JtxBoard Bug: Recurring Tasks Reappearing After Completion

Experiencing issues with JtxBoard where completed recurring tasks are reappearing? You're not alone! This article dives into a frustrating bug reported by a user involving JtxBoard, DAVx⁵, and Radicale server synchronization. We'll break down the problem, explore the steps to reproduce it, and discuss potential workarounds. If you're struggling with tasks mysteriously resurrecting themselves in JtxBoard, keep reading.

The Recurring Task Nightmare in JtxBoard

The user, TechbeeAT, reported a peculiar problem while using JtxBoard in conjunction with DAVx⁵ and a Radicale server. Their setup includes a Thunderbird instance connected to the same Radicale server. The core issue? Recurring tasks, specifically a weekly and a monthly task, that keep reappearing in JtxBoard even after being marked as completed. This reemergence happens after a seemingly random period, usually between 4 to 8 weeks, causing significant frustration and extra work. The user's JtxBoard filters are set to hide completed tasks and only display tasks with a start date in the past, today, or blank. This should, in theory, keep the completed tasks out of sight. Yet, they resurface, disrupting the user's task management flow.

The annoyance is amplified by the fact that all instances of the recurring task reappear simultaneously. Imagine diligently marking your weekly tasks as done, only to find weeks later that every single one of them is back on your to-do list! The user emphasizes that this issue arises specifically during synchronization with the DAV server. To temporarily fix this, the user either has to manually mark each instance of the recurring task as complete again – a tedious and time-consuming process – or completely wipe JtxBoard's data and reconfigure it from scratch. Both solutions are far from ideal, highlighting the need for a proper fix.

The user is confident that the bug originates within JtxBoard itself, citing that resetting JtxBoard resolves the issue, while Thunderbird, which also synchronizes tasks with the same DAV server, remains unaffected. This strongly suggests that JtxBoard is not correctly managing the completed status of recurring tasks during synchronization. The bug makes JtxBoard unreliable and causes user frustration.

Replicating the Issue: Steps to Reproduce

Want to see if you can reproduce this annoying bug? Here’s how TechbeeAT was able to trigger the issue:

1. Set up a recurring task: Create either a weekly or monthly recurring task within JtxBoard. Ensure that you configure it to synchronize with a DAV server using DAVx⁵.
2. Configure Filtering: Apply filters in JtxBoard to hide completed tasks and display only those with a start date in the past, present, or with no start date specified.
3. Mark Tasks as Complete: For several weeks, consistently mark each instance of the recurring task as completed on the day it is due.
4. Wait and Observe: The crucial part: wait for approximately 4 to 8 weeks. During this time, continue marking the tasks as complete. Eventually, you should observe that all previously completed instances of the recurring task reappear.

By following these steps, you may be able to reproduce the bug and confirm that you are experiencing the same issue. Reproducing the error reliably is the first step for fixing the problem.

Expected Behavior vs. Reality

The expected behavior is simple: once a task instance is marked as completed, it should stay completed. It shouldn't reappear weeks later, cluttering the task list and requiring the user to re-do work. The entire point of using a task management system is to keep track of what's done and what's not. This bug completely undermines that functionality, leading to a loss of trust in the application.

Device and Version Information

Knowing the user's device and software versions helps to narrow down the source of the problem. Here’s the information provided by TechbeeAT:

• Device: Pixel 7a
• Android Version: Graphene OS (Android 16)
• Jtx Board Version: 2.14.00.ose (214000003)
• Download Source: F-Droid

This information is valuable for developers to identify if the bug is specific to certain devices, Android versions, or JtxBoard builds. For example, it's possible that the issue is related to the interaction between JtxBoard and Graphene OS.

Potential Workarounds (Until a Fix is Available)

While we await a permanent solution from the developers, here are a few potential workarounds you can try:

• More Frequent Data Backups: Regularly back up your JtxBoard data. This way, if the bug occurs, you can restore your data to a point before the tasks reappeared, minimizing the amount of re-marking required.
• Consider a Different Synchronization Method (If Possible): If JtxBoard supports alternative synchronization methods, experiment with those to see if the issue persists. It's possible that the bug is specific to the DAVx⁵/Radicale setup.
• Manual Export and Import: Periodically export your tasks from JtxBoard and then import them back in. This might help to "reset" the completed status of the tasks and prevent them from reappearing.
• Reduce the Number of Recurring Tasks: As a temporary measure, try to minimize your reliance on recurring tasks. Break them down into individual tasks if possible. While this might be less convenient, it could help to avoid the bug.
• Check Radicale and DAVx⁵ settings: Although the user suspects JtxBoard, incorrect configurations with the Radicale server or DAVx⁵ could also contribute. Ensure these are correctly set up following their documentation.

Why This Bug Matters

This bug, while seemingly minor, has a significant impact on user experience. It undermines the reliability of JtxBoard as a task management tool and can lead to:

• Loss of Productivity: Users waste time re-doing work and managing reappearing tasks.
• Frustration and Annoyance: The bug is simply irritating and can discourage users from using JtxBoard altogether.
• Data Integrity Concerns: The bug raises questions about the overall integrity of the data stored within JtxBoard.

Conclusion

The recurring task reappearance bug in JtxBoard is a frustrating issue that needs to be addressed. By understanding the problem, the steps to reproduce it, and the potential workarounds, users can better manage the situation until a proper fix is released. Hopefully, the developers will prioritize this bug and provide a solution in a future update. Remember to report the bug to the JtxBoard developers, providing all the relevant information, including device details and reproduction steps. You can also keep an eye on the JtxBoard issue tracker or forum for updates on the bug's status.

To learn more about task management and productivity, you might find valuable information on websites like https://todoist.com/.