Current behavior
When multiple instances of the same screen are open in the Software Factory, they work independently. Search code is the only exception, because its instances share state:
- Open Search code and search for term X.
- Open a second Search code screen and search for term Y.
- Return to the first screen and click Search again.
The first screen now shows the results for Y, and its search term has changed to Y.
Why this is a problem
Users learn from the rest of the platform that each screen instance keeps its own context. Search code breaks that expectation without any visual indication. A user who opens a second Search code screen to compare results, or to keep an earlier search at hand, silently loses the first one and may act on results they did not ask for. Even if this is intended, from a user's perspective it is indistinguishable from a defect.
Proposal
Make behavior consistent (orthogonal) across the platform:
- Preferred: each Search code instance keeps its own state (search term, filters, results), just like other screens.
- Alternative: if shared state is a deliberate design choice, make it explicit. For example, reuse the existing Search code screen instead of opening a new instance, or clearly indicate that the instances are linked.
What matters most is predictability. Either all screen instances are independent or none are, with no silent exception for a single screen.
Context
I originally reported this as a bug. It was closed as intended behavior, with the suggestion to submit it as an idea, which is why I am posting it here.