Auto Fix, Auto Search, Auto Standard Size

This topic covers the ODOP Auto Fix (AutoFix, Auto-Fix), Auto Search (AutoSearch, Auto-Search) and Auto Standard Size (AutoStdSize, Auto-Standard-Size, Auto-StdSize) features.

On this page:

• Auto Fix
• Auto Search
• Auto Standard Size

Auto Fix Feature

When enabled, the Auto Fix feature automatically sets Fixed status on independent variables modified by the user. It is enabled by default.

Auto Fix applies only to future changes. It does not affect any existing variables in Fixed status.

Auto Fix may be enabled or disabled by:

• a check box on the main pages (Advanced and Calculator Views) to the right of the Alerts feature.
  or
• the preference value "enable_auto_fix", accessed through the File : Preferences... menu. In order to disable Auto Fix, set the value of "enable_auto_fix" to 0.

The Auto Fix feature is helpful in that it eliminates the surprise experienced by new users when Search modifies a value that they thought they had established. The downside of Auto Fix is that tends to create over-specified design situations which can be difficult to recognize. Specifically, the Auto Fix feature may contribute to unintentionally placing Independent Variables in Fixed status.

See Also:

• Terminology AutoFix
• Terminology Fix & Free
• Terminology Independent Variables
• Design Situations

Auto Search Feature

When enabled, the Auto Search feature automatically triggers a Search operation after user input. It is enabled by default.

When Auto Search is enabled, a Search is automatically triggered when the the user changes a value, the current design is not feasible and the user:

• pushes the "Enter" key
  or
• pushes the "Tab" key
  or
• clicks out of the field containing the changed value

When Auto Search is not enabled, the Search feature executes only when a Search (solve) button is pushed or the Action : Search (solve) menu entry is invoked.

Auto Search may be enabled or disabled by:

• a check box on the main pages (Advanced and Calculator Views) to the right of the Alerts feature.
  or
• the preference value "enable_auto_search", accessed through the File : Preferences... menu. In order to disable Auto Search, set the value of "enable_auto_search" to 0.

While similar to the familiar default recalc behavior of a spreadsheet, the operation of Auto Search can be a source of user surprise. Specifically, if the user delays moving the input cursor after entering a changed value, the corresponding delay in update of Search results (Message field and Multi-color Feasibility Indicator) may be unexpected.

See Also:

• Terminology Search
• Search

Auto Standard Size Feature

When enabled for a specific Independent Variable, the Auto Standard Size feature automatically allows searches with feasible outcomes to have a standard size.

• Searches without a feasible outcome will not get a standard size.
• The variable selected for standard size treatment must have an associated standard size table.
• Variables in Fixed status will not get a standard size.
• Variables that get a standard size will be left in Free status.

Auto Standard Size may be enabled or disabled by:

• a check box on the main pages (Advanced and Calculator Views) to the right of the Alerts feature.
  or
• the preference value "enable_auto_stdsize", accessed through the File : Preferences... menu. In order to disable the Auto Standard Size behavior, un-check the appropriate variable.

See Also:

• Action : Select Size menu
• Terminology Independent Variables
• Terminology Search
• Search

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