[epf-dev] Tooling: Import/Export wizard white list

[Brian Schlosser <bschloss@xxxxxxxxxx>]

EPF Composer currently uses a subclass
of the standard Import/Export wizards that adds a white list of allowed
Import/Export extensions. (TNGExportWizard.java and TNGImportWizard.java)

This hampers the Eclipse "Invitation
Rule: Whenever possible let others contribute to your contributions"
In order to export data from the library I have to get a change made to
the base product. I've run across this already, and some one else asked
me about writing a plugin to export the method contents to tabular data.
Not to mention the recent additions of MS-Project export and XML import/export.

Here are the alternatives that I see
(in order of my personal preference):

1. Eliminate the filtering completely
2. Make it a section in preferences so a user could modify it
3. Make it a blacklist

Number one might be to aggressive, as
the additional import/export options that would become visible maybe confusing
to a novice.

Something else that could be done, but
would take considerable more effort is to do #1, but make use of the Capabilities
extension points in Eclipse to gradually reveal more advanced functions.
I'm not sure if this is feasible because it might require the plugins that
contribute the import/export options that we want to hide to implement
the extension point.

Anybody else have other thoughts on
this topic?

Brian Schlosser
- bschloss@xxxxxxxxxx - 512-838-0521