Starting to develop add ins

[SomersetGraham]

Hello everyone
I am just starting to look at developing some EA Addins.
THought I might start by creating a diagram when the user has a UseCase selected.
I looked at the c# samples and see how to get menus operating, however, these samples dont show what can be done after.
For example how do I know what type of element is selected when the menu is in operation. What are the commands to add a diagram etc
Any help is appreciated

Graham

[Geert Bellekens]

Graham,

To find out which type of object is select you can use following:

Code: [Select]

Object selectedItem;
EA.ObjectType selectedType = Repository.GetContextItem(out selectedItem);
To add a diagram to an element or a package you have to use the Element.Diagrams.AddNew(name,type) or Package.Diagrams.AddNew(name,Type).

Furthermore there are two very important functions to remember:
Update() (exists on almost any object): saves the object to the database
Collection.Refresh(): refreshes the collection (in memory). If you don't call this operation then you won't find the new element in the collection unless you reload it from the database.

As a last note I would strongly suggest to wrap all EA classes into your own classes so you can reuse all the convenience methods you are bound to make. I've written down the way I structure my tools on EA in this pattern article: http://themodelfactory.org/Pattern:Modelling_Tooling_Framework

Geert

[SomersetGraham]

Thanks Geert - I'm on my way now!!

[SomersetGraham]

Hi Geert
So I can now create a diagram under the element that I want.
 
Now, how do I gett he diagram displayed once it has been created?

Graham

[Makulik]

Hi,

Look here for Repository.OpenDiagram():
http://www.sparxsystems.com/uml_tool_guide/sdk_for_enterprise_architect/repository3.html

HTH
Günther

[SomersetGraham]

Thanks
I'm having trouble finding the information I want in the help!

Graham

[Makulik]

Yes, it's not always straightforward. One might expect to find this functionality bound to the Diagram object itself instead. As a rule of thumb: If you don't find it bound with the EA Automation-Interface class you're working with, look in the Repostory classes methods to find s.th. appropriate  .

WBR
g.