History: Appointment slots

            This is new in Tiki ((Calendar)) for ((Tiki27))

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New in recent Tiki versions, the Appointment Slots feature is designed to streamline event scheduling and user coordination by integrating advanced availability and reservation capabilities. Leveraging ((CalDAV)) integration and a suite of new features, users can now create, manage, and share time slots linked to the ((Calendar|Tiki calendar)). This guide details the steps to activate and use Appointment Slots effectively.

!! Key Features
# __Slot Creation and Management__: Users can configure blocks of time when they are available for appointments. These blocks can be viewed and updated through the Tiki interface.
# __Availability Check__: Before booking an appointment, users can check the host's availability and that of any potential participant to avoid scheduling conflicts.
# __Synchronization with External Calendars__: Tiki allows synchronization of slots and events with external calendars via ((CalDAV)), facilitating integration with other calendar applications.
# __Recurrence Rules and Free/Busy Status__: Slots can be configured with recurrence rules, and the interface provides a view of each participant's “Free/Busy” status.
# __Integrated Scheduling Interface__: Appointment slots can be embedded on external sites via an integrated layout, allowing even anonymous users to book events.

!! Creating an Appointment Slot
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# Open your Tiki calendar, click on the three dots at the top-right corner, then select __Availability__.
# On the __Manage Personal Availability__ page, click on __New__ to create an availability slot.
# Define the slot details:
## __Summary__: Enter a brief summary of the availability.
## __Description__: Provide additional details for the slot.
## __Period Start - End__: Specify the start and end date and time.
## __Duration__: If there is no specific end time, use a format like "P7W" for 7 weeks or "P15DT5H" for 15 days, 5 hours.
## __Appointment Slot Calendar__: Select the calendar where upcoming appointments will be stored if this is an appointment slot.
# Click on __Save__ to finalize the slot, which will now appear in your calendar and be accessible to others.
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!! Inviting and Managing Participants
# Once an appointment slot is created, you can invite other users by sharing a link or adding them directly via Tiki.
# Invited users can view your availability and select a slot that works for them.
# For ((Calendar Invitations by email|email invitations)), Tiki's ((CalDAV|CalDAV integration)) generates an iCal attachment, allowing invitees to add the event directly to their own calendars.

!! Checking and Responding to Invitations
# Users receive invitations by email or directly in Tiki for events they are invited to.
# By accessing the invitation via Tiki or ((Webmail)), users can view the host's availability and RSVP, marking selected slots as occupied.
# Availability updates or cancellations are automatically synchronized through the ((CalDAV|CalDAV server)).

!! Synchronizing with External Calendars
# Go to the __Calendar Subscriptions__ section to add external calendars.
# Add a ((CalDAV)) or ICS URL to integrate external calendars, and set up either manual or automatic synchronization options.
# External calendar events will appear in your Tiki calendar with availability statuses to prevent conflicts.

!! Typical Use Cases
* __Appointment Coordination__: Ideal for teachers, doctors, or consultants offering fixed time slots that clients or students can book.
* __Team Event Management__: Teams can plan meetings or working sessions based on available slots.
* __External Tool Synchronization__: Users working with other calendar applications (like Google Calendar or Outlook) can sync their slots and events, avoiding scheduling conflicts.

!! Related links
* ((CalDAV|Learn more about CalDAV and its features in Tiki))
* ((Calendar Invitations by email|Details on managing calendar invitations by email))
* ((dev:CalDAV API|Documentation on API and advanced settings))

This documentation should help users make the most of Appointment Slots and enhance appointment and availability management within Tiki.


https://gitlab.com/tikiwiki/tiki/-/merge_requests/3534