Refactor BibTeX file field

[koppor]

JabRef should be convenient for new users to use. When using the file field, the format for each file entry is description:link:type. Multiple values can be put in separated by ;. At each file, fields can be omitted. file = {desc} is a valid enry. Naively, I would have assumed that desc is the link. Furthermore type is a custom JabRef string, but Media Types are the accepted standard for providing types.

Therefore, I propose the new format link:description:media type.

Furthermore, I propose dropping support for the legacy fields pdf and ps. These fields were legacy from the end of 2007 on. Even though some users want to keep the old fields, I would vote for an intuitive handling of references to external files instead of clutter the UI with legacy things. (I currently can't find the email in the mailinglist where we discussed that :()

Discussion points

• Is media type too over-engineered? Can we drop the type completely and derive the type by the file extension?
• Are : and ; good separators?
• Is file really more intuitive than separate pdf and ps links? Should we keep the pdf field?
• Should the new field be called attachments to enable easy migration from the old format to the new one?

Next steps

I would propose a discussion at this issue and I'll update this text accordingly.

We should also remove "Tools -> Legacy Tools...".

More to read

• Old style: http://jabref.sourceforge.net/help/ExternalFiles.php
• Current style: http://jabref.sourceforge.net/help/FileLinks.php

[mlep]

About "Should we keep the pdf field?", I would say no IF it becomes possible to define several custom general fields to manage files (BTW: this is a registered feature request). Hence, users who want to have a PDF field and a PS field and a DVI field, etc. can get it.

[koppor]

Related feature request: https://sourceforge.net/p/jabref/feature-requests/597/
(I didn't find the other @mlep mentioned, maybe someone else can?)

[mlep]

Sorry for not taking the time to point to the specific feature requests. See:
http://sourceforge.net/p/jabref/feature-requests/282/
http://sourceforge.net/p/jabref/feature-requests/129/
http://sourceforge.net/p/jabref/feature-requests/163/
http://sourceforge.net/p/jabref/feature-requests/64/

[koppor]

Also related: DOS path in link

[bluebirch]

Before refactoring 'file' field, remember that there are at least one other
BibTeX editor out there that depends on the JabRef format, namely
Eratosthenes for Android. I also think BibDesk can convert JabRef file
links to its own format.