SysML 1.3 Nested Ports

[matthew.kerr]

Hi all. Ok this one has got to be an easy one. How do I create a nested port? I have options to create a Port, Proxy Port and Full Port but no nested port. I have tried dragging ports ontop of each other with no success. Any ideas? Thanks.

[qwerty]

A port may appear on top of a classifier. A port itself is not a classifier. So you can not put a port on a port.

q.

[marke]

Coincidently, I just created what looks like a nested port.

I did so in the project browser: added New Element full port to a block; then selected the port and again added New Element full port to that port. Then select instance of block in ibd and added "Structural Elements ..." to show the owning port. Then repeated add Structural Elements on owning port to add nested ports.

The question I was about to ask is: is there a limitation on how much you can stretch the owning port on the diagram? I have been able to stretch it enough to hold a few nested ports but seem to have hit a limit.

I'd add an image but I'm guessing the forum doesn't let you do that.

Mark

[marke]

Just found the answer to my own question on the owning port size:

right-click on port, Advanced/Port Size Customizable.

Mark

[tonyEastwood]

I'm trying to follow the instructions above to create a nested port but  keep hitting restrictions on the type of objects I can create.

On a bdd    EA lets me add Ports, FullPorts and ProxyPorts (and other items)
On a  ibd   EA only lets me add Ports (and other items)
In a port   EA only lets me add other items - and not Ports

So I can't nest ports.  What is stopping me let me add these objects ?   I have exactly the same problem elsewhere. For example - on an ibd EA does not allow me to add a new block - but I can add a block to a bdd.

I'm a newbie to EA

[KP]

Give the port a type. If its type owns ports, they will be nested.

[tonyEastwood]

Once I select a port what menu option do I follow to set its 'type' ?  (   Sorry to ask such dumb questions. )

[qwerty]

Right out of my head try Ctrl-L with the port in focus.

q.

[tonyEastwood]

thank you, just what I needed  – so is 'type' actually a shorthand for 'stereotype' in SysML-speak?

[qwerty]

No. It's more like a instantiation. Or attributes have types. This shortcut is used in different circumstances.

q.

[tonyEastwood]

I'm curious about ^L - it does everything I want,  and I can create diagrams exactly as required by the customer.

But I can't find the equivalent functionality via the menu system - even if I search the shortcut list here  http://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/12.1/the_user_interface/keyboardshortcuts.html l  .  Search the page for 'Ctrl+N' (which finds something  ) then  'Ctrl+L' (which does not ) .   

So how would I have discovered this functionality if you hadn't, most kindly, pointed me in the only right direction ? 

[qwerty]

I guess a Sparxian would have said: go to a training xD I can't answer the question. I use this shortcut since probably more than 10 years.

q.

[tonyEastwood]

Re; " go to a training xD ".  that's not unreasonable - but is it in line with  'Our ultimate goal for the future is to have a copy of Enterprise Architect and every laptop and desktop'  ?   Geoffrey Sparks
https://issuu.com/aiglobalmedia/docs/ai_magazine_november_2015/19

thanks for your help anyway - at least EA actually works - I wouldn't say that for your competors 

[PeterHeintz]

What you can do instead of ctrl-L is double click on the port select “Property” and set the type there.

[KP]

So how would I have discovered this functionality if you hadn't, most kindly, pointed me in the only right direction ?

Either right-click | Advanced | Set Property Type (for parts and ports), or right-click | Advanced | Instance Classifier (for objects).