What's New in Visualization and Modeling SDK
Domain-Specific Language Tools has added some new features in Visual Studio 2010 which will make it easier to construct integrated tools that include one or more Domain Specific Language.
New Features in DSL Tools for Visual Studio 2010
The following features are new in Visual Studio 2010:
Feature |
For more information |
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ModelBus Different models can now be integrated with each other, with UML designers, and with other tools. |
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VSIX Deployment Deployment of a DSL is considerably simplified using Visual Studio Extensions (VSIX). Visual Studio helps you to create these packages. |
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Forms user interface DSLs can be used as the target for data bindings in Windows Forms and Windows Presentation Foundation. This allows you, for example, to create designers similar to ResX or Settings designers. |
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Read-only models You can create a model that is completely or partially read-only. It can be used, for example, by reviewing and commenting tools. |
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DSL Libraries A DslLibrary can contain a partial model that can be imported by DSL definitions. |
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DSL Extension. A DSL can be extended by another party after it has been deployed. |
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DSL Designer Extension The DSL designer can be extended with new rules, commands, gestures and validation. |
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UI:Moveable connector labels. |
Set IsMoveable on the decorator properties. |
UI: Sticky toolbox The user can double-click on a tool to create multiple instances. |
Set IsSticky on the tool properties. |
UI: Keyboard navigation of compartments for quick editing. |
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UI: Copy model elements from one diagram to another. |
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UI: Copy model elements as images |
Other changes for Visual Studio 2010
Separation of DSLs into Partitions. The elements and relationships of a model are now stored in a separate Partition from the shapes and connectors.
Deployment of Icons and XSDs. The Visual Studio Extension (VSIX) mechanism makes deploying a DSL considerably easier than it was in previous versions. However, VSIX works only on Visual Studio. It does not make changes to other parts of the registry, for example to register an icon for your DSL file extension with Windows Explorer. Also, it cannot deploy the XSD associated with your DSL. To deploy these items, you need to create an application installer. For more information, see the section Deploying on an MSI in Deploying Domain-Specific Language Solutions.