IBM Rational design patterns

Patterns can solve a singular problem or apply to a specific use case. Patterns can also employ other patterns or systems of patterns in their solutions. The challenge of pattern design is to determine the repeatable structure or process and transform it into a reusable design. Pattern authors can use the IBM® Rational® pattern capability to design patterns from the most simple to the very complex.

The IBM Rational pattern begins with a Unified Modeling Language 2.0 (UML 2.0) model and ends with a Reusable Asset Specification (RAS) pattern in the form of a plug-in. The Java-based pattern implementation model is created automatically by extending two plug-ins: a pattern service and a pattern framework that abstracts the use of the pattern service. Along with a pattern authoring tool and a pattern browsing tool, the pattern service and pattern framework provide the basic functions to structure, design, code, search for, organize, and apply patterns. The pattern authoring tool is the Pattern Authoring view and the browsing tool is the Pattern Explorer view. Rational patterns are used to modify or add elements to a UML 2.0 model.

The pattern author can focus on the pattern design because the common code and solutions for common tasks are provided. Customizable locations in the pattern code are known as hot-spots and are well documented.

For easy pattern use, the RAS asset structure enables the author to include different forms of pattern documentation to assist the user to select and apply the pattern. Depending on the pattern design, the pattern applier has the flexibility to apply all or only part of a pattern as needed. All patterns are stored by default in a pattern-type RAS repository and can be organized into logical tree-based groups. Pattern users can ignore the details of pattern design and structure but can benefit from applying patterns. The pattern user can search, organize, and apply patterns with the Pattern Explorer view.

Related tasks
Applying patterns
Setting pattern preferences
Applying patterns to UML elements
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