Changing a file name does not update backlinks

[antistic]

Consider a file

# File 1

Link to [[File 2]]

If you rename file-2.md, there is no prompt to update backlinks in file 1. This is something Obsidian supports, and VSCode supports this for other relative links like javascript imports.

I looked to see if there was VSCode support for this, but they labelled it as an extension candidate, and even if they did add it I don't know if that would work for WikiLinks.

[riccardoferretti]

thx @ant-i-c-s, support for refactoring is on the roadmap, will be coming soon

[ErikPlachta]

What I'm finding is that it wont even let you change backlinks manually. It updates with the old file name.
-Am I right that the only option ATM is delete and create a new file or have a broken backlink?

[riccardoferretti]

@ErikPlachta the second problem should have been addressed by #349, do you have this issue with Foam 0.6.0?

[ErikPlachta]

@riccardoferretti - I'm embarrassed to say I don't know how to check. 😳 I just started playing with Foam yesterday and learning how it works.

Thinking I'm going to export my notes, burn it down, and build it back up vs wasting time.

[ysl2]

I was wondering if it would also be possible to automatically update backlinks when moving files?

[riccardoferretti]

@ErikPlachta check in your extension tab and see the version number next to the Foam extension:

@ysl970629 it will most definitely be possible 👍

[ErikPlachta]

Confirmed on 0.6.0

[riccardoferretti]

you mean the bug is still there in 0.6.0?

[ErikPlachta]

@riccardoferretti said, "you mean the bug is still there in 0.6.0?"

Yes, that is correct. I'm going to read through the documentation tonight and see if I'm breaking a rule somewhere I don't realize it.

For context, here is a photo of code next to preview view.

Red line on right to point out the garbage info from broken back-links for file names I've changed after foam auto-created them.

[ysl2]

A plugin can update the regular markdown links[](), I know it maybe not relative to this issue... I just remind you there is a plugin which can update [](), and I think if it could helps you a bit :-) @riccardoferretti

https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=mathiassoeholm.markdown-link-updater

[riccardoferretti]

thx @ErikPlachta @ysl970629
a major piece of work on linking is happening soon, this will be part of it

[ErikPlachta]

No problem, love it and will keep using it.

I made a clean clone and disabled all extension except for required and verified issue still happening.

Should I make a bug report or anything else I can do to help?

[riccardoferretti]

thanks @ErikPlachta this issue will track the file renaming, which actually is totally decoupled from the improvements on the linking side - it will just be more precise once we the linking gets more robust

[ainar]

Do you have any information on how you plan to implement the refactoring, just to know where we can help?

[riccardoferretti]

the approach I am thinking of atm is along the following flow:

1. a file is renamed
2. the watcher notified the FoamWorkspace
3. the workspace/graph looks for connections to the existing file from other files
4. the wikilinks are updated and the files saved

there are still a few open questions (e.g. how to handle files that are currently opened in a tab witihin VS Code)

[riccardoferretti]

closing as duplicate of #809 - moving the conversation there