Chapter 3 Building Structural Diagrams

Attaching a classifier to a data type or a return type

A data type or a return type can be a classifier. You can choose to attach a class, an interface, or a classifier from a JDK library for example, to the following objects:

• Attribute data type
• Operation return type
• Parameter data type

The classifier can belong to the current model or to another model. If it belongs to the current model or package, it is displayed by default together with the other classifiers of the current package. If it belongs to another model or package, a shortcut of the classifier is automatically created in the current package.

Fully qualified name

If the classifier belongs to another package of the same model, you can manually attach the classifier to a data type or return type by typing the fully qualified name of the classifier directly in the data type or return type box.

For example, if you need to reference Class_2 as a classifier data type of an attribute named Attr_1 in Class_1, open the Attr_1 property sheet and type PACKAGE_2.CLASS_2 in the Data type list.

• Package_1
• |__ Class_1
• |__ Attr_1
• Package_2
• |__ Class_2

After you type the fully qualified name (path and classifier name), it is displayed in the data type or return type box.

When a data type or a return type is created, there is no classifier attached to it, that is why the Use fully qualified name check box is not selected in the Select a Classifier dialog box.

However if you type a relative name, like 'Lang.Integer' instead of 'Java.Lang.Integer', the Use fully qualified name check box is automatically selected because a fully qualified name corresponds to this name.

To attach a classifier:

1. Double-click a class in the diagram to display its property sheet.
   
   
   • To attach a classifier to an attribute data type, click the Attributes tab, select an attribute in the list, and click the Properties tool to open the attribute property sheet.
   • To attach a classifier to an operation return type, click the Operations tab, select an operation in the list, and click the Properties tool to open the operation property sheet.
   • To attach a classifier to an operation parameter data type, click the Operations tab, select an operation in the list, and click the Properties tool to open the operation property sheet. Then click the Parameters tab, select a parameter in the list, and click the Properties tool to open the parameter property sheet
2. Click the Select a Classifier button beside the Data type listbox to open the Selection window. This window contains a list of all the classifiers in the model.
3. Select the classifier to be attached and click OK to return to the property sheet. The classifier name is now displayed in the Data type list.
4. Click OK.

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