Generating classes from sequence diagrams

[Jamal Kazmi]

If I create object representations in sequence diagrams and assign my own stereotypes, is EA supposed to retain those stereotypes?  It didn't retrain the stereotypes that I had defined for my object.

Also as I create my objects in sequence diagrams, does EA automatically generate the classes for their stereotypes? If not, do I have to manually create them?

I did copy the objects from teh sequence diagrams and pasted them on the logical diagrams (thus creating a link). Is this the right way to create classes in EA?

Thanks

[sparks]

Hello,

If you create an object and assign a new stereotype to the object, it does not automatically become a global stereotype that appears in the dropdowns.  The list of stereotypes in the dropdown is defined in the stereotype reference screen.

Currently EA does not automatically generate classes from sequence objects, usually the class is generated in the logical diagrams and then copied/dragged into the sequence diagram.  However we are willing to add features that would work as you have suggested, if there was a user need for them.  Could you provide any details on how you would like to see this working.

regards,
 Paul Mathers

[EA_Nj]

Actually I tried doing that while creating a demo for a potential customer.  The process you had outlined seemed too cumbersome and error prone.

In my previous project I had used "that other UML product" ;> and the ability to generate classes through sequence diagrams seemed very intuitive and helpful.  

The timeframes during which I've had to create UML documentation has not been more than 2 weeks long.  Automatic generation of classes based on sequence diagrams will tremendously help create class diagrams rapidly IMHO.

Hope this helps.

[gsparks]

Hi Jamal,

I have implemented the ability to create a new class while within the Sequence diagram. The process is as follows:

Assuming you have created a sequence diagram with an oject in it ...

Right click on object and select 'Set Object Classifier'
In the Classifier dialog, press 'New' to get new element dialog
Fill in name etc. and a generalizable type (eg. Class or Interface)
Press OK
The sequence object will now have a classifier of the new type and the new class will be added to the package which contains the sequence diagram.

This will be released in the next update - probably early next week - look for a build number higher than 475.

Geoff Sparks