Make the input of array parameters a humane experience

[Francesco Casella]

Currently, the input of array parameters in OMEdit is a rather inhumane experience, particularly for beginners:

• it is not at all clear if the parameter is a scalar, an array, or an N-dimensional array, one has to guess or to look at the source code or at the documentation to find that out
• if a literal value is to be input, one has to get the syntax right
• even for advanced users, you may spend 10 solid minutes typing in an elaborate literal array expression, hit return, and discover you just lost all your work because of a stupid syntax error, e.g.

  [3] 19:35:48 Scripting Error
  Unable to set the component modifier value using command
  setComponentModifierValue(
   BasicAeroEngines.Tests.TestTurboJet, fuelFlow.table, $Code(=[0, 0.4;]))
  

I would strongly suggest that we improve the end user experience on this front, at least in these directions:

• include some hint in the parameter window so as to the dimension of array parameters
• add a GUI for one- and two-dimensional array input
• check for the syntax validity before closing the input window, and in case of error give some error message but do not discard the wrong input, rather keep it available for correction