Extending the UML metamodel

If you are modeling a system and need to extend the UML metamodel for a particular use, instead of changing the metamodel, you can create a set of stereotypes and constraints and group them into a custom UML profile. You can apply a custom UML profile to a model and use the stereotypes and constraints to mark up your model for a specific platform or domain. For example, you can create a profile that controls how a transformation generates C++ code from a UML model.

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Tip: In addition to the UML Profile online help, several profile-related white papers are available from the Rational developerWorks site that provide additional information on UML profiles. Links to these resources are available in the Related Information section at the bottom of this topic.
  1. Enabling the creation of custom UML profiles
    Before you can create a custom UML profile, you must set the appropriate preferences.
  2. Creating custom profiles
    When you create a UML profile, you can add the profile file to an existing modeling project.
  3. Creating UML profile projects
    When you create a UML profile, you can add the profile file to an existing profile project. You can also create a profiles project, if you prefer to manage the profile in a separate, self-contained project.
  4. Authoring UML profiles with class diagrams
    You can author and design UML profiles by using class diagrams, which provide a visual, modeling approach to creating profiles that can be particularly helpful when you create relationships. Although you can create and modify profiles in the Project Explorer view, modeling profiles is an alternate method that can be faster and easier.
  5. Specifying stereotypes and constraints for custom UML profiles
    After you create a custom UML profile project or add a profile to an existing project, you must create the stereotypes and constraints that you want to include in the profile.
  6. Generating profile tooling
  7. Migrating profiles in DevOps Model Architect
    Similar to models, profiles are migrated automatically. However, changes that you make during the migration are retained only if you modify and save the profile.
  8. Deploying custom UML profiles
    You must deploy a profile before you can apply it to a model.
  9. Applying custom UML profiles to models
    Before you can apply the stereotypes and constraints of a profile to model elements, you must first apply the profile to the model.
  10. Migrating a UML profile using a plug-in
    You can move from a workspace-based profile to a deployed profile.
Related concepts:
Custom UML profiles
Related information:
Authoring UML Profiles: Part 1. Using Rational Software Architect, Rational Systems Developer, and Rational Software Modeler to create and deploy UML Profiles
Authoring UML Profiles: Part 2. Using Rational Software Architect, Rational Systems Developer, and Rational Software Modeler to manage change in UML Profiles
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