Request: Prevent Duplicate Variable Names in “Manage Application Variables” Dialog

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rakunavi
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Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 5:04 am

Request: Prevent Duplicate Variable Names in “Manage Application Variables” Dialog

Post by rakunavi »

Hello all,

I would like to request an improvement to the Manage Application Variables dialog in PDF-Tools.

Currently, it is possible to register multiple application variables using the same variable name. When a variable is referenced in other dialogs, PDF-Tools appears to use the first occurrence of that name. This behavior can lead to unexpected results, especially when users unintentionally create duplicate variable names.

  • figure1.png

    figure2.png
To improve reliability and avoid confusion, I suggest adding a duplicate name check when registering a new application variable. Ideally, the dialog would warn the user that a variable with the same name already exists and allow them to either overwrite it or choose a different name.

Implementing this check would help ensure consistent behavior and reduce user errors when managing application-wide variables.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message.

Best regards,
rakunavi

- PDF-XChange Editor PRO Version: 11.0.1
- OS Version: Windows 11 Pro / Home 25H2 Build 26200.8875
- PC Model: GMKtec Nucbox M7 Pro with HUION Kamvas Pro 19 / Lenovo IdeaPad C340-15IWL
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Vladimir G - Tracker Dev
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Re: Request: Prevent Duplicate Variable Names in “Manage Application Variables” Dialog

Post by Vladimir G - Tracker Dev »

Hello Rakunavi,

Thank you for your suggestion. However, variables with duplicate names are already prohibited.
image.png
Could you tell us how you managed to create variables with the same name? Were all these duplicates created manually, or were they created during the settings import process?

Best regards,
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Vladimir
Software Developer
PDF-XChange Co. LTD
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rakunavi
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Re: Request: Prevent Duplicate Variable Names in “Manage Application Variables” Dialog

Post by rakunavi »

Hello Vladimir,

Thank you very much for looking into this. I apologize for sending a report with insufficient reproduction conditions. If you follow the steps below, the duplicate variable name detection will likely be disabled.

  1. Add the first item by clicking the OK button while the “Prompt user for value during tool run” option is enabled.
  2. Click the Edit button and then disable that option.
  • Animation.gif
After rechecking the behavior, I just realized for the first time that the duplicate detection logic had been implemented. It seems I have a tendency to unintentionally perform operations under special reproduction conditions from the very beginning. :oops:

Since my actions yesterday were done unconsciously, I cannot fully guarantee that they were exactly the same as what I described above. However, if you are unable to reproduce the issue even with this method, please let me know and I will investigate and report back.

Best regards,
rakunavi

- PDF-XChange Editor PRO Version: 11.0.1
- OS Version: Windows 11 Pro / Home 25H2 Build 26200.8875
- PC Model: GMKtec Nucbox M7 Pro with HUION Kamvas Pro 19 / Lenovo IdeaPad C340-15IWL
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Vladimir G - Tracker Dev
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Joined: Thu Nov 30, 2017 1:24 pm

Re: Request: Prevent Duplicate Variable Names in “Manage Application Variables” Dialog

Post by Vladimir G - Tracker Dev »

Hello Rakunavi,

Thank you for the reproduction steps, they were helpful.
The issue is fixed and will be available in the next build.

Best regards,
Vladimir
Software Developer
PDF-XChange Co. LTD