Introduction: Apply a pattern

Using the Pattern Explorer view, you will learn how to apply an instance of a pattern, and specify the UML type of arguments for the pattern's template parameters using four different methods.

This tutorial might require some optionally installable components. To ensure that you installed the appropriate optional components, see the System requirements list.

This tutorial uses samples from the Samples Gallery to set up the required apply pattern environment and load some patterns. It is recommended that you complete each lesson in order.

Learning objectives

The tutorial is divided into seven lessons. The beginning lessons help you to set up the environment needed to apply patterns. After the environment is set, you will learn one way to instantiate a pattern. Next, you specify arguments for a pattern instance's parameters using four different methods. Last, you will make a final modification to one of the arguments and reapply the pattern. This modification helps you to see the power of including patterns in your software design.

Time required

This tutorial should take approximately 30 minutes to finish. If you explore other concepts related to this tutorial, it could take longer to complete.

Skill level

Advanced

Audience

The intended audience for this tutorial is developers.

System requirements

To complete this tutorial, you need to have the following tools and components installed:

Pattern authoring

Prerequisites

To perform the steps in this tutorial, you should be familiar with the following concepts and tasks:

Basic UML concepts and terminology such as binding, argument values, and collaborations
Basic visual modeling functions such as creating a class in the Project Explorer view or in a diagram
Some knowledge of programming concepts and terminology, preferably Java™
How to navigate the Eclipse workbench
Industry definitions and uses of design patterns

Lessons in this tutorial

Lesson 1: Create the model environment
This lesson guides you through how to establish the environment you need to apply a pattern.
Lesson 2: Import sample patterns
This lesson shows how to import the sample patterns. The samples are imported to a pattern samples repository and not to your workspace. Patterns only appear in your workspace if you select and apply them.
Lesson 3: Select the pattern
In this lesson, you locate the pattern in the Pattern Explorer view that you will apply to elements in the UML model.
Lesson 4: Create an instance of the pattern
This lesson explores a simple method of creating an instance of the Interface pattern on the class or freeform diagram.
Lesson 5: Bind new elements to pattern instances
The lesson explores different methods of adding or binding arguments to the pattern instance.
Lesson 6: Bind existing elements as arguments
The lesson explores two different ways to specify existing UML model elements as pattern template arguments.
Lesson 7: Reapply the pattern
The lesson explores reapplying the sample pattern after adding additional elements to an interface you will use as an argument.