| Advanced GMF - GMF Tools vs. Manual Code [message #510215] |
Tue, 26 January 2010 12:52 |
Eclipse User |
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Originally posted by: kalin.nakov.gmail.com
Hi,
I've developed a couple of relatively complex Eclipse RCP GMF projects using
the GMF tools (gmfmap, gmfgraph, gmftools, gmfgen) during the last several
years. Those applications had quite a lot of features which were not
available from the GMF code generators out of the box. I think I have gained
a good momentum on the GMF learning curve and I think I have a good
understandings on the GMF runtime API.
I have created a prototype of my next application which includes a shared
editing domain between several diagrams, custom GMF serialization (i. e. not
using GMF notation model), edit parts that change their figures outlook,
content and behavior dynamically at runtime, custom border locators for
border figures, custom label locators, custom drag & drop, dynamically
changing bar of icons attached to each symbol, etc., etc....
When I look at the code now, all the methods have ended in @generated NOT
blocks. Simply put, all my source files are first generated and then
rewritten manually. In addition to that, due to the fact that what comes out
of the gmfgen file is quite excessive and contains too much duplicated code,
the prototype became unmaintainable.
I have to admit, it's a lot easier and comfortable for me to code against
GMF runtime directly, without the need of any wizards or intermediate
configuration files. The code is a lot shorter, easily maintainable and
faster to develop.
All the articles on the Web show examples created with GMF Tools. All the
books show how an application is created with the GMF Tools. Information on
how easy it is to create a graphical application with a wizard can be found
everywhere. This is the main reason why I have hard time explaining to
colleagues who have no GMF experience why we can't use the GMF tools for an
advanced application.
Well, maybe I am missing something here, maybe I am not right and I have a
general misconception. That's why I would be very glad if you share your
professional opinion on that topic.
Cheers,
Kalin
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