Links between objects

[Murugan]

Documentation is always a challenge. Ideally we would have a way to link from the notes field of one kind of object to any other object (task, note, discussion, URL) across all folder in the same work space. This then creates a kind of wiki-like, hyperlinked environment. Then documentation can be created which then has "dependencies" on other objects.  I copy below the discussion below between me and one of our developers here:

> 2) We need some kind of specific tag, or task number, or ticket ID or something for each "task".  Since a task can be named anything at all, including a long description, how do you refer to the task in companion documentation?  Easiest woudl be "task 10987" or something like that which we could then go directly to.

The question becomes larger if documentation is on the wiki, outside of Collanos.

We hit the very same wall here I tried to over come with my system on PMWiki: when tasks become respository for documentation, which is one style, then one wants to keep them tied with the documentation, I guess it's logical and makes sense, but then there is the fragmentation "problem" -- tasks are not necessarily organized in any logical fashion. It become chaos. Especially of the style is to  use the TASK note field for extensive documentation...

So, I actually blocked the task / note option in PMWiki to force the issue: documentation goes on the wiki page for that area. But that makes it difficult, as you pointed out, the natural flow of usage is to put "light weight" documentation in the tasks note field.l and I am already using the notes field in the Collanos task for "light weight" documentation..

So, here we are just looking at the same issue from a different angle.

I will put this on the Collanos Forum, just as grist for the Project management mill. Perhaps some bright Collanos engineer will see a way thru...

the "Inbox Zero" approach was slightly different: given the power of search tools in theory if you are wasting time with the taxonomy when you could be working, you should just not worry about it and use search...

but agreed, a way to reference one entry it the same work space, in the notes of another (it could be discussion, URL, TASK, Note) would be good.

[Anna Evpak]

It is possible to Copy object as link and input it into another. E.g. create Note select context menu for it and choose "Copy as Link". Open e.g. Discussion->right click on message input area and input paste as link. Send post -> Link became blue. Now you can be redirected to object after clicking on link. 

[martin.wetterstedt]

When you create a link to a file and paste it in another directory, is there a way to see if the file is a link or if it is the original file?

[Anna Evpak]

You can input links on File/Object only inside Bussines Objects (Tasks,Notes,Discussion, URL) when you use context menu "Paste as link" inputed text is colored into blue color and Bussines Object closes and selection goes to linked File after clicking over link.

[martin.wetterstedt]

It worked to paste a link to a file in a directory as well. Then it is displayed exactly as the original file, and opens as the original file. When I try do delete it I get a message that indicates it is a file - but the message is slightly cryptic.

[Anna Evpak]

When you paste copied as link object to other folder happens next: you have duplicate of the object that is tied with original and all operations over duplicate applies to the original one. So when you are trying to delete link you receive message "Link to this object currently exist in other folder in this workspace. Would you like to delete only this folder's link", which mean that you can delete original object and duplicates or only one object. To input Link to folder you may use context menu paste over folder.

[martin.wetterstedt]

When you have created a link to file, how do you know if it is the orignial? If you delete the original, both files dissappear? I am not sure how to use this feature so that  I don't get into trouble. If I could see that the link to a file was really a link it would make all the difference.

[Catapault]

hope it's relavent to place here, but would be great if the Notes function could be expanded to include wiki type capabilities for real time brainstorming and project discussion.

thanks