Server Side Actions

[worksofliam]

It'd be cool if we had server side actions, which means instead of storing an action on the client, we store it (and edit it) on the server so all users can have access to it.

Things to determine: where do we store this data?

• Do we store it in the database?
  • Yes because it the risk of data being overwritten is low
• Do we store it in a JSON file in the IFS?
  • Yes because the JSON is easier to manipulate if we want to add more data
  • Perhaps we can automatically manage it as a git for our server files

There are probably more reasons, but this would be a killer feature.

Server side actions would only work for member, streamfile and object types not [local] file.

[SJLennon]

While this is being discussed, here's another thought.

I've wondered about whether actions should be segregated into user provided actions and system provided actions, with user actions taking precedence. System provided actions could be refreshed at any time as new features are added but this would not alter any existing user actions. As far as I know there is currently no way to pick up new actions, other than creating a new connection or editing settings.json.

Possibly the extension has matured enough that new actions will be fairly infrequent.

[m-tyler]

I want to add my own actions that are not based on the default actions. We use Rocket Aldon CMS and I can perform command actions on members with that product. I have built several actions over these Aldon commands but I have no simple way of passing these on to other developers.

Not all developers want all of my actions. I also set up actions for other development tools we have.

I tried using the workspace folder ./.vscode/actions.json but those actions do not work for normal QSYS member filters. Would it it be plausible to have a actions.json in the users home IFS folder (as defined in the connection settings) that loads these custom actions?

[SJLennon]

I am surprised that there has not been more interest in having shareable actions, aka (I think) server side actions. Especially now that bigger shops are becoming users.

There are a couple of issues that seem to relate: #1804 and #1805, but apparently have died, perhaps through lack of interest.

If there is renewed interest, then perhaps a new Discussion should be started to guage interest and what user need/would like.

(There was some discussion on this on the Ryver IDEs and Editors forum in the poll of October, 2024, at 5:01 pm. Unfortunately, I can't for now figure out how provide a link to Ryver. Perhaps conduct such a poll in Discussions?)

[m-tyler]

I tried writing my own extension to add my own actions for others but I have not been able achieve this, if it is even possible for developers using the Code4i extension.

[worksofliam]

@SJLennon Note that we do have an open draft for server profiles and actions.

It is something we'd like to finish up soon.

#2341