Add New Model Element

Overview

This helper provides a simple alternative to the Add New Menu.

Applicable To	All
Menu Entry	Power Pack  Add New Model Element
Demonstration	Watch the Video

For convenience if using Rhapsody 10 this may also be invoked by a keyboard shortcut (Shift-Alt-A).

Operation

When launched, the helper prepares an available elements list and presents it in a user interface.

Available Elements

If the selected element is a new term and that new term has an aggregates list, then that list becomes the only available elements list. If the aggregates property is conditional this may of course affect the available elements list when different perspectives are selected

If the selected element is not a new term, then the available elements list is built from:

· The metaclasses text file included with the power pack.

· All new terms from all currently loaded profiles.

These are retained whilst this project is loaded (so the first time you launch the helper it may take a little longer than successive launches). Closing the project will clear the list to prevent invalid elements from being displayed if the new project has different profiles.

User Interface

The user interface appears in the centre of the screen.

· Typing some characters into the text field and then pressing Ctrl-Space will present a filtered list of available elements. The focus then shifts to the list where:

o Pressing a letter key will jump to that point in the list.

o The arrow keys can be used to navigate the list.

o The enter key will attempt to add an element of that type (the mouse may also be used).

· Pressing Ctrl-Space will present an unfiltered list. The focus then shifts to the list with the behavior described above.

· Pressing the Escape key with the list open will close the list.

· Pressing the Escape key with no list open will close the window.

· Pressing the Tab key with the list open will shift focus back to the text field (allowing the list to be dynamically filtered by typing characters)

Failures are reported in the Rhapsody log window.

If a model element is successfully added the new element is highlighted in the model.