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Background documentationWorking with Visual Composer in SAP NetWeaver Developer Studio Locate this document in the navigation structure

 

Overview

Visual Composer is available as a feature in SAP NetWeaver Developer Studio. In the same environment, you can easily work with other features, such as WebDynpro tools. This version of Visual Composer is intended for application developers who are familiar with Eclipse and are capable of using its features.

Note Note

This document provides details specific to using the Visual Composer for SAP NetWeaver Developer Studio. It complements the overall Visual Composer documentation, which can be found here: Modeling Composite Views with Visual Composer.

End of the note.
Differences Between the Browser and Developer Studio Versions of Visual Composer

Working with models in the Developer Studio is different from working in the browser version of Visual Composer. Some of the differences are described below:

Developer Studio Version of Visual Composer

Browser Version of Visual Composer

You can deploy the model to a server of your choice. You must configure the server as the SAP AS Java.

You must deploy the model to the server on which you have created the model.

It has a Model Browser that allows you to view the Visual Composer models in your workspace. You can create and use working sets.

Has only the Open Model dialog box and Manage Models dialog box

In addition to the Visual Composer Search task panel, you can use the model finder to search for models.

Has only the Visual Composer Search task panel

While working with the models in source control, if you get disconnected from the source control system, you can continue to work with the checked-out models. You can check in the models only after reconnecting to the source control system.

While working with the models in source control, if you get disconnected from the source control system, you cannot work with the checked-out components until you are reconnected.

You can switch to the different features in the Developer Studio such as Java, Development Infrastructure, WebDynpro, and Design Time Repository to access the different views and perform specific actions.

Not applicable

You can work with multiple development configurations.

You can work with only one development configuration.

You can store your models either in a local repository or in source control.

In addition to storing models in the local repository and source control, you can store your models in a shared repository.

Models that you create in the local development configuration cannot be added to source control.

Models that you create in the local development configuration can be added to source control

Supports the mass configuration feature.

Does not support mass configuration.

To use the Portal feature, install the plug-ins from the update site.

The Portal feature is a part of the server installation.

You can search, browse and import portal entities from the remote portal by configuring the user name and password in the configuration options pane.

You can search, browse and import portal entities from the remote portal using your login credentials.
Visual Composer Desktop in Developer Studio

This graphic is explained in the accompanying text.

The main parts of the Visual Composer desktop in the Developer Studio are described as follows:

  • Model browser – Allows you to view the Visual Composer development components and models that you use for local development and source control based development in your current developer studio workspace. Each development component contains models. In addition you can:

    • Open a model

    • Check out models present in source control

    • Delete models present in local repository

    • Refresh the state of any development component or model in source control

    • Build development components

    • Create and use working sets

    • Search for models in your current workspace

    • View properties of any development component or mode

  • Storyboard – Allows you to create Visual Composer models. It contains all the tools you need to create your model. It has two main areas:

    • Workspace - Displays your model as you build and modify it

    • Task panels - Displays the tools you use to build your model

  • Properties – Displays the properties of a development component or model

In the Developer Studio version, the Visual Composer toolbar and menu bar are integrated with the toolbar and menu bar of the Developer Studio. However, the Visual Composer-specific toolbar and menu bar are only enabled once you have launched Visual Composer and the Visual Composer storyboard is active.

The Developer Studio now has new menu options such as Model, View, and Tools. In addition, the Edit and Help menu options have been enhanced to accommodate the requirements specific to Visual Composer.

In the Developer Studio version, the Visual Composer console is integrated with the console of the Developer Studio.