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General => MusicBee Wishlist => Topic started by: Zak on February 21, 2012, 10:50:43 PM

Title: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Zak on February 21, 2012, 10:50:43 PM
Presently, clicking a letter on the Jump Bar will only go to the first item in the Track Browser beginning with that letter in the sorted column. That's worded terribly, but you know what I mean.  :P

I'd like to see the Jump Bar also work with the top columns in the Track Details view. So if I have a column that displays artist names, I could click any item in that column to give it the focus, then click a button on the Jump Bar to go to the first artist beginning with that letter.

Astute readers may realise this can be done already with the keyboard, but I frequently use MusicBee to find tracks in a large library when the keyboard is not easily accessible and this change to the Jump Bar would remove the need for lots of scrolling (mainly for artist names).

Thanks again!


(As a side note, there may also be value in adding an additional jump bar button, "0-9", which could also include punctuation and other non-alpha symbols)

(As a side side note, and only somewhat related but close enough to be included here...

I just noticed that in artwork view, selecting items with the keyboard doesn't work properly for me. Pressing keys 0-9 and A takes me to the first item starting with that letter, but all other keys just take me to the same spot, about halfway through the As. Tried it with items sorted by Artist, and sorted by Album title and they both do the same. Weird.)
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: boroda on February 22, 2012, 04:28:24 AM
+1 to both wishes
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: jistme on February 22, 2012, 10:33:07 AM
To add to those wishes,

Allow to make it possible to also select the second, third, etc. character, to be able to narrow it down  to e.g.: Genesis, Gojansufi, Gorrilaz.
Program could after clicking the first letter, wait and 'listen' for a second letter for a short while (3 sec. or so?)

(and add [space] for 'The Beatles, The Killers, etc.)
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Zak on February 22, 2012, 11:10:58 AM
(and add [space] for 'The Beatles, The Killers, etc.)
Wouldn't they appear under B and K, respectively?
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: jistme on February 22, 2012, 11:48:04 AM
Not if you choose not to filter out prefixes like 'the'.
(like I do)
 
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Zak on February 22, 2012, 01:00:37 PM
To add to those wishes,

Allow to make it possible to also select the second, third, etc. character, to be able to narrow it down  to e.g.: Genesis, Gojansufi, Gorrilaz.
Program could after clicking the first letter, wait and 'listen' for a second letter for a short while (3 sec. or so?)
Might be handy for pinpointing items in large collections, but in practice I think spelling out words with an onscreen keyboard would be more annoying than useful, especially when there is no way of seeing what you have already typed. And if you click the wrong letter or change your mind, would you then need to click a backspace button to correct it?

If something like this were to be implemented, a better way would be that if the search box has focus, clicking a Jump Bar button could "type" into the box. This would allow you to type full words and you could just click the "X" to clear the results when you're finished.
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: greenday1987 on February 22, 2012, 01:33:34 PM
To add to those wishes,

Allow to make it possible to also select the second, third, etc. character, to be able to narrow it down  to e.g.: Genesis, Gojansufi, Gorrilaz.
Program could after clicking the first letter, wait and 'listen' for a second letter for a short while (3 sec. or so?)

(and add [space] for 'The Beatles, The Killers, etc.)

This works already. I use it often
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: jistme on February 22, 2012, 02:14:15 PM
@Greenday,
I think you mean it works when using the fysical keyboard. I am sure it doesn't work with A-Z bar?

@Zak,
I think (like Windows functionality) it should just reset after waiting for 'n' time for more input.
Then there is no need to reset search or anything like that.
(Keep It Simple)
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: greenday1987 on February 22, 2012, 03:47:55 PM
Oh, yes. I see, I'm an idiot. Yes I mean with the k/board. I miss read :/ Apologies.
+1 then to OP
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Zak on February 22, 2012, 04:26:39 PM
@Zak,
I think (like Windows functionality) it should just reset after waiting for 'n' time for more input.
Then there is no need to reset search or anything like that.
(Keep It Simple)
I only asked for it to jump to the first letter. Everyone else is complicating it!  :P

How about  if one holds down a key, say the space-bar, after selecting the first letter,  it then  just appends any other letter depressed to the initial one?
My request was to make it easier to find stuff when the keyboard is out of reach.

