You add argument values to a pattern
instance in the Project Explorer view or in the diagram editor by
using the
Pattern Parameters page of the
Apply Pattern wizard. In the diagram editor, you can also
use drag and drop gestures to specify values.
Before you begin
Before you can specify arguments
for a pattern's parameter, you need to add a pattern instance to a
UML model in the
Project Explorer view or to
its freeform or class diagram editor.
About this task
You can specify arguments for multiple concurrent instances
of the same pattern. An argument value can participate in more than
one instance. Specifying values is a dynamic process: each argument
is immediately bound to the parameter and the pattern's expansion
instructions are invoked to perform the intended modifications to
your model. There is no parameter sequence to follow however, the
pattern design may require that certain argument values be supplied
before complete expansion can occur. Consult the pattern documentation
if you have any questions.
Some options to create the pattern
instance also specify an argument at the same time.
The following
list represents the ways you can specify arguments:
- To create a new element with a default name that is added to the
model, hover the cursor over the template parameter and click an element
icon in the action bar.

- To specify an existing element as an argument by dragging it,
drag a model element from the Project Explorer view or in the diagram editor (the element becomes translucent so you
can see the instance) over the template parameter and drop it.
- To specify an existing element in the model by supplying its name:
Hover the cursor over the template parameter, click the text or value
box icon
in the action bar and type the name of
an element.
- To create and name a new element that is added to the model, hover
the cursor over the template parameter, click the text or value box
icon
in the action bar, and type a unique name next to the parameter
to add the new element.
- To select a value for a template parameter from a set of values,
hover the cursor over the template parameter, click the element icon
in the action bar and double-click one of the values.
To specify argument values for a pattern instance, do one
of the following steps: