Default sort option

[tkna91]

Checklist

• Zettlr does not possess this feature (if it does, but the feature doesn't work out for you, propose an enhancement instead.)
• Zettlr's current features cannot be used to approximate this behaviour (otherwise, propose an enhancement instead.)
• I have searched the documentation to make sure I did not overlook it.
• I have searched both open and closed issues to see if someone has already proposed this.

Feature Proposal

Currently, the default sort is fixed at Sort by name - ascending.
The following sort formats can be specified in the directory properties

• Sort by name - ascending
• Sort by name - descending
• Sort by time - ascending
• Sort by time - descending

Wouldn't it be more convenient if these could be set as the default sort in Preferences?

I understand that the current alternative is to put the following files in each directory, but it is a bit depressing to think that we have to do this for every new directory we create.

.ztr-directory

{"sorting":"time-up","project":null,"icon":null}

Example Workflow

1. (nothing is currently set in Preferences)
2. open directory A with multiple files, with properties unset
3. ->Observe that the sort order of the files is Sort by name - ascending
4. right-click on directory A and select Properties
5. the dialog that appears shows Sort by name - ascending
6. close the dialog
7. check if there is a .ztr-directory file under directory A
8. ->No .ztr-directory file will be created under directory A because you have not changed any properties
9. open directory B which has multiple files
10. right click on directory B and select properties
11. specify Sort by name - descending from the drop down menu in the dialog that appears and close the dialog
12. ->Observe that the sort order of the files is Sort by name - descending
13. check for .ztr-directory files under directory B
14. ->Since you have changed the properties, a .ztr-directory file has been created under directory B
15. Select File->Preferences->Preferences from the menu
16. Under the heading "Default sort" you have the following radio button options
    • Sort by name - ascending
    • Sort by name - descending
    • Sort by time - ascending
    • Sort by time - descending
17. This option is displayed above "Sorting order for files (used for sorting by name)
18. Select Sort by time - ascending
19. Close the Preferences window with the x button or Ctrl+W
20. Open directory A
21. ->Observe that the sort order of the files is Sort by time - ascending
22. Right-click on directory A and select Properties
23. the dialog that appears shows Sort by time - ascsending
24. close the dialog
25. check if there is a .ztr-directory file under directory A
26. ->No .ztr-directory file will be created under directory A because you have not changed any properties
27. open directory B which has multiple files
28. ->Observe that the sort order of the files is Sort by name - descending
29. right click on directory B and select properties
30. the dialog that appears shows Sort by name - descending
31. select Sort by time - ascending from the drop down menu of the dialog that appears and close the dialog
32. ->Observe that the sort order of the files is Sort by time - ascending
33. check for .ztr-directory files under directory B
34. ->Since you have changed the properties, a .ztr-directory file has been updated under directory B.

Caveats

Changing the "Default sort" option changes the following

• Sort order for directories with no properties set
• Display sort order when opening properties of directories with no properties set.

Default sort with "sorting": "null"

• Current behavior
  1. set only project or icon in directory properties.
  2. -> .ztr-directory file is set to "sorting": "name-up".
• When implementing this feature
  1. set only project or icon in directory properties.
  2. -> .ztr-directory file is set to "sorting": "null". This indicates that it will follow the Default sorting.

Do you wish to attempt implementing this yourself?

No

Platforms

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

Additional Information

I wrote the above with a naive imagination of what I consider to be a reasonable form.
Please let me know if there are any problems or areas for improvement.

[boring-cyborg]

Thanks so much for opening up your first issue here on the repository! 🎉 We would like to warmly welcome you to the community behind the app! ☺️ We'll check in soon and have a look at your issue. In the meantime, you can check your issue and make sure it aligns with our contribution guidelines! Here's the comprehensive list:

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But now, have a great day and thank you again!

[tkna91]

I noticed that the above suggestion makes it ambiguous in the user experience whether or not the directory properties are specified to be sorted.

It might be nice to have a single drop-down list area for the sort format that can be specified in the directory properties, and add Sort by default at the top level there.
In the following manner.

Before:

• Left drop-down list
  • Sort by name
  • Sort by time
• Right drop-down list
  • ascending
  • descending

After:

• Merged drop-down list
  • Sort by default
  • Sort by name - ascending
  • Sort by name - descending
  • Sort by time - ascending
  • Sort by time - descending

[nathanlesage]

@tkna91 That's a very good suggestion, I like it. Would also incidentally make the required code simpler.