Class Hierarchies¶

This guide explains how to use Jake to visualize and understand class relationships in your LabVIEW applications. Clear visualization of class hierarchies helps you maintain proper object-oriented design principles and communicate system architecture effectively.

Creating Class Diagrams¶

When working with LabVIEW classes, start by generating a comprehensive view of your class hierarchy. Request a class hierarchy analysis using the pattern command:

$ @classes Create a diagram of the class hierarchy

Jake will analyze your class structure and generate a detailed Mermaid diagram showing inheritance relationships, methods, and properties. This visualization provides a clear overview of how your classes relate to each other and how functionality is distributed throughout your object-oriented design.

An example of Jake's output might look like the following:

classDiagram
    class Actor {
    }
    Actor <|-- Coffee_Shop
    Actor <|-- Person
    Actor <|-- Customer
    Actor <|-- Work_Dispatcher
    Actor <|-- Worker
    Actor <|-- Cashier
    Actor <|-- Barista
    Actor <|-- Customer_With_Cell_Phone

Understanding Inheritance Relationships¶

To gain deeper insight into how your classes inherit and override functionality, ask Jake to analyze specific inheritance chains:

? @classes Explain the inheritance relationship between these classes

Jake will provide a detailed explanation of how methods and properties are inherited, overridden, or extended through your class hierarchy. This analysis helps ensure your inheritance structure follows good object-oriented design principles and maintains proper encapsulation.

Method Implementation Analysis¶

Understanding method implementations across your class hierarchy is crucial for maintaining consistent behavior. Request a method analysis:

$ @classes Show method implementations across the hierarchy

Jake will create a visualization showing where methods are defined, overridden, and inherited. This information helps you track method behavior through your class structure and ensure proper polymorphic implementation.

Dynamic Dispatch Visualization¶

For applications using dynamic dispatch, understanding method resolution is important. Ask Jake to analyze dynamic dispatch paths:

$ @classes Visualize dynamic dispatch resolution

Jake will create diagrams showing how method calls resolve through your class hierarchy at runtime. This visualization helps you verify that your dynamic dispatch implementation works as intended and follows efficient patterns.

Interface Documentation¶

Clear documentation of class interfaces helps other developers use your classes correctly. Generate interface documentation:

+ @classes Document the public interface for this class hierarchy

Jake will help you create comprehensive documentation of public methods, properties, and their intended usage. This documentation complements your class diagrams and helps ensure proper use of your class library.

Refactoring Analysis¶

When considering changes to your class hierarchy, ask Jake to analyze the impact:

! @classes Analyze the impact of proposed class changes

Jake will evaluate how changes might affect dependent code and suggest approaches for maintaining compatibility while improving your class design. This analysis helps you make informed decisions about refactoring your object-oriented architecture.

Testing Coverage¶

Understanding test coverage across your class hierarchy helps ensure reliable behavior. Request a test coverage analysis:

! @classes Review test coverage for this class hierarchy

Jake will examine your test implementation and highlight areas that may need additional testing, helping you maintain comprehensive test coverage across your class structure.

Architecture Integration¶

Understanding how your class hierarchy fits into your overall system architecture is crucial. Request an architectural view:

$ @project Show how these classes integrate with the system architecture

Jake will create diagrams showing how your classes interact with other system components, helping you maintain clean architectural boundaries and proper separation of concerns.

Remember that effective class hierarchy visualization combines clear structural representation with comprehensive documentation of behavior. Use Jake's visualization capabilities to create diagrams and documentation that support effective object-oriented development in your LabVIEW applications.