[Code] ComponentInstance-add_entities v1.9

TIG

This script [ComponentInstance-add_entities.rb] adds an additional method .add_entities to the ComponentInstance class. The given 'entities' (either as a selection or an array) are added to the instance's definition in the same transformation, relationship etc as the originals.
There are two optional arguments - to 'copy' the entities rather than move them and to make the specific instance 'unique' or globally change the definition.

component_instance(entities,copy,unique)

The two arguments default to 'false' if not given: to set them make them 'true'.
Read the notes at the start of the script. Call it from other scripts. Trying to add an instance into itself or adding an instance's definition recursively could BugSplat - this is trapped by making copies and/or making_unique any instances so added... For Windows users an additional toggleWindows.zip file contains the two files needed in the Plugins folder to give a utility to rollup an open Outliner window during this operation - this will avoid BugSplats [it's based on Jim's code]. If you don't want to install this addition or if you have a Mac then the 'add_entities' method will still work BUT please ensure that the Outliner is not open when using it - it is a known problem in the API itself...
[EDIT: v1.1 new files added 20090401]
[EDIT: v1.2 unneeded file removed, 'defn.delete' now built-in 20090402]
[EDIT: v1.3 unneeded 'require ...' removed 20090408]
[EDIT: v1.4 needed 'group.definition' added direct into file 20090410]
[EDIT: v1.5 'group.definition' empty group error fixed 20090515]
[EDIT: v1.6 definition.behavior(s) fully copied across 20090702]
[EDIT: v1.7 definition attribute dictionaries copied across 20090819]
[EDIT: v1.8 error will attrdicts==nil fixed 20090821]
[EDIT: v1.9 Attribute Dictionaries copied for Instance 20090825]
.ComponentInstance-add_entities.rb

toggleWindows.rb

thomthom

thomthom

Is there a way to know if the Outliner is open? If so, can't you use Sketchup.send_action 21513 to toggle the Outliner off and have it work on both platform?

TIG

@thomthom said:

Is there a way to know if the Outliner is open? If so, can't you use Sketchup.send_action 21513 to toggle the Outliner off and have it work on both platform?

It would be good if it were cross-platform BUT the "send_action 'number'" only works on a PC...
If someone has a Mac fix please let me know...
The toggleWindows script lets you 'rollup' any open window by name on a PC...

TIG

Version 1.1
It can sometimes BugSplat if the Outliner window is open when it runs...
so it can now be forced to rollup first - using Jim's code ideas - you'll need
'toggleWindows.rb' and 'Win32API.so' - sorry it's for Windows only - Mac users ???
If you are on a PC and don't install toggleWindows.rb/Win32API.so then it'll still work
BUT please close the Outliner to avoid BugSplats !

Version 1.1 20090401
AT-ComponentDefinition-delete.rb version used.
Recursive version now keeps layer/material.
Possible Outliner window rollup added.

You should download the following files:
ComponentInstance-add_entities.rb
AT-ComponentDefinition-delete.rb [ http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?p=145255#p145255 ]
for PC users the zip file contains 'toggleWindows.rb' and 'Win32API.so'...

They are added to the first page in this thread...[ http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?p=145009#p145009 ]

TIG

Version 1.2 is here [ http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?p=145009#p145009 ]
It now has the 'definition.delete' code built-in as that is now greatly simplified thanks to AlexM's insights...
I'm awaiting Scott's feedback on cross-platform Sketchup.send_action(21513) etc - I don't think they are Mac friendly... However if they are we can make the v1.1 Outliner crash work-around for PC and Mac...

.

thomthom

Does Mac also have the issue with the open Outliner? It's not specific to the way Windows redraws stuff?

TIG

@thomthom said:

Does Mac also have the issue with the open Outliner? It's not specific to the way Windows redraws stuff?

Don't know - are there any Mac users out there getting BugSplats with the Outliner being open during script runs that affect groups/instances ???
Any Mac users doing 'send_action' - please try to open/close the Outliner and try Sketchup.send_action(21513) etc and report back...
It would be good to have extended common 'send_actions' for both PC and Mac - I know that some 'numerical' ones don't work on Mac...

thomthom

I have an old Mac Mini at home I can test the send_actions on.
Not sure if it's reliable to test the Outliner issue due to it's age and lack of power...

TIG

@thomthom said:

I have an old Mac Mini at home I can test the send_actions on.
Not sure if it's reliable to test the Outliner issue due to it's age and lack of power...

Thanks - Scott's taking his time coming back... I suspect it's not going to be straight forward...

Matt666

I reported this Mac bug here... I hope outliner test will be positive...

TIG

v1.3 is here http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?p=145009#p145009
IT has an unneeded initial 'require ...' removed: otherwise it's unchanged...

Matt666

Hi TIG.
I start to play with your cool function!
Just one bug for the moment, line 139. group.definition, and no definition function for groups.
I think you didn't copy the function in the script...

class Sketchup;;Group
	def definition
		return self.entities[0].parent
	end
end

TIG

Matt = thanks for pointing this out - I had 'group.definition' load from a separate ruby - that I hadn't posted...
I've now added it to this file for the avoidance of doubt...

v1.4 now here: http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?p=145009#p145009

Being able to get a group's definition is very useful in many other cases...

HPW

So now we have this great addition to the toolset, what is the best way of delivery?
The file gets copied into the Plugins-Directory.

What should our own installer should do?
Check the existence of the file and install it if not present?
Check date and install it if a newer version is available?

Can the ruby-code check if the method is installed?
If not use a copy installed in the own subfolder?

TIG

@unknownuser said:

The file gets copied into the Plugins-Directory.
Your own installer should check the existence of the file and install it if not present, BUT also check any existing file's modification-date and install if you have a newer version.

Yes to all, this is the best way for all plugins...

AlexMozg

Method 'group.definition'....
More correct would be the code:


class Sketchup;;Group
   def definition
      self.entities.parent
   end
end

Because, when group is empty
there is an error at the use of code: self.entities[0.parent]
The group may be empty soon after its inception.
For example:

group = Sketchup.active_model.active_entities.add_group
definition = group.definition

Request to replace a code on more correct, because I use this method in the developments.

TIG

Following AlexM's point I have adjusted to code to avoid empty group errors...
v1.5 is now here... http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?p=145009#p145009

TIG

An oversight has been corrected...

v1.6 all definition.behavior(s) now fully copied across. 20090702 download it from... http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?p=145009#p145009

HPW

I run into a problem when I use add_entities from a startup-ruby.
The code line:

@kombi_group_sel_def.instances[0].add_entities(@kombi_group_list)

throws an error : undefined method `parent' for nil:NilClass

My ruby (zAutostart.rb) loads after the ComponentInstance-add_entities.rb

When I disable the call in my ruby and start the command from the console it runs without problems.