External C++ Data type: C-Struct check box

Modeling

To explain the purpose of the C-Struct check box

Modelers using external data classes

ObjecTime 5.0

In ObjecTime external data classes are "proxies" for the external entity which it represents. The C-Struct check box is a hint/ reminder to the user of the external data class that they should not treat this class like a regular data class wholey defined within ObjecTime. To illustrate , pose the question: If I subclass an external data class that is a C-Struct, what does this correspond to outside the toolset? ObjecTime depends on the user to keep the inside and outside representation consistent.

All of the external data class material becomes easier to understand if you start from the basic premise that external data classes are proxies for the corresponding external entities. They are a contract between ObjecTime and the outside world.

The C-Struct check box is advisory in nature and will not prevent the user from doing things which may put the toolset internal-view and toolset-external view out of sync with each other. Ex. The toolset will not prevent you from subclassing an external data class, and depends on the user to provide a corresponding external entity.

ObjecTime 5.0 C++ Guide pg.47 External C++ data types.