The Insert Element command enables you to add a function to a behavioral representation - an activity diagram, an EFFBD, a sequence diagram, an IDEF0 diagram, or an N2 diagram. This command is available either from the menu structure or by dragging the Nodes construct from the diagram palette to the desired insertion point. CORE will prompt you to select the existing elements of interest or create new elements of interest using the insert element dialog. When you click OK, the elements will be inserted on the diagram in the order you add them to the selections list in the dialog.
Activity diagrams and EFFBDs present the richest representation of a function's decomposition, displaying all constructs and the corresponding structure. When inserting elements on these representations, you have precise control of where the elements are inserted. If you insert via drag-drop (either dragging an element out of an element list or dragging the Nodes construct off the diagram palette), CORE will perform the insertion based upon where you release the mouse to drop. The insertion point is indicated by target emphasis on the diagram. Note that dropping on the diagram background will insert at the end of the main branch.
If you insert by using the menu commands, CORE will insert the elements based upon your current selection. If a node or construct is selected, CORE will insert before the selected object. If a branch is selected, CORE will insert at the end of the branch. If nothing is selected, CORE will insert at the end of the main branch.
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Tips and Tricks When defining your logic and inserting new elements (elements that have not yet been created in your system model), the fastest approach is to drag the New Node construct from the diagram palette onto the diagram at the desired insertion point. Based upon your General Diagram user preferences, CORE will either prompt you for a new element name or auto-assign one (you can force CORE to prompt you by holding down the control key). This can accelerate model development and enable you to move at think-speed, much like standing at a white board and sketching your system while having CORE build the model behind the scenes. |
Sequence, IDEF0, and N2 diagrams present a partial view of the underlying structure. As such, you do not have total clarity of the underlying structure when performing inserts. However, inserting elements on these diagrams is still possible and valuable. When inserting using these representations, CORE will insert the elements based upon specific nodes. If you drop on a lifeline in a sequence diagram, CORE will insert the element before the following node. If you insert by using the menu commands, CORE will insert before the selected object. If nothing is selected, CORE will insert at the end of the main branch.