Function of «metaclass» Classifier?

[Paolo F Cantoni]

When you create an MDG, you create profiles which start with «metaclass»(es) which get extended by stereotypes.

One of the available metaclasses is "Classifier".  I believe I understand what it is - it's the base item that "Class" and "Use Case" and "Activity" extend to define themselves  (please correct me if this is not so).

So, what is the function of this item in an MDG?   To allow us to create new types of metaclasses?  For example, I want to create a new type of thing - a Term.  I could extend "Class", but that would create a Class stereotyped «Term».  I'd actually like to create a new type of thing (such as a Requirement or Feature or Change etc).  This is because I want to stereotype Terms (with their own subset of stereotypes).

Can I use the Classifier metaclass for this purpose?  Should I be able to?  It would seem to me that the ability to for users to be able to create new types of elements (like Sparx is able to do would be REALLY REALLY cool...)

Thoughts?
Paolo

[Eve]

The «metaclass» denotes a known UML metaclass.  To do what you want have a look at http://www.sparxsystems.com/uml_tool_guide/sdk_for_enterprise_architect/defining_a_stereotype_as_a_met.html

[Paolo F Cantoni]

The «metaclass» denotes a known UML metaclass.  To do what you want have a look at http://www.sparxsystems.com/uml_tool_guide/sdk_for_enterprise_architect/defining_a_stereotype_as_a_met.html

Hi Simon,

I was aware of the link but I believed it didn't actually do what I wanted.  I've just created my equivalent example and it confirms what I thought.  I've created stereotype "Term" which extends "Class" as per the example.

While it goes part of the way, it doesn't do what I need in one crucial area:
It creates a t_object of type Class with stereotype "Term".  I actually need to stereotype Term and so that would mean additional stereotypes - which (I think) I can't access in shape scripts.

What I'm after is a t_object of type "Term" - which EA could find by looking up the MDG - with NO stereotype.  Is that possible?

Sparx is able to create new types of objects - Requirements, Features, Changes etc.  It would be really cool if users could.  Initially, the default properties could be the generic classifier set.

Paolo

[Eve]

The link I gave is the closest you can get in EA currently.