[sword-devel] SFM to OSIS handling of the \sr marker?

[Isaac Dunham]

On Wed, Jan 06, 2016 at 09:07:48AM -0800, David Haslam wrote:
> As I continue to evaluate the efficacy of Aydeth's u2o.py script, this
> subject surfaced in my thinking.
> 
> The \sr marker is described in the USFM Reference:
> 
> Section reference range. 
> · The text reference range listed under a section heading. 
> · \sr is not equivalent to \r which is used for marking parallel references. 
> 
> What real value is there in making these kind of references into OSIS links?
> 
> After all, when you see one of these headings, you're already at the
> location.
<snip> 
> Of course, some front-ends (e.g. Xiphos) convert ranges to a verse list in
> the side panel.
> But how much value does this add for the typical user?
> 
> And consider how many verses could easily end up in such a verse list. e.g. 
> <title type="scope">(<reference>Salmau 1—41</reference>)</title>
> Does anyone really think a verse list for 41 psalms is going to be useful?

All your other arguments are persuasive, so I'm not arguing against the
conclusion.

But on the general topic of converting ranges to verse lists, I would like
to say that creating a list of all verses may not make sense for most uses,
but it is useful to have a list of starting verses, including, "if
reasonable", all chapter-starting verses within the range (since navigation
is generally on the chapter level, allow one to read all the range without
switching to "next chapter" navigation".)
Eg, Phil. 1:12-2:4 would become a list of 
Philippians 1:12
Philippians 2:1

Psalms 1-41 could become (depending on one's understanding of 'reasonable')
Psalm 1:1
Psalm 2:1
...
Psalm 40:1
Psalm 41:1

or simply
Psalm 1:1

However, I'll point out that a full verse list might be very helpful when
one is using the 'parallel' mode, as it currently is a display of a single
verse in multiple modules.

> I'm beginning to think that we should leave these as plain text headings
> rather than active links.
> 
> Does anyone agree?

Well...
I suppose one might argue that these would come in handy if you're using
a commentary viewed in chapter mode, along with parallel translations
(possible example: I use KJV/RWP regularly, but may switch to parallel
view with the EMTV, Darby, and Byzantine modules in addition to the KJV.)

I have not used the verse list on such an occasion, however.

In general, I'd agree.

God bless,
Isaac Dunham