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05-UIInteractionFC.md

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FreePDM

Concept Of Design

Ui interacting with FC

Introduction

Within @link it mentions methods that should be added from the GUI. Lets review the interaction between FreeCAD and the PDM system.

Available space

Assumptions

  • The PDM should take in rest (not active use) as little as possible screen space
  • It should be easy to open the PDM system
  • The PDM system should be able to open basically from every workbench.

Workflow 1

In FreeCAD there is (via Qt) a built-in Webkit. Just as the Start Workench builds a 'local' webpage that interacts with a server.
It is possible to make use of this webkit to send requested information pertaining to:

  • searching,
  • projects,
  • info from parts in current project
  • etc
  • see: 04-UIFunctions

In a tabblad there is plenty of space to process this type of information.

questions / Comments 1

  • The webkit is harder to use when there is interaction needed between the FC App and the pdm
  • If the tabblad closes there should be a method to get it back

Workflow 2

FreeCAD comes bundled with an Add-on manager system. By default all Add-ons are written in Python. By creating an add-on there is probably more option for interaction between FreeCAD and the PDM compared to a strictly web interface approach. On the other hand the amount of complexity can also be greater. Besides the same actions as workflow 1 there are other options like the workflows 4 and 5

questions / Comments 2

Workflow 3

The last option is a hybrid method where there are some tasks done using the webkit (or comparable method). Additionally, there is a part of the workbench that should work with the Tooling that is added using the Add-on manager.

questions / Comments 3

Workflow 4

Available space

The rationale behind why the Check-In, Check-Out buttons are added to the filemenu is easy. The File Menu is always there. Another option is make a dedicated menu for All PDM functionality, the question is, is that required?

questions / Comments 4

  • Does this feature require a dedicated add-on module?
  • How to handle workspaces? (If this feature needs implementation probably an add-on is required)
    • When opening a file, how does FC point to the right workspace?
    • Is it possible to change from workspace while a file is open?
    • ...

Workflow 5

Available space

Basically this feature is partly duplicate with workflow 4 but for some users this feels more natural.

questions / Comments 5

  • Does this feature require a dedicated add-on module?

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