Toolbox validation (XML schema?)

[aloeffen]

We use custom class toolboxes to support our customers in building class models that adhere to a specific metamodel.

We are searching for a way to validate the generated Toolbox XML (esp. "profiles" imported as an MDG technology). We'd expect an XML schema to be available.

- Where can we find such a schema?
- Where can we find additional "tools" for validating the toolbox/profiles generated?
- Where can we find a technical spec for the Toolbox?

We use EA 15 & 16.

Thanks in advance!
Arjan

[qwerty]

Well, I wrote a validator with a script using the API. It's a bit of work but was worth it. I use it as part of the (script-driven) MDG creation process. Since this was created for a customer I can not publish it.

q.

[aloeffen]

Hey Qwerty,

What spec did you base the development of your validator on?

Arjan

[qwerty]

Actually none. I investigated the format of the export from EA and reproduced that. A bit finicky but doable. The profile itself is exported via an API operation but the toolbox, diagram and other bits are created directly from the model. Since I have to analyze the toolbox model I can thereby perform consistency checks and croak where needed (the way EA handles things is - how shall I put it? - strange; using text where you could have a relation etc. which always caused these bugs in a MDG where you had to pull your hairs until you were bald).

Probably this is a base for a good product, but for me it's no longer fun to develop towards EA. Maybe when times are changing. Unlikely, though.

q.

[Geert Bellekens]

I don't think there even exists an XSD for these profile files.

I think Sparx consideres them as internal technical files, and therefore not needed to document the format.

Geert

[aloeffen]

Thanks Geert and Qwerty, I think I'm thrown back to reverse engineering. I did about the same as Qwerty describes, but suddenly the toolboxes do not load anymore. Back to the drawing board.