Sorting of ingredients

[Professor X]

PC version 1.4.8.0

This seems to have already existed in previous versions since version 1.2.0.

After creating a recipe the ingredients are sorted in alphabetic order, which is different then it was originally entered.

Suggestion: don't sort the ingredients, by default, but rather give the user an option when creating a new recipe to select sorting or unsorted before clicking the Save button.

[Harry Jennerway]

I think generally sorted is better than unsorted, but thanks for the suggestion.

[jsager]

no, no, no, sorted is not generally better than unsorted, at least for the original poster of this thread, and for me, and i am sure for quite a few others.

i thought i had stumbled upon the recipe software that met all my requirements, plus some other features that i dont think i will ever use, but can easily live with. However, this automatic sorting of ingredients (if this is documented somewhere then i must have missed it) was a surprise and for me a show stopper.

Why unsorted?
1 because i can then group ingredients (separated by a blank line or a title) for the marinade, separately from the meat, and from the garnish, etc
2. for recipes like Bouillabaisse, i can then group ingredients separately for the various aromatics, spices, and the different types of fish or seafood.
3. even for recipes like chicken pie, would it not be helpful to separately group the ingredients for the pastry (assuming the pastry is made from scratch), and the ingredients for the pie filling?
4. for stews, braises, curries, stir fry, and asian cooking in general, it would be helpful to have the ingredients separated into the order in which they are to be added during the cooking process.
5.etc

i dont expect everyone to agree, but is there a technical reason that makes it difficult to support such an option, ie not to sort? If not, then such an option would widen its appeal to a wider audience.

anyways, i wish you all the best

[Harry Jennerway]

I'll try to think of a way of grouping the ingredients. Thanks for your input.

[rhaz]

I too am having issues due to the sorting. I have a number of recipes with directions that say to use the first x ingredients - if you don't realize the sorting is happening, it's quite confusing.

Would a solution be just to include an ingredient # with the option to sort either by the number entered or name?

Thanks for creating and supporting a nice piece of software.

[Harry Jennerway]

Good idea rhaz. I'm pretty busy at the moment, but I'll definitely look at this the next time I get some free time.

[Harry Jennerway]

Added in ChickenPing 1.67.

[rhaz]

Thanks Harry - downloading now!