Option to copy automation or script

Configuration
1

I see that there is an option to duplicate an automation or script, but per my previous question, the solution was to copy the code then paste into a new automation or script. I was thinking it would be useful when creating a new automation or script to be able to issue a copy command and then choose an automation or script to copy from. This would also mean that multiple copies of code could be copied.
Would this be a suggestion I could raise?

Thanks

2

If I understand your suggestion the process would be:

  • click on (+ Create automation)
  • click on proposed (copy automation from …)
  • enter source automation name or select from drop down list

Then the existing automation would be copied into the opened new automation

While it would be a convenient thing to have, a little exercise of forethought of clicking on the vertical dots of the source automation, then Duplicate is actually easier. (two clicks as opposed 3-4 clicks with possibly data entry)

3

You can add your feature request here:

4

I’d say most of the times when you feel the need to duplicate an automation then what you really should be doing it looking at how to make one automation do two things.

5

The thing is we all code in different ways. Where possible I try to share code paths but that brings in additional testing (original plus new behaviour). In my case I’m very used to coping portions of code from one automation or script to another. I’m try to use the UI mode as much as possible, avoiding YAML, because all of the effort that gone into making the UI easier to use. I can and will still use YAML, especially if I have some Jinga to code, but the UI mode is so much better to under the flow. I do use copy and paste but it only allows one action at a time, so sometimes YAML is better for copying multiple actions.
I’ll look at adding a feature request when I have more of a design in mind, perhaps some like OldSurferDude described earlier.(thanks for that)