Types of Components

An ItemDefinition element can be defined as a tree of components that consists of only one of either:

• A built-in type or

• A Composition of ItemDefinition elements.

In this tree of components if a component is a 'leaf', that has no child components, it must be set as a built-in type. If an ItemDefinition has child components, it is the leaves of these components that are set as a built-in type.

For example Applicant Data and Monthly are compositions, whereas Age and Expenses are leaves set to a built-in type:

The FEEL language has these built-in types:

• number
• string
• boolean
• days and time duration
• years and months duration
• time
• date and time

Note: 'number', 'string' and 'boolean' are supported by Enterprise Architect for simulation.

To set a type for a 'leaf' ItemDefinition, you can use one of three methods:

• Use the context menu (Recommended)
  
• Type in the cell after the name by appending ': string', ': boolean' or ': number'
• Input 'string', 'boolean' or 'number' in the tag 'type' for the ItemDefinition.

The context menu, for items under the main item, offers the  options to create a child or a sibling component, as well as the option to delete the selected item: