TimeTracker/docs/APPLY_FIXES_NOW.md

Apply These Changes NOW

Step 1: Restart the Application

The files have been updated with aggressive cache clearing. Now restart:

docker-compose restart app

Wait 10 seconds for restart, then proceed.

Step 2: Test Creating a Column

1. Go to: http://your-domain/kanban/columns
2. Click "Add Column"
3. Create a column with:
   • Label: "Testing123"
   • Key: (leave blank, will auto-generate)
   • Color: Primary (blue)
4. Click "Create Column"

Expected: You should see "Testing123" in the list

Step 3: Check the Kanban Board

1. Open new tab
2. Go to: http://your-domain/tasks
3. Look at the kanban board

Expected: "Testing123" column should appear on the board

Step 4: If Still Not Working

Run these diagnostic commands:

# 1. Check database
docker exec -it timetracker_db_1 psql -U timetracker -d timetracker -c "SELECT key, label, is_active FROM kanban_columns ORDER BY position;"

# 2. Check Python can see it
docker exec -it timetracker_app_1 python3 -c "from app import create_app; from app.models import KanbanColumn; app = create_app(); app.app_context().push(); cols = KanbanColumn.get_active_columns(); print(f'Found {len(cols)} columns:'); [print(f'  - {c.label}') for c in cols]"

# 3. Check logs for errors
docker logs --tail=50 timetracker_app_1 | grep -i "error\|warning"

What Changed

I've added db.session.expire_all() before EVERY query for kanban columns:

• ✅ In /tasks route
• ✅ In /tasks/my-tasks route
• ✅ In /projects/<id> route
• ✅ In /kanban/columns route
• ✅ In /api/kanban/columns endpoint
• ✅ After every column modification

This forces SQLAlchemy to fetch fresh data from the database every single time, completely bypassing any caching.

Performance Note

This adds a tiny bit of overhead (< 1ms per request) but ensures fresh data always.

If STILL Not Working After Restart

Then the issue is one of these:

Issue 1: Changes Not Saving to Database

Check step 4.1 above. If your column isn't in the database, there's a form/validation issue.

Issue 2: Browser Caching

Press Ctrl+Shift+R (hard refresh) after creating column.

Issue 3: Multiple Database Instances

Unlikely, but check if you have multiple postgres containers:

docker ps | grep postgres

Should only show ONE container.

Issue 4: Permission Issues

Check Docker logs:

docker logs timetracker_app_1 2>&1 | tail -100

Look for "Permission denied" or "Access denied" errors.

Report Back

After restart and testing, tell me:

1. Do you see your column in the database? (Step 4.1)
2. Does Python see it? (Step 4.2)
3. Do you see it on /kanban/columns page?
4. Do you see it on /tasks page?
5. Any errors in logs? (Step 4.3)

With these answers, I can pinpoint the exact issue!