Bug 412669 - Copy/Move existing folder from one filesystem to another: different folder sizes of empty folder can cause confusion
Summary: Copy/Move existing folder from one filesystem to another: different folder si...
Status: CONFIRMED
Alias: None
Product: frameworks-kio
Classification: Frameworks and Libraries
Component: Properties dialog (other bugs)
Version First Reported In: 5.60.0
Platform: Other Linux
: NOR wishlist
Target Milestone: ---
Assignee: KIO Bugs
URL:
Keywords: junior-jobs, usability
Depends on:
Blocks:
 
Reported: 2019-10-06 12:09 UTC by Gregor Mi
Modified: 2024-06-27 10:14 UTC (History)
4 users (show)

See Also:
Latest Commit:
Version Fixed/Implemented In:
Sentry Crash Report:


Attachments
Overwrite an empty folder, but different sizes (29.38 KB, image/png)
2019-10-06 12:09 UTC, Gregor Mi
Details
Properties Dialog (93.04 KB, image/png)
2019-10-06 12:09 UTC, Gregor Mi
Details

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Description Gregor Mi 2019-10-06 12:09:08 UTC
Created attachment 123058 [details]
Overwrite an empty folder, but different sizes

Recently, I guided an occasional Plasma user when she wanted to sort out which of here files were already copied to an external USB drive and which ones were newer or missing. The following is one of the findings for potential improvement.

We copied a folder structure that also contained empty folders which were also present on the target filesystem.

The user - already a bit stressed out - was completely confused when the empty folder was  denoted with "4 KB" in size on the left side, whereas on the right side it was "0 KB", see screenshot.

SUGGESTION:

- On the "Already Exists" dialog, make it clear that a folder which devoid of any files or folders is empty, e.g. by displaying the word "empty".
- This could also apply to the Properties dialog, see second screenshot.
- Properties dialog: Maybe add a hint to the user that on some file systems, even an empty folder has a certain size.
Comment 1 Gregor Mi 2019-10-06 12:09:30 UTC
Created attachment 123059 [details]
Properties Dialog
Comment 2 Nate Graham 2019-10-07 02:37:45 UTC
The fact that empty folders take up 4 KB on some filesystems has always given me pause too when reminded of this awkward implementation detail.

Maybe for empty folders we should lie and say "0 KB" or be sneaky and just say "Empty" instead.
Comment 3 Ahmad Samir 2021-06-13 14:58:17 UTC
I think there is nothing we can do here, this is the size reported by the filesystem...