Inconsistent approach to implementing a user's bookmark macros

[ChrisGreaves]

This topic is a reduced form of Shortcut key clears search box? in which I tackled too much inconsistency. In this new topic I have restricted my thoughts to Bookmark Macros. (Filter macros will come later!)

Everything is inconsistent in its approach to implementing a user's bookmark macros.
This inconsistency will lead to errors (if we are lucky enough to detect them) and confusion amongst users.

A macro is a macro is a macro. A macro is a way to make use of some complicated text by a simple method.

Of the three methods provided by Everything (Name:, Open, Key), the first method allows combinations of Bookmark Macros, and leaves the macro name (“Sec03:” and “CM:”) in its abbreviated form in the Search Box. The second and third methods produce expanded code AND clear the search Box before expansion.

I detest inconsistency.
I can see no reason why the method of making use of a macro should change the outcome of that method of use.

This raises the possibility of four options: Expand or not, multiplied by Clear or not. My preference would be for Don't Expand and Don't Clear. This approach is demonstrated when we use the name-colon method of combining Bookmark Macros.

A seven-page documented trial is attached.
Cheers, Chris

[void]

The behavior is by design.

You can reference multiple bookmarks with macros.
Referencing a bookmark by macro does not execute any search commands.
Referencing a bookmark by macro will not change your search or change any of your search settings.

Opening a bookmark can change your existing search.
Opening a bookmark can change your search settings.
Opening a bookmark will execute any search commands.
You cannot open multiple bookmarks at the same time.

Please let me know if I missed something.

[ChrisGreaves]

The behavior is by design. Please let me know if I missed something.

Hello again Void; I am piggy-backing on this topic:-

FiltersBoomarks_42.jpg (99.73 KiB) Viewed 1467 times

What, if any, are the disadvantages of using the Bookmark Name as the Macro Name?
This question identifies me as someone who has not yet understood the distinction between the two terms.

In the dialogue box above I have stored five useful search strings.
It seems to me that “What I call the search string” and “How I refer to the search string” and “The name I give to the search string” are synonymous along with “The search string’s Identifier”.

Why would I need two identifiers for the one search string?
Thanks, Chris

[void]

What, if any, are the disadvantages of using the Bookmark Name as the Macro Name?

None.
You can use the same name and macro name.

Typically, the bookmark name is more descriptive, while the macro is short.
For example:
Name: My Favourites Folder
Macro: fav



Accessing this bookmark with the macro:
fav:

Accessing this bookmark with the name:
bookmark:"My Favourites Folder"



The bookmark Name is shown under the Bookmarks menu (and soon-to-be under the bookmark sidebar)

[ChrisGreaves]

None. You can use the same name and macro name. Typically, the bookmark name is more descriptive, while the macro is short.

Thanks Void.
I had almost worked out the advantage of the longer name by virtue of your numerous other examples.
Cheers, Chris