Link type extensibility possible?

Question

Hi

I like to create a custom work item link type and wondered if anyone had any references to how to do this?  Using the API I want to create a custom work item and link it to a versioned item link type.  Well, it's this versioned item link type I'd like to recreated.  I'd liked to extend it for our own purposes.  So, when a user clicks on a my versioned link type they could get the option of compare to previous version for example.  I'd have to add a new dialogue box and menu buttons etc that VS would use.

I found this that did what I want in 2005 tfs

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/narend/archive/2006/10/13/how-to-extend-linking-and-workitem-ui-with-custom-link-types.aspx

But it doesn't apply to tfs 2010.

I can create the workitem and link to a versioned item fine.  Just need to extend what is there or create my own..

thanks

danny

Answer 1

Hi Danny, 

Thanks for your post.

To customizing Work Item link type in TFS 2010, please refer to this blog: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/greggboer/archive/2010/03/01/tfs-2010-customizing-work-item-link-types.aspx and http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd469516.aspx,  

And we can install the TFS Power Tools 2011to help us create the link type, after you installed TFS Power Tools 2011 on client where VS 2010 installed, then click Star>>All Programs>> MS TFS Power Tools>>Help>>Process Editor>>Managing Link Types, to view how to manage link type using TFS Power Tools. 

To filtering link type in Work Item Type, please refer to this post: http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/tfsworkitemtracking/thread/50c62f28-72e4-4fcc-aef2-c3b69724cb25.    

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John Qiao [MSFT]
MSDN Community Support | Feedback to us

Answer 2

Hi Danny,

If misunderstood anything, please describe your question in more detail and we will be able to provide the better responses.

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John Qiao [MSFT]
MSDN Community Support | Feedback to us

Answer 3

Hi John

Thanks for your reply,  unfortunately an unforeseen issue at work as pulled me off this project for a few days so I've been unable to take a look.  Hopefully I'll get time today and get back to you about your response.

dan

Answer 4

I've taken a look at those links but they fail to show me how to create a new ExternalLink to link to my new workitem.  I want to link a file in my source control which currently I can do using "Source Code File" link type.  But I want to extend the menu against this item when you select in the Links control on the workitem.  I'd like a new menu item to "Compare against previous" that does a file compare for me. "Open linked item" is not enough.

Is this enough information of what I need?

Dan

Answer 5

Hi Danny,

I could find not samples of what you are trying to accomplish. However, I did find this link that might be helpful:

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/ar/tfsworkitemtracking/thread/5f2750f3-ed37-4f8f-9680-55200ec3db8f

This discussed the valid Filter LinkType values.

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Trevor Hancock (Microsoft)
Please remember to "Mark As Answer" the replies that help.

Answer 6

thanks for the link.

Although I haven't found out how to create my own yet, I may have a way of adding new menu items on the existing external types.  I'll post back here if I manage to sort it.

danny