How to Use the XPath Building Assistant

This section provides an example of using the XPath Building Assistant to build an expression in the Expression field of the Expression Builder dialog.

To use the XPath Building Assistant:

  1. Click inside the Expression field and press Ctrl and then the space bar. The menu of available selections is displayed.
  2. Make a selection from the list in either of the following ways:
    • Scroll down the list and double-click a function.

    • Enter the beginning letter (for example, c) to display only items starting with that letter, and double-click the appropriate function.

    Figure B-5 provides details.

    Figure B-5 List of Values for Building an Expression

    Description of Figure B-5 follows
    Description of "Figure B-5 List of Values for Building an Expression"

    This value is added to the Expression field. The list automatically displays again with different options and prompts you to enter the next portion of the XPath expression.

  3. Select and double-click the next portion. Figure B-6 provides details.

    Figure B-6 Invocation of Next Portion of Function

    Description of Figure B-6 follows
    Description of "Figure B-6 Invocation of Next Portion of Function"

    This value is added to the Expression field. The list automatically displays again and prompts you to enter the next portion of the XPath expression.

  4. Continue this process to build the remaining parts of the XPath expression.
  5. Manually add text as appropriate. Figure B-7 provides details.

    Figure B-7 Manual Addition of Text

    Description of Figure B-7 follows
    Description of "Figure B-7 Manual Addition of Text"

Note:

Instead of double-clicking selections in the XPath Building Assistant popups, you can also use the Enter key to make the selection. If your expression is complete, but you are still being prompted to enter information, press Esc. This closes the list.