Utility shape

In a static structure diagram, a utility is a programming convenience rather than a fundamental construct. Attributes and operations you define for a utility become global variables and procedures. The notation for a utility is a class with the stereotype <<utility>>.

Name a Utility shape and add other property values

Open the element's UML Properties dialog box by double-clicking the icon that represents the element in the tree view or the shape that represents the element in a diagram.

Tip

Control which property values display on a shape in a diagram by right-clicking the shape, and then clicking Shape Display Options. In the UML Shape Display Options dialog box, select and clear options to display or hide property values.

Hide the attributes or operations sections of a Utility shape

Right-click the shape, click Shape Display Options, and then, under Suppress, check Attributes or Operations.

Control which property values are displayed on the Utility shape

Right-click the shape, click Shape Display Options, and then select or clear options to show or hide values.

Navigate to other views of the utility

Right-click the shape, click Views, select the view you want, and then click OK.

Create a diagram owned by the Utility shape

Right-click the shape, click Diagrams, click New, choose the type of diagram you want, and then click OK.

Show, in a view, the relationships between the utility and other elements

Right-click the shape, and then click Show Relationships.