Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I set up a new faceted specification?

A new faceted specification can be created by clicking on the 'New Service' button on the toolbar. You will then be created with a wizard that will guide you through the process of creating a faceted specification structure.

2. How do I create a new facet?

Additional facets can be added to a faceted specification by clicking on the 'New Facet' button. You will then be presented with a window in which details of your new facet can be entered.

3. How do I create a new specification within a facet?

To add a new specification to a facet click on the 'New Facet Specification' button. This will bring up a wizard that will allow you to enter the details of your new specification. As part of this you can indicate if you want to use a form (if they are available), or indicate which language the specification will be in.

4. How do I use one of the default forms with a facet?

You can use one of the SeCSE default facet specification forms by selecting from the ones that are available when you create a new facet specification (see 3). If there are no specification forms available for that particular facet - then none will be listed. As long as your specification is compatible, you can also opt to associate with a facet form at a later date. This can be done by clicking on the 'Change Details' button and making the changes in the wizard.

5. How do I import 3rd party specifications?

It is possible to import compatible 3rd party specifications into the tool. A compatible specification needs to be in either XML or text format. The simplest way of importing a file is to drag it into the Facet Specifications window. You will then be presented with a wizard in which further details of the imported specification can be entered. It is important that you make sure you select the correct specification type/language in this wizard. In addition to dragging and dropping a file, you can also import it via the wizard brought up when you click on the 'New Facet Specification' button.

6. How do I export my faceted specification?

It is possible to export your faceted specification by clicking on the 'Export Service' button (cog and red arrow) on the toolbar. The relevant files will be collected together within a zip file. It is also possible to export individual facets by right clicking over the relevant facet in Facets list window, and selecting the 'Export Facet' option.

7. How do I import a faceted specification?

Faceted specifications can be imported by clicking on the 'Import Service' button (cog and blue arrow) on the toolbar. Only previously exported faceted specifications can be imported, and these must still be encapsulated within a zip file. It is also possible to import individual facets by right clicking over the Facets list window, and selecting the 'Import Facet' option.

8. How do I generate the final faceted specification?

A proper faceted specification is not created until the tool has generated it. To do this click on the 'Generate' button on the toolbar. The tool will then automatically create specifications and accompanying schemas for each facet.

9. How do I use the thesaurus?

The tool comes with a built in spell-checker and thesaurus. The thesaurus can be accessed by clicking on the 'Thesaurus' button (blue book) on the toolbar. You can then enter in word and look them up synonyms. By double clicking on text that appears in the synonym pane it is possible to automatically add this text to certain specification windows that you have been editing.

10. How do I publish my specification to a registry?

Once you have 'generated' a Faceted specification you can either save it locally or publish it to a compatible registry. Within the Specification Generator by clicking on the 'Publish' button you are presented with a window in which you can specify the registry URL and what files you want to publish. Upon clicking on 'Publish' the tool will then attempt to publish your specification.