Correlating information across diagrams

[acooke]

Hi,

Really I'd like general advice on how to solve problems like the following - what documentation should I be reading (I've tried the online help, but couldn't find what I wanted)?

OK, my specific question is - how do I share information between diagrams?  For example, I have a sequence diagram and a class diagram.  In the sequence diagram I have messages that relate to method names (Java).  In the class diagram I would like those method names to appear automatically (and for changes in one diagram to propogate to others).

I presume this is possible (otherwise why automate!?), but I can't see how.  So far I have found two ways to associate information between the two diagrams:

- Right clicking on an instance in teh sequence diagram allows me to set the "Instance Classifier" - this just seems to change how the name of the instance is displayed.

- Within the Project Matrix I can define the "Instantiate" relationship.  This adds information to the the Links properties of the class and instance, but still doesn't force methods to be shared.

How do I do this?  Where do I find good documentation on using EA (not just UML in general)?

Thanks,
Andrew

(I'm using the free preview, set at Professional.  So far I quite like the sysem - it feels reassuringly solid.)

[Tjerk]

Hi Andrew,

I'm not sure on where to find the requested information, but here are some remarks:

• If you have specified methods for your classes, or interfaces for you components, you are able to select these methods when inserting messages in your sequence diagram.
  
• Instance classifier tells EA that your object is an instance of the selected class. This way, methods inserted with the object (press F10 when object is selected) get inserted with the class as well.
  
• When inserting a message, you can press the New button next to the message name, this opens the messages of the class assosiated with the object.
  

In general, the class is the source and the sequence is a presentation of some properties of the classes. So methods are inserted in the classes, but only if you select that. Free form messages in sequence diagrams are also allowed, but they do not, and not always should be, reflected by class messages.

Greetings,
Tjerk

[acooke]

ah!  thanks!

i was starting with sequence diagrams, rather than classes.  i guess i need to do the two in parallel, adding methods as i need them for the sequence diagram.

now if only ea could read javadoc for existing classes! (i'm wondering whether javadoc to xml might be possible...)

cheers,
andrew

[Fintan]

ah!  thanks!

i was starting with sequence diagrams, rather than classes.  i guess i need to do the two in parallel, adding methods as i need them for the sequence diagram.

now if only ea could read javadoc for existing classes! (i'm wondering whether javadoc to xml might be possible...)

cheers,
andrew

Hi Andrew,

You can add the methods in the sequence diagram.  When you create an  arrow between 2 objects in your seq. diagram - right click and go to message properties.  Now instead of typing in the method name, click on the 'New...' button.  Now when you add the method name here it is added to the class.  When you OK this dialog you can selet your new method from the drop down list for this message.

Regards,

Fintan

[acooke]

Thanks - I'll try that out.