Overview 

This tool mentor supports Incorporating Existing Design Elements with Rational XDE Developer - Java Platform Edition.

• The steps in this tool mentor match those in the corresponding task.
• Links to topics in XDE online Help are marked with .
• In the tool mentor, the following steps are performed:
• • Identify Reuse Opportunities
  • Reverse-Engineer Components and Databases
  • Update the Organization of the Design Model
  • Update the Logical View

Identify Reuse Opportunities

Look for existing subsystems or components that offer similar interfaces. Some assets may have been packaged for intentional reuse using the Reusable Asset Specification (RAS). If created with Rational XDE, such assets can be browsed and loaded in XDE. See Getting Started with RAS Assets .

Reverse-Engineer Components and Databases

For assets that do not include an XDE model, it may be useful to reverse engineer a model to better understand the design. If the asset proves to be usable, the XDE model then becomes part of your overall Design Model. See Reverse Engineering .

For an asset that your company controls, there may be opportunities to make minor changes to a candidate interface which will improve its conformance to the desired interface. For assets that your company does not control, you can create adapter or bridge design elements that map your desired interface onto interfaces provided by the assets reused. See Tool Mentor: Identify Design Elements for guidelines on creating and modifying interfaces and classes.

Update the Organization of the Design Model

Reorganize the design elements into packages as necessary. See Grouping Model Elements in Packages . Also see the white paper Rational XDE Model Structure Guidelines.

Update the Logical View

If there is a separate logical view, it needs to be maintained. See the white paper Rational XDE Model Structure Guidelines.