Bug Alert Template Updates Create Duplicates

Hey everyone,

We've encountered a rather pesky bug in the system that we wanted to bring to your attention. It seems that when you publish an update to a template, instead of updating the existing template, the system creates a second copy of it. This can lead to confusion and make it difficult to manage your templates effectively. Let's dive into the details and discuss how to work around this issue while we get it fixed.

Understanding the Issue

The core of the problem lies in how the system handles updates to published templates. Imagine you've created a fantastic template named "ALL the Question Types," filled with a comprehensive set of questions. You publish it, ready to use it for your plans. Now, you realize you need to tweak a few questions or add some new ones. So, you make the changes and hit publish again, expecting the original template to be updated. Unfortunately, the system doesn't quite work that way at the moment. Instead of updating the existing "ALL the Question Types" template, it creates a brand-new copy. This means you'll now see two versions of the template in your list, which can be quite confusing when you're trying to select the correct one for your plan.

Adding to the confusion, the original template might also display the status "Not Published" even though it is, in fact, published. This discrepancy between the actual status and the displayed status further complicates things and makes it harder to keep track of which templates are actually live and ready for use. This issue, as illustrated in the attached image, showcases the duplicate template entries and the incorrect "Not Published" status, highlighting the core problems we need to address. This bug, guys, can really throw a wrench into your workflow, especially if you rely heavily on templates for creating consistent plans and assessments. The duplication issue not only clutters your template library but also introduces the risk of using outdated versions, potentially leading to inconsistencies in your data and results. We understand this can be frustrating, and we want to assure you that we're on it!

Steps to Reproduce the Bug

To help you better understand the issue and perhaps even avoid it temporarily, here's a breakdown of the steps that trigger this bug:

1. Create a new template (e.g., "ALL the Question Types") and populate it with questions or other content.
2. Publish the template.
3. Edit the template by making changes to the questions or content.
4. Publish the template again.
5. Go to use the template in a plan. You will now see two versions of the template in the list.

By following these steps, you can reliably reproduce the bug and witness the creation of the duplicate template firsthand. This understanding is crucial, not just for developers working on the fix, but also for users who want to be aware of the potential pitfalls and workarounds. Recognizing the pattern can help you anticipate the issue and take preventive measures, such as carefully managing your template updates and ensuring you're selecting the correct version when creating plans. This proactive approach can minimize the impact of the bug on your workflow and maintain the integrity of your data. We appreciate you taking the time to understand these steps, as it helps us all stay on the same page while we work towards a permanent solution.

Impact of the Bug

The impact of this bug extends beyond mere annoyance; it can significantly affect your workflow and data integrity. Here's a closer look at the potential consequences:

• Confusion and Clutter: The most immediate impact is the clutter in your template library. Having multiple versions of the same template makes it difficult to identify the most recent and accurate one. This confusion can lead to wasted time and effort as you sift through the duplicates.
• Risk of Using Outdated Templates: The presence of duplicate templates increases the risk of accidentally selecting and using an outdated version. This can result in inconsistencies in your plans and assessments, potentially compromising the validity of your data.
• Workflow Disruption: The need to manually manage and differentiate between duplicate templates adds extra steps to your workflow, slowing down the process of creating and updating plans. This can be particularly problematic in time-sensitive situations.
• Data Inconsistencies: If different users unknowingly select different versions of the same template, it can lead to data inconsistencies across your projects. This can make it challenging to analyze and compare results accurately.

These impacts, guys, highlight the seriousness of the bug and the importance of addressing it promptly. We understand that these issues can be frustrating, and we are committed to resolving them as quickly as possible. In the meantime, we encourage you to be mindful of these potential consequences and take extra care when selecting templates for your plans.

Workarounds and Temporary Solutions

While we're working on a permanent fix for this bug, there are a few workarounds you can use to minimize its impact:

1. Naming Conventions: When updating a template, consider adding a version number or date to the template name (e.g., "ALL the Question Types v2" or "ALL the Question Types - Updated July 2024"). This will help you easily identify the latest version.
2. Careful Selection: Before using a template, double-check the creation or modification date to ensure you're selecting the most recent version. Pay close attention to the template status as well, even though it might be inaccurate.
3. Template Consolidation: Periodically review your template library and consolidate duplicate templates. If you find multiple versions, identify the most up-to-date one and delete the older copies. Be sure to use the correct template before deleting any.
4. Clear Communication: If you're working in a team, communicate clearly about which template versions should be used for specific plans. This will help prevent confusion and ensure consistency across projects.

These workarounds, while not ideal, can help you navigate the bug and maintain a smooth workflow until we release a fix. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work towards a permanent solution. Remember, the key is to be vigilant and take extra care when managing your templates and selecting them for your plans. By implementing these strategies, you can minimize the risk of using outdated templates and ensure the accuracy of your data. We're confident that with your cooperation, we can overcome this challenge together.

Fix in Progress

The good news is that we're actively working on a fix for this bug. Our development team is investigating the root cause of the issue and implementing a solution that will ensure updates to templates correctly update the existing template instead of creating duplicates. We understand the importance of this fix and are prioritizing it accordingly. We are committed to providing you with a seamless and efficient template management experience.

We want to assure you that we're taking this seriously and are making every effort to resolve it quickly. We'll keep you updated on our progress and let you know as soon as the fix is available. In the meantime, please continue to use the workarounds mentioned above to minimize the impact of the bug on your workflow. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as we work to resolve this issue.

Stay Tuned for Updates

We'll keep you informed about the progress of the fix and let you know as soon as it's released. We'll communicate updates through our usual channels, such as release notes and announcements. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team. We're here to help you in any way we can.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We value your feedback and are committed to providing you with the best possible experience. We know this bug can be frustrating, but we're confident that we'll have it resolved soon. Stay tuned for more updates, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all.

Image Reference

As a reminder, you can see an image illustrating the issue here. This visual aid can help you better understand the bug and its impact.