Metamodel Editor

The Metamodel Editor is the core workspace for defining the abstract syntax of your modeling language. Here you create classes, define their attributes and operations, establish relationships (references), and set constraints that models must satisfy.

Interface Overview

The Metamodel Editor consists of:

• Canvas — the main area where you visually create and arrange metamodel elements
• Tree View — a hierarchical view of the metamodel structure (classes, packages, features)
• Properties Panel — contextual tabs for editing the selected element’s properties

Working with Classes

Classes (DClass) are the primary building blocks of a metamodel. To create a class:

1. Click the Add Class button in the toolbar (or use the context menu on the canvas)
2. Enter a name for the class
3. The class appears on the canvas as a box

Class Properties

Each class has the following configurable properties:

• name — the unique identifier of the class within the metamodel
• isAbstract — if true, the class cannot be directly instantiated; it serves as a base for subclasses
• isInterface — marks the class as an interface (defines a contract without implementation)
• isRootable — if true, instances of this class can serve as root elements in a model
• isSingleton — restricts instantiation to a single instance per model
• isFinal — prevents the class from being extended

Inheritance

Classes support single and multiple inheritance. To create an inheritance relationship:

1. Select the child class
2. Use the extends property to point to one or more parent classes
3. The child class inherits all attributes, references, and operations from its parents

Working with Attributes

Attributes (DAttribute) represent typed properties of a class. To add an attribute:

1. Select a class
2. In the Properties Panel, navigate to the Attributes section
3. Click Add Attribute
4. Specify the attribute name and type

Supported primitive types include String, Integer, Boolean, Float, and custom enumerations.

Working with References

References (DReference) define relationships between classes. Jjodel supports two kinds of references:

• Containment references — express parent-child (composition) relationships; contained elements are owned by the parent and cannot exist independently
• Non-containment references — express associations between classes without ownership semantics

To create a reference:

1. Select the source class
2. In the Properties Panel, navigate to References
3. Click Add Reference
4. Specify the target class, multiplicity, and whether the reference is a containment

Multiplicity

References have configurable multiplicity bounds:

• 0..1 — optional single reference
• 1..1 — mandatory single reference
• 0..* — optional collection
• 1..* — mandatory collection with at least one element

Working with Operations

Operations (DOperation) define behaviors associated with a class. They can be used for model transformations, computed properties, or custom logic.

Working with Packages

Packages (DPackage) organize classes into logical groups, similar to namespaces. A package can contain classes or other packages, enabling hierarchical organization of large metamodels.

Tree View

The Tree View provides an alternative, hierarchical representation of the metamodel. It displays the complete structure of packages, classes, attributes, references, and operations in a collapsible tree format.

The Tree View is especially useful for navigating complex metamodels and for quickly locating specific elements.

Keyboard shortcuts

Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up common operations in the editor. Check the console or help menu for available shortcuts.