Investigate .zenodo.json Download Behavior and Download-Both Option

Summary

OpenCite currently generates and downloads a Zenodo metadata file using the filename .zenodo.json. However, some browsers and operating systems do not reliably preserve leading-dot filenames when downloading files from a web application. As a result, users may receive zenodo.json instead of .zenodo.json.

Current Behavior

• OpenCite generates valid Zenodo metadata.
• The application requests the filename .zenodo.json.
• Some browser/OS combinations may save the file as zenodo.json instead.

Expected Behavior

When possible, users should receive a correctly named .zenodo.json file that is compatible with GitHub and Zenodo workflows.

Potential Solutions

Option 1: Keep Current Behavior

• Continue requesting .zenodo.json.
• Document browser limitations.
• Users can rename the file manually if necessary.

Option 2: Add "Download Both" ZIP Export

Provide a single ZIP download containing:

• CITATION.cff
• .zenodo.json

Benefits:

• Preserves the exact filename inside the archive.
• Allows users to download both metadata files at once.

Tradeoffs:

• Requires users to extract the archive before use.
• Adds additional export logic and ZIP generation dependencies.

Option 3: Add User Guidance

• Display a note explaining that some browsers may remove the leading dot.
• Provide instructions for renaming the file if needed.

Notes

• The application previews already display the generated metadata and can be copied directly by users if download behavior is inconsistent.
• This issue does not affect the validity of the generated metadata, only the downloaded filename.
• A future "Download Both" feature would likely address this issue while also improving usability.

Start by reviewing the existing download behavior and the generated metadata previews, then reproduce how leading-dot filenames are handled across browsers and operating systems. Clarify whether the accepted outcome is documentation, user guidance, or a ZIP containing CITATION.cff and .zenodo.json; done means the chosen behavior is reliable and documented for users.