Creating a Dependency Matrix

You can create a dependency matrix in a profile.

1. Right-click the Profile category and select Add Dependency Matrix. This adds the DependencyMatrix metaclass to the profile and creates a stereotype under it, in which you will define the matrix properties.
2. 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.
4. Select an object type from the current model to populate your matrix rows and an object type from the current or another model type to populate the columns.
5. Specify how the rows and columns of your matrix will be associated by selecting a dependency from the list.

   Only direct dependencies are available from the list. To specify a more complex dependency, click the Advanced button to open the Dependency Path Definition dialog (see Specifying Advanced Dependencies).

   
   
   
6. 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.
7. 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 > The PowerDesigner Interface > 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.