Dear Hans Breuer, Thanks for your reply.
This would require some extension to the custom shape specification [1] and the custom shape module [2]. A simple solution could be to define an enum with the shape and use that for conditional rendering of subshapes. This wont give an extra dialog, but just another option with the standard properties.
As I tried to put forward in my email I have experimented with custom shapes, although I wasn't aware of the enum functionality. Observing the UML objects (especially the class) in the source code has shown me the incredible number of possibilities for adding options. It would present some learning-curve though, since I have little experience in programming for desktop applications. As soon as I find some time I can begin, now that I know where to begin.
If I understand correctly this is a special case of 1)? But here one might consider to use the SVG switch element [3], which looks to be too limited for the generic case. But again some specification and implementation updated would be involved.
I wasn't able to find any <switch> statement in the code (grep), so I assume this would imply not only an element for each shape, but also the necessary parsing in the code to properly handle this functionality. That seems to require to much effort, especially for a questionable usability feature.
This kind of flexibility is IMO out of scope for the custom shape mechanism. But an an object implementation in C could achieve something like that. See e.g. "Network - Bus" for an example [4].
Another good example. The Connection point in Electrical would be a more simple way of achieving similar drawing capabilities, but the network bus with some modifications would be a great alternative.
Custom shapes are always scaled so the underlying size does not matter match. If you are creating your shapes with the help of Dia's shape exporter typical diagram sizes should be used.
The main reason for asking was the consideration of the relative line thickness when designing shapes. Then again line thickness can be defined by the user.
That file produces errors on load with master and dia-0-97
* Unknown types while reading diagram file CMOS - nmos_h
=> expected because of missing shape file
* Error? trying to connect a non connectable handle.
'Standard - Ellipse' -> 'Standard - Ellipse'
=> This might be a bug with Dia, so I'm curious how the diagram got
created. Did you already modify the Dia source code? Which version did you
use to create the file?
I was aware of these, which originate from using other sheets as a starting point. Nonetheless the other elements show my attempt.
If I've understood your requirments correctly some coding woud be inevitable. Don't hesitate to discuss the design on this list first ;-)
Great, I'll start by preparing a set of icons I would like to implement and the various options, to better discuss the way of implementing. Thanks again, Nico Rikken
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