Using Static Graphs

Making Graphical Static Queries

Operation

Description

Describe

This choice brings up a dialog box that provides

 

auxiliary information on the node. For example, a

 

function node's "Describe" dialog box provides a list of

 

function parameters, local variables, the location of the

 

definition, and a list of attributes of the function.

Node Queries

By selecting the node you can perform queries that are

 

specific to that node type and that graph.

Hide Nodes

The node can be hidden from the graph by choosing

 

"Hide Selected". You can also remove everything

 

except your selection by choosing "Hide Unselected".

Copy Nodes

You can copy nodes to other graphs using the

 

"Redisplay Selection" submenu. This feature allows

 

you to view nodes from several different perspectives.

 

As an example, you could copy a class to the Call

 

Graph, and find out all the functions that call any

 

member of the class.

Switching between Static Graphs

SoftBench Static Analyzer provides the flexibility to switch between graphs quickly, allowing you to view your application from several viewpoints. For example, you can switch from the Static Call Graph to the Static File Graph to see which source files would be affected by a change to that function. Each graph provides menu actions that are unique to either files, functions, variables, or classes. You can also enter identifiers in the "Symbol ()" input box on any graph. You could, for example, enter main in the "Symbol ()" input box on the File Graph and select Display.

Displaying Nodes on Another Graph

The popup menus on each graph provide operations that are specific to that graph. You can copy nodes from one graph to another to access the features of the new graph. Select a node, display the popup menu, and choose one of the selections on the "Redisplay Selection" submenu.

For example, if you select a function in the Call Graph, you can find what functions call or are called by the function. If you copy the function to the SoftBench Class Graph/Editor, you can find what classes access or are

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Chapter 10