The Component Graph extension view enables users to create and edit graphical views of component models. This article describes how to work in the view.


Prerequisites

  • An installation of the SystemWeaver Explorer client (swExplorer)
  • The SWExtension.ComponentGraph extension files are located in the Client's swExplorerExtensions directory
  • An SW Architect has configured and activated the view via Configure the explorer
  • As with all editing in SystemWeaver, modifying data via a view requires that the items to be changed are in "Work" status.  


Select a function item in the structure for which the view has been configured, and select the view via the Items Ribbon or by selecting it in the View drop-down list under Extensions. 


Getting Acquainted with the View

The view is divided into two panes. 



The one on the left is the graph layout area and the one on the right contains lists of Components and Signals from which you can select from.


Graph Layout Options

Zoom

The layout area offers a zoom in and out functionality using the mouse scroll button. 

Save a Layout

You can modify the layout of the graph, e.g., resizing or moving nodes, and there is an option to save your layout changes.

After making your changes, click Save at the top right of the view. 



During your work in the view, if you move or resize objects, you can always go back and Load the saved layout. 


Default Layout

There is also an option to load the view's default layout at any time by clicking Re-layout at the top left of the view. 



If you need more graph work space, you can always adjust the size of the work area by hiding the structure tree and/or dragging the splitter to the right. 


Components

The Components section lists all of the available components that you can add to the structure using the graph view. 


Signals

The Signals section lists all of the available signals by Context that you can add to the structure using the graph view.



Because this list can be very long, there is a Filter tool and, the pane can be resized. 


Adding a Component

There are two ways to add a new component. One is to select a component type from the Components list and drag it to the graph work area. 



In the Create component dialog, enter a name for the new component and click OK. 



The other way is to right-click on the function in the work area, select Add new component, and select the component type there. 


Adding a Signal

Adding signals is done in the same way as adding a component. 


First, you will need to choose a context for your selection in the Signals section to the right. 



Then, to add a port for an existing signal, grab and drag the signal from the Signals list to the location for the in or out port. 


Either drop it on top of a component. 



Or, for an external port, drop it directly on the function. 



In the Add port dialog, select Out port or In port and click OK.



The new port for the signal is added to the structure and viewable in the graph. 



To create a new signal, right-click on a component, select Add new signal, and select In port or Out port.



Enter a name for the new signal in the New signal dialog and click OK.



The new port for the new signal is added to the structure and viewable in the graph.


Connecting Components

To create communication between components, click and drag signals between them.


Deleting Components and Signals

You can delete objects via the view by using the Delete key. Select the node or port you want to remove and press Delete. 


Click OK to the Remove dialog to confirm the removal from the structure. The item is removed from the view and the structure.