Fixing Broken Documentation Links In Kibana 9.x

Introduction

Broken links can be a major frustration for users, especially when they're trying to access important documentation. In the context of Kibana, a powerful data visualization and exploration tool, broken links in the documentation can hinder users from effectively utilizing the platform. This article delves into a specific issue of broken links encountered in Kibana versions 9.1 and 9.2, exploring the root cause and the efforts to resolve it. Addressing these broken links is crucial for maintaining a seamless user experience and ensuring that users can easily access the information they need. When users encounter these issues, they may feel discouraged, which can lead to a negative perception of the platform. Therefore, fixing these links is not just about technical correctness but also about maintaining user satisfaction and trust. It's essential to provide accurate and up-to-date documentation to help users navigate the platform effectively. By identifying and rectifying these broken links, we can ensure that users have a smooth and efficient experience while interacting with Kibana.

The Problem: Broken Links in Kibana 9.x

In Kibana versions 9.1 and 9.2, users have reported encountering broken links when accessing documentation, particularly when they lack certain privileges. These links, which are intended to guide users and provide necessary information, lead to error pages instead. The issue does not seem to exist in the main branch or the 8.x versions, indicating a regression or a change in the documentation structure that was not properly accounted for in the 9.x releases. The core of the problem lies in how these links are dynamically generated. The URL structure is constructed using a combination of the Elastic website URL, the guide path, a document link version, and the specific document path. In the main branch, the DOC_LINK_VERSION is set to current, which correctly redirects to the most up-to-date documentation pages. However, in versions 9.1 and 9.2, this value is set to 9.x, resulting in URLs that point to non-existent pages. This discrepancy highlights the importance of maintaining consistent documentation practices across different versions of the software. It also underscores the need for thorough testing and validation to ensure that links remain functional even as the documentation evolves. By understanding the root cause of the issue, we can develop effective strategies to prevent similar problems from occurring in the future. This proactive approach will help maintain the integrity of the documentation and provide users with a reliable resource for information and guidance.

Why the Links are Broken

To understand why these links are broken, it's essential to examine the dynamic link generation logic used in Kibana. The links are constructed using the following pattern:

const url = `${ELASTIC_WEBSITE_URL}guide/en/${guidePath}/${DOC_LINK_VERSION}/${docPath}`;

In the main branch, DOC_LINK_VERSION is set to current, which correctly redirects to valid pages. For example:

• https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/security/current/detections-permissions-section.html redirects to a valid page.
• https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/security/current/sec-requirements.html also redirects correctly.

However, in versions 9.1 and 9.2, DOC_LINK_VERSION is set to 9.x, leading to broken links such as:

• https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/security/9.2/detections-permissions-section.html
• https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/security/9.2/sec-requirements.html

This issue suggests that the documentation structure may have changed, causing versioned URLs (e.g., 9.x) to break while the current version remains valid. This type of problem can arise when documentation is reorganized or updated without ensuring that older version links are properly redirected or updated. It's crucial to maintain a clear understanding of how documentation is structured and versioned to prevent such inconsistencies. By implementing robust link management practices, we can ensure that users always have access to the correct information, regardless of the Kibana version they are using. This includes regularly checking for broken links and implementing redirects as necessary. Furthermore, it's important to communicate any changes to the documentation structure to the development team so that they can update the link generation logic accordingly.

Impact and Scope

The broken links issue impacts both Elastic On-Prem and Cloud deployments, as the documentation link generation logic is shared across these environments. This means that users of both Elastic Cloud and self-managed Kibana instances are potentially affected. The problem is observed in both ESS (Elasticsearch Service) and Serverless deployments, indicating that the issue is not specific to a particular deployment method. This broad impact underscores the importance of addressing the problem promptly to minimize disruption for users across different environments. The issue's presence in both ESS and Serverless deployments also suggests that the root cause is likely within the core Kibana codebase or the documentation structure itself, rather than being related to specific deployment configurations. This understanding helps to focus the investigation and remediation efforts on the most relevant areas. Furthermore, the fact that the issue affects users with limited privileges highlights the importance of ensuring that documentation is accessible and accurate for all users, regardless of their roles or permissions. By addressing the broken links issue, we can enhance the user experience for a wide range of Kibana users and maintain the platform's reputation as a reliable and informative tool.

