Customizing Rule Attributes

Use the COBOL Analyzer Administration tool to modify characteristics and valid values of user-defined attributes, and to create custom attributes suited to your particular needs. Custom attributes are available to each workspace you create in the product.

The attribute definitions are stored in a file with a name of the form *.Repstry.xml. You can create multiple custom attribute files if you want, and switch back and forth between them as needed. COBOL Analyzer applies the most recently saved definitions to your business rules.

Choose Rules > Extended Rule Attributes to open a limited version of this tool in which you can modify or delete the values for character-type attributes. If you delete values in use in existing business functions, rule sets, or rules, the default value of the attribute is restored.

Note: You must upgrade workspaces after customizing rule attributes. For upgrade instructions, see the installation manual for your product.

In the COBOL Analyzer Administration window, choose Administer > Edit Rule Attributes.
- If you have never customized attributes, the Extended Rule Attributes window opens automatically with the default attributes.
- If you have already customized attributes, and Administer > Use Latest File is not selected, an Open dialog appears where you can select the *.Repstry.xml file that contains the customized attributes you want to modify. The Extended Rule Attributes window opens.
- If you have already customized attributes, and Administer > Use Latest File is selected, the Extended Rule Attributes window opens with the customized attributes for the *.Repstry.xml file you last saved in the window.
Click the Business Function, Rule Set, or Business Rule tab as appropriate.
To modify an existing attribute, select the attribute in the lefthand pane, then edit the characteristics or values you want to modify in the righthand pane. To remove an attribute, select it and click Remove.
To create a new attribute, click Add, then edit the characteristics of the new attribute as necessary. The new attribute is added to the list in the lefthand pane.
Tip: To add a value in the Values pane, go to the end of any line containing a value, press Enter to create a new line, and type in the new value.
When you are satisfied with your entries, click OK. A Save As dialog opens, where you can specify the name and location of the *.Repstry.xml file. COBOL Analyzer applies the definitions to your business functions, rule sets, or rules.
Tip: To switch to the definitions in a different **.Repstry.xml file, deselect Administer > Use Latest File, open the file in the Edit Rule Attributes window, and click OK (whether or not you make changes to the file). Then save the file in the Save As dialog.

You must upgrade workspaces after customizing rule attributes. For upgrade instructions, see the installation manual for your product.