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Step 4: Define features

Before we proceed, some words about features in general. They are
  • mandatory, optional or an alternative,
  • are hierarchical (feature tree) and
  • may have constraints (e. g. an exclude constraint).
Move to the 'Features' tab there you find empty feature trees for each asset and product. An outlined circle indicates a mandatory feature, a filled one an optional feature. Please note, that every asset is optional by default, since they are an optional part of a product. The picture below shows the feature view after step 3

 
step4-1.jpg

Feature view with empty feature trees

 
At the bottom you see an empty list with file attachments. Please ignore it, it will be explained in a later section.

To add a feature select one tree item and press the button with the green '+' on it featureActions.jpg.

A dialog pops up and asks you for the name of the feature. After the dialog finished, the new feature appears as child node of the previous selected feature. To change it's properties you may invoke the features' property dialog or use the toggle buttons in the tool bar.

  • The 'A' button allows you to set the 'alternative' flag of the feature. The selected feature must have 2 or more child nodes.
  • The button with the filled circle changes to feature to an optional (or mandatory) feature.
  • The third button toggles the 'default' flag of the feature. If set, this feature will be enabled by default (if it is an option)
As you may have noticed, some features are both optional and alternative. They are useful in situations like ('if you select this feature, you have to decide between alternative A or B').

The feature tree of the mobiles example is showed below.

step4-2.jpg

Feature view after adding the features from the example