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Standard paths section

Define shortcuts to other attributes​

When editing a design or interface, the Standard paths section lists any standard paths that have been defined on it, plus the standard paths inherited from any implemented interfaces. They may be organised into groups for convenience. Select beside a group to show the standard paths within it.

A standard path is a handy shortcut to an attribute on a connected design/interface, which users would otherwise have to navigate to via the Pathfinder. This can involve "hopping" to a parent design/interface (that links to the current one) or to a child design/interface (the current one links to it), for any number of hops. Not only does this bring the connected attribute within easy reach, it also surfaces the attribute to users that may be unaware of it!

You can add any number of standard paths to any design/interface. Custom standard paths added by your organisation are identifiable by their button.

The Standard Paths section of an example design, listing implemented and inherited paths

Add a standard path​

To add a standard path to the current design/interface:

  1. Select Add standard path.

  2. Fill in the following fields:

    • Name * - enter a distinct name that clearly identifies the referenced attribute.

    • Path * - use the Pathfinder to "hop" to a parent or child design/interface from the current one. This can involve following Link attributes, following existing standard paths, or using Navigate to hop to a specific design/interface. Repeat for any number of hops until you're there. Select the desired attribute and then select Done.

    • Standard path group - organise standard paths into groups for easier navigation. Select an existing group or select Add to create a new one. To delete a group, select its button (this won't delete the standard paths within it).

  3. Select Add to finish.

The properties of a standard path

Edit a standard path​

Select a standard path to view its properties. If the standard path was added by your organisation (it has a button), you can also edit those properties! Populate the fields as needed and select Save to finish.

If the standard path is inherited, select the displayed Go to... link to edit the standard path on the interface it belongs to. To do this in a new browser tab, use middle-click or Ctrl-click.

An orange message in the attribute's properties, explaining that the attribute belongs to an inherited interface

System standard paths can't be edited, except for their Name property. If you try to edit any other properties, it will fail with a DodiStandardPathEditForbidden error (1720000003). This ensures Alloy's core functionality runs consistently and reliably for everybody.

Note

A standard path can belong to a single group or exist on its own.

Delete a standard path​

To delete a standard path from the design/interface, select its button and answer Yes to the confirmation.

If the standard path doesn't have a button, select the standard path to see if it's inherited. If so, follow the Go to... link to the interface it belongs to. If not, it's a protected system path that can't be deleted!