The first of these features is the highlighting of data flows when the user makes a selection. When selecting one or more objects, from the graphical canvas or the implementation view, the VAPS XT interface will highlight all data flow connections that relate to the selected object(s). This helps users to quickly identify all of the data that is being sent or received from an object and also simplifies tasks such as identifying the elements that will be removed if an object is deleted from the application to avoid mistakes. The data flow highlight is also shown when an object's property is used inside of a mathematical or logical expression within the data flow dialog.
Next in line is the ability to drag-and-drop files such as images, audio clips and videos from the Windows Explorer straight into the VAPS XT interface to add them to your project's tables. While VAPS XT has supported these file types for a long time, the new drag-and-drop capability greatly accelerates the import of these files. Using the same mechanism, VAPS XT version 3.0 also adds the ability to drag-and-drop VAPS XT files, such as an object's class and implementation files, from the Windows Explorer to the current project. This way, users can quickly insert files that they took from another project or that they received from another user.
After introducing a Comments and a Find feature in 2.3, version 3.0 adds the ability to search through user comments. This allows users to quickly find objects or comments that they left within the application design based on their own keywords.
The last usability enhancement that I want to highlight is the enhanced run mode indicator that appears when you execute a display or object within the VAPS XT editor. By coloring the tabs of the files that are running, users are able to quickly identify what is the current run state of an application and which elements are running if they have multiple files opened.
Of course, these user interface enhancements are not the only new features in VAPS XT version 3.0, but they are definitely the enhancements that users will immediately see and enjoy when they upgrade to the new release. You can see the new features and enhancements for yourself if you are attending Avionics USA in San Diego from June 1st - 2nd.
Stay tuned for more on the new features of VAPS XT version 3.0.
