IT:AD:Enterprise Architect:HowTo:Understand

• (UP)

• Difference between Model and Diagram.
  • A Diagram (think Plan, Elevation, Sections) are just perspectives of a Model (eg: 3D Model)¹⁾.
• A Model can be either Physical or Logical.
  • Represents a distinct and complete representation of all or part of a modeled system.
  • Is the highest conceptual level
  • A model is built from a hierarchy of Package/s used to represent the structure and organisation of the Model/.

A Project is a single *.eap project file, containing the Model/'s Package/s, View/s, Diagram/s, and Element/s.

• A Project/ can contain multiple Model/s.
• It's navigated using the Project Browser/.

The Project Browser is used to navigate the Root Node/s, and Model/'s Package/s, View/s, Diagram/s, and Element/s.

In a stand-alone *.eap Project/ file, a Root Node/ and Package/ are synonymous.

Root nodes are …

• In a stand alone database, a Root Node/ and Package/ are synonymous.

• A Package is a Root Node/.
• A Package/ contains n View/s (ie, Top Level Package/s).

• is a specialized, top level Package/, within a Model/.
• By default EA Adds new Model/s as Views to Root Node/s.
• Can be categorized by purpose (Use Case View, Component View, Deployment View, etc.) using different icon types.
• Views can contain n nested Package/s, Diagram/s and Element/- the building blocks of your model.

• A View/ – if created using an Add Model Wizard – will contain a default Diagram/ with the same name as the View/ Package/ it was added to.
• Ref:
  • http://www.sparxsystems.com/support/faq/diagram.html

• Elements can be dragged from the Project Browser/ on to a Diagram/ as either

  • Link - a direct reference to the Element/ definition.
    • Can only have one Link on a diagram.
    • Subsequent drag/drop operations will propose you use an Instance.
  • Instance - an instantiation of the Element/.
  • Some examples:
    • In component diagrams, one drags a Link to the Server component.
    • In a class diagram The XYZService would be dragged on as an Instance (even if it is a singleton).

• Element/s Link or Instances or are linked together on a diagram.
• Select the appropriate relationship type from the UML ToolBox (ALT+5)