Feature Suggestion: Extend Query Syntax to Support Other Block Types

[gig168]

Would it be possible to develop a feature that allows Tasks' query syntax to target not only tasks, but also other block types (such as unordered lists and ordered lists)? This would significantly expand the utility of Tasks' powerful query syntax and broaden its application scope.

[claremacrae]

Can you give and example of a search for a task where you feel there is benefit in also being able to search plain list items please?

[claremacrae]

I can’t tell whether or not this is a feature request.

If it is, it should go in Issues.

But before that, let’s figure out if it even relates tor Tasks plugin functionality at all.

[gig168]

Can you give and example of a search for a task where you feel there is benefit in also being able to search plain list items please?

Regarding the Benefits: High Return on Investment (ROI)!

• Low Input/Effort: The existing Tasks query system is already highly sophisticated. Could it potentially be adapted to work with non-task blocks with minimal modifications? (Of course, "minimal modifications" is my speculation; the actual implementation might be more complex).

• High Output/Value: Based on my two years of experience using Obsidian, I've observed that while many plugins (including the recently updated official "Bases" plugin) operate at the note level, there's a significant gap in the market for plugins offering convenient block-level retrieval and processing. This scarcity doesn't imply a lack of demand! Consider how many users rely on the official "Search" functionality. All these users represent potential adopters for this feature, as the user experience of the official search pales in comparison to the power and usability of the Tasks query system.

• Functional Relevance: Finally, this feature isn't entirely disconnected from the core purpose of the Tasks plugin. The concept of "task management" shouldn't be rigidly anchored only to the - [ ] format. It's inherently about supporting the effective progression of work. Enabling the collection and querying of more relevant information blocks would significantly benefit overall task management.

[claremacrae]

Thank you for the reply. I will comment later, but I really was serious when I asked for an example of a search, please.

[claremacrae]

I have formatted the reply so that the 3 lines wrap - they were unreadable on phone screens previously.

[gig168]

tasks
not done
description includes apples
Include non-task blocks

• Buy a pound of apples for Mom.
• I want to eat apples, buy a pound after work.
• Jack gave me 5 pounds of apples and asked me to pick them up on Tuesday.

Clearly, without this feature, it feels like having one eye blindfolded, severely impairing my overall task decision-making process.

[claremacrae]

Ok, but you could make that bullet point in to a task.

You are asking someone to spend a lot of time implementing, testing, documenting and supporting this feature - forever more.

There needs to be a super convincing reason for someone to do all that work for free!

[claremacrae]

Also, with the recent ‘show tree’ feature in Tasks, you can make bullet points be children of tasks and they will show up in your search results.

[claremacrae]

Also, as you point out, the Obsidian search can already help you find lost items.

[gig168]

If I had known it was a 'task' from the start, everything would have been straightforward. But sometimes, it's precisely those forgotten pieces of information that bring serendipitous discoveries. When I realized Jack was supposed to give me an apple—that moment made all the effort feel truly worthwhile.

Lastly, Tasks is an exceptional plugin. It provides immense daily assistance to my workflow, and I genuinely appreciate your ongoing dedication.

[claremacrae]

Thank you, I really appreciate that.

Honestly, I spend at least an hour every day doing user support with the current number of users, to the extent that I don’t get as much time as I would like to develop it.

So what development time I have needs to go on the absolute highest requested features.

With that in mind I have to close this ticket as, unfortunately, not a good or important enough use of my limited free time.