Connecting powertypes and stereotypes

Abstract

Powertypes constitute an advanced OO modelling mechanism that is usually utilized in the form of a specific pattern. Stereotypes comprise the basic customization and extension mechanism in UML, and are also used following a certain pattern. Although different in purpose, these two patterns present some interesting similarities and are shown here to become structurally identical in specific circumstances. This fact can help reduce the apparent complexity of UML and may be of special importance for tools that store and transform models that use powertypes and stereotypes. © JOT, 2005.