--- engines: - path: /opt/quarto/share/extension-subtrees/julia-engine/\_extensions/julia-engine/julia-engine.js title: "PRISM Documentation: Packages Page" toc-title: Table of contents --- [Back to Help](../help/) ## Getting Started ![PRISM Packages Page](./help-images/packages_page.png) The **Packages page** is your dedicated workspace for searching, filtering, and exploring all R packages available in PRISM. Unlike the index page which shows both registries and packages, this page focuses entirely on package discovery and management. **Quick Actions**: 1. **🔍 Search packages** - Use the search bar for real-time filtering 2. **🎛️ Apply filters** - Filter by R version or registry 3. **📊 Switch views** - Toggle between table and grid layouts 4. **❤️ Save favorites** - Mark packages for quick access later ## Page Overview ### Navigation and Controls ![PRISM Packages Page](./help-images/packages_package_search.png) The packages page header contains essential navigation tools: - **Results Counter** - Shows how many packages match your current search and filters - **Sort Options** - Sort packages alphabetically (a-z or z-a), by title, or by whether they have documentation available - **View Toggle** - Switch between table and grid layouts - **Search Bar** - Real-time package search - **Filter Dropdown** - Filter by R version ### Search Functionality #### How Search Works - **Real-time filtering** - Results update as you type - **Comprehensive matching** - Searches both package names and descriptions - **Fuzzy search** - Finds packages even with slight misspellings - **URL persistence** - Search terms are saved in the URL for sharing #### Search Tips 1. **Package names** - Type exact or partial package names (e.g., "dplyr", "ggplot") 2. **Descriptions** - Search by functionality (e.g., "data manipulation", "visualization")\ 3. **Clear search** - Delete all text to see all packages again ## Filtering System ### R Version Filter ![PRISM R Version Filter](./help-images/packages_r_version_filter.png) The R version filter helps you find packages compatible with your specific R installation: - **Compatibility checking** - Automatically filters out incompatible packages - **Version-specific** - Only shows packages that work with the selected R version, and distinguishes between versions that are compatible and those that are not for the same package - **Page-specific** - Filter setting applies only to this page (not site-wide) - **Clear filter** - Select "rversion" to show packages for all R versions ### Registry Filter ![PRISM Registry Filter](./help-images/registry_dropdown.png) The registry filter (located in the navigation bar) controls which package registries are visible: - **Modified Results** - Results are filtered to only show packages and versions from the selected registries - **Site-wide effect** - Affects all pages you visit, not just the packages page - **Multiple selection** - Choose specific registries or "All Registries" - **Session persistent** - Settings remembered until you close your browser - **Instant updates** - Changes apply immediately to package results ## View Options ### Table View ![PRISM Packages Table View](./help-images/packages_packages_table.png) The default table view provides a structured overview of packages: #### Columns - **Package Name** - Click to navigate to package details - **Versions** - Shows available versions (dropdown for multiple versions) - **Title** - Package description - **Docs** - Documentation availability indicator #### Features - **Sortable columns** - Click column headers to sort - **Version dropdowns** - Access multiple versions directly from the list - **Click navigation** - Click package names to view details ### Grid View ![PRISM Packages Grid View](./help-images/packages_packages_grid.png) The grid view presents packages as cards as an alternative to the table view. Users can still sort cards by package name alphabetically by using the "Sort By" dropdown. #### Card Elements - **Package logo** - Visual identification - **Package name** - Click to view details - **Version information** - Current version with dropdown for others - **Favorites heart** - Add/remove from favorites - **Documentation icon** - Quick access to docs (when available) - **Keywords/tags** - Package categorization - **Description** - Brief package summary #### Benefits - **Visual browsing** - Easier to scan and discover packages - **Rich information** - More context visible at a glance - **Favorites management** - Quick heart-click to save packages ## Package Version Availability ### Version Dropdowns ![Package version dropdown, table view](./help-images/package_table_dropdown.png) ![Package version dropdown, card view](./help-images/package_card_dropdown.png) When packages have multiple versions available: - **Primary version** - Displayed by default (usually latest) - **Dropdown access** - Click to see all available versions - **Direct navigation** - Click any version to go to its details - **Version count** - Shows total number of versions in parentheses ### Documentation Indicators ![Documentation indicators](./help-images/packages_docs_availability.png) Documentation availability is clearly marked: - **Blue book icon** - Documentation available for this version - **Gray book icon** - Documentation available for other versions - **No icon** - No documentation available for this package ## Results and Feedback ### Warning Messages ![Package filter warning indicator](./help-images/warning_indicator.png) Yellow warning messages appear when: - **Version conflicts** - Some package versions don't match your R version filter - **Hidden packages** - Registry filtering has removed some packages from view - **Limited results** - Filters have reduced the available package versions ### Limited Results Dropdown ![Limited results dropdown](./help-images/packages_limited_results.png) A package's dropdown gets modified when the number of package versions available is less than the number of package versions that match your search and filters. ### No Results State ![No packages to show](./help-images/packages_no_results.png) When no packages match your search and filters: - **Clear message** - "No packages to show" appears in the content area - **Troubleshooting** - Check your search terms and filter settings - **Reset options** - Clear search or adjust filters to see more results ## Common Workflows ### Finding a Specific Package 1. **Use the search bar** - Type the package name or related keywords 2. **Apply R version filter** - Select your R version if compatibility matters 3. **Browse results** - Look through the filtered list 4. **Click package name** - Go to detailed package information ### Comparing Package Versions 1. **Find packages with multiple versions** - Look for dropdown arrows 2. **Open version dropdown** - See all available versions 3. **Check documentation** - Note which versions have docs available 4. **Navigate to specific versions** - Click to view detailed version information ### Building a Package List 1. **Search systematically** - Use targeted searches for your domain 2. **Save favorites** - Heart-click packages you want to remember 3. **Use registry filters** - Focus on specific package sources 4. **Document URLs** - Share filtered search URLs with colleagues ### URL Sharing All your search and filter settings are preserved in the URL: - **Shareable links** - Send filtered results to colleagues - **Bookmarkable** - Save specific search configurations - **Browser navigation** - Back/forward buttons work correctly ## Troubleshooting ### Common Issues **Search not working?** - Ensure JavaScript is enabled in your browser - Try refreshing the page if search seems stuck - Clear search term and try different keywords **No packages showing?** - Check if registry filter is set to "No Selection" - Clear R version filter (set to "rversion") - Verify search term isn't too specific **Grid/table view not switching?** - Ensure JavaScript is enabled - Try refreshing the page - Check browser console for errors **Favorites not saving?** - Confirm browser allows local storage - Avoid private/incognito browsing mode - Clear browser cache if issues persist **Filters not working correctly?** - Try clearing all filters and starting fresh - Check that you're using the correct filter dropdown - Verify registry selection in the navigation bar [Back to Help](../help/)