Starting sequence diagram comparison

Once you have saved two sequence diagrams illustrating the same scenario, for example, a specification and an execution version or two subsequent runs to test for regression, you are ready to start the sequence comparison.

Procedure

  1. Select Tools > Sequence Diagram Compare. The Sequence Diagrams Comparison window opens, as shown in the following figure.
    Sequence Diagrams Comparison window - choose diagrams to compare
  2. Using the SD1 and SD2 list controls, select two sequence diagrams to compare.
  3. Set options for the sequence comparison as wanted. See Sequence diagram comparison options.
  4. When all options are set and you are ready to start the comparison, click OK.

Results

The result of the comparison displays as a dual-pane window with the diagram selected for SD1 on the left, and the diagram selected for SD2 on the right. Both panes are read-only. The following figure shows sample results.

Sequence Diagram Comparison window showing comparison

The messages displayed in both panes are color-coded based on the comparison results. The following table lists the color conventions used in the comparison.

Table 1. Color conventions used in comparison
Arrow Color Name Color Description
Green Blue Message matches in both sequence diagrams
Pink Pink Message is missing in the other sequence diagram
Green Pink Message has different arguments in the other sequence diagram
Orange Orange Message arrives at a different time in the other sequence diagram
Gray Gray Message was excluded from comparison

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