Feature Request: Add capability to permanently delete components from the layout db

[aaronpearlman]

It would be useful to add a function in ch_util/layout.py that will allow a component to be permanently deleted from the database. This capability currently does not exist.

[mondana]

We have built two telescopes: Pathfinder & CHIME with no need to have this function. So after consulting with the developers, this is not something we need to add.

• Instead of deleting a component, we should make them "unavailable"
• Instead of deleting a connection, we should "sever" the connection and add a note. This allows retrieval of connection history and component history.

[aaronpearlman]

If you do not intend to implement a capability to permanently delete components, then please advise how to resolve the errors that are posted on the layout db web interface for the following components that were created several months ago (during testing):

aaron1
aaron5
aaron6

At this point, these components cannot be modified, either through the web or python (peewee) interfaces.

My request for this capability is to ensure that, if such errors arise, we can delete the component from the database without losing the ability to use the unique serial number.

If similar errors arise for one of the critical components for the Outrigger telescopes, what is the plan to resolve this if we encounter a similar problem and do not have the deletion capability?

[mondana]

please share the python script that was used to create those components and I try to recreate the bug and address the issue.