How do I convert a composite column to a regular text one?

ownedbycats · 09-21-2021, 04:37 AM

I have a composite column used in a save template.

Since it uses a fairly complex GPM template and is only actually needed when sending a book to device, for performance reasons I'd like to change that to a regular text column and have Action Chains update it with my send-to-device chain.

What would be the best way to change it?

chaley · 09-21-2021, 05:42 AM

You can't change the column type.

The best approach is to create a new column and delete the composite. That avoids the implicit type change because you aren't reusing the lookup key. If you really use the composite in only one place then delete it and then create the new column with the same lookup key.

ownedbycats · 09-21-2021, 05:56 AM

Is there a way to copy the composite output to the new coumn?

chaley · 09-21-2021, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ownedbycats

Is there a way to copy the composite output to the new coumn?

Bulk search and replace using "template" as the source and the new column as the destination.

ownedbycats · 09-21-2021, 06:20 AM

Thanks. That worked.

I got it all converted over and the chain set up.

Calibre is running faster! I think it's because #kobopath also pulled some stuff from my composite #kobostatus column (which in turn also checked a bunch of other columns).

09-21-2021, 04:37 AM	#1
ownedbycats Custom User Title Posts: 10,974 Karma: 75337983 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Canada Device: Kobo Libra H2O, formerly Aura HD	How do I convert a composite column to a regular text one? I have a composite column used in a save template. Since it uses a fairly complex GPM template and is only actually needed when sending a book to device, for performance reasons I'd like to change that to a regular text column and have Action Chains update it with my send-to-device chain. What would be the best way to change it? Last edited by ownedbycats; 09-21-2021 at 05:02 AM.

09-21-2021, 06:20 AM	#5
ownedbycats Custom User Title Posts: 10,974 Karma: 75337983 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Canada Device: Kobo Libra H2O, formerly Aura HD	Thanks. That worked. I got it all converted over and the chain set up. Calibre is running faster! I think it's because #kobopath also pulled some stuff from my composite #kobostatus column (which in turn also checked a bunch of other columns). Last edited by ownedbycats; 09-21-2021 at 06:24 AM.

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09-21-2021, 05:42 AM	#2
chaley Grand Sorcerer Posts: 12,447 Karma: 8012886 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Notts, England Device: Kobo Libra 2	You can't change the column type. The best approach is to create a new column and delete the composite. That avoids the implicit type change because you aren't reusing the lookup key. If you really use the composite in only one place then delete it and then create the new column with the same lookup key.

09-21-2021, 05:56 AM	#3
ownedbycats Custom User Title Posts: 10,974 Karma: 75337983 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Canada Device: Kobo Libra H2O, formerly Aura HD	Is there a way to copy the composite output to the new coumn?

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