MDG: Generailzation and Extension

[Viking]

Hi together,

We created a MDG. A part of it is the new stereotype "Process Step" with an own shape script. Dependent on the diagram type it is used, the Shape Script shows a BPMN Activity or ArchiMate BusinessProcess. We have learned that we have to use Generalization and / or Extension. But we think we did not understand the concept behind it. The MDG does not work as expected.

Our questions are:
(1) Can a new stereotype (here "Process Step") use Extension to a (or several) meta class(es) and Generalization to a (or several) sterotype(s) in parallel?
(2) To which Stereotypes should we point Generalization of "Process Step" (currently we are using Archimate2::ArchiMate_ApplicationComponent and BPMN2.0::Pool)?
(3) Is multiple Generalization possible (in our exampe above "Process Step" points to 2 sterotypes (see (2))?
(4) To which MetaClass should we point the Extension of "Process Step" (we tried "Class")? Or do we only need Generalization because the sterotypes we used for Generalization (see (2)) should have been extended a MetaClass already).

Many thanks in advance, V.

[Geert Bellekens]

I'm not sure about most of the questions, I guess you'll have to find out using trial and error.

I can give you an easy tip on the question which Metaclass to extend.
If you remove the stereotype of an element then only the Metclass remains. That is the metaclass to extend.

Geert

[Viking]

I'm not sure about most of the questions, I guess you'll have to find out using trial and error.
I can give you an easy tip on the question which Metaclass to extend.
If you remove the stereotype of an element then only the Metclass remains. That is the metaclass to extend.
Geert

Geert, many thanks.

Do you know, why EA creates the meta class, I create in a diagram by using Toolbox > Profile > Metaclass, also in the Project Browser? I expect just a link resp. a reference to the original one, which should be part of the system (so somewhere in the system resp. another folder, which is not accessible by the user). It seems to me that I get a copy.

[Viking]

I can give you an easy tip on the question which Metaclass to extend.
If you remove the stereotype of an element then only the Metclass remains. That is the metaclass to extend.

Very helpful. Tank you.

[Geert Bellekens]

I'm not sure about most of the questions, I guess you'll have to find out using trial and error.
I can give you an easy tip on the question which Metaclass to extend.
If you remove the stereotype of an element then only the Metclass remains. That is the metaclass to extend.
Geert

Geert, many thanks.

Do you know, why EA creates the meta class, I create in a diagram by using Toolbox > Profile > Metaclass, also in the Project Browser? I expect just a link resp. a reference to the original one, which should be part of the system (so somewhere in the system resp. another folder, which is not accessible by the user). It seems to me that I get a copy.

There are no hidden system folders in EA, just some hard coded stuff.

Geert

[Viking]

I'm not sure about most of the questions, I guess you'll have to find out using trial and error.
I can give you an easy tip on the question which Metaclass to extend.
If you remove the stereotype of an element then only the Metclass remains. That is the metaclass to extend.
Geert

Geert, many thanks.
Do you know, why EA creates the meta class, I create in a diagram by using Toolbox > Profile > Metaclass, also in the Project Browser? I expect just a link resp. a reference to the original one, which should be part of the system (so somewhere in the system resp. another folder, which is not accessible by the user). It seems to me that I get a copy.

There are no hidden system folders in EA, just some hard coded stuff.
Geert

Is it not misleading that I get a copy or something else in my folder? EA says "extend metaclass". So what do I get? An extension (o.k., than I would undertand the copy) or a reference to the original metaclass?

[Geert Bellekens]

I'm not sure about most of the questions, I guess you'll have to find out using trial and error.
I can give you an easy tip on the question which Metaclass to extend.
If you remove the stereotype of an element then only the Metclass remains. That is the metaclass to extend.
Geert

Geert, many thanks.
Do you know, why EA creates the meta class, I create in a diagram by using Toolbox > Profile > Metaclass, also in the Project Browser? I expect just a link resp. a reference to the original one, which should be part of the system (so somewhere in the system resp. another folder, which is not accessible by the user). It seems to me that I get a copy.

There are no hidden system folders in EA, just some hard coded stuff.
Geert

Is it not misleading that I get a copy or something else in my folder? EA says "extend metaclass". So what do I get? An extension (o.k., than I would undertand the copy) or a reference to the original metaclass?

What you get is a stereotype that is based on a certain metaclass. If you don't override any of the properties of the metaclass then your stereotype will behave exactly like the "plain" metaclass. So in that way you should look at it as a "generalization" in class diagram terms.

I honestly don't understand your confusion.

Geert

[Viking]

What you get is a stereotype that is based on a certain metaclass. If you don't override any of the properties of the metaclass then your stereotype will behave exactly like the "plain" metaclass. So in that way you should look at it as a "generalization" in class diagram terms.
I honestly don't understand your confusion.
Geert

I use Toolbox > Profile > Metaclass. I drag and drop metaclass into a diagram. I select the required metaclass from a list and the element gets displayed. EA shows this new element as a metaclass and not as a stereotype. It also add this element in my package.

You say "What you get is a stereotype". Really? As I said it is shown as a metaclass. And I thought that I just get a reference to something which is already there. I have the impression, that I get a copy, that extends or inherits from the original.

[Geert Bellekens]

Why do you use Metaclass from the toolbox?

All I ever needed to do what create stereotypes, and then link them to a metaclass using the profile helper.

Geert

[Viking]

Why do you use Metaclass from the toolbox?
All I ever needed to do what create stereotypes, and then link them to a metaclass using the profile helper. Geert

We thought that we need a metaclass. But that was a mistake. Trial and error ...