Setting preferences for patterns

You can set several default preferences for how pattern instances appear in diagrams. For example, you can specify the shape of pattern instance collaborations, select how the bound state of parameters is displayed, or change the default patterns framework used to create the pattern libraries. You might change these settings if you prefer a specific display style, want to make diagrams easier to view, or need to use a different framework.

About this task

After you specify preferences, the settings apply to any new patterns that you create, but do not affect existing patterns. You can override the preference settings for any element in a diagram by using the pop-up menu or Properties view. A Restore Defaults button returns all settings to the original installation values.

To set preferences for patterns:

Procedure

  1. Click Window > Preferences, expand Modeling and click Patterns.
  2. Modify the preferences to perform any of the following actions:
    Action Procedure
    Change the shape of collaboration pattern instances Under Collaboration pattern instance shape, select an option:
    • Rounded rectangle: A small and more compact shape
    • UML shape (ellipse): The traditional UML shape
    Show the pattern parameter type and multiplicity in the Pattern Explorer view In the Parameter detail shown in patterns explorer and authoring views section, select Show Name, Type and Multiplicity.
    Show parameter binding connectors In the Pattern Parameter connectors section, select the Automatically display connectors during parameter bind and unbind operations check box.
    Change how overview compartments are displayed In the Initial overview compartment visibility list, select an option:
    • Open: The compartment is open by default
    • Hidden: The compartment is not displayed
    • Closed: The compartment is displayed, but collapsed
    Change how parameter UML types are displayed In the Initial parameter type indication list, select an option:
    • Text: Types are indicated by name
    • Decoration: Types are indicated by icons
    • None: Types are not indicated
    Change how parameter bindings are displayed In the Initial parameter binding indication list, select an option:
    • Text: Bindings are indicated by name
    • Decoration: Bindings are indicated by icons
    • None: Bindings are not indicated
    Change the default framework for pattern libraries In the Default patterns framework for new pattern libraries list, select an option:
    • Generalized UML Patterns Framework: Provides support for the base classes that are extended by the standard pattern implementation model
    • Specialized UML Patterns Framework: Provides pattern participant role markings and pattern participant role traceability to pattern library implementations
  3. Click Apply > OK.

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