Clean Joplin: Remove Orphaned .crypted Encrypted Files

Hey guys! Ever found yourself drowning in a sea of .crypted files in your Joplin notes, especially after using the rxliuli.joplin-batch plugin? You're not alone! This article is here to guide you through cleaning up those orphaned encrypted files, ensuring your Joplin is as tidy as it is secure. Let's dive in!

Understanding the .crypted File Conundrum

When you enable End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) in Joplin, your notes are encrypted for enhanced security. This process results in two files: the original file (e.g., filename.pdf) and its encrypted counterpart (filename.crypted). The rxliuli.joplin-batch plugin is a fantastic tool for cleaning up orphaned files, but it might miss those .crypted files lurking in the shadows. This is because the plugin might successfully delete the original file but leave the .crypted file behind, especially if it's not directly linked to a note within Joplin's database. This can lead to a buildup of unnecessary files, cluttering your storage and potentially causing confusion.

The core issue arises from how E2EE works in conjunction with file management. When a file is encrypted, a new .crypted file is created, but the original file should ideally be removed once the encryption is complete and verified. However, if something goes wrong during the cleanup process, or if the batch processing tool doesn't account for this specific scenario, you end up with these orphaned encrypted files. The problem is compounded by the fact that these files are not easily identifiable through Joplin's interface, as they are essentially remnants of a process rather than active components of your notes. Therefore, a dedicated solution for identifying and removing these .crypted files is crucial for maintaining a clean and efficient Joplin setup.

The Feature Request: Cleaning Up Isolated .crypted Files

The main request here is to extend the functionality of tools like rxliuli.joplin-batch to include the cleanup of orphaned .crypted files. Imagine a scenario where you've deleted a note containing an attachment. The original file is gone, but the .crypted version stubbornly remains. This feature request aims to address this issue, ensuring that when an original file is deleted, its encrypted counterpart is also removed if it's no longer needed. This would not only save storage space but also improve the overall organization of your Joplin data. The key is to implement a mechanism that can identify .crypted files that no longer have a corresponding original file or a valid reference within Joplin's database. This could involve scanning the file system, comparing filenames, and cross-referencing with Joplin's internal records to determine which .crypted files are safe to delete. The implementation should also consider the possibility of false positives and provide a way to verify the deletion to prevent accidental data loss.

Proposed Solution: A Step-by-Step Approach

One proposed solution involves a systematic approach to identify and remove these orphaned .crypted files. This solution, which you can even script yourself, consists of several steps:

1. File Name Acquisition: First, you need to get a list of all files in your Joplin profile directory. This is where all your notes, attachments, and encrypted files are stored. You'll be working with this list to identify the .crypted files.
2. Filtering .crypted Files: Next, you'll filter this list to isolate files with the .crypted extension. These are the files you're interested in cleaning up.
3. Name Extraction: For each .crypted file, extract the base filename (e.g., from filename.crypted, extract filename). This will be used to check for the existence of the original file.
4. Matching Check: Now, check if a file with the same base name but a different extension (e.g., filename.pdf, filename.txt) exists in the directory. This step is crucial to determine if the .crypted file is orphaned.
5. Conditional Action: If a matching non-.crypted file is found, it means the original file still exists, and the .crypted file is likely still in use. If no matching file is found, it suggests the original file has been deleted, and the .crypted file is an orphan and can be safely removed. This conditional logic is the heart of the cleanup process.

This approach ensures that only truly orphaned .crypted files are deleted, minimizing the risk of data loss. By systematically checking for the existence of corresponding original files, you can confidently clean up your Joplin storage and maintain a tidy note-taking environment. The beauty of this solution is its simplicity and effectiveness, making it accessible even to users with basic scripting skills. You can adapt this logic to various scripting languages or even use it as a basis for a more integrated feature within Joplin itself.

Scripting Your Way to a Cleaner Joplin

For those comfortable with scripting, you can implement the above solution using a script. Here’s a rough outline of how such a script might look (in pseudocode):

Get list of all files in Joplin profile directory
For each file in list:
    If file ends with ".crypted":
        Extract filename (e.g., "filename" from "filename.crypted")
        If file with name "filename.*" (excluding ".crypted") does not exist:
            Delete file

This script iterates through each file, checks if it's a .crypted file, and then verifies if a corresponding original file exists. If not, it deletes the .crypted file. This kind of script can be a powerful tool for managing your Joplin files and keeping things organized. Remember to exercise caution when running scripts that delete files, and always back up your data before making any major changes. The flexibility of scripting allows you to customize the cleanup process to your specific needs, such as adding logging, confirmation prompts, or more sophisticated file matching logic. By taking control of your Joplin data through scripting, you can ensure a clean and efficient note-taking experience.

Alternatives Considered: Why This Solution Shines

Currently, there aren't many readily available alternatives for cleaning up orphaned .crypted files in Joplin. One could manually go through the files, but this is time-consuming and prone to errors. Other batch processing tools might not specifically target .crypted files, making them ineffective for this particular problem. This highlights the need for a dedicated solution like the one proposed. The beauty of this solution lies in its simplicity and directness. It addresses the specific issue of orphaned .crypted files without introducing unnecessary complexity. The proposed script-based approach is also highly adaptable, allowing users to tailor the cleanup process to their specific needs and preferences. Furthermore, by focusing on file existence as the primary criterion for deletion, the solution minimizes the risk of accidental data loss. This careful consideration of potential pitfalls sets it apart from more generic file management tools that might not be aware of the nuances of Joplin's E2EE implementation. In contrast to manual methods, the proposed solution offers efficiency and reliability, making it a valuable addition to Joplin's ecosystem.

Additional Context: macOS and Joplin Batch

This issue was reported on macOS 11.7.10 using Joplin Batch. This context is important because it helps developers understand the specific environment where the problem occurs. Knowing the operating system and the Joplin version can aid in reproducing the issue and testing potential solutions. It also highlights the cross-platform nature of Joplin and the need for solutions that work seamlessly across different operating systems. The fact that the issue was encountered while using Joplin Batch suggests that the problem might be related to how the plugin interacts with the file system or Joplin's internal data structures. This additional context can guide developers in their investigation and ensure that the fix is effective across various setups. By providing detailed information about the environment, users contribute to the overall improvement of Joplin and its ecosystem of plugins.

Conclusion: A Cleaner, More Organized Joplin

Cleaning up orphaned .crypted files is essential for maintaining a tidy and efficient Joplin setup. The proposed solution offers a practical and scriptable approach to tackle this issue. By implementing this, you can ensure your Joplin is free from unnecessary clutter, making it a joy to use. Remember, a clean Joplin is a happy Joplin!

Let's keep those notes organized and our minds clear! Cheers, guys!