Dependency Matrices (Profile)

Dependency matrices allow you to review and create links between any kind of objects. You specify one metaclass for the matrix rows, and the same or another metaclass for the columns. The contents of the cells are then calculated from a collection or link object.

1. Right-click the Profile category and select Add Dependency Matrix to add the DependencyMatrix metaclass to the profile and create a stereotype under it, in which you will define the matrix properties.
2. On the General tab, enter a name for the matrix (for example Table Owners Matrix) along with a label and plural label for use in the PowerDesigner interface, as well as a default name for the matrices that users will create based on this definition.
3. Click the Definition tab to specify the rows and columns of your matrix and how they are associated using the following properties.

   Property	Description
   Rows	Specifies the object type with which to populate your matrix rows.
   Columns	Specifies the object type with which to populate your matrix columns. Click the Select Metaclass button to the right of the list to select a metaclass from another model type.
   Matrix Cells	Specifies how the rows and columns of your matrix will be associated. You must specify a Dependency from the list, which includes all the collections and links available to the object. Click the Create button to the right of the list to create a new extended collection (see Extended Collections and Compositions (Profile)) connecting your objects, or the Advanced button to specify a complex dependency path (see Specifying Advanced Dependencies). For certain dependencies, the Object type on which the dependency is based will be displayed, and you can select an Object attribute to display in the matrix cells along with the No value symbol, which is displayed if that attribute is not set in any particular instance.

   
   
   
4. Click OK to save your matrix and close the resource editor.
   You can now create instances of the matrix in your model as follows:

   • Select View > Diagram > New Diagram > Matrix Name.

   • Right-click a diagram background and select Diagram > New Diagram > Matrix Name.

   • Right-click the model in the browser and select New > Matrix Name.

   Note: For information about using dependency matrices, see Core Features Guide > Modeling with PowerDesigner > Diagrams, Matrices, and Symbols > Dependency Matrices.

• Specifying Advanced Dependencies
  You can examine dependencies between two types of objects that are not directly associated with each other, using the Dependency Path Definition dialog, which is accessible by clicking the Advanced button on the Definition tab, and which allows you to specify a path passing through as many intermediate linking objects as necessary.