Mixed Sort

[jayfischer]

I am used to seeing folders sorted in a dual type mode. When I have them sorted by date I like to have the dirs inside mixed in as files - sorted by date - so I can see ALL the new items at the top. On the other hand when I sort by name I like the dirs on top and the files below.

Thanks,
Jay

[zer0]

While I don't think it's possible to vary folder-file separation automatically (perhaps an action for a CEA?), it is possible to mix folders and files when sorting. In Configuration --> General --> Untick 'Sort folders apart'

[serendipity]

I am used to seeing folders sorted in a dual type mode. When I have them sorted by date I like to have the dirs inside mixed in as files - sorted by date - so I can see ALL the new items at the top. On the other hand when I sort by name I like the dirs on top and the files below.

Thanks,
Jay

This can be easily done by scripting. You can use this script via toolbar too. With current scripting methods, one can trigger normal sort options with "left-click" and your own sort method with "right-click". Let me know if you are interested.

[Muroph]

it's not exactly what the OP want, but i use this simple script on a CTB to quickly toggle the "sort folders apart" setting.

Code: Select all

#193;
  getkey $sfa, SortFoldersApart, settings;
  settingp SortFoldersApart, $sfa xor 1;
  status "Sort Folders Apart ".($sfa==1)?(disabled):(enabled),, ready;

PS: the script will save your settings when you run it.

EDIT: damn, the forum software removed my leading spaces.

[serendipity]

I have posted a script here:
http://www.xyplorer.com/xyfc/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4386

It does the mixed sort you mentioned.

[admin]

I am used to seeing folders sorted in a dual type mode. When I have them sorted by date I like to have the dirs inside mixed in as files - sorted by date - so I can see ALL the new items at the top. On the other hand when I sort by name I like the dirs on top and the files below.

May I ask where you got used to this thing? I never heard about it but I can see the point...

[jayfischer]

@admin
I have been using x2 for the longest time and it had the option for this type of mixed sorting. I like the folders on top except for date sorting when I like to see folders and files mixed to see all new items at the top.

@serendipity
Nice! That works perfect (except that I need to click on a button ) . I am hoping for an integrated/automagic sort based on sort column or more specific to my needs - modified date. But in the mean time I will be using this!!

[admin]

@admin
I have been using x2 for the longest time and it had the option for this type of mixed sorting. I like the folders on top except for date sorting when I like to see folders and files mixed to see all new items at the top.

@serendipity
Nice! That works perfect (except that I need to click on a button ) . I am hoping for an integrated/automagic sort based on sort column or more specific to my needs - modified date. But in the mean time I will be using this!!

I added a tweak for this to the next beta version. And I like it myself. I was even tempted to hardcode this behavior...

[admin]

@admin
I have been using x2 for the longest time and it had the option for this type of mixed sorting. I like the folders on top except for date sorting when I like to see folders and files mixed to see all new items at the top.

@serendipity
Nice! That works perfect (except that I need to click on a button ) . I am hoping for an integrated/automagic sort based on sort column or more specific to my needs - modified date. But in the mean time I will be using this!!

I added a tweak for this to the next beta version. And I like it myself. I was even tempted to hardcode this behavior...

Been playing with the new sort option for a while now and I think it's really much better than the previous one. I think it should be the factory default. What's your opinion, folks? Upload comes in a minute...

[jacky]

Been playing with the new sort option for a while now and I think it's really much better than the previous one. I think it should be the factory default. What's your opinion, folks? Upload comes in a minute...

I'm against it. Not just because I personally do not like this behavior (even though I don't. I can see the point, but I much rather have my folders apart, and make good use of the very neat feature that is "Miscellaneous / Focus Functions / Switch Focus between Files and Folders" ) but also because it "breaks" the option Sort Folders Apart.

IMO a tweak that does such a thing should never be enabled by default, but allow one to alter the "normal"/standard behavior for a different one, not restore the original/expected behavior of one of the options. If you really want to do that, you should definitely promote it to option status, e.g. below "Sort folders apart" add a "Except when sorting on date columns" (alongside "Keep folders on top") or something.
I still feel while it might be a good option to some, it shouldn't be a default one, but I can see its appeal, and promoting it to option status would be good.

[serendipity]

Been playing with the new sort option for a while now and I think it's really much better than the previous one. I think it should be the factory default. What's your opinion, folks? Upload comes in a minute...

I'm against it. Not just because I personally do not like this behavior (even though I don't. I can see the point, but I much rather have my folders apart, and make good use of the very neat feature that is "Miscellaneous / Focus Functions / Switch Focus between Files and Folders" ) but also because it "breaks" the option Sort Folders Apart.

IMO a tweak that does such a thing should never be enabled by default, but allow one to alter the "normal"/standard behavior for a different one, not restore the original/expected behavior of one of the options. If you really want to do that, you should definitely promote it to option status, e.g. below "Sort folders apart" add a "Except when sorting on date columns" (alongside "Keep folders on top") or something.
I still feel while it might be a good option to some, it shouldn't be a default one, but I can see its appeal, and promoting it to option status would be good.

I like the new tweak, but if you want to make it factory default, I would say the same thing as Jacky.

[zer0]

I don't think it should be factory default. Having folders and files sorted apart is orthodox behaviour, even Explorer doesn't allow one to switch this off (in GUI, maybe possible in registry, but unknown to yours truly). Manual sorting is temporary for a good reason, because, as a rule, files and folders are kept apart.

Also, I'm a bit cautious about adding more things to options ('General' and 'Advanced', in particular). They already have plenty of tick boxes. Perhaps when something is important enough to be promoted from tweak to option, something else should be relegated to being a tweak. Keeps the balance in place. Excess of options while good in some respect, can be overwhelming and, as such, not beneficial.

[jayfischer]

Works perfect!! Thanks.

I think a checkbox in the GUI would be great. I will never change it - but it might be useful for other people to know about the option instead of a tweak.

What makes one option better than another - because it came first - I don't think so. XY is very unique in that the author actually listens to his customers.

I say the more options the better as long as program speed isn't affected.

[j_c_hallgren]

Also, I'm a bit cautious about adding more things to options ('General' and 'Advanced', in particular). They already have plenty of tick boxes.

So maybe instead of a tick box, it becomes a drop-down, since it's not compatible with "sort folders apart" so that option would thus become the default with this being a alternate via drop-down...that way, it's easy to find yet not cluttering.

We've got quite a few tweaks and it's becoming harder to keep track of what ones there are so I'd be in favor of some very minor changes to Config to incorporate a few of the most used ones.

[admin]

Thanks all, agreed.

I would promote it to an option but I also agree that the config dialog is quite crowded. A dropdown would not help much.