Improve text format options in notes field

[nexdev]

Hi

I have been taking a closer look at the document generation functionality, both from EA and eaDocX, as I would like to move more information into the EA model. There are a couple of things that reduce the quality of the documentation that can be generated from the models:

• Although bullet points and numbering is offered in the notes fields, it would be a huge improvement to allow nesting of bullet points and numbered items. This would allow the generation of documents that don't look so much like a collection of diagrams and descriptions, but more like a cohesive document.
• Including cross reference links in addition to the hyperlinks in the notes fields, i.e. links that contain the name of the item they link to rather than having to provide static text. This would allow you to link to an item without the overhead of maintaining the text in the link should the name of the diagram change. It also makes it easier to read in printed form.

Thanks

Mike

[qwerty]

In general I agree. Notes should take (almost) full HTML capabilities. Unfortunately EA stores the notes in its own *limited* format which likely would force them to add a thousand whistles and bells making it unmanageable for them. Up to now they did not dare to make a string move and change their database format in more than some minor steps.

q.

[Ian Mitchell]

With my eaDocX hat on, I'd welcome your first point: richer text in the description field would add greatly to readability: so long as the HTML which Sparx keep in the database is well-formed (which it isn't always at the moment).
I also agree with the second point, but I can see how that would be hard for Sparx to implement given the DB structure. The alternative is to connect the elements with a connector, then the target element name can be printed in an eaDocX document, without maintaining the name. But that does move the reference from inside the Notes field, which changes your model structure.....:-(

Ian - Designer, eaDocX.

[qwerty]

Ian,

2nd point is likely a way to go for Sparx. Some linked element with full flavored HTML contents. Maybe some MDG developer could implement such a thing?

q.

[skiwi]

I fully support this.
In particularly I'd like to see styles applied to lists.

See RTF documentation loses list formatting
and Document options "Use style defined in templaTES"
also Doc Generation - bullets

[skiwi]

not in EA 11

[skiwi]

not in EA 12
Shame really, I'd really appreciate indented lists