Show constraints in ActivityGraph made from UC

[wallyjp]

Hi there,

I'd like to know how to show the constraints (pre-condition/post-condition) into ActivityGraph(Diagram) auto-generated based on Use case description.

I've already setup pre-condition and post-condition in Constraints tab. and then I described Actions in Structured Specification Tab.
I selected 'Generate Diagram' to generate Activity. I got Activity diagram. but pre-condition and post-condition does not appear in the diagram.

'Generate Diagram' feature does not support to show US constraints automatically ?
Kindly let me know how to show constraints in the Diagram ?

[Gary]

Hi
The question is why would you want to do this?
The constraints are there to indicate under what circumstances the use case scenario is executed. So, if the precondition is not met then the scenario does not execute, therfore the activity diagrams start is never reached. As the first thing on an activity diagram is the start you cannot show what happened before then. Pre and post conditions usually end up as states and would be shown on a state diagram which is a better place for them.

Remember that the use case is only one part of the description of the functionality that it encompases, the full picture is gained by realising the use case with activity, sequence and state diagrams.

Having said all that you can manually add them using a guard on the flow from start.

[wallyjp]

Thanks Gray for your quick replying and your helpfull advise;)

The purpose I want to do this is to show the diagram on paper.

Actually, if the pre-condition is not met, the scenario does not execute. and we can know this if using the tool.  However, I need to discuss with non tool users. hence, it is convenient for me to show the pre/post condition in the diagram automatically if I fill out in constraints fields.

UML/SysML itself allows to show both kind of constrants in Diagram as a 'Notes' notation, I remember.

I'll add manually both mentions in chart as your advise.
Thank you ;-)

[Gary]

Those annoying non tool users

Glad to help. I re-read the post just now and it seems a bit preachy sorry about that. Just goes to show you should not post until you have finished your first coffee