SB10 Storybook: Fixing Broken Link In Tags Dropdown

Hey guys! It looks like there's a bit of a snag in Storybook 10 that we need to address. Specifically, there’s a broken link in the Tags dropdown menu, which can be super frustrating when you’re trying to navigate the documentation. Let’s dive into what’s causing this issue and how we can fix it.

Understanding the Bug

The main problem is that the link in the search bar’s dropdown menu for tags is currently pointing to an outdated section of the documentation. With the recent updates to the tags documentation, the current link will lead users to a nonexistent page once Storybook 10 is released. This means anyone trying to access the tags documentation through this link will hit a dead end, which isn't ideal for user experience.

The Technical Details

To get a bit more specific, the component responsible for this link is located here in the Storybook repository. Currently, it directs users to https://storybook.js.org/docs/writing-stories/tags#filtering-by-custom-tags. However, the correct link for Storybook 10 should be https://storybook.js.org/docs/10/writing-stories/tags#custom-tags. The key here is the inclusion of /10/ in the URL, which specifies the Storybook version.

Why This Matters

Accurate documentation links are crucial for a smooth user experience. When developers and users click on a link, they expect to be taken to the correct information. A broken link not only wastes their time but also creates confusion and frustration. This is especially important for new users who are just learning how to use Storybook and rely on the documentation to guide them.

The Solution: Updating the Link

The fix for this issue is pretty straightforward: we need to update the link in the TagsFilterPanel.tsx component to point to the correct documentation section. However, to prevent this issue from recurring in future releases, we should remove the version specifier (/10/) from the URL. This way, the link will always point to the current version of the documentation.

Proposed Solution

The suggested updated link is: https://storybook.js.org/docs/writing-stories/tags#custom-tags (without the /10/).

By making this change, we ensure that users are directed to the appropriate section of the documentation, regardless of the Storybook version they are using. This small tweak can significantly improve the user experience and prevent future breakages.

Steps to Implement the Fix

1. Locate the TagsFilterPanel.tsx component: This file is located in the Storybook repository at code/core/src/manager/components/sidebar/TagsFilterPanel.tsx.
2. Find the broken link: Look for the line of code that specifies the current URL for the tags documentation. It should be pointing to https://storybook.js.org/docs/writing-stories/tags#filtering-by-custom-tags.
3. Update the link: Replace the existing URL with the corrected one: https://storybook.js.org/docs/writing-stories/tags#custom-tags.
4. Test the changes: After making the update, it’s crucial to test the link to ensure it redirects to the correct section of the documentation. This can be done by running Storybook locally and clicking on the link in the Tags dropdown menu.
5. Submit a pull request: Once you’ve confirmed that the fix works, submit a pull request to the Storybook repository with your changes. This will allow the Storybook team to review and merge your fix into the codebase.

Why Testing is Crucial

Testing is a critical step in the software development process. By thoroughly testing our changes, we can catch any potential issues before they make their way into the production environment. In this case, testing the updated link ensures that it redirects to the correct documentation section and that there are no unexpected side effects.

Additional Context and Considerations

While this bug might seem minor, it highlights the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation. Documentation is often the first point of contact for users who are trying to learn and use a new tool or library. Broken links and outdated information can create a negative impression and hinder the adoption of the tool.

Preventing Future Issues

To prevent similar issues from occurring in the future, it’s a good idea to:

• Implement automated link checking: This can help identify broken links in the documentation before they are deployed to production.
• Establish a process for updating links: When documentation is updated or reorganized, ensure that all relevant links are updated accordingly.
• Regularly review and test documentation links: This can help catch any broken links that may have slipped through the cracks.

The Impact of Community Contributions

This bug report and proposed fix highlight the importance of community contributions to open-source projects like Storybook. By reporting bugs and submitting fixes, community members play a crucial role in improving the quality and usability of the software.

How to Contribute to Storybook

If you’re interested in contributing to Storybook, there are several ways to get involved:

• Report bugs: If you encounter a bug while using Storybook, report it on the Storybook GitHub repository.
• Submit fixes: If you know how to fix a bug, submit a pull request with your changes.
• Contribute documentation: Help improve the Storybook documentation by adding new content, updating existing content, or fixing errors.
• Participate in discussions: Join the Storybook community on Discord or GitHub to discuss features, bugs, and other topics.

Conclusion: Ensuring a Smooth User Experience

In conclusion, the broken link in the Tags dropdown menu in Storybook 10 is a minor but important issue that needs to be addressed. By updating the link to point to the correct documentation section, we can ensure a smoother user experience for Storybook users. This fix also highlights the importance of maintaining accurate documentation and the value of community contributions in open-source projects.

By taking the steps outlined in this article, we can resolve this issue and prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. This will help ensure that Storybook remains a valuable and user-friendly tool for developers around the world.

For more information on Storybook and its features, be sure to check out the official Storybook Documentation. It’s a fantastic resource for learning everything you need to know about building UI components in isolation.