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separate view model from business model [message #113891] Tue, 27 January 2004 20:10 Go to next message
Eclipse UserFriend
Originally posted by: david_michonneau.hotmail.com

I would like to separate the view model from the business model in my GEF
editor. Is there any example on how to accomplish this?

For example one model class is Element and has a name property (business
model). Its associated UI has x,y coordinates. What's the best way to create
the association? I was thinking of making the business model IAdaptable to
retrieve its UI counterpart, if any. Then how to hook up the notification
framework? When the position change I need to notify the EditPart, but when
the name change too... So should the EditPart listens to two model instances
UIElement and BusinessElement for example? Or is there any better way to do
it?

Thanks,

David
Re: separate view model from business model [message #113905 is a reply to message #113891] Tue, 27 January 2004 21:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Eclipse UserFriend
Originally posted by: phil.williams.toadmail.com

David,

This is exactly what I am doing.

Say I have 3 different "types" of model elements: Foo, Bar, Baz (each of which
subclass AbstractModel).

In my business model I have many distinct subclasses of these: Foo1, Foo2, Bar1,
Bar2, etc. But I don't want to "pollute" this model with graphical information
like size and location of a widget on the screen that represents them.

My GUI model I have a FooElement, BarElement, BazElement (which subclass a
common AbstractElement class). The AbstractElement has AbstractModel member.
This gets set in the Factory that builds the model when needed by GEF. And
since I am using the logic example as my learning tool, my factory looks
sometihng like:

public class ElementFactory implements CreationFactory {

private String template;

public ElementFactory(String str) {
template = str;
}

public Object getNewObject() {
if (ElementConstants.FOO1.equals(template))
return new FooElement( new Foo1() );
else if ( ElementConstants.FOO2.equals( template ) )
return new FooElement( new Foo2() );

...

return null;
}

public Object getObjectType() {
return template;
}
}

In this way my GUI model ends up much smaller than my business model. Of course
the GUI model has getters so that the base business model can be accessed when
needed.

Hope this helps.

Phil

David Michonneau wrote:

> I would like to separate the view model from the business model in my GEF
> editor. Is there any example on how to accomplish this?
>
> For example one model class is Element and has a name property (business
> model). Its associated UI has x,y coordinates. What's the best way to create
> the association? I was thinking of making the business model IAdaptable to
> retrieve its UI counterpart, if any. Then how to hook up the notification
> framework? When the position change I need to notify the EditPart, but when
> the name change too... So should the EditPart listens to two model instances
> UIElement and BusinessElement for example? Or is there any better way to do
> it?
>
> Thanks,
>
> David
>
>
Re: separate view model from business model [message #113940 is a reply to message #113905] Tue, 27 January 2004 22:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Eclipse UserFriend
Originally posted by: david_michonneau.hotmail.com

That looks interesting, I have one question about that: when you create your
editpart from an AbstractElement, do you register it as listener of both
AbstractElement and its AbstractModel member?

Thanks,

David

"Phil Williams" <phil.williams@toadmail.com> wrote in message
news:bv6k9j$7i6$1@eclipse.org...
> David,
>
> This is exactly what I am doing.
>
> Say I have 3 different "types" of model elements: Foo, Bar, Baz (each of
which
> subclass AbstractModel).
>
> In my business model I have many distinct subclasses of these: Foo1, Foo2,
Bar1,
> Bar2, etc. But I don't want to "pollute" this model with graphical
information
> like size and location of a widget on the screen that represents them.
>
> My GUI model I have a FooElement, BarElement, BazElement (which subclass a
> common AbstractElement class). The AbstractElement has AbstractModel
member.
> This gets set in the Factory that builds the model when needed by GEF.
And
> since I am using the logic example as my learning tool, my factory looks
> sometihng like:
>
> public class ElementFactory implements CreationFactory {
>
> private String template;
>
> public ElementFactory(String str) {
> template = str;
> }
>
> public Object getNewObject() {
> if (ElementConstants.FOO1.equals(template))
> return new FooElement( new Foo1() );
> else if ( ElementConstants.FOO2.equals( template ) )
> return new FooElement( new Foo2() );
>
> ...
>
> return null;
> }
>
> public Object getObjectType() {
> return template;
> }
> }
>
> In this way my GUI model ends up much smaller than my business model. Of
course
> the GUI model has getters so that the base business model can be accessed
when
> needed.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Phil
>
> David Michonneau wrote:
>
> > I would like to separate the view model from the business model in my
GEF
> > editor. Is there any example on how to accomplish this?
> >
> > For example one model class is Element and has a name property (business
> > model). Its associated UI has x,y coordinates. What's the best way to
create
> > the association? I was thinking of making the business model IAdaptable
to
> > retrieve its UI counterpart, if any. Then how to hook up the
notification
> > framework? When the position change I need to notify the EditPart, but
when
> > the name change too... So should the EditPart listens to two model
instances
> > UIElement and BusinessElement for example? Or is there any better way to
do
> > it?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > David
> >
> >
>
Re: separate view model from business model [message #113953 is a reply to message #113940] Tue, 27 January 2004 22:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Eclipse UserFriend
Originally posted by: phil.williams.toadmail.com

Exactly, but there are some business model elements that do not require the edit
part to be notified of changes since some are represented as plane widgets on
the screen and the user modifications will not change the visual representation.

If the model affects the visual representation of the widget in the editor then
the edit part will listen from Business Model Events. I do this in the activate
method of the editpart. There is a base edit part that all my edit parts
inherit from and its activate method adds itself as a listener for GUI model
changes. If the individual edit parts needs to hear business model events, then
it will add itself as a listener for business model events.