If you already have the keyboard handy, why not just type what you're looking for?  ???
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: jistme on February 22, 2012, 08:31:58 PM

Apologies for interfering with your wishlist request  ;-)

But to be clear, my added suggestion only adds the possibilty to enter more than 1 letter.
As a user you would not notice any difference when entering only 1.

So this is only complicating it for Steven, not for the rest of us.

 

Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: jistme on April 05, 2012, 08:53:50 PM
I just realized the option to enter second, third character etc. has been implemented by Steven. (and nobody complained ;-)

Thnx.
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Zak on April 06, 2012, 03:50:21 PM
I just realized the option to enter second, third character etc. has been implemented by Steven. (and nobody complained ;-)
Are you talking about the jump bar, or typing with the keyboard? The keyboard has always worked that way.

The jump bar doesn't do anything for me now that it didn't do before.  :-\
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: jistme on April 06, 2012, 04:07:42 PM
I was only referring to my (added) request to be able to jump and select more specific using also 2nd and 3d characters. That did not work before, now it does.
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: jistme on July 30, 2012, 06:11:34 PM
Nobody complained, so allow me ;-)

While this has been implemented, it is almost impossible to type the second and third character fast enough when you don't type with all fingers on the keyboard.
It would be nice if some extra time tolerance between keystrokes was setup.
Something like 2 seconds would be perfect.

I just realized the option to enter second, third character etc. has been implemented by Steven. (and nobody complained ;-)
Thnx.
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: jistme on August 10, 2012, 03:52:40 PM
Bump.

I hope you're willing & able to fix this.
This feature is rather useless as it is implemented momentarily.

While this has been implemented, it is almost impossible to type the second and third character fast enough when you don't type with all fingers on the keyboard.
It would be nice if some extra time tolerance between keystrokes was setup.
Something like 2 seconds would be perfect.
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Alexis on August 10, 2012, 09:54:25 PM
To add to those wishes,

Allow to make it possible to also select the second, third, etc. character, to be able to narrow it down  to e.g.: Genesis, Gojansufi, Gorrilaz.
Program could after clicking the first letter, wait and 'listen' for a second letter for a short while (3 sec. or so?)

(and add [space] for 'The Beatles, The Killers, etc.)



Big +1

Someone suggested the search area, but I am simply a mouse addict.
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Steven on August 11, 2012, 09:25:36 AM
i have changed it as follows:
- click on the a-z bar, it allows up to 3 secs to press additional keys before the search resets
- when the main panel has focus, before it allowed a 0.75 sec gap before the search would reset. Its now 1.5 secs (the reason its not longer is because you might accidentally press the wrong key in the first place, so having too large a gap is not good for that)

http://musicbee.niblseed.com/V2/MusicBee_Exe_Patched.zip
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Alexis on August 11, 2012, 02:07:41 PM
Thank you Steven...  I am not sure it is working.. at least as I expected.  When I click on E and immediately click on A, instead of say going to EAgles... it is going to the next track that starts with A.  The way it has always done.

version: 2.0.4606
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Steven on August 11, 2012, 02:19:28 PM
if you are using the artwork layout then i just realised its not done for that (but will be for the next update)
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Alexis on August 11, 2012, 02:34:50 PM
I have it on track detail view with this issue.

To clarify:

In view button next to search, I have checked:  Show a-z jumpbar, and Track detail.

No errors in error log.

just in case, I  have tried the other views fwiw with the above steps, but still no success.
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Steven on August 11, 2012, 02:38:43 PM
dont know sorry - i tried again now and its fine for me
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Alexis on August 11, 2012, 02:44:09 PM
No problem at all.  This means it is then likely isolated to my end,  so I will play around with it after the update tomorrow.  Thanks a lot Steven. 
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Steven on August 11, 2012, 04:55:12 PM
this has the fix for the artwork layout.
If anyone else has problems with this function please let me know
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: jistme on August 11, 2012, 05:36:11 PM
Not working here either.
Maybe dependent on some preferences setting somewhere?
 
