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Document versus Application: system attributes and defaults

When Tinderbox generates a new TBX document, all current system attributes are added to the document. Each such attributes also stores the (then current) default for that attribute.

But, over time, new versions of Tinderbox are released. Occasionally, an existing system attribute may change its default. An example is the default font used in text ($TextFont). Separately, new system attribute may appear. Less often, old system attributes are no longer added to new files.

So, what happens to existing TBX files in these situations?

A new default value for an existing system attribute

This has no effect on existing documents as they retain their originally defined default value. By comparison, new documents will define the same attribute use the newer, now current default. If the user wishes to use the newer value, then they edit the attribute's default—see the 'review actions' section below. This avoids nasty surprises where the new default to be auto adopted and where the existing document behaviour assumed the old default value, such as might affect automation within the document.

A new app version gains a new system attribute

On first use in the new version of the app, the new system attribute(s) will be added to the documents existing system attribute, using the current default values.

An existing system attribute is dropped from the schema in a new app version

No change occurs—existing apps retain their pre-existing system attributes, even if some are now moribund. There is no way for the user to delete these now obsolete or un-needed attributes but they should simply be ignored. Any new documents will lack these attributes completely. A point to bear in mind is that occasionally a new attribute replaces an old one, but both are supported. Thus $AccentColor replaced $Color2. Whilst, newer TBXs will lack $Color2, older documents will likely have both and both will store the same values. This ensures old document's action code does not just break. Ideally, if such a 'replacement' occurs, users should review code and replace any use of to the old attribute name with the new name.

Review actions for the user to consider

If any of the above happen: