[GUI Plugin] Virtual Library Switcher

[ALshaw]

Virtual Library Switcher allows you to quickly switch between virtual libraries from the main toolbar.

Makes switching between virtual libraries much faster. I made this because I couldn't find any other plugin that allows quick switching between virtual libraries from the toolbar. I was a little surprised by this. The Calibre manual specifically recommends using virtual libraries to organize large numbers of books, so switching between them should be as simple and quick as possible.

I used the library icon from Calibre itself as the plugin icon.

I'm fairly new to python (I've always been a C/C++ kinda guy), so if anyone spots any bugs please post them. I'm also new to Calibre and MobileRead, so I don't know who the admins are, so I don't know who I'm supposed to PM for a new plugin to add it to the list.

Comments and suggestions are welcomed.

[BetterRed]

The calibre admins are listed at the bottom of the calibre forum, but the following are no longer active -- Starson17, Piper_, GRiker, Manichean, kiwidude, ldolse, user_none.

I think you need to find a distinctive icon. The Preferences->Look and Feel->Show text under icons setting has a 'Never' option, when that was used your plugin icon would indistinguishable from the 'Choose library' icon.

BR

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by ALshaw

Virtual Library Switcher allows you to quickly switch between virtual libraries from the main toolbar.

Being able to quickly switch between virtual libraries already exists. I'm curious, how is this plugin better than using the tabs or the dropdown list, see attached.

[Terisa de morgan]

This plugins offers me a way to switch libraries that none of the methods you mention, DoctorOh, provides: switch library from the book context menu, so I can do it with keyboard (I cannot expand the dropdown list and to have a tab for each virtual library is something I dislike).

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by Terisa de morgan

This plugins offers me a way to switch libraries then none of the methods you mention, DoctorOh, provides: switch library from the book context menu, so I can do it with keyboard (I cannot expand the dropdown list and to have a tab for each virtual library is something I dislike).

Thanks for the insight.

Once he satisfies BetterRed's concern and provides the appropriate information blurb for the Plugin Index thread. I'm sure BetterRed will be glad to add it to the list.

[Terisa de morgan]

As I'm not so sure the OP is going to be back, here I post a version which includes:

• A different icon of "Choose Library"
• Translation enabled
• Spanish translation
• Real "switch virtual library" instead of applying only the associated search.

I don't know if anybody is interested but, as I've modified the original one for my own use, I though I could add it here.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by DoctorOhh

Being able to quickly switch between virtual libraries already exists. I'm curious, how is this plugin better than using the tabs or the dropdown list, see attached.

In addition to TdeM's point re switching VLs from within the book list context menu; if, in the interest of gaining maximum vertical space, you hide the search bar via the Layout button, and you turn off VL tabs, then there's no way to switch between VL's - or do anything else with VL's.

Maybe the VL drop down menu should be accessible via means other than a button in the hide-able search bar. Such as a regular Toolbar button.

BR

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

Maybe the VL drop down menu should be accessible via means other than a button in the hide-able search bar. Such as a regular Toolbar button.

I agree the option to access the VLs from any menu should be a built in option. I installed the version (1.0.1) Terisa de morgan put up and it allows exactly that, access from whatever menu you wish to place it on.

[kovidgoyal]

https://github.com/kovidgoyal/calibr...4a45655a282425

[Terisa de morgan]

Thank you very much, due to some back problems (usual if you spend a lot of time with computers) I try to use the keyboard as much as possible, so this is very good for me.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by Terisa de morgan

Thank you very much, due to some back problems (usual if you spend a lot of time with computers) I try to use the keyboard as much as possible, so this is very good for me.

@Terisa de Morgan, in your opinion, does Kovid's change obviate the need for this plugin?

BR

[Terisa de morgan]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

@Terisa de Morgan, in your opinion, does Kovid's change obviate the need for this plugin?

BR

I think so but I'll confirm it when I install the new calibre release (I usually install it the same day that it's published).

[BetterRed]

Xiaomi is an odd name for a phone manufacturer, see this.

BR

[Terisa de morgan]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

Xiaomi is an odd name for a phone manufacturer, see this.

BR

I didn't know. But yes, it's not a very proper name.

[ilovejedd]

Question, is this change already in Calibre 3.18 or will it be part of a later release? I didn't notice it in the changelog but figured I'd just confirm. Thanks!