Editor Canvas

The root element of an ADORA model is represented by the editor canvas. On this canvas, a modeler can draw different kind of elements, such as nodes and connections. The canvas operation are provided by the editor palette. Fig. 1 shows the editor canvas with its palette and a simple model drawn on it.

The ADORA editor canvas showing a simple example model.

Fig. 1: The editor canvas and the palette of the ADORA editor.

Inserting Nodes

The first class of elements of an ADORA models are node elements. These are: object sets, abstract objects, states, actors, scenarios, aspect containers and exit points. For inserting one of these nodes simply select the node type in the editors palette and click on the canvas, where it should be inserted. This only works if the node below the mouse pointer can contain the node to insert. If so, the node is created and inserted as child. If space is needed, the space for the inserted node is created, so that the resulting model is occlusion free.

Inserting Connections

Connections (associations, transitions, scenario connections and join relationships) are drawn from the source element to the target element. Associations can be drawn between components (abstract objects and object sets), between actors and root scenario nodes and between aspect containers and abstract (server) objects. Join relationships are drawn between the entry state of behavior chunks or the root of a scenario tree and a transition which is crosscut. To draw a connection, select the corresponding connection in the palette and click on the start element, then the connection will be drawn to the position of your mouse cursor. Just find the destination element and click, then the line will be established.

Zooming in / Zooming out

See Model Navigation.

Deleting Nodes

Mark the nodes which should be deleted with the help of the select tool in the palette, then just press the delete key on your keybord. The node, all child nodes and the connections from the node or one of its child node are deleted. The freed space is used by the model by automatically contracting the model, so that the freed space is used by the formerly sourrounding model elements.

Deleting Connections

Just select the connection in the canvas that should be deleted with the help of the select tool in the palette and press the delete button on your keybord and the element will be deleted.

Rearranging Models

Models can be rearranged by just dragging elements from one parent to another. Executing this operation leads automatically to a shrinking of the former parent and a bloating of the new parent so that the freed place is automatically used by its sourrounding elements. Furthermore the newly needed space in the new parent is gained by shifting the elements away that potentially cause an occlusion.