[Bug] shortened path to database - difficult to retreive full path to database

[ecodiv]

Describe the bug

The new feature implemented in #6990 to set custom aliases for databases in the Data Catalog works great. The feature also automatically replaces the full path with a label showing a shortened path. The disadvantage is that this makes it more difficult to retrieve the full path directly from the data catalogue.

To reproduce

See data catalogue.

Expected behavior

Ideally, the full path would be shown in a tooltip when hovering over the name. Alternatively, do not automatically shorten the path. Leave it to the user to provide the label.

Screenshots

System description

GRASS 8.5dev.

Additional context

[wenzeslaus]

I see three different ways to solve this. You can have a button to expand the name, you can have a button to copy the name, and then you can have a tooltip.

[ecodiv]

I think all three would solve it. For what it is worth, I would prefer the tooltip (but that appears to be tricky to implement) or the expand button.

[wenzeslaus]

You want to just see it, but not copy it? I'm thinking, I would like to copy it. Well, there is certainly enough space in the context menu for both. Just making sure we understand each other.

[ecodiv]

It would be nice to have both. However, seeing it would be my priority, just for a reminder of the location of the database (also handy if you are helping out others). To copy the path, I could also use g.gisenv -n. But granted, being able to copy the path of a database (or project) in the data panel would be very convenient.

[saket0187]

Initially, I had added a "Show Full Database Path" button in the PR (visible in the PR description video) that appeared when an alias was set. I can add either a "Copy Full Database Path" or "Show Full Database Path" option to the context menu, which would be straightforward to implement. I'm not fully confident with the tooltip approach yet.

Here's a quick demo of "Copy Full Database Path":

IMG_3722.MOV

Let me know which direction you'd like to go.

[wenzeslaus]

Definitively the copy path button.

Show could reveal the path in case it is shorter or replaced by label. I think this whole thing with shortening and labes complicates things, so I'm less sure here. Seems like compensating for an issue we just created. Is it worth it?

[ecodiv]

Yes, the shortening/label feature is definitely worth it! It addresses a real (as in, expressed by many of my students) annoyance. The copy path button would already be outstanding, and if the reveal the path button isn't too much work, that would be great as well. But both on their own would already help me a lot.

[saket0187]

I'd suggest just adding Copy Full Database Path, adding both would increase the number of menu items unnecessarily, and users can already view the path by copy pasting it. Shall I go ahead with that?