Mastering Note Attributes for Molecular Modeling

For molecular modelers using SAMSON, one of the often-overlooked but highly valuable aspects is effectively using note attributes. Notes help organize molecular data, streamline workflows, and improve overall clarity in projects. But how can you unleash their full potential?

Understanding Note Attributes in SAMSON

Note attributes are properties relevant to note nodes in the SAMSON platform. They are part of the nt (short for “note”) attribute space, focusing exclusively on notes, separate from general node attributes. These attributes help users define note characteristics such as visibility, selection status, names, and more. Leveraging these attributes can make navigating and managing complex molecular models significantly easier.

Practical Overview of Core Attributes

Below are key note attributes you can use within SAMSON:

  • hidden (h): Controls whether a note is hidden. Set to true to hide a note or false to display it. Examples include:
    • nt.h (hidden notes)
    • not nt.h (visible notes)
  • name (n): Assigns a string-based identifier to a note. Examples:
    • nt.n "A" (notes named “A”)
    • nt.n "L*" (notes with names starting with “L”)
  • visible (v): Indicates whether a note is visible to the user. Use nt.v for visible notes or not nt.v for invisible ones.
  • selected: Highlights whether a note is currently selected. Examples include:
    • nt.selected (selected notes)
    • not nt.selected (unselected notes)

Benefits for Molecular Modelers

Why should a molecular modeler care about note attributes? Here are a few use cases:

  • Streamlined Data Organization: Using name and hidden attributes, you can organize complex molecular datasets more intuitively. For instance, group node annotations under logical categories based on project phases.
  • Focused Workflows: By toggling visible or hidden states, you can reduce screen clutter during specific modeling tasks, focusing only on the relevant information.
  • Efficient Selection Management: Attributes like selectionFlag (sf) and selected help systematically control selections, making complex manipulations easier.

Applying Note Attributes

In practical terms, incorporating note attributes into your workflow means writing concise, readable queries. Here are some examples:

  • Hide certain notes: nt.h true
  • Show notes labeled with a specific prefix: nt.n "Proj_*"
  • Select visible notes: nt.v and nt.selected

This simple but powerful querying system empowers your modeling workflow, giving you precise control over your data.

Learn More

For detailed information and examples on note-specific attributes, consult the full documentation at SAMSON Note Attributes Documentation. Understanding these tools can save significant time in managing intricate molecular models.

SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. If you’re ready to explore the world of integrative molecular design, you can get SAMSON for free at samson-connect.net.

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