Node Finder

Provides a user interface for searching, selecting, and updating multiple nodes in the Grooper repository tree.

Remarks

The Node Finder control is a powerful UI component designed to help advanced users and solution designers efficiently locate, review, and update multiple nodes within the Grooper repository. It combines flexible search capabilities, bulk property editing, and streamlined save/cancel workflows in a single, integrated interface.

Purpose and Functionality

• Search and Filter:
  Configure search criteria using the Node Query property grid to locate nodes by type, name, property values, or other custom filters. The search is executed using the {execute} button, and results are displayed in a tabular list.
• Results Review:
  The results list shows all nodes matching the current query. Users can select one or more nodes, review their properties, and navigate to them for further inspection.
• Bulk Editing:
  Use the {paste} button to apply property values from the clipboard to all selected nodes, enabling efficient batch updates. Modified nodes are visually marked as dirty until changes are saved or canceled.
• Save and Cancel:
  After making changes, use the {save} button to commit updates to the repository, or the {cancel} button to discard all pending changes and revert to the last saved state.

UI Components

• Property Grid:
  • Located in the upper panel, this grid allows users to configure the Node Query criteria for searching nodes.
  • Supports validation, tooltips, and context-sensitive help for each property.
• Toolbar:
  • Provides action buttons: {execute}, {paste}, {save}, and {cancel}.
  • Buttons are context-sensitive and enabled/disabled based on the current state (e.g., unsaved changes).
• Splitter:
  • Allows flexible resizing between the query panel and the results list.
• Results List:
  • Displays search results in a selectable, sortable table.
  • Supports multi-selection, keyboard navigation, and double-click navigation to nodes.
  • Selecting a row displays editable properties for that node.

Example

The following diagram illustrates the layout of the Node Finder:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Node Finder                                   {execute} {paste} {save} {cancel} │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ ┌───────────── Query Properties ────────────┐ ┌─────── Selected Node ─────────┐ │
│ │                                           │ │                               │ │
│ │               Property Grid               │ │         Property Grid         │ │
│ │                                           │ │                               │ │
│ └───────────────────────────────────────────┘ └───────────────────────────────┘ │
│ ┌──────────────────────────────── Results List ───────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │                                                                             │ │
│ │                                                                             │ │
│ │                                                                             │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

• Query Properties : Property Grid for configuring the Node Query criteria.
• Selected Node: Property grid for the currently selected node in the results list.
• Result List: Table of nodes matching the search criteria.
• {execute}: Run the search using the current query.
• {paste}: Paste property values to selected nodes.
• {save}: Save all pending changes.
• {cancel}: Discard all pending changes.

Usage Tips

• Use the property grid to define precise search criteria for locating nodes.
• Click {execute} to run the search and populate the results list.
• Select one or more nodes in the results list to review or edit their properties.
• Use {paste} to apply property values to multiple nodes at once.
• Click {save} to commit changes, or {cancel} to revert to the last saved state.
• Double-click a result to navigate directly to the corresponding node in the repository tree.

The Node Finder streamlines the process of searching for, reviewing, and updating large sets of nodes, making it an essential tool for advanced configuration, auditing, and batch property management in Grooper.

Command Buttons

Child Controls

┌───────────── Selected Node Properties ─────────────┐
│ Category: General                                 │
│ ─ Name: {Text Box}                                │
│ ─ Type: {Drop-down}                               │
│ Category: Advanced                                │
│ ─ Enabled: {Checkbox}                             │
│ ─ Details: {Expandable}                           │
│ ────────────── Help Window ──────────────         │
│   Description and usage guidance                  │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────┘