Working with rules and filters in natural language
Progress Corticon lets you use Natural Language (NL) words, phrases, and sentences as substitute terms in Rulesheet conditions and actions, making it easier to discuss the rules with stakeholders and analysts.
To use natural language on a Rulesheet:
1. Right-click within a Rulesheet, and then choose the dropdown menu command Natural Language, as shown:
Note: If the Natural Language window does not open, choose the menu command Window>Show View>Natural Language.
The Natural Language view typically places itself above the Rulesheet, as shown:
2. Enter plain language descriptive text for each condition and action, as shown:
While your use of natural language might vary, it is good practice to use a consistent, clear style. Here are some tips:
Use If in the text for Conditions and Then in the text for Actions.
Conditions that are True/False often read better as questions.
Adding … helps a reader continue the expression with the values in its column cells.
If you enter no natural language text, the existing expression is shown.
3. Expose your natural language expressions in the Rulesheet by either clicking the Show Natural Language toolbar button , or the menu command Rulesheet > Show Natural Language. The natural language is displayed as shown:
In Natural Language mode, the values in rule columns can be edited but the Condition and Action expressions are locked and cannot be edited.
4. Save the Rulesheet to store its expressions as well as its natural language data.
5. You can revert to the actual, editable expressions by clicking the Hide Natural Language toolbar button , or the menu command Rulesheet > Hide Natural Language.
6. Close the Natural Language view by clicking its close button.
Using natural language as an aid to Rulesheet design
You can create Natural Language phrases for the conditions, actions, and filters before defining those expressions.
Adding the natural language phrase makes the next line available for additional entries. Then, in the Rulesheet, define the expression that satisfies the natural language phrase, as shown:
Localization with natural language
When your stakeholders are comfortable in different natural languages, you can accommodate them easily with the natural language feature.
When you enable locales, the Natural Language window adds columns for the other locales. You can then define Natural Language text for each of those locales, as illustrated:
Use If in the text for Conditions and Then in the text for Actions.
, or the menu command Rulesheet > Show Natural Language. The natural language is displayed as shown:
, or the menu command Rulesheet > Hide Natural Language.
