Attributes

Attributes define the properties or internal data elements of an element. Not all element types support attributes, and others have restrictions; for example, attributes of Interfaces must have Public scope. In the Project Browser, elements with attributes (typically Classes) have their attributes listed under the element name, each preceded by a blue box (). When depicted in diagrams, the attributes are listed in the first properties compartment of the element, as shown in this Customer Class example.

Attributes themselves have several important characteristics, such as type, scope (visibility), derivation and notes.

Access

Maintain Attributes

Notes

• Attributes, with Operations, Receptions, Interaction Points and Connection Points, are collectively referred to as Features of an element
• If you are creating many attributes, go to the 'Attribute/Operations' page of the 'Preferences' dialog ('Start > Settings > Preferences > Source Code Engineering > Attribute/Operations') and de-select the 'After save, re-select edited item' checkbox; now, when you create an attribute and click on the Save button, the 'Attribute' page fields clear ready for you to enter the details of the next attribute - this helps you when you want to create attributes quickly and might not necessarily want to fully define each one as you create it
• If the parent element provides source or target roles for a connector, the connector can be attached to a specific attribute (as a feature)
• An alternative method of creating relationships between elements and attributes is to drag an attribute onto an Activity diagram, which generates an Object element named after the attribute; you then create relationships to and from this Object element

Learn more

• Options - Attribute/Operations
• Connect to Element Feature
• Create Object From Attribute