Phil

David Michonneau wrote:

> That looks interesting, I have one question about that: when you create your
> editpart from an AbstractElement, do you register it as listener of both
> AbstractElement and its AbstractModel member?
>
> Thanks,
>
> David
>
> "Phil Williams" <phil.williams@toadmail.com> wrote in message
> news:bv6k9j$7i6$1@eclipse.org...
>
>>David,
>>
>>This is exactly what I am doing.
>>
>>Say I have 3 different "types" of model elements: Foo, Bar, Baz (each of
>
> which
>
>>subclass AbstractModel).
>>
>>In my business model I have many distinct subclasses of these: Foo1, Foo2,
>
> Bar1,
>
>>Bar2, etc. But I don't want to "pollute" this model with graphical
>
> information
>
>>like size and location of a widget on the screen that represents them.
>>
>>My GUI model I have a FooElement, BarElement, BazElement (which subclass a
>>common AbstractElement class). The AbstractElement has AbstractModel
>
> member.
>
>>This gets set in the Factory that builds the model when needed by GEF.
>
> And
>
>>since I am using the logic example as my learning tool, my factory looks
>>sometihng like:
>>
>>public class ElementFactory implements CreationFactory {
>>
>>private String template;
>>
>>public ElementFactory(String str) {
>>template = str;
>>}
>>
>>public Object getNewObject() {
>>if (ElementConstants.FOO1.equals(template))
>>return new FooElement( new Foo1() );
>>else if ( ElementConstants.FOO2.equals( template ) )
>>return new FooElement( new Foo2() );
>>
>>...
>>
>>return null;
>>}
>>
>>public Object getObjectType() {
>>return template;
>>}
>>}
>>
>>In this way my GUI model ends up much smaller than my business model. Of
>
> course
>
>>the GUI model has getters so that the base business model can be accessed
>
> when
>
>>needed.
>>
>>Hope this helps.
>>
>>Phil
>>
>>David Michonneau wrote:
>>
>>
>>>I would like to separate the view model from the business model in my
>
> GEF
>
>>>editor. Is there any example on how to accomplish this?
>>>
>>>For example one model class is Element and has a name property (business
>>>model). Its associated UI has x,y coordinates. What's the best way to
>
> create
>
>>>the association? I was thinking of making the business model IAdaptable
>
> to
>
>>>retrieve its UI counterpart, if any. Then how to hook up the
>
> notification
>
>>>framework? When the position change I need to notify the EditPart, but
>
> when
>
>>>the name change too... So should the EditPart listens to two model
>
> instances
>
>>>UIElement and BusinessElement for example? Or is there any better way to
>
> do
>
>>>it?
>>>
>>>Thanks,
>>>
>>>David
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>
Re: separate view model from business model [message #113979 is a reply to message #113953] Tue, 27 January 2004 23:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Eclipse UserFriend
Originally posted by: david_michonneau.hotmail.com

Cool, another question about the container:

I believe you have a container for all your objects in both the UI model and
the Business model (and the UI container has the Business container as
member). Then what happens when you add one child to your business model:
you need to create its ui counterpart, then add the business child to the
business model, and the ui child instance as a child of the ui container,
isn't it complicated? Also what about those elements that do not have any UI
representation?

Thanks for answering all my questions ;)

David

"Phil Williams" <phil.williams@toadmail.com> wrote in message
news:bv6ptk$ecj$1@eclipse.org...
> Exactly, but there are some business model elements that do not require
the edit
> part to be notified of changes since some are represented as plane widgets
on
> the screen and the user modifications will not change the visual
representation.
>
> If the model affects the visual representation of the widget in the editor
then
> the edit part will listen from Business Model Events. I do this in the
activate
> method of the editpart. There is a base edit part that all my edit parts
> inherit from and its activate method adds itself as a listener for GUI
model
> changes. If the individual edit parts needs to hear business model
events, then
> it will add itself as a listener for business model events.
>
> Phil
>
> David Michonneau wrote:
>
> > That looks interesting, I have one question about that: when you create
your
> > editpart from an AbstractElement, do you register it as listener of both
> > AbstractElement and its AbstractModel member?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > David
> >
> > "Phil Williams" <phil.williams@toadmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:bv6k9j$7i6$1@eclipse.org...
> >
> >>David,
> >>
> >>This is exactly what I am doing.
> >>
> >>Say I have 3 different "types" of model elements: Foo, Bar, Baz (each of
> >
> > which
> >
> >>subclass AbstractModel).
> >>
> >>In my business model I have many distinct subclasses of these: Foo1,
Foo2,
> >
> > Bar1,
> >
> >>Bar2, etc. But I don't want to "pollute" this model with graphical
> >
> > information
> >
> >>like size and location of a widget on the screen that represents them.
> >>
> >>My GUI model I have a FooElement, BarElement, BazElement (which subclass
a
> >>common AbstractElement class). The AbstractElement has AbstractModel
> >
> > member.
> >
> >>This gets set in the Factory that builds the model when needed by GEF.
> >
> > And
> >
> >>since I am using the logic example as my learning tool, my factory looks
> >>sometihng like:
> >>
> >>public class ElementFactory implements CreationFactory {
> >>
> >>private String template;
> >>
> >>public ElementFactory(String str) {
> >>template = str;
> >>}
> >>
> >>public Object getNewObject() {
> >>if (ElementConstants.FOO1.equals(template))
> >>return new FooElement( new Foo1() );
> >>else if ( ElementConstants.FOO2.equals( template ) )
> >>return new FooElement( new Foo2() );
> >>
> >>...
> >>
> >>return null;
> >>}
> >>
> >>public Object getObjectType() {
> >>return template;
> >>}
> >>}
> >>
> >>In this way my GUI model ends up much smaller than my business model.
Of
> >
> > course
> >
> >>the GUI model has getters so that the base business model can be
accessed
> >
> > when
> >
> >>needed.
> >>
> >>Hope this helps.
> >>
> >>Phil
> >>
> >>David Michonneau wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >>>I would like to separate the view model from the business model in my
> >
> > GEF
> >
> >>>editor. Is there any example on how to accomplish this?
> >>>
> >>>For example one model class is Element and has a name property
(business
> >>>model). Its associated UI has x,y coordinates. What's the best way to
> >
> > create
> >
> >>>the association? I was thinking of making the business model IAdaptable
> >
> > to
> >
> >>>retrieve its UI counterpart, if any. Then how to hook up the
> >
> > notification
> >
> >>>framework? When the position change I need to notify the EditPart, but
> >
> > when
> >
> >>>the name change too... So should the EditPart listens to two model
> >
> > instances
> >
> >>>UIElement and BusinessElement for example? Or is there any better way
to
> >
> > do
> >
> >>>it?
> >>>
> >>>Thanks,
> >>>
> >>>David
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >
> >
>
Re: separate view model from business model [message #114015 is a reply to message #113905] Wed, 28 January 2004 02:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Eclipse UserFriend
Originally posted by: none.us.ibm.com

