Models can be expressed in text, XMI etc. The most convenient form to visualize a model is trough a diagram. The most commonly used diagram notation is UML. A simple UML diagram consists of rectangles and lines between rectangles. The rectangles represent classes and the lines represent relationships between classes.

A class in a model should not be confused with a class that is implemented in a programming language such as Java. In business models there will usually be fewer model classes than programmed classes.

Model Diagramming in Fuut-je

The notation that Fuut-je uses for its diagramming is simplified UML, the rectangles represent classes or interfaces and the lines are 1-1 or 1-* relationships. Classes have attributes and methods, relations can have names, roles, multiplicity etc. A significant feature of Fuut-je is, that for each of the tool-model concepts: Classes, Attributes, Methods, Relations, the tool user can define new properties. These properties become part of the tool model and can be used/accessed to steer code generation.

The Fuut-je diagramming part was originally implemented in AWT, and later adapted to Swing. A diagrammer implemented using JHotdraw has been available, but was unfortunately proprietary. With the advent of Eclipse and SWT, and the inclusion of Fuut-je into GMT, the question arises whether Fuut-je should continue to provide its own diagrammer and if yes, whether this diagrammer should use SWT.

-- GhicaVanEmdeBoas - 29 Jul 2004