

• Browser: Google Chrome
  • Version: 97.0.4692.99

[lmarini]

Hi @Pita440. Thanks for submitting this ticket. This might be related to a confusing interface. For List there is two types:

• Defined by URL. In this case an external URL is provided that returns an array of string in JSON notation.
• Defined by Literal. In this case a list of new line delimited entries can be added in the next section Literal Definitions.

In the screenshot above the URL being validate is currently not up, hence the error. If you have a local list you want to use the easiest way would be to use Defined by Literal.