Modifying the properties of parts and elements in capsule-based structure diagrams

In capsule-based structure diagrams, you can modify the properties of parts to customize them for your purposes. You can specify an aspect of the part's life cycle by setting the part as fixed, optional, or a plug-in. You can also specify that a part is a substitutable part.

About this task

The properties specify how capsule parts are instantiated at run time. The Fixed setting means that the run-time part is always instantiated, while the Optional and Plugin settings mean that the part is instantiated on demand.

To modify the properties of parts:

Procedure

  1. In a structure diagram, select a capsule part or the element to modify.
  2. In the Properties view, on the General page, modify any properties.
  3. (Optional) To specify multiplicity values for connectors or ports in capsules, in the Multiplicity field, specify a value.
  4. (Optional) To change the type of local or inherited elements, click Select type, and in the Select Element for Type window, select an element to become the type of the part:
    • To see the available elements that you can select, on the Search tab, in the Select an element field, type an asterisk (*).
    • To search for a specific element, on the Browse tab, expand the Select an element list.

Example

Tip: To revert to the original inherited type for the element, in the diagram editor, right-click the inherited element; then click Re-Inherit.
Tip: You can also change the type of an element in other ways. You can drag a capsule from the Project Explorer view onto a part in the diagram, or you can edit the part name in the diagram. If you edit the part name in the diagram, press Ctrl+Space after the colon (:) to see a list of valid types.

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