Tdarr: Show Library Scan Progress

Introduction

Hey guys! Let's talk about a cool feature request for Tdarr that could seriously improve the user experience, especially for those of us with massive libraries. The current system provides limited visibility into the initial library scan progress, which can be frustrating when you're dealing with millions of files. In this article, we'll dive into the problem, explore a potential solution, and discuss why this enhancement would be super beneficial. So, buckle up and let's get started!

The Problem: Lack of Visibility During Initial Library Scan

Imagine you're setting up Tdarr for the first time and you have a huge library—we're talking millions of files. You kick off the initial library scan, and... well, you wait. The current interface shows how many files have been found, but it doesn't give you a clear picture of the total number of files to be scanned or how far along the process is. This lack of visibility can be a real pain point.

Why is this a problem, you ask?

For starters, it's hard to estimate how long the scan will take. Is it going to be another day? Another week? Without knowing the total number of files, it's all just guesswork. This uncertainty can be particularly frustrating if you're trying to plan around the scan or if you're just anxious to start using Tdarr to its full potential. Moreover, it's difficult to gauge whether the scan is progressing normally. If the number of files found hasn't changed in a while, is that because the scan is stuck, or is it just working through a particularly large directory? Without more information, it's tough to tell.

The current display shows valuable information, such as the number of files found, but it's missing a crucial piece of the puzzle: the total number of files to be scanned. This omission leaves users in the dark, especially during the initial setup phase. The information vacuum often leads to unnecessary anxiety and constant checking, hoping for some sign of progress. For those managing extensive media collections, this issue is significantly amplified. Understanding the scale of the task at hand is not just about curiosity; it's about effectively managing resources and time.

Improving this aspect of Tdarr would greatly enhance the user experience. It provides users with the insights needed to plan and manage their media libraries effectively. Knowing the total number of files and the percentage completed transforms the scanning process from a black box into a transparent operation. This transparency can help users feel more in control and less frustrated during the initial setup. Furthermore, it provides a basis for troubleshooting potential issues. A scan that appears to be stuck can be quickly identified, allowing for timely intervention. Thus, enhancing the visibility of the scanning process is not merely a cosmetic improvement but a functional upgrade that addresses a real pain point for users with large media libraries.

Proposed Solution: Display Total Files and Scan Progress

So, what's the solution? The idea is simple: display the total number of files detected and a current count of files scanned. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. Total Files Detected: Before the scan even begins, Tdarr should determine the total number of files within the specified library directories. This could be a preliminary step that runs quickly before the actual scanning process starts.
2. Files Scanned Count: As the scan progresses, Tdarr should keep a running tally of the number of files it has scanned. This number should be updated in real-time (or near real-time) in the interface.
3. Progress Indicator: A visual progress indicator, such as a percentage bar, would be super helpful. This would give users an at-a-glance view of how far along the scan is.

With these additions, users would have a much clearer understanding of the scan's progress and can estimate how much longer it will take. This would significantly reduce the uncertainty and frustration associated with the current system.

Implementing this solution involves several technical considerations. The initial count of files needs to be performed efficiently to avoid adding significant overhead to the scanning process. Techniques such as parallel processing could be used to speed up the counting. Additionally, the user interface needs to be updated to display the new information in a clear and intuitive manner. The progress bar should accurately reflect the percentage of files scanned, and the numbers should be updated frequently enough to provide a sense of real-time progress. Despite these challenges, the benefits of this enhancement far outweigh the costs. The improved user experience and increased transparency would make Tdarr more accessible and user-friendly, especially for those with extensive media collections. This improvement aligns with the goal of providing users with the tools and information they need to manage their media libraries efficiently.

Alternatives Considered

Okay, so what other options are there? Honestly, not many that I can think of! The core issue is the lack of information about the total number of files and the scan progress. Without addressing this directly, it's hard to improve the user experience significantly. You could potentially try to estimate the scan time based on the number of files found so far, but that would be a rough guess at best and wouldn't provide the same level of clarity as knowing the total number of files.

Other alternatives might involve providing more detailed logs or allowing users to view the files that are currently being scanned. While these options could be helpful, they wouldn't solve the fundamental problem of not knowing how much work is left to be done. The simplest and most effective solution is to provide a clear, concise progress indicator that shows the total number of files and the number of files scanned.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide users with the information they need to manage their media libraries effectively. Knowing the total number of files and the scan progress is a critical piece of that puzzle. While other options may offer some marginal improvements, none address the core issue as directly and effectively as the proposed solution. Therefore, focusing on implementing a clear and informative progress indicator is the best way to enhance the user experience and provide users with the insights they need.

Additional Context: Millions of Files and a 24/7 Scan

To give you a sense of the scale, imagine a library with literally millions of files. Some are videos, some are not. The initial library scan has been running for two weeks, 24/7, and it has found over 8 million files. But the question remains: How many are left to be scanned? This is where the proposed feature would be a game-changer.

Knowing the initial count of files, the number of files scanned, and the number of files found to be processed would be incredibly helpful. It would provide a sense of progress and allow users to estimate when the scan will be complete. This information is essential for managing expectations and planning around the scan.

Furthermore, it would help in identifying potential issues. If the scan appears to be stuck or is progressing slower than expected, users can investigate and take corrective action. Without this information, it's difficult to determine whether the scan is running normally or if there's a problem that needs to be addressed. Therefore, providing this additional context is not just about convenience; it's about empowering users to manage their media libraries effectively.

The ability to see the total number of files, the number of files scanned, and the number of files to be processed would transform the scanning process from a black box into a transparent operation. This transparency would greatly enhance the user experience and make Tdarr more accessible to users with large media libraries. It would also provide a basis for troubleshooting potential issues and ensuring that the scanning process is running smoothly. Thus, this enhancement is not merely a cosmetic improvement but a functional upgrade that addresses a real pain point for users with extensive media collections.

Benefits of Implementing the Feature

Okay, so why should we implement this feature? Let's break down the benefits:

• Improved User Experience: Knowing the scan progress reduces uncertainty and frustration.
• Better Planning: Users can estimate how long the scan will take and plan accordingly.
• Easier Troubleshooting: It's easier to identify and address potential issues with the scan.
• Increased Transparency: The scanning process becomes more transparent and less of a black box.
• Enhanced Control: Users feel more in control of their media libraries.

These benefits make Tdarr more user-friendly and accessible, especially for those with large media collections. By providing users with the information they need to manage their media libraries effectively, we can enhance the overall experience and make Tdarr an even more valuable tool.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adding a display for total files detected and a current number of files scanned would be a significant improvement to Tdarr. It would address a real pain point for users with large libraries and provide them with the information they need to manage their media collections effectively. So, let's make it happen, guys! Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome. Together, we can make Tdarr even better!