Purpose

This section provides links to additional information related to this tool mentor.


The steps in this tool mentor match those in the activity. Links to topics in RSA online help are marked with .

Overview

The following steps are performed in this tool mentor:

Additional Tool Information

Identify Reuse Opportunities To top of page

Look for existing subsystems or components that offer similar interfaces. Some assets may have been packaged for intentional reuse using the Reusable Asset Specification (RAS). If created with RSA, such assets can be browsed and loaded in RSA. See Packaging Assets for Reuse in the RSA online Help.

Reverse-Engineer Components and DatabasesTo top of page

For assets that do not include an RSA model, it may be useful to reverse engineer a model to better understand the design. Some of these components could be discovered using the code visualization and the pattern/anti-pattern detection capabilities which are part of the RSA support for Architectural Analysis. If the asset proves to be usable, the diagrams will be the base for building or generating new model elements and the asset might qualify as a RAS candidate. See the Architectural Discovery, Analysis and Control guidelines.

For an asset that your company controls, there may be opportunities to make minor changes to a candidate interface which will improve its conformance to the desired interface. For assets that your company does not control, you can create adapter or bridge design elements that map your desired interface onto interfaces provided by the assets reused. See Tool Mentor: Identify Design Elements for guidelines on creating and modifying interfaces and classes.

Update the Organization of the Design Model To top of page

Reorganize the design elements into packages as necessary. Refer to the white paper: Model Structure Guidelines for Rational Software Architect for more guidance on organizing the design model.

Update the Logical View To top of page

If there is a separate logical view, it needs to be maintained. See the white paper Model Structure Guidelines for Rational Software Architect.

Additional Tool InformationTo top of page

Tours:

  • RAS
  • Patterns

Tutorials:

  • Applying the XYZ Pattern

Samples:

  • Model for Pattern Application
  • Patterns

Rational Unified Process   2003.06.15