EclipseUML and Maven Incremental Modeling Cycle


The new EclipseUML architecture based on native XMI incremental synchronization between UML Editor, java Source code and UML 2.2 model (patented technology) allows tight Maven integration.

In this tutorial we will have a look at:
  1. What is Maven
  2. Maven Project Structure
  3. How use Eclipse and Maven
    1. Eclipse Plugins
    2. Java Editor without plugin
  4. How to use EclipseUML and Maven


1. What is Maven

Maven is essentially a project management and comprehension tool and as such provides a way to help with managing:
For more information on Maven : The maven getting started guide



2. Maven Project Structure

The project structure includes the application and test sources

This was generated using the pom.xml file
You can then immediately compile your project and use Ant.



3. Maven Plugin for Eclipse

Eclipse IDE could be used either with Maven plugins or without any plugin by using Eclipse just for its java editor.

3.1 Eclipse plugins:
Developers are today a little frustrated with these two plugins which are not fully respecting maven spirit.
Current plugins try to use Eclipse and Maven as two separate frameworks and join both of them within multiple advanced features.
We think that Maven should be the framework and Eclipse should only be used for the java editor and modeling purposes.
We agree this is a serious limitation for Eclipse, but if users decide to select maven as their first choice they don't therefore need so many other features which break the tight Eclipse Java editor and maven easy integration.
Omondo could therefore in the near future develop an advanced Maven plugin inside Eclipse focused on the Java Editor and sell this plugin within EclipseUML suites of tools in the near future.

3.2 Java Editor:
If you decide to use Eclipse for its java editor and UML modeling then Eclipse will only be used as an editor and not as a framework.
This is today our recommended solution.



4. How to use EclipseUML with Maven in an incremental modeling life cycle

It is currently possible to use incremental modeling cycle with Maven and EclipseUML.
Users can select two ways of working:

Don't forget that you can use the following EclipseUML features with Maven:
Conclusion

The best way to use EclipseUML respecting Maven spirit today is to only use the Eclipse Java Editor, few other plugins and EclipseUML with live code, editor and model triple synchronization at the MDD or coding stage. The java and model incremental merge feature allows to take full advantage of UML modeling  and a better-faster-smarter and cheaper software factory delivery.


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