15.3 Verifying and Troubleshooting Algorithms Using the Algorithm Tracer

The Algorithm Tracer is a tool that displays the most recent algorithm trace information for an element and identifies the reason for its current condition.

Use the Algorithm Tracer to:

  • Trace and validate how an element’s condition is determined

  • Verify that condition was calculated as intended

  • See the affect on the state of related elements immediately after algorithm modifications

  • See how a change in condition affects the parent elements

In the following illustration of the Algorithm Tracer, the element has five children, all with UNKNOWN condition, so the UNKNOWN condition is propagated.

Figure 15-1 Algorithm Tracer Showing Element Condition Calculations

The following sections provide instructions on using the Algorithm Tracer:

15.3.1 Tracing and Validating the Algorithm Calculation

To trace the algorithm calculation:

  1. In the Explorer pane, right-click an element, then select Properties.

  2. In the left pane, click Condition.

  3. If necessary, specify the alternate algorithm.

    For more information, see Section 15.2, Setting an Algorithm for an Element.

  4. Click Tracer to open the Algorithm Tracer.

  5. To perform an algorithm recalculation immediately, click Recalculate.

    Leave the Algorithm Tracer dialog box open while modifying the Condition tab.

  6. If you select a different algorithm or modify a parameter, click Recalculate to recalculate the condition immediately and view results.

    By default, only the output for the most recent algorithm recalculation is displayed. To view all prior outputs as well as the most recent output, deselect the Clear Text Window Before Each Output option.

15.3.2 Testing an Algorithm’s Effect on Parent Condition

To test how parent condition is affected by an algorithm:

  1. Set a condition algorithm for the parent element with propagation set to include all children. Click Tracer to open the Algorithm Tracer and click Recalculate.

  2. Set the condition algorithm for the child element. Click Tracer to open the Algorithm Tracer and click Recalculate.

  3. View any changes to the parent element’s condition.