David and Phil,

I use the following naming convention

Business Model: Class, Relationship, Package, Namespace
View Model: ClassView, RelationshipView, PackageView, Diagram

Of course "class" may be something else for you.

In the model, the views have a reference to their business object. Their is
nothing wrong with doing this, as long as the relationship is only navigable
from view->business object. Their may even be multiple views of the same
business object.

The editpart implementation listens to the view object and the business
object both. It's "primary" model is the view, because without a view there
is no editpart. Also, the view is unique in the diagram, while the business
object may not be.

"Phil Williams" <phil.williams@toadmail.com> wrote in message
news:bv6k9j$7i6$1@eclipse.org...
> David,
>
> This is exactly what I am doing.
>
> Say I have 3 different "types" of model elements: Foo, Bar, Baz (each of
which
> subclass AbstractModel).
>
> In my business model I have many distinct subclasses of these: Foo1, Foo2,
Bar1,
> Bar2, etc. But I don't want to "pollute" this model with graphical
information
> like size and location of a widget on the screen that represents them.
>
> My GUI model I have a FooElement, BarElement, BazElement (which subclass a
> common AbstractElement class). The AbstractElement has AbstractModel
member.
> This gets set in the Factory that builds the model when needed by GEF.
And
> since I am using the logic example as my learning tool, my factory looks
> sometihng like:
>
> public class ElementFactory implements CreationFactory {
>
> private String template;
>
> public ElementFactory(String str) {
> template = str;
> }
>
> public Object getNewObject() {
> if (ElementConstants.FOO1.equals(template))
> return new FooElement( new Foo1() );
> else if ( ElementConstants.FOO2.equals( template ) )
> return new FooElement( new Foo2() );
>
> ...
>
> return null;
> }
>
> public Object getObjectType() {
> return template;
> }
> }
>
> In this way my GUI model ends up much smaller than my business model. Of
course
> the GUI model has getters so that the base business model can be accessed
when
> needed.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Phil
>
> David Michonneau wrote:
>
> > I would like to separate the view model from the business model in my
GEF
> > editor. Is there any example on how to accomplish this?
> >
> > For example one model class is Element and has a name property (business
> > model). Its associated UI has x,y coordinates. What's the best way to
create
> > the association? I was thinking of making the business model IAdaptable
to
> > retrieve its UI counterpart, if any. Then how to hook up the
notification
> > framework? When the position change I need to notify the EditPart, but
when
> > the name change too... So should the EditPart listens to two model
instances
> > UIElement and BusinessElement for example? Or is there any better way to
do
> > it?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > David
> >
> >
>
Re: separate view model from business model [message #114058 is a reply to message #114015] Wed, 28 January 2004 02:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Eclipse UserFriend
Originally posted by: david_michonneau.hotmail.com

Do you have a sample implementation of such separation applied to a GEF
editor? That would be great.

Thanks,

David

"Randy Hudson" <none@us.ibm.com> wrote in message
news:bv76hh$rmj$1@eclipse.org...
> David and Phil,
>
> I use the following naming convention
>
> Business Model: Class, Relationship, Package, Namespace
> View Model: ClassView, RelationshipView, PackageView, Diagram
>
> Of course "class" may be something else for you.
>
> In the model, the views have a reference to their business object. Their
is
> nothing wrong with doing this, as long as the relationship is only
navigable
> from view->business object. Their may even be multiple views of the same
> business object.
>
> The editpart implementation listens to the view object and the business
> object both. It's "primary" model is the view, because without a view
there
> is no editpart. Also, the view is unique in the diagram, while the
business
> object may not be.
>
> "Phil Williams" <phil.williams@toadmail.com> wrote in message
> news:bv6k9j$7i6$1@eclipse.org...
> > David,
> >
> > This is exactly what I am doing.
> >
> > Say I have 3 different "types" of model elements: Foo, Bar, Baz (each of
> which
> > subclass AbstractModel).
> >
> > In my business model I have many distinct subclasses of these: Foo1,
Foo2,
> Bar1,
> > Bar2, etc. But I don't want to "pollute" this model with graphical
> information
> > like size and location of a widget on the screen that represents them.
> >
> > My GUI model I have a FooElement, BarElement, BazElement (which subclass
a
> > common AbstractElement class). The AbstractElement has AbstractModel
> member.
> > This gets set in the Factory that builds the model when needed by GEF.
> And
> > since I am using the logic example as my learning tool, my factory looks
> > sometihng like:
> >
> > public class ElementFactory implements CreationFactory {
> >
> > private String template;
> >
> > public ElementFactory(String str) {
> > template = str;
> > }
> >
> > public Object getNewObject() {
> > if (ElementConstants.FOO1.equals(template))
> > return new FooElement( new Foo1() );
> > else if ( ElementConstants.FOO2.equals( template ) )
> > return new FooElement( new Foo2() );
> >
> > ...
> >
> > return null;
> > }
> >
> > public Object getObjectType() {
> > return template;
> > }
> > }
> >
> > In this way my GUI model ends up much smaller than my business model.
Of
> course
> > the GUI model has getters so that the base business model can be
accessed
> when
> > needed.
> >
> > Hope this helps.
> >
> > Phil
> >
> > David Michonneau wrote:
> >
> > > I would like to separate the view model from the business model in my
> GEF
> > > editor. Is there any example on how to accomplish this?
> > >
> > > For example one model class is Element and has a name property
(business
> > > model). Its associated UI has x,y coordinates. What's the best way to
> create
> > > the association? I was thinking of making the business model
IAdaptable
> to
> > > retrieve its UI counterpart, if any. Then how to hook up the
> notification
> > > framework? When the position change I need to notify the EditPart,
but
> when
> > > the name change too... So should the EditPart listens to two model
> instances
> > > UIElement and BusinessElement for example? Or is there any better way
to
> do
> > > it?
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > >
> > > David
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
Re: separate view model from business model [message #114312 is a reply to message #114058] Wed, 28 January 2004 15:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Eclipse UserFriend
Originally posted by: phil.williams.toadmail.com

