Fix: Network Selector Issue On Mobile (CowSwap)

by Alex Johnson 48 views

Have you encountered an issue with the network selector on CowSwap when using a mobile device? You're not alone! This article delves into a specific bug reported by users, where the network selector doesn't close as expected after the second click on mobile devices. We will explore the steps to reproduce this behavior, the actual and expected outcomes, and the underlying cause of this issue. Understanding this bug can help developers and users alike appreciate the nuances of cross-platform web development and the importance of addressing mobile-specific issues.

Understanding the Problem

When using CowSwap on a mobile device, some users have observed that the network selector behaves inconsistently. Specifically, the network selector fails to close after the second click, leading to a frustrating user experience. This issue only arises in the mobile version of the site, highlighting the disparities between desktop and mobile web interactions. Let’s break down the steps to replicate this bug, understand its actual behavior, and contrast it with the expected functionality.

The main keyword here is the network selector issue. This is a crucial element in any decentralized exchange (DEX) like CowSwap because it allows users to switch between different blockchain networks. A network selector that doesn't function correctly can hinder users from accessing various networks, thereby limiting the utility of the DEX. Therefore, identifying and rectifying this bug is essential for ensuring a smooth and seamless user experience on CowSwap. The inconsistency in behavior between desktop and mobile versions underscores the significance of thorough testing across different platforms and devices. This ensures that all users, regardless of their device, have a consistent and reliable experience when interacting with the application.

How to Reproduce the Bug

To replicate the network selector bug on CowSwap, follow these steps:

  1. Go to https://swap.cow.fi/ on your mobile device or in your browser's mobile mode (developer tools).
  2. Ensure your screen width is less than 960px to simulate a mobile view.
  3. Tap on the Network Selector to open the network options.
  4. Tap on the Network Selector again.

By following these steps, you should be able to observe the bug in action. The simplicity of these steps highlights how easily this issue can be encountered by users navigating CowSwap on their mobile devices. This ease of reproduction underscores the importance of addressing the bug promptly to minimize user frustration and ensure a positive user experience. Mobile users frequently interact with web applications on the go, and a malfunctioning network selector can severely impede their ability to trade or manage their assets efficiently.

Actual vs. Expected Behavior

Actual Behavior

Upon the second click on the Network Selector, the network selection menu closes briefly and then reopens. This creates a disruptive loop where the menu doesn't stay closed as the user expects. This behavior is inconsistent and can lead to a frustrating user experience, especially for those who are trying to quickly switch between networks or complete a trade. The flickering open-and-close action of the network selector can be disorienting and may even lead to accidental selections or unintended actions. It is crucial to differentiate this behavior from the expected behavior to understand the bug's impact fully.

Expected Behavior

The Network Selector should close on the second click, providing a clean and intuitive user experience. This is the standard behavior for most dropdown menus and selectors on the web, and it aligns with user expectations for how interactive elements should function. When a user taps the network selector a second time, their intent is likely to dismiss the menu and proceed with their transaction or other activities on the site. Failing to close the menu on the second click breaks this intuitive flow and adds an unnecessary step to the user’s interaction with the platform. This discrepancy between actual and expected behavior is a clear indicator of a bug that needs to be addressed to maintain the usability of CowSwap.

Technical Explanation of the Bug

The root cause of this issue lies in the implementation of the useOnClickOutside hook and how it interacts with the component’s event handling on mobile devices. The code uses useOnClickOutside(isUpToMedium ? [nodeMobile] : [node]) to detect clicks outside of the network selector menu and close it accordingly. However, on mobile devices, the second click on the Network Selector is being incorrectly detected as an