UML Message Properties dialog box (Message category)

Name

The message name you type depends on how the resulting event is implemented. If an event is implemented with an operation call, type the name of the event raised in the target. If an event was implemented as a procedure call, type the name of the operation.

Stereotype

Choose the stereotype you want from the drop-down list. If a stereotype you want to use isn't listed, you can add a new stereotype or edit an existing one by clicking Stereotypes on the UML menu.

Sequence Expression

Type a sequence expression for a message. In sequence diagrams, you can omit sequence numbers. In collaboration diagrams, message sequence numbers are usually nested to indicate levels. For example, message 3.1.4 follows message 3.1.3 within activation 3.1.

Direction

Choose a direction so that the message arrow points toward the target object.

Flow Kind

Choose the kind of message flow you want. The arrowhead varies with the type you choose.

• Procedure call is a nested flow of control in which the entire nested sequence is completed before the outer level sequence resumes.

• Flat means a flat flow of control in which the arrow shows the progression to the next step in sequence. Messages are usually asynchronous.

• Asynchronous indicates an explicitly asynchronous message between two objects in a procedural sequence.

Operation

Visible when the flow kind is flat or a procedure call. Choose the operation that occurs when the message reaches its target object. If the operation isn't available, click New to add an operation to the classifier on which the target object is based.

Signal

Visible when the flow kind is asynchronous. Choose the signal that is activated when the message reaches its target object. If the classifier on which the target object is based can't receive the signal, click New to add a reception to the classifier.

New

Click to create a new operation or reception on the classifier on which the target object is based.

Documentation

Type any documentation you want to add to the element as a tagged value. When you select the shape or icon representing the element, the documentation you type here also appears in the Documentation window.