Labels on data object hidden

[skiwi]

I found it odd that data objects have a label (the name) that can be selected and moved (unlike the name on most entities, actually this is a nice feature).

You can also hide the labels (see image above).

Once hidden though, how do I get the label back?
Help tells me to go Appearance | Show labels
which would be fine if there was such an option.



Suggestions?

[Geert Bellekens]

Maybe you only get that option in the context menu of the label.
So al you have to do is select the hidden label and
... oh wait ...
maybe the developer overlooked a minor detail ...  

Geert

[KP]

I get the Show Labels command but only if there is a non-blank label and the label is hidden. Check the object's name isn't blank.

[skiwi]

Thanks, here is the data object


not sure what you mean by "non blank label", but the object certainly has a name.

[KP]

OK, so the label will exist. If you don't have a Show Labels command then the label isn't hidden, it must be somewhere in view. It could be behind something else (try right-click > Z-Order > Bring to Top on the data object) or it could have been moved off screen (in which case I have no idea how you would find it).

[skiwi]

OK, on each data object I can use F2.
This brings the label up for editing.
But F2 does not work on this one data object.
I also tried bring to front, sent to back, also using tab and cursor keys to move to and select objects - but these don't move to or select labels.

[KP]

Can you select the data object and press Delete to remove from the diagram (NOT Ctrl+Delete!) then drag it back onto the diagram from the Project Browser?

[skiwi]

Thanks.
I deleted the entity from the diagram only, saved diagram, then dragged the entity back into the diagram.
Still the same.
I also tried changing the font and font colour just in case.
Also tried deleting the name, saving, and putting the name back.
Still does not appear on diagram.

[Paolo F Cantoni]

Thanks.
I deleted the entity from the diagram only, saved diagram, then dragged the entity back into the diagram.
Still the same.

Try dragging onto another diagram...

Sounds like the shapescript for a data object is creating a disembodied label and so it could be anywhere on the diagram (including off screen).  It may be quite possible that removing the object for the diagram doesn't remove the label (since it's disembodied).

I'd suggest a brand new diagram, and then zoom to "fit to window" to make sure all diagrammatic items are visible.

HTH,
Paolo

[skiwi]

Spot the odd entity out?

It is quite bizarre that because it is a stereotyped class it did not show the name label.

[Paolo F Cantoni]

[size=18]...[/size]
It is quite bizarre that because it is a stereotyped class it did not show the name label.

No,  it's EAUI...

Manage Complexity,
   .   .   Reduce Ambiguity,
   .   .   .   .   Eliminate Inconsistency! ^TM

Paolo

[skiwi]

Reported as a bug under subject

Artifact Entity stereotyped as a dataobject behaves differently from class stereotyped as a dataobject

[Paolo F Cantoni]

Reported as a bug under subject

Artifact Entity stereotyped as a dataobject behaves differently from class stereotyped as a dataobject

This is actually a manifestation of a more generic problem - the inconsistent treatment of metatypes.

I don't believe (based on my testing and experimentation) that EA has a clear and unambiguous understanding of a metatype.  In particular, although you can define new metaypes via a profile, there is no place to store the correct identity in the DB.

We long-time users have repeatedly advised that the time has come for a redesign/refactor to improve consistency and therefore long-term manageability.

Anyway, we still live in hope - evidence to the contrary notwithstanding...

Paolo

[skiwi]

Some interesting information from my support response (with minor rephrasing)

The BPMN profile extends the "Artifact" metaclass with the <DataObject> stereotype. It does not extend the "Class" metaclass. If the stereotype is applied to the wrong metaclass then the results will be undefined.

Trying applying the shape script associated with the DataObject stereotype to a variety of different metaclasses (including Artifact and Class) results in all showing their name in a label which can be hidden, and they all have a "Show Labels" command which brings the hidden label back. The fact that one is a class and one is an artifact does not appear to be the cause of the problem.

[Paolo F Cantoni]

Some interesting information from my support response (with minor rephrasing)
[size=18]...[/size]

I'm not sure I understand what Sparx are saying...

I would have thought that if the results were undefined, they are undefined - why do they then define some experimental results?

My comment still stands about not having a clear idea of metaclass...

For example, if the stereotype is defined to «extend» a specific metaclass, why allow it to be applied to another?

Paolo