Resolution and Collaboration

Addressing this issue requires a collaborative effort between the documentation team and the Elastic Security Solution stakeholders. The primary contact for this issue is @agusruidiazgd, who is coordinating the efforts to resolve the broken links. Stakeholders from @elastic/security-solution are also involved in the process, providing valuable insights and support. The resolution is expected to be included in the next patch releases, ensuring that users receive the fix in a timely manner. This collaborative approach is essential for effectively tackling complex issues like broken links. By bringing together experts from different teams, we can leverage a diverse range of skills and perspectives to identify the root cause of the problem and develop the most appropriate solution. The involvement of the documentation team is crucial for ensuring that the documentation structure is properly aligned with the link generation logic. The input from the Elastic Security Solution stakeholders is also vital for understanding the impact of the issue on security-related documentation and for prioritizing the fix accordingly. By working together, these teams can ensure that the broken links are resolved quickly and efficiently, minimizing the disruption for Kibana users. This collaborative approach also helps to foster a culture of shared responsibility for maintaining the quality and accuracy of the Kibana documentation.

Steps to Fix Broken Links

To effectively fix the broken links in Kibana 9.x, a systematic approach is required. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

1. Identify the Root Cause:
   • The initial investigation revealed that the issue stems from the DOC_LINK_VERSION being set to 9.x in Kibana versions 9.1 and 9.2, which leads to URLs that do not exist in the current documentation structure.
2. Update Link Generation Logic:
   • The link generation logic needs to be updated to use the correct DOC_LINK_VERSION. A potential solution is to dynamically determine the version based on the Kibana version or to consistently use current for the most up-to-date documentation.
3. Implement Redirects (If Necessary):
   • If the documentation structure has changed significantly, redirects should be implemented from the old URLs (e.g., /9.2/detections-permissions-section.html) to the new URLs. This ensures that users who have bookmarked or shared the old links are still able to access the correct content.
4. Test the Fix:
   • Thorough testing is crucial to ensure that the fix works as expected and does not introduce any new issues. This should include testing in both ESS and Serverless environments.
5. Deploy the Fix:
   • The fix should be deployed as part of the next patch releases to minimize disruption for users.
6. Monitor the Impact:
   • After deployment, it’s important to monitor the impact of the fix to ensure that the broken links are no longer an issue. This can be done by tracking error rates and user feedback.
7. Prevent Future Issues:
   • To prevent similar issues from occurring in the future, it’s important to establish clear documentation practices and versioning strategies. This includes ensuring that links are regularly checked for accuracy and that changes to the documentation structure are communicated to the development team.

By following these steps, the broken links in Kibana 9.x can be effectively resolved, providing users with a seamless and informative experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of broken links in Kibana versions 9.1 and 9.2 highlights the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation. By understanding the root cause of the problem, implementing a systematic fix, and establishing preventative measures, we can ensure that users have access to the information they need. The collaborative effort between the documentation team and the Elastic Security Solution stakeholders is crucial for resolving this issue and preventing future occurrences. Addressing broken links is not just a technical fix; it's an essential part of providing a positive user experience and maintaining trust in the platform. By prioritizing documentation quality and accessibility, we can empower users to effectively utilize Kibana and achieve their goals. The steps taken to resolve this issue serve as a valuable lesson for future documentation management and versioning practices. By continuously monitoring and improving our processes, we can ensure that Kibana remains a reliable and informative tool for all users.

For more information on best practices for documentation and link management, consider exploring resources from trusted websites like The Documentation Guide.