This section lists out all the models which were discovered by Backbone Eye and is the starting point for discovering model behavior.

Model categorization

This section has three sub sections. Pinned Right click and select "Pin model" to nail down a model (among all application models) to investigate. All pinned models will reside in this section. Which model to pin may be discovered by using the Backbone Eye search functionality Most Used Backbone Eye attempts to identify the models that are most used by the application (based on write access counts). In real world applications which could have a large number of models, this list can be used as a starting point for investigating application behavior. All Lists all the models which were discovered.

Enumeration of Model attributes

Backbone Eye only enumerates application specific model properties and hides internal Backbone properties. Internal properties can be viewed - if required - in the journal and interaction trails views.

Edit model attributes

Backbone Eye allows you to edit the value of a model attribute to see the ripple effect - that model change - has on the entire application. To edit any attribute value, double click on the attribute name of the specific model and change it to a new value.

Internals This maps to model.set({attribute_name:value})

Simulate "what-if" scenarios In the todo example, it is possible to change the model value from the UI as well (Primarily because it is editable, visible on the screen etc). But in the general case, it may be difficult to use application screens to edit model values. This feature will help you simulate what-if scenarios by allowing to update model attributes directly. To see the impact of the update, use the model interaction trails.

Search for models to investigate

Search can be either case sensitive or case insensitive. Valid search strings are

1. attributename:value
2. (partial) or full attribute name

Search by partial attribute values

Narrow further by specifying a attribute name

Nail down a model

Use the pin command to nail down models to investigate. Typically, search would precede the pin command.

Pin a model

Un Pin a model

Pinned models (and any other model - for that matter) can be selected by clicking on it to view it's journal or interaction trails.

Model Activity Indicators

Models having updates are momentarily highlighted with a colored band to draw user attention to model activity.

Update a Model

Destroy a Model

Similar to the Models section, it shows all collections discovered by Backbone Eye so far.