Introduction to Modes
To adapt the integrated environment for developing and managing XPath expression, 4 distinct modes are available. These control two key properties:
- The type of pane (Results or Expressions) shown adjacent to the XPath Editing Pane
- The behaviour when selecting an expression in the Expression Management or Variables Panes.
The modes are selectable from the XPath toolbar menu as shown in the screenshot (right), and are described below.
To the right of the menu button is a 'Count' label. For most modes, this shows the total number of nodes returned by the XPath evaluation of the expression in the XPath Editor. The exception for this is the Manager Mode, in this mode the total number of XPath expressions is given instead.
Results Pane Modes
Modes available with the Results Pane displayed
Results Mode
This is the default, starting mode. It allows the results of an XPath currently being edited to be seen in real-time.
Selecting variables listed in the Variables Pane results in the first node of any nodeset result being selected in the raw xml and tree-view.
Browser Mode
This mode allows you to quickly browse through previously saved XPath expressions, and see all their result nodes at a glance.
Selecting varibles in the Variables Pane results in the associated XPath expression being reinserted into the XPath editing pane and the expression being reevaluated with the new results being listed, and the tree-view node 'hits' being highlighted.
Expression Management Pane Modes
Modes available with the Expression Management Pane displayed
Manager Mode
This mode is most useful when you wish to modify the attributes of previously saved XPath expressions.
Selecting an expression from the Expression Management Pane, does not lead to a re-evaluation of the exxpression you select.
Reviewer Mode
This mode works best when you wish to edit previously saved XPath expressions in the XPath Editor and save them with a new name.
Selecting an expression from the Expression Management Pane results in the XPath expression being reinserted into the XPath editing pane, the expression is then re-evaluated and, the new results being highlighted as 'hits' on the tree-view.