Experimenting with the XDE import process

Before you import your XDE models and begin to modify them within the Rational® modeling products, it is a good idea to better experiment with several XDE import sessions to better understand the import process.

There are many differences between XDE and the new Rational modeling products; take the time to understand these differences so you can make educated decisions about how to manipulate your XDE models and corresponding (imported) UML 2.0 models. When you understand the differences specific to your models and fine tune the import process, you will do a better job of importing your models.

When you perform an XDE import trial run, you can identify missing XDE models, experiment with the various XDE import options, and examine the model import report to see if any problems are more easily fixed before or after import. After you have a good idea of what to expect during the XDE model import process, delete all of your imported models that you experimented with and begin the "final" model import session.

To perform an XDE trial run:
  1. Import all of the Rational XDE models used by your team in a single import or, at minimum, from the same workspace. The results of previous imports are kept in the workspace metadata which simplifies the import of additional models. After import, the imported XDE model is now considered a UML 2.0 model. In future XDE import sessions involving the same XDE model, the model is considered already imported and its corresponding UML 2.0 model is reused for resolving references.
  2. View the model import report to locate problems that are more easily fixed in your original XDE model or in the resulting UML 2.0 models within the Rational modeling products.
  3. In the Model Explorer view, right-click a model and click Run Validation to locate broken semantic rules in your model. Typically, the types of errors found are related to adherence to UML 2.0 requirements, logic, structure, and use. All results, such as errors, warnings, and informational messages, appear in the Problems view.
  4. Compare your original XDE models with your new models to learn how UML 2.0 is different from the UML notation used in XDE. Do a side-by-side comparison of your models and diagrams to discover some of the UML notational differences and to verify diagram integrity.
  5. Review the XDE model import help topics to understand some of the key differences in UML notation. Most of the UML differences are somewhat minor; however, the major differences are found in state machines, activities, and interactions. Refer to the UML 2.0 specification for complete details.
  6. Repeat the process as needed. Fine-tune each trial run by modifying your XDE model and by changing various settings on the Options page of the XDE Model Import wizard.
Once you have completed your XDE import trial runs, you are ready to import your models and begin working within them.
Related concepts
XDE model migration
Rational XDE model upgrade process
Terms of use | Feedback
(C) Copyright IBM Corporation 2004, 2005. All Rights Reserved.