Bug Fix: Copy Link To Clipboard Fails In SQL Lab

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Bug Fix: Copy Link to Clipboard Fails in SQL Lab

Hey everyone, let's dive into a tricky bug we've encountered in Superset's SQL Lab. It's about the "copy link to clipboard" feature failing when you open a saved query. This article will walk you through the issue, how to reproduce it, what the expected behavior should be, and the steps to test the fix. So, if you're ready, let's get started!

Current Behavior: The Copy-Paste Predicament

So, here’s the deal. When you, the user, open a saved query in SQL Lab, Superset attempts to copy the query link to your clipboard. Sounds simple, right? But here’s the catch: it immediately redirects you to the SQL Lab page. The problem? The clipboard API works asynchronously. In simple terms, copying to the clipboard takes a little bit of time, and because the page navigates away so quickly, the copy operation often doesn’t finish. It’s like trying to catch a falling star – almost impossible!

Think about it like this: you’re trying to quickly grab something off a table while someone is already pulling the tablecloth. The result? The item probably doesn’t make it into your hand. Similarly, the link doesn't make it to your clipboard.

What's worse, there’s no feedback. You don't know if the copy succeeded or failed. You paste, and… nothing. Or, even more confusing, you might paste something you copied ages ago. This lack of feedback leaves you scratching your head, wondering why it didn’t work. We need to ensure a smooth user experience, and that starts with reliable functionality and clear communication.

Reproduction Steps: Reliving the Glitch

Want to see this in action? Here's how you can reproduce the bug:

  1. First, navigate to the Saved Queries list page in Superset. This is your starting point.
  2. Next, click on any saved query to open it in SQL Lab. You can choose to open it in the same window or a new one—the issue persists in both scenarios.
  3. Now, try to paste the clipboard contents into another application. Open up your favorite text editor, a notes app, or anywhere you usually paste copied links.
  4. Observe the magic… or rather, the lack thereof. You’ll likely find that the clipboard either contains some old content or nothing at all. The copy operation likely never completed, leaving you with an empty or outdated clipboard.

This is the core of the problem. The current behavior is frustrating because it’s silent and unreliable. We need a solution that ensures the link is copied and that users are aware of the outcome.

Expected Behavior: A Smooth Copy-Paste Operation

Okay, so we know what's happening now, but what should happen? What's the ideal scenario? When you open a saved query, the application should copy the query link to the clipboard, wait for the operation to complete, and then navigate. It’s all about timing and feedback.

The expected behavior includes a few key improvements:

  • Successful Copy: The link to the saved query should be successfully copied to the clipboard before any navigation occurs. This ensures the primary function works as intended.
  • User Feedback: You, the user, should receive clear feedback about whether the copy operation succeeded or failed. This is crucial for a good user experience. Imagine a simple “Link Copied!” message popping up – that’s the kind of confirmation we’re aiming for.
  • Delayed Navigation: The navigation to SQL Lab (whether in the same window or a new one) should only happen after the clipboard operation completes. This is the key to preventing the race condition we discussed earlier.
  • Error Handling: If, for some reason, the copy operation fails (maybe due to browser permissions or other issues), there should be an error message. This helps you understand what went wrong and how to address it.

By implementing these changes, we can turn a frustrating experience into a smooth and reliable one. The goal is to make copying links effortless and transparent.

Acceptance Criteria: Setting the Bar for Success

To make sure we nail this fix, we have a set of acceptance criteria. These are the specific conditions that must be met for the solution to be considered successful. Think of them as a checklist for a perfect fix:

  • [ ] The link to the saved query is successfully copied to the clipboard before any navigation occurs. This is the foundation of the fix.
  • [ ] A success toast notification displays "Link Copied!" when the clipboard operation succeeds. This provides immediate positive feedback.
  • [ ] The navigation to SQL Lab (either same window or new window) only happens after the clipboard operation completes. Timing is everything!
  • [ ] The functionality works correctly for both opening in the same window and opening in a new window. Consistency across different scenarios is important.

These criteria ensure that the fix is not just a patch but a robust solution that truly addresses the underlying issue. By adhering to these standards, we can deliver a feature that works reliably every time.

Steps To Test: Putting the Fix to the Test

Alright, so we’ve talked about the problem and the solution, but how do we know it actually works? That’s where testing comes in. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to test the fix and make sure it meets our acceptance criteria:

  1. Navigate to the Saved Queries list page in Superset. This is where the action begins.
  2. Click on a saved query to open it in SQL Lab. Go ahead, pick any query you like.
  3. Verify that a toast notification appears indicating "Link Copied!" This is your visual confirmation that the copy operation is attempting to work.
  4. Open a text editor or another application and paste from the clipboard. This is the moment of truth. Did the link make it?
  5. Confirm that the pasted content is a valid URL in the format: {origin}/sqllab?savedQueryId={id}. This ensures that you've copied the correct link format.
  6. Test opening a query in a new window (if applicable) and verify the same clipboard behavior. We need to ensure consistency across different window scenarios.
  7. If possible, test in a browser or environment where clipboard access is restricted and verify the error toast appears. This is crucial for handling edge cases and ensuring the application gracefully handles permissions issues.

By following these steps, you can thoroughly test the fix and ensure that it truly solves the problem. Testing is a critical part of the development process, and your feedback is invaluable.

Submission: Showcasing the Fix

To demonstrate the fix in action, it’s helpful to record your screen and share the recording. This provides visual proof that the solution works as expected. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Download a screen recording tool. One popular option is https://cap.so/.
  2. Use Studio mode to record your screen. This typically offers better recording quality and editing options.
  3. Export the recording as an mp4 file. This is a widely supported video format.
  4. Drag and drop the mp4 file into an issue comment below. This makes it easy for others to view and verify your findings.

A screen recording is a powerful way to communicate the effectiveness of the fix. It allows developers and other stakeholders to see the solution in action and ensures that everyone is on the same page.

And if you’re interested in contributing further, here’s a guide to submitting pull requests: https://hackmd.io/@timothy1ee/Hky8kV3hlx. Pull requests are the way you can propose changes to the codebase, and they’re a key part of the open-source development process.

Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Clipboard Caper

So, guys, we’ve taken a deep dive into this clipboard issue in Superset’s SQL Lab. We've seen the problem, understood the expected behavior, and even outlined the steps to test the fix. By ensuring that the link is copied before navigation and providing clear feedback, we can significantly improve the user experience.

Remember, software development is all about continuous improvement. By identifying and addressing bugs like this, we make Superset a more reliable and user-friendly tool. Your contributions, whether through testing, reporting issues, or submitting fixes, are what make this project thrive.

So, let's get testing, guys! Your input is essential in making this fix a success. And who knows? Maybe you'll discover the next bug to squash. Happy testing, and let’s keep making Superset awesome! This collaborative effort ensures that we're all contributing to a better, more efficient, and more user-friendly Superset experience.