Force reload of externally changed files in Qt Creator

JonathanA · wrote on 26 Apr 2019, 20:34

I looked around in the options but didn't find one to automatically reload a file if it was changed by external forces. I have Perforce set up to added info to the header when a file gets checked in and it is very annoying to have Qt Creator always ask me if I want to reload the file.

mrjj · 27 Apr 2019, 04:42

Hi
In options.

aha_1980 · 27 Apr 2019, 10:04

@mrjj And I really wonder why "reload unchanged editors" is not the default.

After I changed that, my life became easier.

mrjj · 27 Apr 2019, 10:47

@aha_1980
Well, it was finally time for the Yes to All button to get some action.
All these years it had been the Ok button that had it all.
And the Developer saw a chance to change that.

I also wondered that when i found the setting.
I cant see any reason except to give Dev complete control/options.

aha_1980 · M mrjj 27 Apr 2019, 10:04

@mrjj I wonder how the dialog could be improved?

We would need a possibility to choose "Always reload" and "Always ignore" possibilities (e.g. checkboxes).

Then it would be more obvious how to get rid of the dialog.

That's how it looks now:

mrjj · 27 Apr 2019, 12:06

Hi
"Always reload" and "Always ignore" checkboxes would work great,
however, we would be mixing
concepts as Dialog is pr file whereas the setting is for all files.

The dialog gives options to cherry pick but setting disables the dialog.
So "Always reload" could read to the user as always reload this file or
as we mean it, always reload all files.

What that in mind, i was wondering if a label with
"The File Change Dialog can be configured in Options\Inviroment\system"
below the buttons would do it.

aha_1980 · 27 Apr 2019, 12:12

@mrjj I guess that's the best we can do for now, as the dialog is modal and opening the settings from there would be complicated.

Here's the patch: https://codereview.qt-project.org/259927

mrjj · 27 Apr 2019, 12:13

@aha_1980
So productive :)
Well, i think it is very fine. Opening settings would be a nice touch but
not worth the hassle. (IMO)
But making the user aware it can be disabled/changed is excellent UX.

aha_1980 · 27 Apr 2019, 12:35

@mrjj said in Force reload of externally changed files in Qt Creator:

But making the user aware it can be disabled/changed is excellent UX.

Full ack. Took me 6 or 7 years until I found it :)

mrjj · 27 Apr 2019, 12:41

@aha_1980
Hehe that is lots of clicks :)
Well i was like 2 years to discover that you can ask it
to insert base class function override with 2 clicks instead of
go copy paste from the docs.

aha_1980 · 27 Apr 2019, 12:50

@mrjj We're getting off-topic, but yes: with every function you integrate there is a possibility the end-user is not even aware of.

Seems to be one the major problems (the other one is not-working functiona) in current programming industry.

mrjj · 27 Apr 2019, 13:03

@aha_1980
Indeed we are. It's just a shame that many? new users never see the true power of alt+enter.
I mean the feature to sync function signature changes between h/cpp is priceless.
The combination of Add Widget wizard and insert base function is a productivity booster.
Pressing alt-enter on an undefined class to have it add #include automatically is very addictive.
I have been contemplating a video called "Things You will like to know about QtCreator" quickly showing off the
most beloved features. Just need a mic though.

aha_1980 · M mrjj 27 Apr 2019, 12:50

@mrjj That would surely be an awesome video! There are indeed some introducing videos on youtube, but the productivity boosters are missing.

I can only encourage you to do it :)

JonathanA · 3 May 2019, 03:50

@mrjj wow - crazy. I searched and searched and searched, including that very page, and did not notice that drop down. I knew it had to be there somewhere, but just glossed over it. Very odd.

Thanks!

aha_1980 · wrote on 3 May 2019, 03:50

@JonathanA the next release will have a hint in the messagebox :)

J.Hilk · 3 May 2019, 06:32

@aha_1980 said in Force reload of externally changed files in Qt Creator:

@mrjj And I really wonder why "reload unchanged editors" is not the default.

After I changed that, my life became easier.

I'm actually thankful for that,
twice now I have accidentally overwritten files with older backup ones, and having them still open in QtC saved my day ;)

aha_1980 · J J.Hilk 3 May 2019, 06:14

@J.Hilk Which again shows, the workflows are different.

I extensively use Git, and having the prompts when you externally rebase etc. is disturbing for me.

But good that you have the choice to use the workflow that suits you best.