Sparx Systems Forum

Enterprise Architect => General Board => Topic started by: realien on November 06, 2009, 09:32:12 am

Title: Displaying the contents of a componet
Post by: realien on November 06, 2009, 09:32:12 am
Hi Guys,

I've created a component diagram which shows the classes that make up my component (inside the component).

(http://www.bluetubeinteractive.com/temp/ea/color-tool-box.jpg)

but when I drop the component on another diagram it doesn't show whats "inside".

(http://www.bluetubeinteractive.com/temp/ea/color-tool-box-blank.jpg)

I want to create another diagram that shows "whats inside" the component so I can explain what each class does.

How do I get another diagram to show the component and show whats "inside" it ?

Title: Re: Displaying the contents of a componet
Post by: Geert Bellekens on November 06, 2009, 05:57:50 pm
I guess you'll need the copy the component and all the classes inside (from the diagram), and paste that onto a new diagram.
I don't believe there is something automagical that does that for you.

Geert
Title: Re: Displaying the contents of a component
Post by: Paolo F Cantoni on November 06, 2009, 07:28:45 pm
Quote
I guess you'll need the copy the component and all the classes inside (from the diagram), and paste that onto a new diagram.
I don't believe there is something automagically that does that for you.

Geert
Geert is correct...

But why does this problem come about?  Well, it's because when we humans do certain visual things in diagrams (or move things inthe browser), we are also making assertions about the model:  In this case the outer component "contains" (is a holonym of) the inner components.  The modelling tool should therefore, create the appropriate relationships within the model.

Many modelling tools (such as the "Lithuanian Tool") will automagically maintain the nesting connector rendering when you drag nested object from the browser.  EA doesn't.  There are a number of places within EA where it maintains relationships between items within the model, but doesn't provide the appropriate rendering when they are placed on diagrams.

HTH,
Paolo