Expensify: 'Create Workspace' Task Not Checked
Hey there! Let's dive into a peculiar issue we've encountered within the Expensify app, specifically related to the onboarding process and the "Create Workspace" task. This bug causes a bit of a hiccup in the user experience, and we're here to break down the problem, the steps to reproduce it, and what to expect.
The Problem: "Create Workspace" Task Not Re-Checking
So, here's the deal. In Expensify's onboarding flow, there's a task called "Create Workspace." The expectation is that once you complete this task, it gets marked as done, right? Well, there's a bug where the task doesn't always get re-checked, even after the user has successfully created a new workspace. This inconsistency can lead to confusion and a less-than-smooth onboarding experience for new users. Let's explore the ins and outs of this bug. This error affects both the staging and production environments, indicating that it is a widespread issue that needs attention.
This bug report specifically targets the Expensify app on Android devices. While the issue is identified on a specific device, the core problem is likely to affect the broader Android user base. The steps provided give us a very specific and targeted method to replicate the issue. The fact that the bug persists after the app is closed and reopened suggests a problem with how the app stores and retrieves task completion data. Fixing this should ensure consistency and improve the onboarding process. The fact that the "Invite accountant" task behaves correctly indicates that the error is specific to the "Create a Workspace" task or the logic tied to it.
How to Reproduce the Bug
Reproducing this bug is fairly straightforward, making it easy to confirm and troubleshoot. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make this happen:
- Create a New User: Start by creating a brand-new user account within Expensify. This ensures a clean slate for the onboarding process.
- Initiate Onboarding: Begin the onboarding flow by selecting the option to "Track and budget expenses." This sets the stage for the rest of the steps.
- Create a New Workspace: As part of the onboarding, you'll be prompted to create a new workspace. Complete this step.
- Access the "Admins" Room: Open the "Admins" room within the app. This is where you'll find the tasks we're focusing on.
- Complete the "Invite Accountant" Task: Within the "Admins" room, there's a task to "Invite accountant." Complete this task.
- Deselect the "Invite Accountant" Task: Go back into the "Admins" room and deselect the "Invite accountant" task. This action sets up the scenario for the bug.
- Repeat Steps 5-6: Redo the "Invite accountant" task again, deselecting it to further isolate the issue. This should ensure the error we are experiencing.
- Kill the App: Close the Expensify app completely. This simulates a user session ending.
- Reopen the App and Check the "Admins" Room: Open the app again and navigate back to the "Admins" room. This is where we'll see if the "Create Workspace" task is correctly checked.
- Deselect the "Create a Workspace" Task: Inside the "Admins" room, deselect the "Create a Workspace" task. This action is designed to trigger the bug. Completing the onboarding will highlight this issue. Create new Workspace inside of the app.
- Create New Workspace: Perform the step of creating a new workspace within the app. This ensures we are testing the main feature. This step is designed to trigger the bug we are exploring.
- Reopen the App and Recheck the "Admins" Room: After performing the above steps and creating a new workspace, go back to the "Admins" room to verify the "Create a Workspace" task's status. It should be checked but isn't.
- Repeat Steps 8-9: Close the app and reopen it, and observe the status of the "Create Workspace" task in the "Admins" room. This will confirm if the issue persists across sessions. If you repeat these actions, the app should be behaving properly. This is the last step in the debugging, as after this step, the bug will be confirmed.
These steps will help pinpoint the bug and allow the development team to accurately identify the root cause. This helps speed up the debugging process.
Expected vs. Actual Results
The expected behavior is simple: after creating a new workspace, the "Create Workspace" task should automatically be checked off in the "Admins" room. This is an integral part of making the onboarding process seamless and intuitive. The whole concept should work with ease. This ensures that new users can easily navigate the app and complete their onboarding tasks. Ideally, the app would recognize the action and update the task status accordingly. This helps the users finish the task.
However, the actual result differs. After deselecting the "Create a Workspace" task and then creating a new workspace, the task isn't checked again. This creates a disconnect between the action performed (creating a workspace) and the task's status (unchecked). The task is not automatically marked as completed, as it should be, after completing the required actions. This error can result in a frustrating experience for the user.
Workaround
At the moment, there's no known workaround for this bug. This means users are left with an unresolved task, which might cause confusion or frustration. The development team is working to find a fix.
Platforms Affected
This bug primarily affects the Android app version of Expensify. Other platforms, like iOS and web versions, are not listed as affected. The core issue seems to be specific to the Android app. This means that users of the Android version of the app are the ones most likely to encounter this issue.
Screenshots/Videos
To better understand the issue, a screenshot is provided. This visual aid will provide better clarity and a comprehensive review.
Conclusion
This bug, while seemingly minor, can cause confusion during the onboarding process. The fact that it occurs consistently in both staging and production environments underscores its importance. Hopefully, a fix will be implemented soon to ensure a seamless experience for all Expensify users. The main goal is to provide a user experience that is intuitive and bug-free.
For more information on contributing to Expensify's development, check out their contributing guidelines. You can also email contributors@expensify.com to join the Slack channel and stay updated on the latest developments.
For more information, visit Expensify's official website: Expensify.