I am doing exactly what Randy said, although I think he stated it more
succinctly :).

I am in the process of building an plug in that does this but I am still
working out some details. I found that the 2 keys are:

1) When the ClassView (I use the naming convention of ClassElement so
as not to confuse myself with the View component of MVC (I am so easily
confused)) is created through the factory that it has a handle to the
business model.
2) When the edit part is activated, it adds itself as a listener for
business model changes if needed. As you said earlier, there are some
aspects of the business model that may not have a graphical
representation other than showing up as a widget on the screen.

If some business model class needs to create something that is not
represented graphically then it does so and there is no figure or edit
part that goes with it. Although, the question that I would have is
when is that the case? I would think that there would be some aspect (a
member variable perhaps) that the user would want to change. While this
may not be represented graphically in your editor, it may need to be
displayed on a property sheet somewhere. If that is the case, it would
be the XXXXView's (or XXXElement's) responsibility to expose it to the
PropertySheet view or to a custom View (as I am doing).

Hope this helps,

Phil

P.S. Can we overload the word View just a little bit more! :)

David Michonneau wrote:
> Do you have a sample implementation of such separation applied to a GEF
> editor? That would be great.
>
> Thanks,
>
> David
>
> "Randy Hudson" <none@us.ibm.com> wrote in message
> news:bv76hh$rmj$1@eclipse.org...
>
>>David and Phil,
>>
>>I use the following naming convention
>>
>>Business Model: Class, Relationship, Package, Namespace
>>View Model: ClassView, RelationshipView, PackageView, Diagram
>>
>>Of course "class" may be something else for you.
>>
>>In the model, the views have a reference to their business object. Their
>
> is
>
>>nothing wrong with doing this, as long as the relationship is only
>
> navigable
>
>>from view->business object. Their may even be multiple views of the same
>>business object.
>>
>>The editpart implementation listens to the view object and the business
>>object both. It's "primary" model is the view, because without a view
>
> there
>
>>is no editpart. Also, the view is unique in the diagram, while the
>
> business
>
>>object may not be.
>>
>>"Phil Williams" <phil.williams@toadmail.com> wrote in message
>>news:bv6k9j$7i6$1@eclipse.org...
>>
>>>David,
>>>
>>>This is exactly what I am doing.
>>>
>>>Say I have 3 different "types" of model elements: Foo, Bar, Baz (each of
>>
>>which
>>
>>>subclass AbstractModel).
>>>
>>>In my business model I have many distinct subclasses of these: Foo1,
>
> Foo2,
>
>>Bar1,
>>
>>>Bar2, etc. But I don't want to "pollute" this model with graphical
>>
>>information
>>
>>>like size and location of a widget on the screen that represents them.
>>>
>>>My GUI model I have a FooElement, BarElement, BazElement (which subclass
>
> a
>
>>>common AbstractElement class). The AbstractElement has AbstractModel
>>
>>member.
>>
>>>This gets set in the Factory that builds the model when needed by GEF.
>>
>>And
>>
>>>since I am using the logic example as my learning tool, my factory looks
>>>sometihng like:
>>>
>>>public class ElementFactory implements CreationFactory {
>>>
>>>private String template;
>>>
>>>public ElementFactory(String str) {
>>>template = str;
>>>}
>>>
>>>public Object getNewObject() {
>>>if (ElementConstants.FOO1.equals(template))
>>>return new FooElement( new Foo1() );
>>>else if ( ElementConstants.FOO2.equals( template ) )
>>>return new FooElement( new Foo2() );
>>>
>>>...
>>>
>>>return null;
>>>}
>>>
>>>public Object getObjectType() {
>>>return template;
>>>}
>>>}
>>>
>>>In this way my GUI model ends up much smaller than my business model.
>
> Of
>
>>course
>>
>>>the GUI model has getters so that the base business model can be
>
> accessed
>
>>when
>>
>>>needed.
>>>
>>>Hope this helps.
>>>
>>>Phil
>>>
>>>David Michonneau wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>I would like to separate the view model from the business model in my
>>
>>GEF
>>
>>>>editor. Is there any example on how to accomplish this?
>>>>
>>>>For example one model class is Element and has a name property
>
> (business
>
>>>>model). Its associated UI has x,y coordinates. What's the best way to
>>
>>create
>>
>>>>the association? I was thinking of making the business model
>
> IAdaptable
>
>>to
>>
>>>>retrieve its UI counterpart, if any. Then how to hook up the
>>
>>notification
>>
>>>>framework? When the position change I need to notify the EditPart,
>
> but
>
>>when
>>
>>>>the name change too... So should the EditPart listens to two model
>>
>>instances
>>
>>>>UIElement and BusinessElement for example? Or is there any better way
>
> to
>
>>do
>>
>>>>it?
>>>>
>>>>Thanks,
>>>>
>>>>David
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>
>
Re: separate view model from business model [message #114350 is a reply to message #114058] Wed, 28 January 2004 15:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Eclipse UserFriend
Originally posted by: none.us.ibm.com

