index > Visual Studio Team System - Domain-Specific Language Tools > Tying domain classes to shape objects

Tying domain classes to shape objects

Hello! Please forgive me for such a beginner question, but we just started playing with DSL Tools a few days ago and are having some trouble getting shapes to appear in the VS toolbox. We've attempted the following steps: create a domain class ('FooElement'), create a Geometry Shape ('FooShape'), add an Embedding Relationship from ExampleModel to FooElement. In the DSL Explorer: add a ToolboxTab/Tool (Class=FooElement, Order=10), add a ShapeMap (Class=FooElement, Shape=FooShape). After performing these tasks, the item still won't show up in the VS toolbox when running the project. Help?

EDIT: the error was that the templates hadn't been transformed. However, now, when dragging an object onto the surface, it adds it to the model but doesn't draw the shape.

SleipOdin

Hello SleipOdin,
Well done so far...but perhaps you still need to write the "parent element path" for the FooShape in the DSL Details toolwindow.
To open the window, just select the FooShape shape and then display the DSL Details window by selecting View -> Other Windows -> DSL Details
On the General tab you need to insert the appropriate path in the relevant field. According to your description, the path should be something like ExampleModelHasFooElement.ExampleModel/!ExampleModel

Claudio Perrone

Hi,

I had a similar experience (shapes not appearing in the diagram surface) when I first used the June CTP. In my case I noticed that I was missing an "element merge directive" from my root class to the other classes in the model. You can find this in the DSL explorer under the "classes" category. select your root class and see if there are any "element merge directives" present for your classes you want to be displayed (shapes) in your diagram. You can add these by right clicking your root class and select "Add New ElemetMergeDirective".

Hope this helps.

Edward

Edward Bakker

reply 3