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OSS Report: aceberg/WatchYourLAN


WatchYourLAN Development Focuses on Bug Fixes and UI Enhancements Amidst Active User Engagement

WatchYourLAN, a lightweight network IP scanner, continues to evolve with recent efforts concentrated on resolving critical bugs and enhancing the user interface. This open-source project, primarily written in Go, offers network monitoring capabilities with a web GUI and integration with InfluxDB2 for data visualization.

Recent Activity

Recent issues and pull requests (PRs) highlight a focus on improving usability and reliability. Key issues include #105, which addresses InfluxDB crashes, and #104, concerning Safari browser compatibility. These issues underscore the need for robust cross-platform functionality and stable integrations. Feature requests like sticky filter options (#108) reflect user demand for a more customizable interface.

Development Team and Recent Activity

  1. Andrew Erlikh (aceberg)

    • 0 days ago: Merged PR #110 (safari option fix); added ARP strings from environment.
    • 1 day ago: Merged PR #109; adjusted HTML for better user experience.
    • 2 days ago: Updated README with screenshots; fixed typos.
    • 3 days ago: Enhanced README with API documentation.
    • Collaborates closely with Steve Clement on HTML fixes.
  2. Steve Clement (SteveClement)

    • 0 days ago: Contributed to safari option fix in HTML.
    • 1 day ago: Improved HTML to prevent data loss during scans.
    • Works frequently with Andrew Erlikh on UI-related changes.
  3. Jauder Ho (jauderho)

    • 2 days ago: Updated README.md for clarity.
    • Primarily involved in documentation updates.
  4. Dvcrn

    • No recent commits; has one open PR.

The development team is actively addressing both immediate bug fixes and long-term enhancements, with Andrew Erlikh leading most of the contributions.

Of Note

Quantified Reports

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Recent GitHub Issues Activity

Timespan Opened Closed Comments Labeled Milestones
7 Days 10 6 20 7 1
30 Days 11 6 20 8 1
90 Days 19 8 27 15 1
1 Year 45 21 66 31 1
All Time 91 50 - - -

Like all software activity quantification, these numbers are imperfect but sometimes useful. Comments, Labels, and Milestones refer to those issues opened in the timespan in question.

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Quantified Commit Activity Over 30 Days

Developer Avatar Branches PRs Commits Files Changes
Andrew Erlikh 1 0/0/0 34 67 3966
Steve Clement 1 2/2/0 3 4 22
Jauder Ho 1 1/1/0 1 1 4
David (dvcrn) 0 1/0/0 0 0 0

PRs: created by that dev and opened/merged/closed-unmerged during the period

Detailed Reports

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Recent Activity Analysis

The GitHub repository for WatchYourLAN has seen recent activity with 41 open issues, indicating ongoing user engagement and development. Notably, several issues have been raised recently regarding bugs and feature requests, reflecting user interest in improving functionality and addressing existing problems. A recurring theme is the request for enhancements to the user interface and notification features, as well as issues related to device detection and network scanning reliability.

Several issues stand out due to their implications for user experience and functionality. For instance, Issue #105 regarding InfluxDB crashes highlights a critical bug affecting users who rely on this integration for data visualization. Additionally, Issue #104 points to a browser compatibility issue that could alienate users on Safari. The presence of multiple requests for features like sticky filter options (#108) and sorting capabilities (#87) suggests a demand for a more customizable user interface.

Issue Details

Most Recently Created Issues

  1. Issue #108: Make filter options, table sorting and auto-refresh toggle sticky/permanent

    • Priority: Enhancement
    • Status: Open
    • Created: 1 day ago
    • Updated: N/A
  2. Issue #105: InfluxDB crash

    • Priority: Bug
    • Status: Open
    • Created: 2 days ago
    • Updated: 1 day ago
  3. Issue #104: [BUG] Safari doesn't display hostname but Chrome does.

    • Priority: Bug
    • Status: Open
    • Created: 2 days ago
    • Updated: N/A
  4. Issue #101: sqlite listed twice in settings

    • Priority: Bug
    • Status: Open
    • Created: 2 days ago
    • Updated: N/A
  5. Issue #100: GUI theme blocked by pihole

    • Priority: Question/Support
    • Status: Open
    • Created: 2 days ago
    • Updated: N/A

Most Recently Updated Issues

  1. Issue #104: [BUG] Safari doesn't display hostname but Chrome does.

    • Updated by Andrew Erlikh (aceberg) confirming the bug and discussing a potential fix.
  2. Issue #105: InfluxDB crash.

    • Updated with additional logs from the user experiencing the issue.
  3. Issue #97: Configuration is not properly stored.

    • Updated with advice from Andrew Erlikh on how to mount configuration files correctly.
  4. Issue #96: Possible to run as rootless user?

    • Updated with troubleshooting steps provided by the community.
  5. Issue #93: ARP-SCAN not reliable with WIFI devices.

    • Updated with suggestions for improving scan reliability.

Themes and Commonalities

The recent issues indicate a strong focus on improving usability and reliability within WatchYourLAN. Users are particularly concerned about:

  • Bug fixes related to device detection across different browsers and environments (e.g., Safari compatibility).
  • Enhancements to the user interface, including sticky settings for filters and sorting options.
  • Integration issues with external services like InfluxDB, which are critical for users relying on data visualization tools.

The active discussions around these issues suggest that while the core functionality of WatchYourLAN is appreciated, there is significant room for improvement in terms of user experience and system stability.

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Overview

The analysis of the pull requests (PRs) for the WatchYourLAN project reveals a mix of recent activity focused on feature enhancements, bug fixes, and documentation improvements. Notably, there is one open PR and several recently closed ones, indicating ongoing development and maintenance efforts.

