Introduction:
Enterprise Architect is a powerful tool for modeling and designing software systems, offering a wide range of features for managing and visualizing software architecture. One common task in software development is the need to create a copy of a package, including all its contents such as objects, classes, and diagrams, without affecting the original package. This process is often referred to as „deep copying.“ In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to deep copy a package in Enterprise Architect, ensuring that all the content is duplicated correctly.
Why Deep Copy a Package?
Deep copying a package in Enterprise Architect is useful in various scenarios. You may need to create different versions of a package for experimentation, testing, or documenting different aspects of your software design. Deep copying ensures that all the package’s elements, including diagrams, classes, and objects, are duplicated accurately. This is especially helpful when you want to work on the copy independently while keeping the original package intact.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Copy a Package in Enterprise Architect:
- Open Enterprise Architect:
Launch Enterprise Architect and open the project where your source package is located. Make sure you have the necessary privileges to perform this operation. - Locate the Source Package:
In the Project Browser, navigate to the source package that you want to deep copy. Right-click on the package and select „Package Control.“ - Select Deep Copy:
In the „Package Control“ context menu, select „Deep Copy.“ - Choose the Destination:
A dialog box will appear, prompting you to choose the destination for the deep copy. You can select an existing package or create a new one. To create a new package, click „Create New Package“ and provide a name and description for the new package. - Select Copy Options:
You will have the option to specify how you want to copy the package’s contents. Make sure to select „Copy Elements“ to include all elements like classes, objects, and diagrams. You can also choose to copy related connectors and linked documents, depending on your requirements. - Start Deep Copy Process:
After configuring your copy options, click the „OK“ button to start the deep copy process. Enterprise Architect will duplicate the source package and all its content in the destination package. - Review the Deep Copy:
Once the deep copy is complete, navigate to the destination package in the Project Browser. You will find that it contains an exact replica of the source package, including classes, objects, diagrams, and other elements. - Verify and Edit as Needed:
Review the copied package to ensure that all content has been duplicated correctly. You can make any necessary adjustments to the copied package without affecting the original.
Conclusion:
Deep copying a package in Enterprise Architect with all its content, including objects, classes, and diagrams, is a valuable skill for software architects and designers. It allows you to work on different aspects of your project while keeping a reference to the original design intact. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this blog post, you can easily perform deep copies in Enterprise Architect, facilitating your software modeling and design processes.
