Reconnect to a shared database at startup

[kotecky]

Improvement suggestion A setting to open last edited libraries at startup exists:

In the current state the shared database needs to be reopened manually at each startup (File > Shared database > Connect). Instead, the above or a separate setting should include automatic re-connection to a shared database at startup.

[NS404]

Can I take this ?

[ThiloteE]

Sure :-) Are you a student?

[NS404]

No. I am self-taught

[Siedlerchr]

@NS404 Yeah ;) Tip: If you don't want to setup mysql/postgres locally, you can quickly get a free postgres db here https://www.elephantsql.com/

[NS404]

I encountered this while reading the docs Very useful, I appreciate the tip!

[NS404]

Hi @kotecky! You can save the shared database locally in a file so that the open last edited libraries at startup setting can work on your shared databases too. I am trying to understand whether this feature is excessive.

[kotecky]

Hi @NS404 I'm probably missing something ;-) how will saving the DB locally save me time with not reconnecting to the online DB?

[NS404]

I mean save it as a local file either by checking the box 'Automatically save the library to' when trying to connect for the first time or using Ctrl + S when the tab is in focus

[kotecky]

Tested and now i see. Indeed, it works for the need described above: Jabref opens the bib file at startup and connects to the online database. I wonder still, whether this process will not create different versions of the bib-file when used by several people at once (which is the goal of the online database).

[NS404]

the changes made in the file are passed in the server instantly.

[NS404]

but changes made to the server are not being pulled automatically, nor does an option exist to pull changes manually. Only closing and reopening the file seems to do the update.

[NS404]

Another issue I see is the fact that I can open a file that connects to a shared db and also connect to that same database via normal procedure. As a result I get two tabs with the same library. Maybe this shouldn't be allowed?

[kotecky]

but changes made to the server are not being pulled automatically

Well, this makes it useless, a pity...

[Siedlerchr]

@NS404 it would be greate if you could check why the changes are not pulled after reconnecting. imho this should always be done to make sure we have the last version

[NS404]

Currently there are two ways of connecting to a shared DB: through a file or through the UI. The issue with the first way is that it doesn't let you pull changes without closing and reopening the file (The action to pull changes from shared side is disabled Ctrl+Shift+R).

[NS404]

Hi @kotecky! You can save the shared database locally in a file so that the open last edited libraries at startup setting can work on your shared databases too. I am trying to understand whether this feature is excessive.

To answer my initial question: I think that currently, using the file opening feature won't do the job as I explained above.

but changes made to the server are not being pulled automatically, nor does an option exist to pull changes manually. Only closing and reopening the file seems to do the update.