Good idea, I tried adding accept_default="false", but it doesn't seem to do anything (the first list entry is still picked, a bug regardless of the search feature?).
Perhaps. We'll look into it.
I also tried combining this with force_select="true", again no change.
BTW, having the default value for this and other param attributes as another column in the table on the wiki would be a big help: https://bitbucket.org/galaxy/galaxy-central/wiki/ToolConfigSyntax
We'll try to augment the wiki with this information soon.
I can insert a dummy entry at the start of my loc file like that, and then I do see the "Click to Search or Select" text. However, the drop down list includes the dummy entry - so this isn't a very good solution. I'd need to add a validator to block the dummy entry or something, but it would still be distracting.
This is the core problem. The prompt can only be presented when no choice is required; if a choice is required, then--like all select boxes--a default choice must be present. If a default choice is present, the prompt cannot be shown because the default choice must be shown. There are definitely alternative approaches, such as putting a label next to the search+select that says "Click to Search or Select" or perhaps using a tooltip.
Currently my best workaround so far is to add a help attribute, "When there are lots of entries, type here to search" (this needs to be worded carefully as when there are only a few databases setup you can't search).
Yes, this is in line with the label/tooltip solution. Additional suggestions are welcome as well.
P.S. I will still be checking email, but our Institute closes today for the Christmas break, so I probably won't be able to try and code changes immediately.
Happy Holidays! J.