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This blog post will share how to display or return a [[roam/js]] result in block (inline) in Roam Research, along with the various limitations encountered and workarounds developed in the process. The conclusion will also discuss some tips for using LLMs when handling complex programming requirements.

Updating [[roam/js]] Results Inline in Roam Research: No Direct Solution

Many Roam users share a common need: automatically displaying certain calculation results within specific blocks. For example, periodically summarizing subscription fees, counting notes, or calling external APIs. However, Roam's architecture means it's not a general-purpose JavaScript execution/rendering platform, with several key limitations:
  1. {{calc}} code or {{Functions}} only supports basic math or existing plugins, not arbitrary custom JS functions.
  1. Roam doesn't have built-in functionality to "real-time" execute scripts and render results within blocks. This is a crucial limitation.
  1. Although you can write scripts in the [[roam/js]] page, you have to trigger them through manual buttons or plugins like SmartBlocks to write block content. However, they are still manual and cannot update automatically.
As a result, even a seemingly simple requirement like "display custom function results in a block" often requires multiple iterations and debugging to achieve a workable implementation.

Common Compromise Solutions

  1. Using Native JavaScript API to Update Block Content (Complex, Automatic):Write a script in the [[roam/js]] page that periodically (e.g., every 10 seconds) uses roamAlphaAPI.updateBlock to write a string to a specified block. This method is straightforward but brute force, requires no separate trigger, but may consume performance and cannot stop when users leave the page.
  1. Using [[roam/render]] to Display Results (Simple, Onload/OnClick):Write a script in the [[roam/js]] page that defines a method to display a string. Then create a code block that references this script. Finally, render this code block using [[roam/render]] to achieve the desired effect! The advantage is simplicity, but it requires manual clicking.
  1. Utilizing Community Plugins (like SmartBlocks) (Complex, OnLoad/OnClick):If you don't mind installing additional plugins, you can use SmartBlocks to run JS when specific trigger events are detected, automatically writing to blocks. This is often a more feasible solution for users unfamiliar with scripting.

Key Techniques for Working Around Limitations

  1. Write Scripts in [[roam/js]] and Enable Safe Mode This is the first step in enabling custom code; otherwise, no block update operations can be executed.
  1. Use roamAlphaAPI.updateBlock This is the key API for letting scripts "write" content to blocks, and it can be combined with createBlock, deleteBlock, etc., for more complex logic.
  1. Properly Use setInterval or Event Listeners (Optional) You can periodically check page status or directly monitor block changes. Choose based on your needs and technical expertise.

Additional Insights: Don't Forget to Upgrade LLMs When AI Falls Short

If you're using AI to help solve problems but encounter strange phenomena like repeated debugging with large models or inability to find Roam API documentation, besides continuously optimizing prompts and adding context, you can try:
  • Make Requirements as Clear as Possible Especially for programming requirements, include your Roam version, target UID, expected output, error logs, and other details in your prompts - the more detailed, the better.
  • Add More Context or Consult GitHub and Community Discussions AI isn't omnipotent; for obscure or private APIs, you'll still need to rely on Roam's own changelog or dig through community pioneers' experiences.
  • Upgrade to More Powerful (More Expensive) Large Models For example, switching from regular models to GPT-4, as these models often perform better in code and logic reasoning, significantly reducing trial and error costs for complex requirements.

Summary

Implementing "one-click" or "automated" block content updates in Roam Research isn't as simple as it might seem.
• You must understand Roam's limitations: native shortcodes don't support custom JS, and Roam has no built-in real-time rendering engine.
• You can use roamAlphaAPI or community scripts (like SmartBlocks) for secondary development to achieve writing or refreshing block content at specific times or event triggers.
• During debugging, if large models can't solve the problem in one go, remember to try upgrading to different model versions, improving prompts, and searching external resources.
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Zhenye Dong
Zhenye Dong
Product Manager | New Dad | New Blogger
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