Is it possible to add an Extension from an Extension?

Hi Jim,

You are correct, CaseComplete doesn't allow extensions on extensions.  What we recommend instead is to refactor the extension into a separate use case, and then reference that use case from the extension step. CaseComplete makes this pretty easy - just select the steps in the extension, then right click and select Move to new Use Case.  More information here:

http://casecomplete.zendesk.com/entries/263040-refactor-use-cases

In the new use case, you can then have extensions on those steps. You might make a note in the preconditions that the use case only occurs through extended behavior of the "parent" use case for clarity.

Hope this helps,

Doug

Hi,

Actually, it doesn't seem to work: I cannot move steps from an extension to a new use case, as 'Move steps to New use Case' is de-activated on these steps. I can only do it for a step in the main flow.

Anyway, your solution wouldn't enable us to automatically get a complete and consistent activity diagram. Is there a specific reason why you won't allow to add an extension from an extension ?

Thank you,

Olivier

Hi Olivier,

I apologize; the other article could be a little clearer with regards to re-factoring extension steps. In order to select the steps (or extension steps) you'd like to move to a new use case, you need to have the text AND the step number highlighted before right-clicking. To do this, move the mouse cursor to the left of the step's number - it'll change to a sort of backwards (right-facing) arrow - then click or click-drag to select the step(s) you'd like to move.

Regarding extensions on extensions, we felt that the program - and maybe even the use cases themselves - would be too complex and potentially tough to work with if we allowed that level of complexity.

Hi Jason,

Thanks for your quick answer. I'm ok with this operation, but my point is that it seems to work only with the main flow steps. When I select an extension step and right-click, the 'Move steps to new Use Case...' option is not active (it appears in light grey).

I understand your concern about the complexity of the use cases, but the fact is some of them are indeed more complex than others and would really require at least a second 'level' of extensions. The time we save drawing complex use cases with CC is eventually wasted building manual activity diagrams...

Thank you,

Olivier

I assure you that re-factoring extenstion steps is supported. Please make sure that your extension step numbers are selected, as well, and not just the text of the steps (see attached), and that you're only trying to move the steps for one extension at a time. If you'd like, we can set up a quick web meeting to go over the process - just shoot an email to support@serlio.com.