Managing the explorer
The explorer is the place where you can created and edit parts freely, based on the structure you have defined in the data model. The properties of those parts will have their values filled in later during the Working in the task form stage of the project. The parts defined inside the explorer are called part instances, as opposed to the ones in the data model, which are named part models.
Now add to our bike a 'rear wheel' too:
- Go to your project.
- Access the Explorer
, using the sidebar button.
- Select the part to which you want to add an instance.
- Click on the Add button.
Select the model that you want your new part instance to be based on.
- Provide a name.
Confirm by clicking Add again.
Cannot add a new instance?
The possibility to add more part instances is strongly connected to the quantity you have provided when creating your part model. For example, if your model has been created with quantity '0 or 1', then you are not allowed to add a second part instance based on that respective model. Read more about those interactions here.
In Working with part models, we have created a part model called "Wheel", which has a quantity of "1 or more". This means that inside the explorer, there must be at least one wheel defined under "Bike". We'll start by renaming that one part:
- Go to your project.
- Access the Explorer
- Select the part you would like to Edit.
Click the Edit button.
- Provide a new name and (optionally) a description.
- Confirm by clicking Edit again.
- Go to your project.
- Access the Explorer
- Select the part you would like to Delete.
Click on the Delete button.
Why has my deletion failed?
The possibility to delete part instances is strongly connected to the quantity you have provided when creating your part model. For example, if your model has bee created with quantity '1 or more', then you are not allowed to delete the last part instance that is based on that respective model. Read more about those interactions here.
Cannot make any changes on properties?
Inside the Explorer, no actions can be performed on the properties of part instances. However, any changes you make inside the data model (e.g. deleting, editing or adding properties), will be reflected in the explorer on all the part instances created based on the respective model.This covers the basics of the Explorer and how it is connected to the data model. You will later learn how all your data can be visualized inside a task form and created when adding a widget. But before that, make sure you read the Managing the work breakdown manual.