Attributes Dialog - General Tab

Field

Use to

Name

Display the name of the attribute. For a new attribute, type the name (with no spaces).

Alias

Display an optional alias for the attribute. If necessary, type in a new alias.

Type

Display the attribute's type. If necessary, click on the drop-down arrow and select a different type.

The type can be defined by the code language (data type) or by a classifier element. When you click on the drop-down arrow, the first set of values in the list provides the data types, and the second (longer) set provides the possible classifiers.

To add new code language data types that can be displayed in this list, see the Data Types topic.

[ ... ] (Select) button

Open the Select <Item> dialog, which you use to select or define a different attribute classifier type that might not be in the Type drop-down list.

Scope

Define the attribute as Public, Protected, Private or Package. If necessary, click on the drop-down arrow and select a different scope.

Stereotype

Define the optional stereotype of the attribute. If necessary, either type a different stereotype name or click on the drop-down arrow and select a stereotype.

Containment

Define the containment type (by reference, by value or not specified). If necessary, click on the drop-down arrow and select a different containment type.

Derived

Indicate that the attribute is a calculated value. If you select this checkbox, the attribute name in the element attributes compartment has the derived symbol (/) as a prefix.

Static

Indicate that the attribute is a static member.

Property

Indicate that the attribute has automatic property creation.

Const

Indicate that the attribute is a constant.

Is Literal

(For Enumeration elements.) Defaults to selected, to define the attribute as an enumeration literal. Deselect to define the attribute as a normal element attribute.

In the Attributes compartment on the diagram, the enumeration literals are listed separately, above the normal attributes. (Ensure that the Stereotype field for the normal attribute is not set to enum.)

Initial

Display an optional initial value. If necessary, type in a new initial value.

Notes

Enter any free text notes associated with the attribute. You can format the notes text using the Notes toolbar at the top of the field.

Note:

By default, the attributes are listed in alphabetical order. Before changing this sequence, you must deselect the Sort Features Alphabetically checkbox on the Objects page of the Options dialog (Tools | Options | Objects).