Action Descriptor

An action is an integrally closed function that can be triggered in the user interface. An action can consist of a number of tools. In the data model, the description of an action is called the Action Descriptor. An Action Descriptor must refer to at least one Tool Descriptor. An execution number (SeqNo) specifies a tool's processing sequence within the action, which is determined by the relationship to a Tool Descriptor, as shown in this figure.

An action's execution is usually triggered actively by a user. In some cases, an action can also execute automatically, such as determining an element's properties.

At run time, actions can occur:

• As an Expand function of structural elements.
• In the context menus of filters.
• As a standard action for filters (refresh or double-click).
• In the context menus of elements.
• As a standard action for elements (double-click).
• In the context menus of tables derived from a structured file descriptor.
• In the Eclipse menu bar.
• In the context menus of editors.
• In the context menu of an AWM application.
• To update the properties of an element.
• To refresh an element list.
• As a button in a modeled dialog to retrieve valid property values.
• As a validate action in a modeled dialog.

The actions that should be carried out for the listed types are defined in the AWM model through the relationships of the types (element type, filter type and so forth) to action descriptors. Actions which do not belong to a certain type must be modeled as a global action. See Global Action for more information.