XDE and UML 2.0 profiles

A profile is a package that contains UML stereotypes that extend the elements (metaclasses) of the UML language for a specific domain or purpose. While Rational® XDE profiles are embedded inside the actual XDE model file, models in the Rational UML modeling product contain references to profiles that are kept in separate files.

Rational XDE uses profiles to customize UML for specific projects, processes, or add-ins. Profiles provide the ability to extend UML semantics by using stereotypes and tagged values. Stereotypes extend the semantics of a model element by marking the model element with a string enclosed in guillemets (« ») or by displaying the element as an icon. Tagged values extend UML by attaching arbitrary information to a model element. In UML 1.4, stereotypes are tagged value sets, which may have tagged values.

In the Rational UML modeling products, the UML 2.0 Basic, Intermediate, Deployment, Default, and Complete profiles are automatically applied to every model. These products also provide the Deployment profile and the Default profile, both of which are also automatically applied to every model. UML 2.0 profile files have a file name extension of .epx and you can view them in the Model Explorer view.

When working with profiles during the XDE import process, keep the following points in mind:

For more information on Profiles, see the Extending the UML metamodel by using custom UML profiles help topic in the product information center.

Related tasks
Preparing for Rational XDE model migration
Migrating XDE models
Verifying XDE models and profiles to import
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