Add Allowed Values List To ExtraOption In Config

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Problem Statement

In the context of our project, we frequently utilize options that are essentially enums with predefined valid values. However, the current configuration does not provide a mechanism to restrict the values that users can select for these options. This limitation can lead to errors and inconsistencies in the project configuration.

Solution Overview

To address this issue, we propose extending the ExtraOption in the ubproject.toml file to include an allowed_values feature. This would enable users to specify a list of valid values for each option, ensuring that only approved choices are available for selection.

Proposed Configuration

The updated ExtraOption configuration would resemble the following examples:

extra_options = [
    {name = "verification_strategy", description = "How to verify a requirement", values = ["x", "y"]}
]

# or, with value descriptions
extra_options = [
    {name = "verification_strategy", description = "How to verify a requirement", values = [{name = "unittest", description = "verification via pytest, gtest, etc."}, "y"]}
]

Benefits and Use Cases

The introduction of allowed values for ExtraOption would provide several benefits, including:

  • Improved data integrity: By restricting the values that users can select, we can minimize the risk of invalid or inconsistent data being entered into the project configuration.
  • Enhanced user experience: Users will be presented with a more controlled and guided experience when configuring options, reducing the likelihood of errors and improving overall usability.
  • Increased flexibility: The ability to specify allowed values for each option would enable us to tailor the configuration to specific use cases and requirements, making it more adaptable to different project needs.

Alternatives Considered

While the statuses options already provide a mechanism for restricting values, we have determined that this approach is not sufficient for our use case. The proposed solution would offer a more comprehensive and flexible way to manage allowed values for ExtraOption.

Implementation Details

To implement this feature, we would need to:

  1. Update the ExtraOption configuration schema to include the allowed_values field.
  2. Modify the project's configuration parser to recognize and process the allowed_values field.
  3. Integrate the new feature with the existing configuration validation and error handling mechanisms.

Conclusion

Q: What is the purpose of adding allowed values to ExtraOption?

A: The primary goal of introducing allowed values to ExtraOption is to enhance the project's configuration capabilities by restricting the values that users can select for each option. This feature aims to improve data integrity, user experience, and flexibility in project configuration.

Q: How will allowed values be represented in the configuration file?

A: The allowed values will be specified in the ExtraOption configuration using a list of valid values. For example:

extra_options = [
    {name = "verification_strategy", description = "How to verify a requirement", values = ["x", "y"]}
]

Q: Can I provide a description for each allowed value?

A: Yes, you can provide a description for each allowed value by specifying a nested list of values with descriptions. For example:

extra_options = [
    {name = "verification_strategy", description = "How to verify a requirement", values = [{name = "unittest", description = "verification via pytest, gtest, etc."}, "y"]}
]

Q: How will this feature impact the user experience?

A: The introduction of allowed values for ExtraOption will provide users with a more controlled and guided experience when configuring options. This feature will help reduce the likelihood of errors and improve overall usability.

Q: Can I use this feature with existing options?

A: Yes, you can use this feature with existing options. The allowed values will be applied to the specific option, and users will only be able to select from the approved values.

Q: How will this feature be implemented?

A: To implement this feature, we will need to update the ExtraOption configuration schema to include the allowed values field, modify the project's configuration parser to recognize and process the allowed values field, and integrate the new feature with the existing configuration validation and error handling mechanisms.

Q: What are the benefits of this feature?

A: The benefits of this feature include:

  • Improved data integrity: By restricting the values that users can select, we can minimize the risk of invalid or inconsistent data being entered into the project configuration.
  • Enhanced user experience: Users will be presented with a more controlled and guided experience when configuring options, reducing the likelihood of errors and improving overall usability.
  • Increased flexibility: The ability to specify allowed values for each option will enable us to tailor the configuration to specific use cases and requirements, making it more adaptable to different project needs.

Q: Are there any alternatives to this feature?

A: While the statuses options already provide a mechanism for restricting values, we have determined that this approach is not sufficient for our use case. The proposed solution would offer a more comprehensive and flexible way to manage allowed values for ExtraOption.

Q: What is the next step in implementing this feature?

A: The next step in implementing this feature is to update the ExtraOption configuration schema, modify the project's configuration parser, and integrate the new feature with the existing configuration validation and error handling mechanisms.