[Suggestion] enable auto-linking of classes in quoted source to the Qt Documentation

[Wolf P.]

When sample code is provided in the wiki or in the forum, Qt classes used should be linked to their documentation.

I think this should be easy with a parser in Java|Script : Iterating over the appropriate class, then scanning for the QUppercase pattern and modify the DOM element (it's alreade highlighted).

BTW: next bug found: "Java|Script" (try to remove the pipe char in a posting, then preview)

[Franzk]

It would even be handy if there was some tag we could use to link to the documentation. QtCentre has the feature you mention, but also this: [qtclass]QString[/qtclass], which would result in a link much like "QString":http://doc.trolltech.com/latest/qstring.html (no [doc.trolltech.com] behind it would make sense in this case -- it's autolinked).

It would be cool if that was available as well.

[Wolf P.]

I'd prefer a full-automated version. Optional markup for code blocks should include only things like:

• qtversion=[spec] - for explicitly definition of the Qt version used, default is last stable
• nolink - to inhibit auto-linking

I had already started to implement it, but I'm a java|script beginner (albeit highly motivated ;))

[Franzk]

Automated in code blocks, yes. Outside, not necessarily.

[baysmith]

I am, of course, in favor of a auto-linking to docs feature. :)

[troubalex]

I heard a similar suggestion for bug reports. I wonder though, if all the linking won't confuse people or make the posting itself hard to read. I am all for connecting the forum, the wiki and the documentation as seamlessly as possible.

What do you think about auto-tagging instead of auto-linking? It's an extra step, that's for sure, but one would get related content alongside with the documentation.

[baysmith]

If the doc links could be made to not have the [domain], I don't think they would make postings hard to read.

I think tagging and linking serve different purposes. Tagging is useful for finding related posts in the forums. Docs linking is useful for quickly accessing references relevant to the discussion.

[troubalex]

Point taken. We will look into it.

[baysmith]

Note that the [domain] is good in general, especially links to external sites. Although the browser tells me as well, I do like the reenforcement for general links. However, for internal or docs links, I don't think it is necessary.

[disperso]

I think that the "[domain.tld]" might be useful to fight against malware, spam, links to NSFW content, etc., but it's really the intended audience of this site is probably aware enough of this practices to avoid them.

[baysmith]

Yes, and since internal or other domains under Nokia control are not a thread, the [domain] notations are not necessary.

[Franzk]

[quote author="Alexandra Leisse" date="1292004911"]I wonder though, if all the linking won't confuse people or make the posting itself hard to read.[/quote]Which is why the auto linking or doc linking should not contain the [domain] thingy. In any case, you can have a look at the QtCentre forum. Linking to Qt docs is very simple and doesn't really interfere with the message. Inside code tags auto-linking is enabled, which really isn't a pain in the butt either.

[GordonSchumacher]

Indeed - the other thing worth mentioning there is that it would be nice to have easy wiki links - perhaps using "wiki://"? :)

[Wolf P.]

[quote author="Alexandra Leisse" date="1292004911"] What do you think about auto-tagging instead of auto-linking?[/quote] What is auto-tagging? If it means that some tags are added automatically, I think this is a bad idea in most cases. Maybe some forum-specific tags (such as beta, wiki, devnet) could still be useful.

[baysmith]

[quote author="Wolf P." date="1292093709"][quote author="Alexandra Leisse" date="1292004911"] What do you think about auto-tagging instead of auto-linking?[/quote] What is auto-tagging? If it means that some tags are added automatically, I think this is a bad idea in most cases. Maybe some forum-specific tags (such as beta, wiki, devnet) could still be useful.

[/quote]

If auto-tagging is like that, it won't provide quick access to the docs.

[GordonSchumacher]

Auto-tagging could be useful, but 1) I agree with Bradley that it's quite a different question from auto-linking, and 2) I would be a little surprised if it could be done very well, until we have a script which can parse English well. Hmm...

Actually, I take that back. If the tagging system were set up to feed the posts through "CRM114":http://crm114.sourceforge.net, I bet it actually could do a decent job of auto-tagging!

[goetz]

I totally agree with bradley. Auto-linking of the Qt classes would be very handy. Without the [doc.qt.nokia.com] it's also easily readable.

I also support the other suggestion, that all links within the .nokia.com domain need no further hint.

Auto tagging would be a bit overdone, IMHO. That would add a qapplication and/or qstring tag to almost every post with some example code.

[Wolf P.]

• If you google the devnet, auto-tags will not make the results better. Individual tags could.