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Steven on August 11, 2012, 05:53:27 PM
i think i know what it is - hopefully this will work:
http://musicbee.niblseed.com/V2/MusicBee_Exe_Patched.zip
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: jistme on August 11, 2012, 05:59:50 PM
Yep!
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Alexis on August 11, 2012, 07:53:07 PM
Works like a dream!  Thank you Steven!
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Roadrunner on August 18, 2012, 05:42:42 PM
i have changed it as follows:
- click on the a-z bar, it allows up to 3 secs to press additional keys before the search resets
- when the main panel has focus, before it allowed a 0.75 sec gap before the search would reset. Its now 1.5 secs (the reason its not longer is because you might accidentally press the wrong key in the first place, so having too large a gap is not good for that)

http://musicbee.niblseed.com/V2/MusicBee_Exe_Patched.zip

For me 3 secs to click the 2nd character are too long (same reason as for pressing a key). In addition I suppose not many users are aware of this functionality, instead one could think that the program does not work correctly... Why not use the same 1.5 secs?
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Steven on August 19, 2012, 06:13:20 PM
For me 3 secs to click the 2nd character are too long (same reason as for pressing a key). In addition I suppose not many users are aware of this functionality, instead one could think that the program does not work correctly... Why not use the same 1.5 secs?
what do you mean by too long - you click (or press) a letter, realise its a mistake and want the search to reset based on the next letter you click?
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Roadrunner on August 20, 2012, 06:51:30 PM
what do you mean by too long - you click (or press) a letter, realise its a mistake and want the search to reset based on the next letter you click?
Exactly, reasons could also be, that there is no artist in the selection with the letter(s), I was looking for or I tried with "T" until I realized the The Beatles are under "B"...
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Alexis on August 20, 2012, 07:28:45 PM
maybe a reset button??   Just a thought.  but by the time u reach for the  button..... the seconds may be up :)
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Steven on August 20, 2012, 07:52:36 PM
would it work for people if after the first letter is pressed, if you then press the next char twice it resets to that letter - i realise that wouldnt be perfect as you really might want 3 chars with the 2&3 the same letter, but i would imagine thats quite rare. Of course if there is >3 sec gap it still resets as now
eg.
T B B goes to B
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: jistme on August 20, 2012, 08:11:40 PM
I would very much prefer to leave it as it is.
The advantages to be able to enter sequential characters without much hurry or complicating factors are appreciated.

To diminish this advantage, or complicate the use of the feature just for the sake of someone who might make a rare typing error, and doesn´t have 3 seconds patience to make a new entry doesn´t seem sensible to me.
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Steven on August 20, 2012, 08:43:29 PM
one clarification, using the keyboard is set at 1.5 sec for reset - the reason its longer (3 sec) on the a-z bar is because i do think you need more time to locate and click the next button.
Also note you can use the a-z bar and keyboard in combination, so if you click the wrong letter on the a-z bar you could press the keyboard after 1.5 sec to reset the search which might suit some people.
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: jistme on August 20, 2012, 09:29:14 PM
Clear.
Personally I feel even 1,5 sec. is on the short side. Not speaking for myself, but not everybody has fast responses and milage behind keyboards like most of us here.
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Alexis on August 20, 2012, 09:29:20 PM
Also note you can use the a-z bar and keyboard in combination, so if you click the wrong letter on the a-z bar you could press the keyboard after 1.5 sec to reset the search which might suit some people.

That seems logical to me.  

Steven, would it be overkill or illogical to have a reset button on the bar?  I am assuming that this whole implementation is for mouse users.

(I think I also have to agree that having to wait 3 seconds does not seem that demanding if one selects the wrong letter, but I respect that we all do not have the same tolerance)
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Roadrunner on August 20, 2012, 10:49:50 PM
Sorry, it was not my intention to complicate it more than necessary, so I wouldn't do anything like a reset button or click the same character again to restart the search.

