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How changes are saved and put into use

Most settings pages keep every change as a numbered version, so that a mistake can be undone and the office can see who changed what. Each page ends with the same line: "Save draft keeps your changes without using them yet. Put into use makes them the version Chiban uses."

The three buttons​

  • Save draft keeps what you typed for later. Chiban keeps using the version already in use.
  • Put into use makes the draft the version Chiban uses. A box asks you to confirm.
  • Discard draft throws away the draft. If the item has never been in use, discarding removes it entirely. Otherwise the version in use stays in use.

If a required field is empty or a value is not allowed, Put into use tells you what to fix and does not go ahead.

What happens to applications already open​

On the permit pages (application types, forms, fee schedules, templates, conditions and inspection checklists), the page header says: "Open applications keep the version they started under." A new version applies to new applications from then on. An application that was started under version 1 of a fee schedule keeps version 1's fees until it is finished.

On other pages, such as the town profile, Chiban starts using the new version as soon as you put it into use.

Version history​

These pages have a Version history that lists each version, whether it is in use or replaced, who put it into use and when, and where it started. "Made by the town" means the town wrote it. A line such as "Building or demolition permit starter, version 3" means it began as that starter. Some pages also show what changed in each version.

Restore an earlier version​

A replaced version has a Restore version button, for example Restore version 1. It makes that version live at once, as a new version, and replaces the one in use now. The history keeps all of them, and the restored one is marked "Restored from version 1".

Starting a new item​

On the lists for application types, forms, fee schedules, templates, conditions, inspection checklists and local code amendments, the button at the top starts a new item, for example New form. It asks for a name. Under Advanced is a short name that other settings use to refer to the item. It is made from the name if you leave it empty, and it cannot be changed later. The new item starts as a draft that is not in use.

Most towns start application types from a starter. See adopting starters and taking updates.

The lists​

Each list shows counts for In use, Not in use yet, Has a draft not in use yet and No draft. Use them to find an item someone began and never put into use.

What does not work this way​

A few things are saved with their own button and take effect at once: the card processor account, an inspector's calendar target, boards, sections for findings, parcel ID formats, enforcement officers and staff accounts.