[kepler-dev] Configuration of workflow

[Dan Higgins]

Christopher,
    Talk about good timing!  The ParameterSet.java code sounds quite 
interesting!
Dan

Christopher Brooks wrote:
> Hi Norbert,
> Funny you should mention workflow configuration, because that's what
> I'm working on today.
>
> $PTII/ptolemy/data/expr/ParameterSet.java is the prototype of what
> Edward and I have planned.  ParameterSet extends
> ScopeExtendingAttribute and reads in a file in the format of option
> #2.  The idea is that the user drags in a ParameterSet attribute
> which reads in a file that sets parameters.  There is a cool trick
> to display all the parameters as well. 
>
> I'm working on a UI that will allow the user to set the file
> name and edit the file directly.
>
> Option 3 is appealing.  This is a life cycle management issue
> and worth looking in to.
>
> We chose to start with option #2 because we think it will be easier
> for users to understand.
>
> I should have something concrete by Wednesday.  I welcome your
> feedback on the design.
>
> BTW - I'll be away in the desert Thursday, June 29 through July 11.
>
> _Christopher
>
> --------
>
>     
>     Hi,
>     We have a workflow with lots of StringParameters and the user
>     executes it command-line (without GUI).
>     
>     I am looking for ways to conveniently use a configuration file for the 
>     workflow. Does anyone have a workflow that takes parameters from file?
>     
>     Option 1.
>     Edit the workflow's xml file, for the StringParameter properties.
>     Ugly and user-hately.
>     
>     Option 2.
>     Have a config file with format
>         name=value
>         name=value
>         ...
>     And create a script that replaces the parameters' values in the workflow's 
>     xml before running it.
>     Modestly-ugly but efficient and physicist-user-friendly.
>     
>     Option 3.
>     Create a subworkflow to read the config file and set variables within the 
>     workflow. This subworkflow should go in front of the rest of the workflow.
>     Nice, user-friendly and built-in solution.
>     Here I face the problem, that VariableSetter actor cannot accept variable 
>     names, only the values. Is there any solution in Ptolemy/Kepler?
>     
>     Option 4.
>     Native Ptolemy/Kepler support...? E.g. an actor written in Java.
>     
>     Thanks in advance for advice or more options
>     Norbert
>     
>     -- 
>     
>           Norbert Podhorszki
>         ------------------------------------
>           University of California, Davis
>           Department of Computer Science
>           1 Shields Ave, 2236 Kemper Hall
>           Davis, CA 95616
>           (530) 754-8188
>           pnorbert at cs.ucdavis.edu
>           ----------------------------------
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-- 
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Dan Higgins                                  higgins at nceas.ucsb.edu
http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/    Ph: 805-893-5127
National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) Marine Science Building - Room 3405
Santa Barbara, CA 93195
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