Type definition (dictionary item)
For automation interface information about a Type Definition (TypeDef through the automation interface), see
Typedef (automation interface).
A Type Definition supports the representation of constructed data types, that is, a data type that is more complex than a data type that is intrinsic to a system, such as integer and char. Type Definitions allow the detailed specification of a data type. This detailed specification covers the form of construction of the typedef, either an alias, array, enumeration or sequence.
Create a Type Definition through a Modeler explorer pane or a Class Diagram:
• In a Modeler pane, right-click the Package, and select > > > , and then click the command for the Type Definition type you want to create.
• On a Class Diagram, click the
Type Definition button, and then click in free space. Modeler creates a Type Definition of Enumeration construction.
In addition, you can also create a Type Definition by copying an existing Type Definition. Modeler copies the Type Definition's links. For more information, see
Copying items.
When used on a Class Diagram, a Type Definition's notation is as follows:
| If you select the UML\Type Definitions folder in the Dictionary pane, the Contents pane displays the following information about each Type Definition in the model: Name, Type, Package, Visibility, Changed By and Changed On. |
In the Modeler panes, a short-cut symbol
on the Type Definition's icon indicates that the item is a
stub.
The following sections provide information about how a Type Definition is used in the model. For more information about a property, item, model part or diagram, click it.
Properties
In addition to the
standard properties, a Type Definition has these properties:
Owned by
Owns
Dependency — The Dependency is owned jointly by the Type Definition and the other associated item. The access permissions you have to a Dependency are determined by the access permissions of the dependent item.
IO Flow — The IO Flow is owned jointly by the Event (only when the Event is the IO Flow's IO Item) and the IO Flow's source and target items.
Defined in these parts of the model
Shown on these diagrams
Can be linked to these dictionary items
In addition to the owning
Package or
Model, a Type Definition can be linked to the following items.
Can be used as a data type for these items
In addition to the owning
Package or
Model, a Type Definition can be linked to the following items.
| When used as a data type, Modeler creates a special link between the Type Definition and the referencing item. You cannot navigate this link through the Links Editor. |
Can use these items as a data type
| When a Type Definition uses an item as a data type, Modeler creates a special link between the Type Definition and the referenced item. You cannot navigate this link through the Links Editor. |