Attribute Properties
To open the Properties dialog box of an attribute:
Right-click on the attribute and select
Properties.
In this dialog box you can specify:
• The
Type of the attribute in the form of an
Expression (see
"Types").
• Whether it is a Static attribute: specifies if the attribute can take specific values for each instance of the class or take one value characterizing the entire class.
• "Yes": the attribute has a value that characterizes the entire class. The attribute "Telephone number length" for the "USA Client" class is 10 digits.
• "No": the attribute can take a different value for each class instance. For example, the "Telephone number" attribute has a different value for each instance of the "Client" class.
• If the attribute has Persistence, specifying whether its value needs to exist after the process or thread that created it, or whether it only lasts as long as the processing.
• Its Multiplicity, which is the number of times this attribute can be repeated in the class.
• Whether it is Read Only, that is if its value can be modified once it has been specified.
• Whether it is a Calculated Attribute, specifying if its value is determined from the value of one or more other attributes.
• The Initial Value of the attribute, assigned when an instance of the class is created.
• Its Visibility:
• "Public": this is the default visibility. The attribute is visible to all.
• “Protected”: the attribute is visible to those inheriting its package, or to its friends.
• “Private”: the attribute is visible to its class or to its friends.
Types
A type is used to group characteristics common to several attributes. Types are implemented as classes.
Any class can be used to type an attribute or parameter.
Example: Client, Order, Window, Table.
Classes of the “Primitive type” stereotype are created only for typing attributes or parameters. They are fixed.
Examples of primitive types:
String.
Integer.
Export address.
Monetary amount.
You can list existing types with the
arrow, or create new types with the
arrow.
The listed types include the classes in the package, used by the package, and in or used by packages of which it is the client.