Summary of Pull Requests

Open Pull Requests

  • PR #107: Add NET_ADMIN, NET_RAW
    Created 1 day ago by David (dvcrn). This PR addresses permission issues related to capturing network data on specific interfaces by adding the necessary capabilities (NET_ADMIN and NET_RAW) to the Docker container configuration. This is significant as it directly impacts the functionality of the application in terms of network scanning capabilities.

Closed Pull Requests

  • PR #110: chg: [html] replaced option with data tag
    Closed 1 day ago, merged by Andrew Erlikh. This PR replaces an <option> tag with a <data> tag in the HTML structure to resolve an issue regarding proper usage as per documentation. It highlights a quick fix that was later deemed necessary but initially intended as a hotfix.

  • PR #109: chg: [html] Added target="_blank" to avoid losing ongoing scan data
    Closed 1 day ago, merged by Andrew Erlikh. This change ensures that links open in a new tab, preventing users from losing their current scan state, which enhances user experience.

  • PR #102: Update README.md
    Closed 1 day ago, merged by Andrew Erlikh. This PR fixed a small typo in the README file, showcasing attention to detail in documentation.

  • PR #78: docs: typo: wariable -> variable
    Closed 65 days ago, merged by Andrew Erlikh. Another minor documentation fix that improves clarity.

  • PR #69, #68, #67: Adjustments made to HTML files for responsiveness on mobile devices. These PRs were closed approximately 241 days ago and indicate ongoing efforts to enhance user interface adaptability across devices.

  • PR #37: Removed IP from host_in_db to avoid DHCP false positives. This PR reflects a significant change in how host data is managed within the application.

  • PR #35: Added delete functionality for logged hosts. This feature enhances user control over their data and improves overall usability.

  • PR #32: Implemented multithreaded ARP scanning. This enhancement likely improves performance during network scans.

Analysis of Pull Requests

The recent activity within the WatchYourLAN repository indicates a proactive approach towards both feature enhancement and maintenance. The presence of one open PR (#107) focused on improving network permissions suggests that developers are actively addressing user needs and technical limitations encountered during operation. The addition of NET_ADMIN and NET_RAW capabilities is particularly noteworthy as it directly relates to the core functionality of the application—network scanning.

The closed PRs reflect a healthy development cycle with several minor fixes and enhancements aimed at improving user experience and maintaining code quality. For instance, PRs like #110 and #109 demonstrate responsiveness to usability concerns—ensuring that users do not lose their progress during scans is crucial for maintaining engagement with the tool. Moreover, the attention given to documentation through PRs like #102 and #78 highlights an understanding that clear communication is vital for user adoption and satisfaction.

Interestingly, there are multiple PRs related to enhancing mobile responsiveness (#69, #68, #67). This trend indicates an awareness of diverse user environments and a commitment to ensuring that the application remains functional across various devices—a critical aspect given the increasing use of mobile platforms for web applications.

However, while there are many recent merges indicating active development, it is worth noting that some older PRs (like those from over 600 days ago) suggest potential areas where features could be revisited or improved upon further. The lack of recent activity on these older requests may indicate either a shift in priorities or resource allocation within the development team.

In conclusion, the WatchYourLAN project appears to be in good health with active contributions aimed at enhancing functionality and user experience. The balance between addressing immediate issues (like permission settings) and implementing broader improvements (such as mobile responsiveness) reflects a thoughtful approach to software development. Continued engagement with both current issues and older pull requests will be essential for sustaining momentum and ensuring long-term success for this project.

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Repo Commits Analysis

Development Team and Recent Activity

Team Members:

  1. Andrew Erlikh (aceberg)

    • Recent Commits:
    • 0 days ago: Merged PR #110 (safari option fix) and added ARP strings from environment.
    • 1 day ago: Merged PR #109 (target blank to avoid losing ongoing scan data).
    • 1 day ago: Implemented changes related to ARP strings and fixed HTML option tag placement.
    • 2 days ago: Updated README with screenshots and fixed small typos.
    • 3 days ago: Made significant updates to the README, including API documentation.
    • Collaboration: Worked closely with Steve Clement on multiple HTML fixes and feature implementations.
    • In Progress Work: Continues to refine ARP scanning features and HTML updates.
  2. Steve Clement (SteveClement)

    • Recent Commits:
    • 0 days ago: Contributed to the safari option fix in the HTML.
    • 1 day ago: Added target="_blank" in various HTML files to enhance user experience during scans.
    • 1 day ago: Fixed the placement of the <option> tag within the <select> element.
    • Collaboration: Frequently collaborates with Andrew Erlikh on HTML-related changes.
  3. Jauder Ho (jauderho)

    • Recent Commits:
    • 2 days ago: Updated README.md to fix a typo and improve documentation.
    • Collaboration: Engaged in minor documentation updates, primarily working independently.
  4. Dvcrn

    • Recent Activity: No recent commits; has one open PR.

Patterns, Themes, and Conclusions

  • The majority of recent activity is driven by Andrew Erlikh, indicating he is the primary contributor to the project. His focus has been on enhancing features related to ARP scanning and improving the web interface's usability through HTML adjustments.
  • Steve Clement's contributions complement Erlikh's work, particularly in refining the user interface and fixing bugs related to HTML elements.
  • Jauder Ho's involvement appears limited to documentation updates, suggesting a less active role in feature development.
  • The team is actively merging PRs, indicating a collaborative environment despite a concentration of contributions from a few members. The project shows signs of ongoing development with a focus on both feature enhancement and bug fixes, particularly around the web GUI and ARP functionalities.