I just wanted to point out, that if you don't know about the 3 seconds (and nowbody knows about it, if he/she's not reading this thread) and like to change the choosen one (not only for mistake reason) I'm sure you'd click and click again a new one within less than 3 seconds and are wondering why it doesn't work anymore... And if you assume something like a waiting time, how long would you wait, 5 seconds?

So, I personally wouldn't go over 2 seconds (to take the mouse movement into account).
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Steven on August 21, 2012, 10:32:10 PM
i really want to avoid creating new settings, especially ones that only have meaning to people reading these posts. But also i appreciate the behavior has to be obvious as well.
So how about after one letter has been clicked, when you mouse over another letter you see that letter highlight as normal but also to the top left you see the first letter and the mouse-over letter as text that can be clicked as well
so that way you can easily click the letter to reset the search or click the temporary 2 letter item if that is your intention
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Alexis on August 21, 2012, 10:40:46 PM
that sounds very good to me..if I understand it  properly, it would also helps provide a flow of the previously clicked letter(s).
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Roadrunner on August 22, 2012, 12:46:42 PM
I'm not sure, if I understand the way of mouse movement needed to choose the 2nd letter correctly (how far away is "top left"?), but the direction sounds good to me too.

Maybe, as a similar solution, it might be enough to keep the existing behavior and just show the already choosen letter(s) in the left part of the toolbar in another color as long as they are active? Or point out the active letter(s) itselves in any way?
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Steven on August 25, 2012, 09:51:58 AM
it wasnt practical to do this the way i wanted so i have taken roadrunner's suggestion ie. pressed letter is set to bold and a tooltip shows when mouse-over other letters, then resets after 3 secs so you at least have a visual cue when the search is reset

http://musicbee.niblseed.com/V2/MusicBee_Exe_Patched.zip
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Alexis on August 25, 2012, 02:47:25 PM
This works just fine, thank you... however, it is a little difficult to notice the bold text when using the dark skins (Using dusk)
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Sigma on August 28, 2012, 01:44:43 PM
I really hate the way this works now! It makes using the jump list slower than just scrolling with the mouse wheel when you have to wait for it to reset. This is only useful for people who have absolutely tons of albums in one long list, but they could find what they want using the regular search box which is designed for text input. This is counter-intuitive to the original purpose of quickly being able to jump by first letter IMO. Can you not add a setting in the options to just have it works as it did please?

Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: jistme on August 28, 2012, 04:27:55 PM
For my understanding, what is it that you want to do exactly that is slowed down with this new behaviour?
If you click a letter it will still immediately take you there?
For as far as I can see it is only slowing you down when you click a wrong letter, and for the rare cases that happens 3 sec of 'punishment' doesn't seem a big deal to me?

I really hate the way this works now! It makes using the jump list slower than just scrolling with the mouse wheel when you have to wait for it to reset.
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Steven on August 28, 2012, 08:47:10 PM
i have made this optional - it wont be enabled by default but can be enabled by right clicking on the a-z bar
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Steven on August 28, 2012, 09:19:55 PM
this has the change as described above:
http://musicbee.niblseed.com/V2/MusicBee_Exe_Patched.zip
Title: Re: A-Z Jump Bar to work on any focused list control
Post by: Sigma on August 29, 2012, 01:46:57 AM
For my understanding, what is it that you want to do exactly that is slowed down with this new behaviour?
If you click a letter it will still immediately take you there?
For as far as I can see it is only slowing you down when you click a wrong letter, and for the rare cases that happens 3 sec of 'punishment' doesn't seem a big deal to me?
It's the equivalent of flipping through records in a crate, but after each "flip", you're told "now wait 3 seconds". I clearly use this in a different way to you, but then to me, the A-Z list is a quick way to get to all albums from artists that begin with N, for example, rather than being a way to type out "NIRV" because you're looking for Nirvana album in a way that's not as efficient as just using a keyboard and the existing search box.

But with the changes made by Steven in the latest version, we're both fine, as if you right-click the A-Z list you can check the option to do multi-character searches, while I can leave it unchecked. (Thanks, Steven!)