Deadline Cloud: Control Submitter Dialog Closure On Success

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving into an exciting feature request that will give submitters more control over their workflow in Deadline Cloud. This came up during a discussion in https://github.com/aws-deadline/deadline-cloud/pull/775, and it's all about how the submission dialog behaves after a job is successfully submitted. Let's break down the problem, the proposed solution, and why this is a fantastic enhancement.

The Problem: Automatic Closing Can Be Limiting

Currently, the Deadline Cloud GUI Submitter has some built-in logic that automatically closes the submission dialog when a job is successfully submitted. However, this only happens if the submitter_name isn't exactly JobBundle. This automatic closing behavior can be a bit restrictive for certain workflows. Imagine you're working on a project where you frequently submit similar jobs with minor tweaks. Having the dialog box close every time forces you to reopen it, re-enter the common settings, and then make your small adjustments. This adds unnecessary steps and can slow down your workflow.

In essence, the core issue revolves around the lack of flexibility in controlling the submitter dialog's behavior. The current system operates under a fixed rule: close the dialog unless it's a JobBundle submission. While this might suit some use cases, it doesn't cater to the diverse needs of all users. The absence of an option to keep the dialog open after submission can interrupt the flow for those who routinely submit similar jobs or need to monitor the submission process more closely.

Let's delve deeper into why this limitation can be frustrating. Picture a scenario where a visual effects artist is rendering multiple iterations of a shot. They might need to submit the same job with slightly different parameters, such as adjusting the frame range or tweaking a specific setting. With the current automatic closing behavior, the artist has to reopen the submission dialog, re-enter all the common settings, and then make the necessary changes for each iteration. This repetitive process not only consumes valuable time but also increases the chances of errors. By having the option to keep the dialog open, the artist can simply make the required adjustments and resubmit, streamlining their workflow significantly. The lack of this simple control mechanism essentially forces users into a rigid workflow that may not align with their individual needs and preferences. This can lead to a less efficient and more cumbersome experience, especially for users who frequently engage in similar submission tasks. Therefore, providing submitters with the ability to dictate the dialog's behavior after a successful submission is crucial for enhancing usability and catering to a wider range of workflows.

The Proposed Solution: A Customizable Closure Option

To address this, the proposed solution is to modify the submission dialog's logic. Instead of automatically closing based on the submitter_name, we'll introduce an argument during the dialog's instantiation. This argument will act as a switch, allowing submitters to decide whether the window should automatically close upon successful submission or remain open. This simple change would provide a significant boost in flexibility and cater to a wider range of workflows.

This proposed solution is centered around introducing a configurable option within the submission dialog. Instead of relying on a fixed rule that dictates the closing behavior, the dialog will be equipped with a setting that allows submitters to explicitly choose whether the window should close automatically after a successful submission. This setting, likely a simple boolean flag, would be determined during the dialog's instantiation, meaning that the submitter can set their preference when they first open the submission window. The beauty of this solution lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. By adding a single, well-placed option, we can empower submitters to tailor the behavior of the dialog to their specific needs and workflow. This avoids a one-size-fits-all approach and allows for a more personalized and efficient experience. Imagine a scenario where a user knows they will be submitting multiple jobs in quick succession. They can simply set the option to keep the dialog open, eliminating the need to repeatedly reopen the window and re-enter settings. Conversely, if a user prefers the dialog to close automatically after each submission, they can easily configure it to do so. This level of control ensures that the submission process aligns perfectly with the user's individual preferences and workflow patterns. Furthermore, this approach is relatively easy to implement and maintain. The addition of a single configuration option doesn't introduce significant complexity to the codebase and is unlikely to cause compatibility issues with existing features. Therefore, this solution represents a practical and impactful way to enhance the usability of the Deadline Cloud GUI Submitter and provide submitters with greater control over their submission workflow.

Example Use Cases: Keeping the Window Open for Efficiency

Let's dive into some specific scenarios where this new option would be a game-changer. Imagine a submitter who frequently submits similar jobs. They might be rendering multiple versions of the same scene with slight variations, or they might be running a series of simulations with different parameters. In these cases, keeping the submitter window open after a successful submission can save a significant amount of time and effort. Instead of having to reopen the dialog, re-enter all the settings, and then make the necessary adjustments, they can simply tweak the relevant parameters and resubmit. This streamlined workflow translates to increased productivity and reduced frustration.

This enhancement is particularly beneficial in scenarios that involve iterative workflows. In the world of visual effects, for example, artists often need to render multiple versions of a shot as they refine the final product. Each iteration might involve minor changes to lighting, textures, or effects. With the current system, the artist has to go through the tedious process of reopening the submission dialog for every single iteration. This not only consumes valuable time but also increases the risk of making errors when re-entering the settings. By having the option to keep the dialog open, the artist can seamlessly transition between iterations, making small adjustments and resubmitting without interruption. This streamlined workflow allows them to focus on the creative aspects of their work, rather than being bogged down by repetitive tasks. Similarly, in scientific simulations, researchers often need to run multiple simulations with varying parameters to explore different scenarios. The ability to keep the submission dialog open allows them to quickly adjust the parameters and resubmit, facilitating a more efficient and iterative research process. The benefits extend beyond just time savings. By reducing the number of steps involved in the submission process, we also reduce the likelihood of errors. Re-entering settings repeatedly can lead to mistakes, especially when dealing with complex configurations. Keeping the dialog open allows users to simply modify the existing settings, minimizing the potential for errors and ensuring a more reliable submission process. In essence, the option to keep the submitter window open provides a significant boost to efficiency and reduces the risk of errors in a variety of use cases, making it a valuable addition to the Deadline Cloud GUI Submitter.

In Conclusion: A Small Change, Big Impact

This feature request, while seemingly small, has the potential to significantly improve the user experience for many Deadline Cloud submitters. By giving submitters the power to control whether the submission dialog closes automatically, we're empowering them to tailor their workflow to their specific needs. This leads to increased efficiency, reduced frustration, and ultimately, a more productive and enjoyable experience with Deadline Cloud. So, what do you guys think? Let's discuss this further and see how we can make this happen!