Set default data type to <none>

[Ian Mitchell]

This has been bugging me since about V4: when I'm doing conceptual modelling, using UML class diagrams, I want to create attributes of classes, but I'm not ready to commit to them having a specific data type. I'll do that later, if at all.

So, if I'm modelling like this, I'd like to say "always create new class attributes with a data type of <none>". The default is 'Int'.
Is there a setting somewhere to do this?
Not a big deal, but it would smooth over a small rough edge...

[Uffe]

Hi Ian,


I'm not aware of one, and I agree being able to set "<None>" as the default would be very useful.

As an alternative, "<None>" could be made the default if the language is "<None>". That way there's no new option to implement, and you-the-modeller can control the behaviour by setting the diagram language.

As a more ambitious alternative, the default feature type (the same issue exists with "void" for operations) could be made part of the setting for a programming language datatype (or "coding datatype," depending on where in the GUI you look). So in addition to specifying the different datatypes you have in your langue, you could specify one to be the default for new features in elements of that language.

Because this "int" thing even strikes when there is no "int" type in the language.


/Uffe

[Geert Bellekens]

I agree. This has bothered me as well.
The "int" stuff seem pretty much hardcoded since ye olde days.

Maybe it would be best to allow the user to set a default type (also allowing to leave the type empty as default) per language.

Geert

[qwerty]

+1

q.

[Eve]

You can use existing features to make this happen, although it's not as easy as it could be.

Using the MDG Technology wizard define a new "code" module to define a language. eg. "UML" or maybe even "<none>".

Import that into your model.

The personal Preferences dialog will now offer a page for Source Code Engineering that includes an option for "Default Attribute Type".

If it helps, you can even reset the language of elements in your model in bulk with Develop > Preferences > Options > Reset Source Language.

It's not a direct option, but hopefully it helps anyway.

PS. This capability has been in EA since "ye olde days".

[skiwi]

So, if I'm modelling like this, I'd like to say "always create new class attributes with a data type of <none>". The default is 'Int'.

+ 1

[qwerty]

You can use existing features to make this happen, although it's not as easy as it could be.

That language pack should be there as default factory setting.

q.