There is an "example" in WSAD :-), of course it's just the binary product.
That would make a great example, but people already complain about the logic
example's complexity. If we were to introduce EMF and a partitioned model
...... :-0

"David Michonneau" <david_michonneau@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bv7833$t5c$1@eclipse.org...
> Do you have a sample implementation of such separation applied to a GEF
> editor? That would be great.
>
> Thanks,
>
> David
>
> "Randy Hudson" <none@us.ibm.com> wrote in message
> news:bv76hh$rmj$1@eclipse.org...
> > David and Phil,
> >
> > I use the following naming convention
> >
> > Business Model: Class, Relationship, Package, Namespace
> > View Model: ClassView, RelationshipView, PackageView, Diagram
> >
> > Of course "class" may be something else for you.
> >
> > In the model, the views have a reference to their business object.
Their
> is
> > nothing wrong with doing this, as long as the relationship is only
> navigable
> > from view->business object. Their may even be multiple views of the
same
> > business object.
> >
> > The editpart implementation listens to the view object and the business
> > object both. It's "primary" model is the view, because without a view
> there
> > is no editpart. Also, the view is unique in the diagram, while the
> business
> > object may not be.
> >
> > "Phil Williams" <phil.williams@toadmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:bv6k9j$7i6$1@eclipse.org...
> > > David,
> > >
> > > This is exactly what I am doing.
> > >
> > > Say I have 3 different "types" of model elements: Foo, Bar, Baz (each
of
> > which
> > > subclass AbstractModel).
> > >
> > > In my business model I have many distinct subclasses of these: Foo1,
> Foo2,
> > Bar1,
> > > Bar2, etc. But I don't want to "pollute" this model with graphical
> > information
> > > like size and location of a widget on the screen that represents them.
> > >
> > > My GUI model I have a FooElement, BarElement, BazElement (which
subclass
> a
> > > common AbstractElement class). The AbstractElement has AbstractModel
> > member.
> > > This gets set in the Factory that builds the model when needed by GEF.
> > And
> > > since I am using the logic example as my learning tool, my factory
looks
> > > sometihng like:
> > >
> > > public class ElementFactory implements CreationFactory {
> > >
> > > private String template;
> > >
> > > public ElementFactory(String str) {
> > > template = str;
> > > }
> > >
> > > public Object getNewObject() {
> > > if (ElementConstants.FOO1.equals(template))
> > > return new FooElement( new Foo1() );
> > > else if ( ElementConstants.FOO2.equals( template ) )
> > > return new FooElement( new Foo2() );
> > >
> > > ...
> > >
> > > return null;
> > > }
> > >
> > > public Object getObjectType() {
> > > return template;
> > > }
> > > }
> > >
> > > In this way my GUI model ends up much smaller than my business model.
> Of
> > course
> > > the GUI model has getters so that the base business model can be
> accessed
> > when
> > > needed.
> > >
> > > Hope this helps.
> > >
> > > Phil
> > >
> > > David Michonneau wrote:
> > >
> > > > I would like to separate the view model from the business model in
my
> > GEF
> > > > editor. Is there any example on how to accomplish this?
> > > >
> > > > For example one model class is Element and has a name property
> (business
> > > > model). Its associated UI has x,y coordinates. What's the best way
to
> > create
> > > > the association? I was thinking of making the business model
> IAdaptable
> > to
> > > > retrieve its UI counterpart, if any. Then how to hook up the
> > notification
> > > > framework? When the position change I need to notify the EditPart,
> but
> > when
> > > > the name change too... So should the EditPart listens to two model
> > instances
> > > > UIElement and BusinessElement for example? Or is there any better
way
> to
> > do
> > > > it?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks,
> > > >
> > > > David
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Re: separate view model from business model [message #114388 is a reply to message #114350] Wed, 28 January 2004 16:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Eclipse UserFriend
Originally posted by: phil.williams.toadmail.com

You raise an interesting point. I had thought about using EMF and
thought that it would work (actually sure that it would work). But was
a little worried about tackling all the learning curves at once (GEF,
SWT, Eclipse API, etc). I have been thinking that what I am doing is an
EMF-lite. Maybe the next version will use EMF as its under pinnings.

Phil

Randy Hudson wrote:

> There is an "example" in WSAD :-), of course it's just the binary product.
> That would make a great example, but people already complain about the logic
> example's complexity. If we were to introduce EMF and a partitioned model
> ..... :-0
>
> "David Michonneau" <david_michonneau@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:bv7833$t5c$1@eclipse.org...
>
>>Do you have a sample implementation of such separation applied to a GEF
>>editor? That would be great.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>David
>>
>>"Randy Hudson" <none@us.ibm.com> wrote in message
>>news:bv76hh$rmj$1@eclipse.org...
>>
>>>David and Phil,
>>>
>>>I use the following naming convention
>>>
>>>Business Model: Class, Relationship, Package, Namespace
>>>View Model: ClassView, RelationshipView, PackageView, Diagram
>>>
>>>Of course "class" may be something else for you.
>>>
>>>In the model, the views have a reference to their business object.
>
> Their
>
>>is
>>
>>>nothing wrong with doing this, as long as the relationship is only
>>
>>navigable
>>
>>>from view->business object. Their may even be multiple views of the
>
> same
>
>>>business object.
>>>
>>>The editpart implementation listens to the view object and the business
>>>object both. It's "primary" model is the view, because without a view
>>
>>there
>>
>>>is no editpart. Also, the view is unique in the diagram, while the
>>
>>business
>>
>>>object may not be.
>>>
>>>"Phil Williams" <phil.williams@toadmail.com> wrote in message
>>>news:bv6k9j$7i6$1@eclipse.org...
>>>
>>>>David,
>>>>
>>>>This is exactly what I am doing.
>>>>
>>>>Say I have 3 different "types" of model elements: Foo, Bar, Baz (each
>
> of
>
>>>which
>>>
>>>>subclass AbstractModel).
>>>>
>>>>In my business model I have many distinct subclasses of these: Foo1,
>>
>>Foo2,
>>
>>>Bar1,
>>>
>>>>Bar2, etc. But I don't want to "pollute" this model with graphical
>>>
>>>information
>>>
>>>>like size and location of a widget on the screen that represents them.
>>>>
>>>>My GUI model I have a FooElement, BarElement, BazElement (which
>
> subclass
>
>>a
>>
>>>>common AbstractElement class). The AbstractElement has AbstractModel
>>>
>>>member.
>>>
>>>>This gets set in the Factory that builds the model when needed by GEF.
>>>
>>>And
>>>
>>>>since I am using the logic example as my learning tool, my factory
>
> looks
>
>>>>sometihng like:
>>>>
>>>>public class ElementFactory implements CreationFactory {
>>>>
>>>>private String template;
>>>>
>>>>public ElementFactory(String str) {
>>>>template = str;
>>>>}
>>>>
>>>>public Object getNewObject() {
>>>>if (ElementConstants.FOO1.equals(template))
>>>>return new FooElement( new Foo1() );
>>>>else if ( ElementConstants.FOO2.equals( template ) )
>>>>return new FooElement( new Foo2() );
>>>>
>>>>...
>>>>
>>>>return null;
>>>>}
>>>>
>>>>public Object getObjectType() {
>>>>return template;
>>>>}
>>>>}
>>>>
>>>>In this way my GUI model ends up much smaller than my business model.
>>
>>Of
>>
>>>course
>>>
>>>>the GUI model has getters so that the base business model can be
>>
>>accessed
>>
>>>when
>>>
>>>>needed.
>>>>
>>>>Hope this helps.
>>>>
>>>>Phil
>>>>
>>>>David Michonneau wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>I would like to separate the view model from the business model in
>
> my
>
>>>GEF
>>>
>>>>>editor. Is there any example on how to accomplish this?
>>>>>
>>>>>For example one model class is Element and has a name property
>>
>>(business
>>
>>>>>model). Its associated UI has x,y coordinates. What's the best way
>
> to
>
>>>create
>>>
>>>>>the association? I was thinking of making the business model
>>
>>IAdaptable
>>
>>>to
>>>
>>>>>retrieve its UI counterpart, if any. Then how to hook up the
>>>
>>>notification
>>>
>>>>>framework? When the position change I need to notify the EditPart,
>>
>>but
>>
>>>when
>>>
>>>>>the name change too... So should the EditPart listens to two model
>>>
>>>instances
>>>
>>>>>UIElement and BusinessElement for example? Or is there any better
>
> way
>
>>to
>>
>>>do
>>>
>>>>>it?
>>>>>
>>>>>Thanks,
>>>>>
>>>>>David
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>
>
Re: separate view model from business model [message #114481 is a reply to message #114388] Wed, 28 January 2004 18:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Eclipse UserFriend
Originally posted by: none.us.ibm.com

The strongest motivation for using EMF would be if you were splitting up the
models across multiple files.

"Phil Williams" <phil.williams@toadmail.com> wrote in message
news:bv8mn8$jbc$1@eclipse.org...
> You raise an interesting point. I had thought about using EMF and
> thought that it would work (actually sure that it would work). But was
> a little worried about tackling all the learning curves at once (GEF,
> SWT, Eclipse API, etc). I have been thinking that what I am doing is an
> EMF-lite. Maybe the next version will use EMF as its under pinnings.
>
> Phil
>
> Randy Hudson wrote:
>
> > There is an "example" in WSAD :-), of course it's just the binary
product.
> > That would make a great example, but people already complain about the
logic
> > example's complexity. If we were to introduce EMF and a partitioned
model
> > ..... :-0
> >
> > "David Michonneau" <david_michonneau@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:bv7833$t5c$1@eclipse.org...
> >
> >>Do you have a sample implementation of such separation applied to a GEF
> >>editor? That would be great.
> >>
> >>Thanks,
> >>
> >>David
> >>
> >>"Randy Hudson" <none@us.ibm.com> wrote in message
> >>news:bv76hh$rmj$1@eclipse.org...
> >>
> >>>David and Phil,
> >>>
> >>>I use the following naming convention
> >>>
> >>>Business Model: Class, Relationship, Package, Namespace
> >>>View Model: ClassView, RelationshipView, PackageView, Diagram
> >>>
> >>>Of course "class" may be something else for you.
> >>>
> >>>In the model, the views have a reference to their business object.
> >
> > Their
> >
> >>is
> >>
> >>>nothing wrong with doing this, as long as the relationship is only
> >>
> >>navigable
> >>
> >>>from view->business object. Their may even be multiple views of the
> >
> > same
> >
> >>>business object.
> >>>
> >>>The editpart implementation listens to the view object and the business
> >>>object both. It's "primary" model is the view, because without a view
> >>
> >>there
> >>
> >>>is no editpart. Also, the view is unique in the diagram, while the
> >>
> >>business
> >>
> >>>object may not be.
> >>>
> >>>"Phil Williams" <phil.williams@toadmail.com> wrote in message
> >>>news:bv6k9j$7i6$1@eclipse.org...
> >>>
> >>>>David,
> >>>>
> >>>>This is exactly what I am doing.
> >>>>
> >>>>Say I have 3 different "types" of model elements: Foo, Bar, Baz (each
> >
> > of
> >
> >>>which
> >>>
> >>>>subclass AbstractModel).
> >>>>
> >>>>In my business model I have many distinct subclasses of these: Foo1,
> >>
> >>Foo2,
> >>
> >>>Bar1,
> >>>
> >>>>Bar2, etc. But I don't want to "pollute" this model with graphical
> >>>
> >>>information
> >>>
> >>>>like size and location of a widget on the screen that represents them.
> >>>>
> >>>>My GUI model I have a FooElement, BarElement, BazElement (which
> >
> > subclass
> >
> >>a
> >>
> >>>>common AbstractElement class). The AbstractElement has AbstractModel
> >>>
> >>>member.
> >>>
> >>>>This gets set in the Factory that builds the model when needed by GEF.
> >>>
> >>>And
> >>>
> >>>>since I am using the logic example as my learning tool, my factory
> >
> > looks
> >
> >>>>sometihng like:
> >>>>
> >>>>public class ElementFactory implements CreationFactory {
> >>>>
> >>>>private String template;
> >>>>
> >>>>public ElementFactory(String str) {
> >>>>template = str;
> >>>>}
> >>>>
> >>>>public Object getNewObject() {
> >>>>if (ElementConstants.FOO1.equals(template))
> >>>>return new FooElement( new Foo1() );
> >>>>else if ( ElementConstants.FOO2.equals( template ) )
> >>>>return new FooElement( new Foo2() );
> >>>>
> >>>>...
> >>>>
> >>>>return null;
> >>>>}
> >>>>
> >>>>public Object getObjectType() {
> >>>>return template;
> >>>>}
> >>>>}
> >>>>
> >>>>In this way my GUI model ends up much smaller than my business model.
> >>
> >>Of
> >>
> >>>course
> >>>
> >>>>the GUI model has getters so that the base business model can be
> >>
> >>accessed
> >>
> >>>when
> >>>
> >>>>needed.
> >>>>
> >>>>Hope this helps.
> >>>>
> >>>>Phil
> >>>>
> >>>>David Michonneau wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>>I would like to separate the view model from the business model in
> >
> > my
> >
> >>>GEF
> >>>
> >>>>>editor. Is there any example on how to accomplish this?
> >>>>>
> >>>>>For example one model class is Element and has a name property
> >>
> >>(business
> >>
> >>>>>model). Its associated UI has x,y coordinates. What's the best way
> >
> > to
> >
> >>>create
> >>>
> >>>>>the association? I was thinking of making the business model
> >>
> >>IAdaptable
> >>
> >>>to
> >>>
> >>>>>retrieve its UI counterpart, if any. Then how to hook up the
> >>>
> >>>notification
> >>>
> >>>>>framework? When the position change I need to notify the EditPart,
> >>
> >>but
> >>
> >>>when
> >>>
> >>>>>the name change too... So should the EditPart listens to two model
> >>>
> >>>instances
> >>>
> >>>>>UIElement and BusinessElement for example? Or is there any better
> >
> > way
> >
> >>to
> >>
> >>>do
> >>>
> >>>>>it?
> >>>>>
> >>>>>Thanks,
> >>>>>
> >>>>>David
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>
> >
> >
Re: separate view model from business model [message #114526 is a reply to message #113891] Wed, 28 January 2004 18:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Eclipse UserFriend
Originally posted by: Lamont_Gilbert.rigidsoftware.com

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

David Michonneau wrote:
| I would like to separate the view model from the business model in my GEF
| editor. Is there any example on how to accomplish this?
|
| For example one model class is Element and has a name property (business
| model). Its associated UI has x,y coordinates. What's the best way to
create
| the association? I was thinking of making the business model IAdaptable to
| retrieve its UI counterpart, if any. Then how to hook up the notification
| framework? When the position change I need to notify the EditPart,
but when
| the name change too... So should the EditPart listens to two model
instances
| UIElement and BusinessElement for example? Or is there any better way
to do
| it?
|
| Thanks,
|
| David
|
|

i have to say my architecture has become quite huge. Just start off
simple, and divide it as you go along. Initially I had single classes,
then I split out portions until I ended up where I am now. This is how
mine is.

I have my eclipse EditParts which contain my Models. My models do not
contain ANY eclipse classes. the EditPartPolicies interpret my models
data so the EditParts can handle em.


I try to keep isolation between packages as much as possible. I often
get cought planning in a 20 minute daydream what the arch will be. But
then I tell myself, just make it work. Once it works, then I may do
another set of splitting.

My splitting technique usually involves creating a set of interfaces,
and having my business models implement those interfaces. and having
the other classes interact with the interafaces.

Sometimes that works, sometimes I end up having to creat another class
that encapulates the interface, and the other classes interact with that
wrapper class. This is the case for me now because I maintain a
database AND drawing files. So I have a class that encapsulates both
the db and the drawing file. hard to explain. just start our slow, and
when the time comes, Divide. Kind of like a cell :)



- --
Respectfully,


CL Gilbert

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door() into
the sheepfold{}, but climbeth up some other *way, the same is a thief
and a robber." John 10:1

GnuPG Key Fingerprint:
82A6 8893 C2A1 F64E A9AD 19AE 55B2 4CD7 80D2 0A2D

For a free Java interface to Freechess.org see
http://www.rigidsoftware.com/Chess/chess.html
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Comment: Using GnuPG with Mozilla - http://enigmail.mozdev.org

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Re: separate view model from business model [message #114552 is a reply to message #114481] Wed, 28 January 2004 19:31 Go to previous message
Eclipse UserFriend
Originally posted by: phil.williams.toadmail.com

I realize that we are now terribly off topic....but what does splitting
a model across multiple files have to do with EMF? I can see that EMF
may support that, but y would that be the strongest motivation?

