Authoring patterns

You can create software patterns that integrate software design solutions into Unified Modeling Language (UML) models. Software patterns capture frequently used or complex structures and processes and their use minimizes the design time and promotes software consistency.

About this task

Pattern authors can use the pattern capability to design patterns from the most simple to the very complex. Patterns can solve a singular problem or apply to a specific use case. Patterns can also employ other patterns or systems of patterns in their solutions. The challenge of pattern design is to determine the repeatable structure or process and transform it into a reusable design. The pattern author can focus on the pattern-specific semantics because the common code and solutions for common tasks are provided. Customizable locations in the pattern code are known as hot spot methods.

The pattern begins with a Unified Modeling Language (UML) model and ends with a Reusable Asset Specification (RAS) pattern in the form of a plug-in. The Java-based pattern implementation model is created automatically by extending two plug-ins: a pattern service and a pattern framework that abstracts the use of the pattern service. Along with a pattern authoring tool and a pattern browsing tool, the pattern service and pattern frameworks provide the basic functions to structure, design, code, search for, organize, and apply patterns. The pattern authoring tool is the Pattern Authoring view and the browsing tool is the Pattern Explorer view. Rational® patterns are used to modify or add elements to a UML model.


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