Component interfaces?

[Tjerk]

Hi,

I am trying to model interfaces for a component, but as far as I can see I'm only able to include operations in a component.

I looked for the UML specs and found that it should be possible to include interfaces (with underlying attributes and operations) in a component.

Is this possible with EA?

If not, I would really like this option to enable more leveling / abstraction levels.

Greetings,
Tjerk

[Tjerk]

Hi again,

The above post has not been answered by anyone. Maybe it needs some more comments:

In the first stage of modeling it is common to include one or more interfaces in a component. This can be drawn on diagrams (according to UML specs) in two ways: using the lollypops or as a separate class (with a realisation link). I would like the first option.

Then in the next stages, the interfaces are designed and operations and attributes are added.

E.g. A car component has a dashboard interface and then the dashboard interface includes a speedmeter operation.

Can this be added to EA? That would make EA more usefull for my modeling tasks  .

Greetings,
Tjerk

[gsparks]

Hi Tjerk,

The latest build of EA supports interfaces drawn with lollipop notation. To use in the scenario you describe try this:

1. Create an Interface element
2. In the context menu for the Interface, check the 'Use Circle Notation' option
3. Connect the Circle to your component using a Realisation link. Note that you will need build 490 (being released tonite) for the Realisation link to be drawn without an arrow.

You can then drop this interface into other diagrams and refine its structure as the modeling progresses.

Hope this helps,

Geoff Sparks

[Tjerk]

Hi Geoff,

I will check out the 490 build later-on. According to your comments, this will enable one of the two UML techniques.

I personally favor the other drawing technique for analysis purposes (less clutter on a diagram). This actualy involves the creation of an interface ("classes", not the operations) under a component (using the project browser), which results in a lollypop directly on the component on a diagram.

I'll wait and see if that comes in some future build.

Thanks and greetings,
Tjerk