Managing multiple Versions of an Model in Enterprise Architect

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Let’s dive into the intricacies of managing multiple versions of an Enterprise Architect (EA) model within the same project. This approach can be incredibly useful for maintaining consistency, tracking changes, and ensuring efficient collaboration among team members. We’ll cover the following aspects:

1. Introduction to EA Models and Versions
2. Creating Copies and References
3. Baselining and Version Control
4. Managing Referenced or Copied Parts

1. Introduction to EA Models and Versions

Enterprise Architect is a powerful tool for designing, modeling, and documenting software systems. An EA model represents the structure, behavior, and relationships of various elements within a system. As projects evolve, it’s essential to manage different versions of the model effectively.

2. Creating Copies and References

2.1. Model Copies

• Purpose: Creating copies of an EA model allows you to experiment, make changes, and explore alternative designs without affecting the original.
• Steps:
  1. Open the original model in EA.
  2. Right-click on the package or diagram you want to copy.
  3. Select “Copy Package to Clipboard.”
  4. Create a new package or diagram where you want to paste the copied content.
  5. Right-click and choose “Paste Package from Clipboard.”
• Considerations:
  • Copied elements are independent of the original, but changes in one won’t reflect in the other.
  • Use copies for sandboxing, prototyping, or parallel development.

2.2. Model References

• Purpose: References allow you to reuse elements from the original model across different packages or diagrams.
• Steps:
  1. Open the original model.
  2. Create a new package or diagram where you want to reference the elements.
  3. Right-click and select “Add Existing Element.”
  4. Choose the elements you want to reference.
• Considerations:
  • Referenced elements are linked to the original; changes propagate to all references.
  • Use references for shared components, common libraries, or cross-package consistency.

3. Baselining and Version Control

3.1. Baselines

• Purpose: Baselining captures the current state of the model as a snapshot.
• Steps:
  1. Open the model.
  2. Go to the “Project” menu and select “Baseline.”
  3. Create a new baseline with a meaningful name (e.g., “Initial Version”).
  4. Capture the current state of the model.
• Considerations:
  • Baselines help track changes over time and provide a reference point.

3.2. Version Control

• Purpose: Version control manages changes systematically.
• Steps:
  1. Integrate EA with a version control system (e.g., Git, SVN).
  2. Commit changes regularly.
  3. Tag significant versions (e.g., “Release 1.0,” “Sprint 2”).
• Considerations:
  • Version control ensures collaboration, history, and traceability.

4. Managing Referenced or Copied Parts

4.1. Keeping Elements in Sync

• Purpose: When referencing or copying parts, ensure consistency.
• Steps:
  1. Regularly review referenced elements.
  2. Update references when the original changes.
  3. Use EA’s “Find in All Diagrams” feature to locate all occurrences.
• Considerations:
  • Avoid discrepancies between referenced and original elements.

4.2. Documenting Changes

• Purpose: Maintain clear documentation.
• Steps:
  1. Add notes or comments to elements.
  2. Use EA’s “Version Control” features to annotate changes.
• Considerations:
  • Documentation aids understanding and communication.

Conclusion

Effectively managing multiple versions of an EA model requires a combination of techniques: creating copies for experimentation, using references for consistency, baselining for snapshots, and integrating version control for systematic changes. Remember to keep your documentation up-to-date and ensure that referenced or copied parts remain synchronized. By mastering these practices, you’ll enhance collaboration and maintain a robust model throughout your project’s lifecycle.