Content Access Syntax to Modify Content

The ContentAccessSyntax has suggestions on how to query topic content based on a proposed TopicObjectModel. This is a useful feature for TWikiApplications to display selected content where needed.

Borrowing the idea from the DOM (Document Object Model), we can spin this idea further with a way to modify content. There are two parts to it:

• Modify DOM temporarily at page view time
• Modify topic content persistently

Modify DOM Temporarily at Page View Time

Use cases:

• AJAX applications can use this feature to modify displayed topic content on the fly.
• A long topic could display a "please wait while page is loading" on top, and remove it when done

Example, using syntax proposal 6:

• {{this:heading[0].text.set=New heading set now}}
• {{this:form.field.name.TopicSummary.text.set=This is the new summary}}

Modify Topic Content Persistently

Use cases:

• AJAX applications can use this feature to modify topic content persistently. Example:
  • A SEARCH can display a table, each row showing data from a form attached to a topic. Editing and saving cells could be done across topics.
• The CommentPlugin template for the Support questions could be modified to show a picklist with the support status. Adding a comment and closing the question can be a one step action.

Example, using syntax proposal 6:

• {{this:heading[0].text.save=New heading set now}}
• {{this:form.field.name.SupportStatus.text.save=AnsweredQuestion}}

-- Contributors: PeterThoeny - 08 Jul 2006

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