Analysis Diagrams in VP

The IBM Rational Modeller provides the ability to analyse the relationships between model elements using an Analysis Diagram.

The analysis diagram provides a very quick way of assess change impact. The diagram provides the ability to specify the analysis level (default =1) allowing you gradually build up a view of what parts of the model would be affected by a change to a single element.

Does VP have an equivalent function? if not, wold VP consider adding an impact analysis function in the future?

Hi Andrew,

Sorry for my late response. When you right-click on a model and select Show Dependent Model Elements in the popup menu, then it will shows several tabs e.g. References, Model Transitor, Views that you can check what are the dependent elements of the model.

If we support viewing the dependent elements in real-time (just click on model will shows the dependent model elements of that model, so you don’t need keep right-clicking on each model), will it helps a lot?

Best regards,
Lilian Wong

Lilian,

I’ve found that the ‘Visualise Related Model Element’ function is the closest solution to our requirement. However, the current function does not pick all relationships/associations between elements.

Do you have any documentation on how this function is meant to work.

Regards
Andrew Fong

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for replying. “Visualize Related Model Element” function is for showing the existing relationship on the diagram.
e.g. in attached image, class “B” has an association with class “B” and a sub-class “B_child” (generalization). If I create view of “B” and “B_child” on another diagram, I can visualize the association with “A” on the diagram with “Visualize Related Model Element” function.

On the other hand, regarding to the real-time dependent model element viewing, if we think this is helpful and we implement this, we will add “Relationships” tab to the dialog so that you can take a look at all relationships of the model. You can select “Show Dependent Model Elements” option to get an idea what details will be covered.

Best regards,
Lilian Wong


visualize_related_model_element.png

Thanks Lilian,

The key requirement for us is the ability to visualise all the relationships associated to a single element. By relationship I mean all associations (dependency, association, aggregation, composition, generalization, realization etc) transitions and possibly some stereotypes such as derive, refine, trace, use etc.

Within Rational the analysis diagram is an actual diagram type. Similar to the “Visualize Related Model Element” function, you can right click on an element and select the create analysis diagram option. A new analysis diagram is created showing all the relationships from the selected element. You can also save the diagram, expand the level to which the relationships are shown (defaults to 1) and filter the relationship types.

The analysis diagram is a key input to the impact analysis process. Based on the number and type of elements shown we can make an educated estimate as to the time and effort required to implement a change.

Hopefully this gives you a better idea of the feature we’re looking for.

Regards,
Andrew

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for replying and the explanation. I consulted our development team and we plan to support Analysis Diagram in next release (VP Suite 4.0) which is available within this month.

Best regards,
Lilian Wong

Thank you !!

Hi Andrew,

You are welcome.

Best regards,
Lilian Wong

Hi Andrew,

I’m glad to announce that we just released VP Suite 7.1 which supports Analysis Diagram for identification of full consequences of changes. Please find details about Analysis Diagram from the following link:
http://www.visual-paradigm.com/product/vpuml/provides/impactanalysis.jsp#analysis

We have tutorial of Analysis Diagram as well, please find it here:
http://www.visual-paradigm.com/product/vpuml/tutorials/impactanalysiswithanalysis.jsp

Besides Analysis Diagram, we also support Matrix in this version. Matrix gives a macro view of relationships and dependencies between set of model elements. More details about Matrix are available at:
http://www.visual-paradigm.com/product/vpuml/provides/impactanalysis.jsp#matrix

And its tutorial is posted at:
http://www.visual-paradigm.com/product/vpuml/tutorials/impactanalysiswithmatrix.jsp

Hope you will enjoy this new version!

BTW, if you are interested in other new features and enhancements in VP-UML 7.1, please visit:
http://www.visual-paradigm.com/support/vpuml/releasenotes/710.jsp

Best regards,
Lilian Wong