Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Giovanni Stallo

Jeremy Mercer

Michael Kazuo Ishimitsu

David T Fong

Ramesh Rajagopal

Aaron Cornelius

A system and method relating to creation of object(s) in an object hierarchy structure is provided. An object generator that in response to a command to expand a node/object provides a initiator node that facilitates generation of a new object within the object hierarchy upon expansion of the node. A display component concurrently displays the initiator node with the expanded node. The initiator node used for creating objects placed (e.g., in-line) within an object hierarchy structure. To create a new object, an instruction (e.g., user input) to expand a node having a initiator node is received. By selecting the initiator node and entering a name, an object of type defined by the initiator node is created. For example, once the object is created the user can enter information defining parameter(s) of the object. Information can be entered through a user interface box (e.g., text box) that is displayed upon the creation of the object. Also, a grid can overlay the object hierarchy structure allowing information to be entered directly into grid cell(s). The grid can further be employed to display defined parameter(s).

System and method for creation of an object within an object hierarchy structure

In one embodiment, a method is provided for use in a system in which a user may edit an artifact and a diagram representing the artifact. The method includes acts of temporarily removing, in response to a request by the user, an artifact portion which corresponds to a diagram element on a diagram (e.g., a class diagram); removing the diagram element from the diagram; replacing, in response to a request by the user, the artifact portion in the artifact; and replacing the diagram element in the diagram, wherein the diagram element retains at least a portion of customization performed by the user previous to its removal from the diagram. In one embodiment, the method includes creating a representation of the diagram element which provides an indication of the customization performed by the user, storing the representation in a data structure when the artifact portion is temporarily removed, and retrieving the representation from the data structure to recreate the diagram element when the artifact portion is replaced.

Methods and apparatus enabling diagram customization retention

A visual design surface that identifies configuration errors to a user in an inconspicuous manner is disclosed. Shapes representing software artifacts are arranged on the design surface. Each shape may have one or more configuration parameter. The parameters associated with each shape are analyzed to locate configuration errors. When an error is identified, an error icon is placed next to the shape. The user may select the icon and be presented with one or more proposed solutions.

Dynamic contextual helper user interface

An object generator provides for creation of object(s) in an object hierarchy structure. In response to a command to expand a node/object, the object generator provides an initiator node that facilitates generation of a new object within the object hierarchy upon expansion of the node. A display component concurrently displays the initiator node with the expanded node. The initiator node used for creating objects placed (e.g., in-line) within an object hierarchy structure. To create a new object, an instruction (e.g., user input) to expand a node having a initiator node is received. By selecting the initiator node and entering a name, an object of type defined by the initiator node is created. For example, once the object is created the user can enter information defining parameter(s) of the object. Information can be entered through a user interface box (e.g., text box) that is displayed upon the creation of the object. Also, a grid can overlay the object hierarchy structure allowing information to be entered directly into grid cell(s). The grid can further be employed to display defined parameter(s).

Growing community of inventors

Redmond, WA, United States of America

Giovanni Stallo