feature request: batch importer

[ghost]

Hi

I would like to'request a universal batch importer that can import batches of any type of data jabref currently supports. I'm still a beginner and figuring out the different ways but the following data types could be added in this feature.

Batch import of:

• a folder of pdf files
• a folder of bib files
• a list of DOI links
• a list of URLs which the current version of the browser plugin can handle
• ...

The goal of this feature is to fastly merge/add everything to your library WITHOUT using a format available in the file -> import feature.
Suppose you have a folder of downloaded papers, a text file with DOI/URL links on each line, ... and you want jabref to batch import those without doing it manually entry by entry.

There should be some batch import options for choosing what to import in certain situations and the option 'apply to all' or 'ask user for each imported entry'.
When batch importing, you should choose the data type first (pdf, url link, ...) and jabref gives you a window specific to choose the settings for importing this specific data type. For example: if you choose pdf, jabref should give you a window to drag and drop pdf files to or let you select a pdf folder(s) (including subfolders or not).

After the batch import, it could be useful to have a 'summary window' that tells you how many entries were read successfully, how many failed (and the reason) and maybe the elapsed time of the import process.

I think this can be easily implemented since it's nothing more then calling the code that already exists but in a loop.
But this feature is extremely useful for importing manually collected/downloaded data in jabref (in supported format of course).
A folser of pdf files is a very common source of data that many people will have.

Thanks for reading

[ThiloteE]

Batch importing pdf files is possible via Tools > search for unlinked local files

[ghost]

Batch importing pdf files is possible via Tools > search for unlinked local files

Oh! I didn't know that.

[koppor]

"a folder of bib files" is feature-wish https://github.com/koppor/jabref/issues/295