Working with the Rule Feature

A rule is a set of instructions, generally based on conditional statements, whereby the relationship between parameters is controlled. In addition, depending on the context described by the rule instructions, actions can be executed:

	To set a value or a formula to parameters, including feature activity
	To display information panels
	to launch Visual Basic macros stored in external files or in the V5 document.
	to affect points, curves and surfaces and thus allow contextual and automatic topological changes

In the document specification tree, it is displayed as a relation that can be activated or deactivated. Like any feature, a rule can be manipulated from its contextual menu.

A rule is executed when one of its input parameters has changed or when one of its input features has changed and if the user requires the update of the rule.

The consequence is that it is impossible for the user to completely control when the rule has to be fired. As a result, rules should only manipulate parameters and features and should be used to control the status of a design (change of parameters and geometry).

If the user wants to control when the action takes place, he should use the Reaction feature.

Creating a Rule
Using the Rule Editor
Instantiating Relations from a Catalog
Using Rules and Checks in a Power Copy
Creating Sets of Relations
Updating Relations Using Measures
Using the Dictionary