Creating and using macros in IBM Rational SDL Suite

Answer

In Rational SDL, a macro is a form of text substitution. In a macro definition, a collection of lexical units is defined. A macro call indicates where the text from the macro definition body is to be included.

In order to use a macro in a SDL System first they have to be created and then called. Attached is a sample for reference.

• Creating a macro
1. In the Organizer, Select Edit -> Add New
2. Highlight SDL and select Macro from the drop down menu.
3. Key in a name in the field New Document Name and hit OK. This will create a .smc file which will store the SDL macro definition.
4. Open the .smc file and write a macro definition as shown below:

• Calling a macro:

Macros can be called only using the Macro call symbol in the process diagram.

Note that graphical macro calls are not allowed in a higher scope than process (system, block, etcetera). Also calling a macro using a task symbol is not possible.



To analyze a system containing a macro, turn the Macro expansion button on to order expansion of SDL macros through Generate -> Analyze.

After macros are expanded, the .pr file is used as input and expanded into a .prm file, which includes the SDL macros in an expanded form.