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UML Stereotypes

UML supports a large number of stereotypes, which are an inbuilt mechanism for logically extending or altering the meaning, display and syntax of a model element. Different model elements have different standard stereotypes associated with them.

For further definition of stereotypes, see the OMG UML specification (UML Superstructure Specification, v2.1.1, section 18.3.8, pp. 667-672).

A stereotype is generally displayed as in the example below (where «myStereotype2» is the stereotype).

enum

In some cases the stereotype causes the element to be drawn differently, as below:

Model-View-Controller Pattern

A metafile can be associated with the applied stereotype, as in the example below:

Stereotype Metafile Association

New, or customized, stereotypes can be created. Stereotypes can also be associated with new shapes, using either metafiles (image files) and colors or Shape Scripts, to apply non-UML shapes to elements and connectors. For further information on customizing stereotypes and applying Shape Scripts, see the MDG Technology SDK topic.