Connection decoration customization

Abstract

There is the possibility to display a direction (plain arrow for example) on connectors. This information is only graphical and not semantic. This capability can be driven by a dedicated CSS syntax or through properties view.

Requirement

1. The graphical representation can be set on source.
2. The graphical representation can be set on target.
3. Available decoration must be extensible through extension point.
4. The source and target representation can be set with CSS.
5. The list of available decoration types is in CSS autocompletion.
6. The source and target representation can be set with properties view.
7. The width of the decoration line is the same as the width of edge line.

Usage

There are two possibities to set connection decoration on existing link, with properties view or with CSS. Available decorations are added through extension point, except for two which are:

• none: No decoration will be displayed on the source or target connection.
• default: The default decoration of the connection will be displayed.

With properties view

To use it activate the Advance Tabulation: In Window > Preferences > Papyrus > Property views > Select Diagram Advanced Notation (plugin), Apply and close. Select the edge to customize, 'Advance Tabulation'' is now visible under Appearance. You can set source and target decoration.

With CSS

Attributes sourceDecoration and targetDecoration permit to set source and target decoration on link. The list of available decoration values is accessible with the autocompletion (Ctrl+Space).

Extensibility

New decoration can be added through extension point:
org.eclipse.papyrus.infra.gmfdiag.common.connectionDecoration

Attributes:

• name: The name of the decoration, used for the decoration values.
• label: The label of the decoration, used for the user interface (ie Properties view).
• class: The class of the decoration to instanciate. Must implement org.eclipse.draw2d.RotatableDecoration.

Added decorations will be available in advance properties tab and in the CSS autocompletion.

Restriction

The full compliance is guaranteed for Stereotype Property Reference Link and for Connector Link.