HOPEX Customization (Windows) > Customizing the Metamodel > Managing the Metamodel > Abstract Metamodel > Adapting Development Tools to the Abstract Metamodel
Adapting Development Tools to the Abstract Metamodel
The use of abstract MetaClasses and generic MetaAssociations modifies tools of the HOPEX platform.
Property pages
To access the list of MetaAttributes of an abstract MetaClass:
1. Open the Properties window of the MetaClass.
2. Select the MetaAttribute tab.
Note the three subtabs:
• MetaAttribute, groups the list of MetaAttributes specific to the current MetaClass.
• SuperMetaAttribute, groups the list of inherited MetaAttributes.
• Standard, groups the MetaAttributes automatically inherited by any new MetaClass. The format of these attributes is defined as"Standard" in the MetaAttribute Format field of the Characteristics tab. For more details, see MetaAttributes.
To access the list of MetaAssociations inherited from an abstract MetaClass:
1. Open the Properties window of the MetaClass.
2. Select the MetaAssociation tab.
Note the two subtabs:
• MetaOppositeAssociationEnd, groups the list of MetaAssociations specific to the current MetaClass
• SuperMetaOppositeAssociationEnd, groups the list of inherited MetaAssociations.
Abstract metamodel diagrams
In an abstract metamodel diagram, graphic functionalities enable visual differentiation of abstract metaclasses, inheritance relationships and generic links.
To view metamodel diagrams proposed in the HOPEX platform:
*In the MetaStudio navigation window, expand the Metamodel folder, then the MEGA Modeling folder.
For example, to access the metamodel diagram concerning libraries:
1. In the MetaStudio navigation window, expand the Metamodel folder, then the MEGA Modeling folder.
2. Open the metamodel diagram "Library & Packaging Model".
Note that:
• the "Library" MetaClass is grayed
• the abstract MetaClasses "Owner Packager", "Packaged Element" and "Library Element" appear in color
• a directional link indicates that the "Library" MetaClass inherits the "Container" MetaClass
• a generic MetaAssociation is defined between the "Container" abstract MetaClass and the "Containable Element" abstract MetaClass.
Query Tool
Querying from an abstract MetaClass 
The query tool enables access to an occurrence via an abstract MetaClass from which it inherits.
For example: Select [Library element]
To access abstract MetaClasses in the query tool:
1. Open the query tool.
2. Click Show and select See abstract metamodel.
You then have access to abstract MetaClasses.
Querying from a generic MetaAssociation 
The query language of HOPEX has evolved to take account of generic MetaAssociations. Operator ":" enables targeting of a query result on a specific MetaClass.
For example, the generic MetaAssociation"Message sender"/"Message sent" connects the MetaClass "Message" to the abstract MetaClass "Message participant" from which the "Operation" MetaClass inherits. To access the list of messages the recipient of which is an operation, it is possible to use the MetaOppositeAssociationEnd "Message recipient" and restrict the result using operator ":". Syntax of the query is as follows:
Select [Message] where [Message Recipient]:[Operation]
*When the concrete MetaClass has been specified, you can add to the selection MetaAttributes and MetaAssociations belonging to the concrete MetaClass.