Enhance Puter: Add Duplicate File To Context Menu

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the proposed feature of adding a "Duplicate File" option to the file context menu in Puter. Currently, users have to rely on the traditional copy-paste method to duplicate files, which can be cumbersome. This enhancement aims to streamline the process by providing a direct and intuitive way to create file duplicates within the same directory, complete with automatic name generation to avoid conflicts. We will delve into the current behavior, expected behavior, acceptance criteria, and testing steps for this feature. By implementing this feature, Puter can significantly improve user experience and efficiency.

Current Behavior

Currently, Puter lacks a direct "Duplicate File" option in its context menu. Users who wish to duplicate a file must resort to the conventional method of copying (Ctrl+C) and pasting (Ctrl+V). While this method does create a copy of the file, it does not automatically generate a unique filename. This can lead to confusion and potential overwriting of files if users are not careful.

Understanding the Issue:

The absence of a dedicated "Duplicate" option forces users to perform multiple steps to achieve a simple task. This not only slows down the workflow but also increases the likelihood of errors. For instance, users might forget to rename the duplicated file, leading to naming conflicts and potentially overwriting important data. This issue is particularly noticeable when dealing with numerous files or when the need for duplication arises frequently. Therefore, introducing a "Duplicate File" option would address a significant usability gap in Puter's current design.

Detailed Reproduction Steps:

To better illustrate the current behavior, let's walk through the steps to reproduce the issue:

1. Open Puter in a web browser: Launch Puter in your preferred web browser.
2. Navigate to any folder and create a test file: Choose any folder within Puter and create a new text file named document.txt. This file will serve as our subject for duplication.
3. Right-click on document.txt to open the context menu: Right-click on the document.txt file to reveal the context menu, which displays a list of available actions.
4. Observe the available options: Examine the context menu. You will notice options such as Open, Rename, Copy, and Delete. However, there is no direct option to duplicate the file.

The lack of a direct "Duplicate" option highlights the need for a more efficient solution. Users must manually copy and paste the file, then rename it to avoid conflicts. This multistep process is time-consuming and prone to errors, making a dedicated "Duplicate File" feature a valuable addition to Puter.

Expected Behavior

The expected behavior is that when a user right-clicks on a file within Puter, the context menu should include a "Duplicate" option. Selecting this option should create a copy of the file in the same directory, with an automatically generated name that avoids conflicts. This feature aims to streamline the file duplication process, making it more efficient and user-friendly.

Detailed Explanation of Expected Actions:

When the "Duplicate" option is selected, the system should perform several key actions:

1. Create a Copy: The system should create an exact copy of the original file in the same directory.
2. Generate a Unique Name: The duplicated file should be automatically named to avoid conflicts with existing files. A common naming convention could be appending "copy" to the original filename, such as document copy.txt, or adding a numerical suffix like document (1).txt.
3. Handle Existing Names: If a file with the generated name already exists in the directory, the system should add a number suffix to ensure uniqueness. For example, if document copy.txt already exists, the new duplicated file should be named document (2).txt or document copy 2.txt.
4. Immediate Display: The newly duplicated file should appear in the file list immediately, without requiring the user to refresh the page or manually update the directory view. This ensures a seamless and responsive user experience.

The addition of this feature would greatly enhance the usability of Puter. Users would no longer need to perform multiple steps to duplicate a file, reducing the risk of errors and saving valuable time. The automatic name generation ensures that files are properly organized and easily identifiable.

Acceptance Criteria

The acceptance criteria outline the specific requirements that must be met for the "Duplicate File" feature to be considered successfully implemented. These criteria ensure that the feature functions as expected and provides a seamless user experience.

• Menu Item Appearance: A "Duplicate" menu item must appear in the file context menu. This option should only be available for files and not for folders, as duplicating a folder involves a different set of considerations.
• Copy Creation: Clicking the "Duplicate" option should create a copy of the selected file in the same directory. The copy must be an exact replica of the original file, including its content and attributes.
• Automatic Name Generation: The duplicated file must have an automatically generated name that avoids conflicts with existing files. The system should use a consistent naming convention, such as appending "copy" or adding a numerical suffix.
• Conflict Resolution: If a file with the generated name already exists, the system should add a number suffix to ensure uniqueness. This ensures that each duplicated file has a unique identifier, preventing data loss or confusion.
• Immediate Display: The newly duplicated file should appear in the file list immediately without requiring a manual refresh. This ensures that users can quickly see the result of their action and continue working without interruption.

Meeting these acceptance criteria will ensure that the "Duplicate File" feature is a valuable addition to Puter, providing a convenient and reliable way for users to duplicate files.

Steps To Test

To ensure that the "Duplicate File" feature works correctly and meets the acceptance criteria, thorough testing is essential. The following steps outline a manual testing process to verify the functionality of the feature.

Manual Testing:

1. Create a Test File: Open Puter and create a new text file named test.txt. Add some content to the file to verify that the duplicated file contains the same content.
2. Duplicate the File: Right-click on test.txt and select the "Duplicate" option from the context menu.
3. Verify the New File: Verify that a new file appears in the same directory, named test copy.txt (or a similar name based on the naming convention).
4. Verify Content: Open both test.txt and test copy.txt to ensure that their content is identical. This confirms that the duplication process accurately copies the file's data.
5. Duplicate Again: Right-click on test.txt again and select the "Duplicate" option once more.
6. Verify Unique Name: Verify that a new file appears with a unique name, such as test (2).txt or test copy 2.txt. This confirms that the system correctly handles naming conflicts.

Additional Testing Scenarios:

• Duplicate Multiple Times: Duplicate the same file multiple times to ensure that the naming convention remains consistent and that the system correctly handles multiple conflicts.
• Test with Different File Types: Test the "Duplicate File" feature with different file types, such as images, documents, and spreadsheets, to ensure that it works correctly across various file formats.
• Test with Long Filenames: Test with files that have long filenames to ensure that the naming convention does not result in filenames that exceed the system's maximum length.

By following these testing steps, you can thoroughly evaluate the functionality of the "Duplicate File" feature and ensure that it meets the required standards.

Submission

To provide a comprehensive demonstration of the implemented feature, record your screen while performing the manual testing steps outlined above. Use a tool like Cap.so to record your screen in Studio mode, export the recording as an MP4 file, and submit it as part of your issue comment. This visual demonstration will help reviewers understand the functionality and verify that it meets the acceptance criteria. For guidance on submitting pull requests, refer to this guide.

Conclusion

The addition of a "Duplicate File" option to Puter's context menu represents a significant enhancement to the user experience. By streamlining the file duplication process and automating name generation, this feature reduces the risk of errors and saves valuable time. The detailed acceptance criteria and testing steps ensure that the feature functions as expected and meets the required standards. Ultimately, this enhancement will make Puter a more efficient and user-friendly platform for managing files. For more information on improving user interfaces, consider visiting Usability.gov.