The final step in the pattern design process is to create the pattern plug-in that can be distributed to pattern users. This is accomplished using the RAS asset export utility.
Plug-in projects can be exported as deployable or nondeployable RAS assets. Deployable RAS assets, when imported, are installed as plug-ins. Nondeployable assets are installed as projects. From the Pattern Authoring view, the default export type is as a deployable asset. Exporting the pattern project from the Pattern Authoring view launches an abbreviated version of the RAS Export wizard for you. You can also launch the RAS Export wizard by clicking , clicking RAS, and clicking OK. If you use this method, ensure that you specify the library RAS manifest file when prompted. This enables the packaging information to be written to the library manifest.
At export, you can save a RAS asset to the file system or publish it to a RAS repository or to the file system.
Deployable projects, when imported, are installed as Eclipse plug-ins. If you have already imported a particular deployable asset, you must first delete the previously installed plug-in. Plug-ins are installed to an Eclipse plug-ins directory.
Exporting deployable pattern projects
You use the RAS asset export utility to export the pattern project after you have tested and debugged the individual patterns. Exporting the project packages it as a RAS asset.Exporting nondeployable pattern projects
Deployable atterns are packaged as plug-ins within a RAS asset format. The deployable pattern plug-in does not, by default, include the pattern source code. To archive the pattern project with the source code, the project is exported as a project without the RAS Deployable option selected during the export.
Parent topic: Authoring patterns
Related concepts
IBM Rational design patterns