Feature Request: Copy between models

[mgjoyce]

As I have two models open, one for baseline and one for future state, it would be really helpful to be able to copy elements, whole folders, and diagrams from one model to another. Obviously this specific usecase will not suit some people who use a single model for baseline and target states, but would also be useful to help with the idea of using various models as a templates for part of a larger model.

[herve91]

Hi,

The new release I'm working on will allow to share elements, folders or views between models. All the updates made on the shared components, folders or views from one model will then be visible in all other models.

A conflict resolution mecanism will detect if shared components, folders or views are updated at the same time.

Is it something that will be useful in your case or do you really need a copy (i.e. duplicate the components, folders or views that will then be updated separately) ?

Best regards Hervé

[mgjoyce]

Having a quick think about it, yes I believe it will be very useful. One of the main things I'm finding the more I use modelling as a tool is that there is not easy answer to this topic. I can see both being useful.

1. Shared components are potentially very useful when you want to show non-changing elements for context.
2. Being able to copy components and in deed whole collections of components from one model to another is still useful to me in cases where I want to take an existing model (say a data model), copy it, make changes to the copy (perhaps an interim state), and then show people the two.

You shared components seems useful to keep things in sync, I guess my idea is about improving my productivity.

[herve91]

Fair enough ...

Looks not very complicated. I will add an option that will allow to choose between two modes:

• import the original component
• import a copy of the component

Best regards Hervé

[mgjoyce]

Sounds good, if you want to send me a preview I'd be happy to provide feedback.

Kind regards, Michael

[herve91]

I'll let you know as soon there is something working

[Phillipus]

@herve91 This is for the DB plugin, right?

[Phillipus]

To be clear - @mgjoyce is asking for this feature in the core feature set of Archi, and @herve91 is referring to implementing it in his DB plugin when he says "The new release I'm working on". Is that correct?

[mgjoyce]

Ah, presume this is the DB plugin allowing a shared model? If so, what is the timeline that you are working to? We have several DB engines here that we could use to test with.

[herve91]

Hi,

Yes, I'm talking about the DB plugin.

When I resume the needs of all my correspondants, I come with the following:

• being able to share objects (containers [folders, views, ...] or even individual elements with their relationships) between models. Every update made on these objects in one model will be visible in all the other models.
• being able to copy objects between models. Every update made on these objects will not be visible in other models.
• being able to create templates in which some objets are shared and some others are copied (typically this would allow to instanciate from a service catalogue)

The first two are quite straight forward. The last one is a bit more touchy. I'm still not sure how I will implement it. Probably using specific keywords in properties ... In all cases, the behaviour (copy or share) must be 100% predictable ...

Best regards Hervé

[krismeukens]

When asked which feature I miss the most, it is definitely the ability to copy between models. This feature is essential to increase quality and productivity. What is the status of this request?

[Phillipus]

What is the status of this request?

I'm not working on it. Requires some major work if implemented.