EA - Diagram support varies across languages

[vijayvrr_2001]

Hi all,

I have EA 7.0 version. This query is a follow up question for http://www.sparxsystems.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1205152357 where david had answered that support for different diagrams varies across different languages.

Can somebody please tell me where can I find the list of diagrams that are possible for each of the languages that EA supports.
(for ex: I understand from the previous post sequence diagrams are not possible (VB 6.0) as "Binary module import" is unavailable).

I am looking something like a "diagram list" vs "languages supported" kind of mix and match. I dont find such a listing in the help files. This will be extremely helpful when we commit to clients who approach us for reverse / forward / round trip engineering  requests.

Please let me know if my question is unclear.

Thanks in advance.

[«Midnight»]

Not diagrams Vijay, but depth of features relating to code engineering.

There's not much in the way of a chart. You'll have to look into this directly.

David

[Eve]

The programming languages listed as supported for forward and reverse engineering is talking solely about class diagrams (but more accurately about the model behind the class diagrams).  In addition to this, EA will import the compiled source for .Net and Java applications.

Debugging requires the code (not the binary) to be reverse engineered, and allows you to create sequence diagrams (from the actual run that you debug).  This is available for Java, .Net and native C++.  (Sorry, I don't know how using different compilers effects the native C++ support.)

[vijayvrr_2001]

Thanks David and Simon for your responses. Really appreciate that.

Yes, Simon's reply does gives me some idea for what I am looking for. Sad to see VB 6.0 still does not enjoy the same sequence diagramming support such as .NET / JAVA. Hope EA team works on that soon enough.

Thanks again.

VJ

[KP]

Sad to see VB 6.0 still does not enjoy the same sequence diagramming support such as .NET / JAVA. Hope EA team works on that soon enough.

Actually, it's already there. Have a look at this page:

http://www.sparxsystems.com.au/EAUserGuide/system_requirements.htm

In the section on Windows for Native Applications, it says that native code which has an associated .pdb file can be debugged by EA, and that includes C, C++ and Visual Basic.

[mrf]

To generate a PDB for your Visual Basic 6.0 exe from within Visual Studio you have to:

- Go to File | Make [ProjectName].exe
- Click the Options button
- Select the Compile tab
- Check the 'Create Symbolic Debug Info'

Next time the exe is generated, a corresponding PDB file will also be made.

[vijayvrr_2001]

Thanks a heap for the info, KP and Michael.

I figure that it is EA 7.1 feature and good to see it is already there. I hold a licenced copy of EA 7.0. I can't wait to try this out.

Where can I download the upgrade patch (some web site path etc) so that I can get my admin to get me the latest upgrade patch ?

Thanks again for the time and replies.

[mrf]

Hi Vijay,

Enterprise Architect version 7.1 can be downloaded from the Registered Users section at http://www.sparxsystems.com/registered/reg_ea_down.html

[«Midnight»]

Don't look for a patch Vijay, just download the full kit. EA patches only work within the same version.

The kit will (gracefully) remove your current installation and then install 7.1. It will preserve your settings. [With the exception of any customizations you've done to the EABase project. If you made modifications there you will have to do the same. I do not suggest you retain your old EABase file for use with 7.1.]

If you want to be safe you can make a copy (don't just rename it) of the EA 7.0 install directory tree (from the EA folder downwards). This would provide you a safety valve if the upgrade goes sour. Of course running the two versions side-by-side is not supported. Given the new features of 7.1 you'd run the risk of damaging a project, and you would be on your own. But at least you could revert easily.

[However, in my experience an older version of EA will also install. It would 'downgrade' by removing the newer version and installing itself. So you have a path back if you need it.]

I think you'll like 7.1 though. There are a few minor issues - that's why we have the forum and Sparx support - but it appears to work.

David

[vijayvrr_2001]

Thanks David, I'll keep the suggested approach in mind.

VJ