2.0.8.1 bug: some variables are listed twice

mwoffenden

After updating to 2.0.8.1, some variables are listed twice in the dialog.

See: https://www.dropbox.com/s/wagggjluy0l8ihu/2013-07-09%2010_41_39-Deploy.jpg

chirayu

Hi Michael

The variables drop-down shows two lists (separated by a horizontal line):
- One of the lists shows all Deployment Manager pre-defined variables matching the string typed.
- Another list shows the stuff that was typed in that box before. This is needed in addition to the previous list because users have the ability to define custom variables.

There would be duplicates in both lists if you happen to have entered a pre-defined variable in the box. I am not justifying the duplication, this is just an explanation of why it happens

What are we doing to correct this?
We are working to improve the discoverability of variables within Deployment Manager. This should get fixed as part of that work.

Thanks!

Chirayu

mwoffenden

chirayu wrote:

We are working to improve the discoverability of variables within Deployment Manager. This should get fixed as part of that work.

Thanks for the fix plan.

While you are at it, why not turn these textboxes into real dropdown lists, which are much easier for users to navigate? This textbox (and several others throughout the UI) are frustrating to use. Standard HTML selects are easy to use. See my Uservoice suggestion for a list of reasons why this would be an improvement:

https://redgate.uservoice.com/forums/176290-deployment-manager/suggestions/4172512-when-adding-a-step-use-dropdown-list-for-package-

Mike U

Unfortunately a standard HTML select is not appropriate for the variable name, because you must be able to enter custom variable names as well. Custom variables are passed to powershell scripts and used to perform XML config transforms and substitutions.

The design we have in mind should address both of these problems. It won't make it into the next release, but should be in the following release.

mwoffenden

Looking forward to any improvements, but an elegant and forgiving user interface would be ideal. For example, it would be very easy to use jQuery to enable an HTML select list, along with offering a custom entry option.