Index based crashes - workaround for now

[TheOtherRoland]

I was working outside of Apub 2 for a while and returned to it today. When I tried to add an index topic to an existing index (for a 250 page book file), Apub 2 crashed repeatedly each time I tried to add a topic. I then remembered my previous work around, which was to delete the index before adding any topics to it. (Not exactly intuitive)

When I delete the index (highlight text and delete) I can then add topics as expected. However, I can't see them as entries on that page until I do the "insert index" command. But at least it works for now.

But if I was a programmer — which I'm not — this is where I'd be looking for the source of the bug that obviously exists.

System and technical considerations: I'm using Monterey on an old Mac Pro. It is sunny outside. I am drinking tea (Red Rose).

[MikeTO]

Serif will probably want to see the crash report so it would be good if you could upload one. Link below.

You say you're inserting an index topic but can't see them as entries on that page. Do you mean you're inserting an index topic, which is empty and inserts nothing into the page, or an index topic reference, which creates a topic if one doesn't exist an inserts a reference marker into the page? I assume the latter.

Creating a new index topic or inserting an index topic reference doesn't change the index text at the end of your book so deleting the index should make no difference. The only index commands that affect a previously-inserted index are update index and rename topic. If deleting the index from your document makes a different then your document may be corrupted somehow and perhaps it should be reviewed.

I use the index features extensively for two books and although I think there's room for improvement I've never had a crash with them. The index is a pretty simple feature, at least compared to the TOC feature which does some complex things. But regardless, your crash report might help Serif understand what's going on with your document.

Good luck.

 

[TheOtherRoland]

I've had the same issues on two different macs using both APub 1 & Apub 2. The only way I can get a topic into the index list is to delete the index itself and then recreate it afterwards, otherwise I get the spinning wheel of doom — never stops. I have to force a quit.

It could be file related. Or not. I have a book template file so that might be one source of the issue.

Someone else must surely have this issue?

[Callum]

Hi Roland,

Please could you upload a copy of the file and a copy of your latest crash report to the following link? It may also be handy if you could provide a screen recording or steps the can be followed to replicate the crash.

https://www.dropbox.com/request/FcZOOjjMGTChlafTyHju

Thanks
C

[TheOtherRoland]

2 hours ago, Callum said:

Hi Roland,

Please could you upload a copy of the file and a copy of your latest crash report to the following link? It may also be handy if you could provide a screen recording or steps the can be followed to replicate the crash.

https://www.dropbox.com/request/FcZOOjjMGTChlafTyHju

Thanks
C

I can't upload the file because it's a manuscript for a soon to be published book. So that's not an option. But if no one else has this problem then it must be anomaly.

For now, I'm doing my workaround. It may help to note that my index is in a separate master file at the end of the doc. that other text does not flow into. Not sure if that matters, but there are many sections. Either way, the crash is totally consistent. If the index has been created, then I can't add topics to it. As soon as I remove it, I can add topics.