Wouldn't a stronger motivation be if you want to build a flexible
framework for modeling something? For example, I could see using it in
the future on the project that I am working on since it may allow users
to build new business model elements w/o having to write any code. How
I save it is secondary, at least to me.

Phil

Randy Hudson wrote:
> The strongest motivation for using EMF would be if you were splitting up the
> models across multiple files.
>
> "Phil Williams" <phil.williams@toadmail.com> wrote in message
> news:bv8mn8$jbc$1@eclipse.org...
>
>>You raise an interesting point. I had thought about using EMF and
>>thought that it would work (actually sure that it would work). But was
>>a little worried about tackling all the learning curves at once (GEF,
>>SWT, Eclipse API, etc). I have been thinking that what I am doing is an
>>EMF-lite. Maybe the next version will use EMF as its under pinnings.
>>
>>Phil
>>
>>Randy Hudson wrote:
>>
>>
>>>There is an "example" in WSAD :-), of course it's just the binary
>
> product.
>
>>>That would make a great example, but people already complain about the
>
> logic
>
>>>example's complexity. If we were to introduce EMF and a partitioned
>
> model
>
>>>..... :-0
>>>
>>>"David Michonneau" <david_michonneau@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>>news:bv7833$t5c$1@eclipse.org...
>>>
>>>
>>>>Do you have a sample implementation of such separation applied to a GEF
>>>>editor? That would be great.
>>>>
>>>>Thanks,
>>>>
>>>>David
>>>>
>>>>"Randy Hudson" <none@us.ibm.com> wrote in message
>>>>news:bv76hh$rmj$1@eclipse.org...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>David and Phil,
>>>>>
>>>>>I use the following naming convention
>>>>>
>>>>>Business Model: Class, Relationship, Package, Namespace
>>>>>View Model: ClassView, RelationshipView, PackageView, Diagram
>>>>>
>>>>>Of course "class" may be something else for you.
>>>>>
>>>>>In the model, the views have a reference to their business object.
>>>
>>>Their
>>>
>>>
>>>>is
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>nothing wrong with doing this, as long as the relationship is only
>>>>
>>>>navigable
>>>>
>>>>>from view->business object. Their may even be multiple views of the
>>>
>>>same
>>>
>>>
>>>>>business object.
>>>>>
>>>>>The editpart implementation listens to the view object and the business
>>>>>object both. It's "primary" model is the view, because without a view
>>>>
>>>>there
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>is no editpart. Also, the view is unique in the diagram, while the
>>>>
>>>>business
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>object may not be.
>>>>>
>>>>>"Phil Williams" <phil.williams@toadmail.com> wrote in message
>>>>>news:bv6k9j$7i6$1@eclipse.org...
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>David,
>>>>>>
>>>>>>This is exactly what I am doing.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Say I have 3 different "types" of model elements: Foo, Bar, Baz (each
>>>
>>>of
>>>
>>>
>>>>>which
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>subclass AbstractModel).
>>>>>>
>>>>>>In my business model I have many distinct subclasses of these: Foo1,
>>>>
>>>>Foo2,
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Bar1,
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>Bar2, etc. But I don't want to "pollute" this model with graphical
>>>>>
>>>>>information
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>like size and location of a widget on the screen that represents them.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>My GUI model I have a FooElement, BarElement, BazElement (which
>>>
>>>subclass
>>>
>>>
>>>>a
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>>common AbstractElement class). The AbstractElement has AbstractModel
>>>>>
>>>>>member.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>This gets set in the Factory that builds the model when needed by GEF.
>>>>>
>>>>>And
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>since I am using the logic example as my learning tool, my factory
>>>
>>>looks
>>>
>>>
>>>>>>sometihng like:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>public class ElementFactory implements CreationFactory {
>>>>>>
>>>>>>private String template;
>>>>>>
>>>>>>public ElementFactory(String str) {
>>>>>>template = str;
>>>>>>}
>>>>>>
>>>>>>public Object getNewObject() {
>>>>>>if (ElementConstants.FOO1.equals(template))
>>>>>>return new FooElement( new Foo1() );
>>>>>>else if ( ElementConstants.FOO2.equals( template ) )
>>>>>>return new FooElement( new Foo2() );
>>>>>>
>>>>>>...
>>>>>>
>>>>>>return null;
>>>>>>}
>>>>>>
>>>>>>public Object getObjectType() {
>>>>>>return template;
>>>>>>}
>>>>>>}
>>>>>>
>>>>>>In this way my GUI model ends up much smaller than my business model.
>>>>
>>>>Of
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>course
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>the GUI model has getters so that the base business model can be
>>>>
>>>>accessed
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>when
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>needed.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Hope this helps.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Phil
>>>>>>
>>>>>>David Michonneau wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I would like to separate the view model from the business model in
>>>
>>>my
>>>
>>>
>>>>>GEF
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>>editor. Is there any example on how to accomplish this?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>For example one model class is Element and has a name property
>>>>
>>>>(business
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>>>model). Its associated UI has x,y coordinates. What's the best way
>>>
>>>to
>>>
>>>
>>>>>create
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>>the association? I was thinking of making the business model
>>>>
>>>>IAdaptable
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>to
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>>retrieve its UI counterpart, if any. Then how to hook up the
>>>>>
>>>>>notification
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>>framework? When the position change I need to notify the EditPart,
>>>>
>>>>but
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>when
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>>the name change too... So should the EditPart listens to two model
>>>>>
>>>>>instances
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>>UIElement and BusinessElement for example? Or is there any better
>>>
>>>way
>>>
>>>
>>>>to
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>do
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>>it?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Thanks,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>David
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>
>
>
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