User:DWalden (WMF)/WikiEditor/Insert link/20220315
Session Notes
[edit]I used the state diagram to explore the behaviour of the "Insert link" dialog.
For each transition or sequence of transitions in the diagram, consider why a user might do this and what they would want the outcome of their action to be.
Invalid syntax
[edit]Consider a user who doesn't remember the valid syntax for wikitext, for example between internal vs. external links.
For example, they might write [[https://duckduckgo.com]] or [Foo].
You can highlight a selection of wikitext and open the "Insert link" dialog. A user might hope this will automatically correct their incorrect syntax.
It might also be a way to get around the normal validation logic of the dialog.
I used the list of different link syntax here https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Links.
Interrupts
[edit]I explored the behaviour of search when simulating a slow network and trying to interrupt it. Meh. Seemed robust enough.
Internal to External
[edit]Looping between the two radio buttons "To wiki page" and "To external web page".
Again, it might get around the usual validation logic.
Looks like internal
[edit]I tested the transitions around the "Looks like internal" functionality. For example, can I use it to bypass the usual validation logic? Is the state correct if I go back to the dialog from here?