Direct parameter naming doesn't show fx:, bug?

[paulelong]

First let me say this is a great new feature.  So much easier to create parameters.  Still a little hard to find them when you want to use them, but maybe another improvement you can address.  But as for the problem...

When you first define a parameter directly using myparam=2mm, it doesn't show like fx:, where as all the ones you use do.  That seems inconsistent.  Is it a bug?

Thanks,

Paul

[laughingcreek · Accepted solution]

no, that's the way it works.  each dim has a unique name, like d1, d2 ect.  the naming function changes the d1 to the name.  it's not a formula.  when you put that name in another dim, it is a formula, because the name of the dim doesn't change.  it just makes it equal (ie d2=Name_of_Parameter)

[paulelong]

Thanks @laughingcreek . I understand how it works, but then the result is different than creating a user parameter, and assigning that to each dimension.  Is there a reason I would choose the previous method of creating a user parameter over this new optimized work flow?

Thanks, Paul

[laughingcreek]

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@paulelong wrote:

...Is there a reason I would choose the previous method of creating a user parameter over this new optimized work flow?

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That's an entirely different question.  If your memory is amazingly superb, then you'll just remember all the new parameter names every time you want to reuse it somewhere.  The rest of us have to go into the edit parameter dialog box ,find them  buried in there, and "favorite" any new parameters we make so they show up in the pick box when we start typing it in.   I guess if your memory is like most of ours, there isn't really a great reason to use it once you get past 2 or 3 named parameters.   Even if you don't plan on reusing in other places, you have to go find it in the edit parameters dialog to make changes, and they will be spread all over the place.  Seems like you would want anything you go to the trouble of naming to be all grouped together for easy access.  Hopefully they fix this short coming in the near future.  

[chrisplyler]

The direct naming functionality does not create a USER parameter. It just changes the name of the MODEL parameter.

USER parameters and MODEL parameters display in the sketch differently, as you already know. Only the USER parameters display with fx:, while MODEL parameters don't unless their value is based on a formula.