UML Modeling Techniques > Class modeling > Operations > Using a parameter signature to specify properties
Using a parameter signature to specify properties
Through the Signature of a Parameter, you can set its Mechanism, Type, Name and Default., You specify the Mechanism, Type, Name and Default of a Parameter by typing the Signature in the following format:
<mechanism> <parameter name> [: <parameter type>] [= <default>]
where:
• <mechanism> is the Parameter's Mechanism. Type either 'in', 'out', or 'in out'. If you do not type a mechanism, Modeler sets the Mechanism to 'in'.
• <parameter name> is the Parameter's Name.
• <parameter type> is the Parameter's Type. Modeler attempts to match the text you type with items that can be used as Types in the model. If a match is found, the item is referenced as the Type. If no match is found, an uninterpreted type is created. If you do not type any text for <parameter type>, the Type is left blank. Ensure that you prefix the parameter type with a colon.
• <default> is the Parameter's Default. If you do not type any text for <default>the Default is left blank.
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If the Parameter's signature is greater than 200,000 characters, the Default value is not included in the signature. If the Default value is not included and you change the signature, the Default value will not be changed. If the Default value is not included and you want to clear the Default value through the signature, you must include '= ' at the end of the signature. Ensure that you prefix a default value with an equals character.
You can change the Signature of a Parameter in the following ways:
• Through the Signature property on a Parameter's Property Pages.
• Through the Signature property of an owning Event or Operation.
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You can set the data type of a Parameter in a Modeler pane by dragging the item you want to be the data type to the Parameter.
After creating a Parameter, type the following text in the Signature property: in Status : Short = 1
The preceding Parameter Signature performs the following tasks:
• Changes the Name of the Parameter to Status.
• Sets the Mechanism of the Parameter 'in'.
• Sets the Type of the Parameter to short, referencing the short Basic Type.
• Sets the Default of the Parameter to 1.
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When a Parameter appears on the Items tab of an Operation's Property Pages, you can specify the Parameter's Mechanism, Name, Type and Default through the <mechanism> <parameter name> [: <parameter type>] [= <default>] syntax.