23.3. Node Instance

23.3. Node Instance
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A node instance is an instance of a node where component instances (see Section 23.5, “ Component Instance ”) may reside. In the UML metamodel NodeInstance is a sub-class of Instance and is specifically an instance that is derived from a node.

A node instance is represented on a deployment diagram in ArgoUML as a three dimensional box labeled with the node instance name (if any) and node type, separated by a colon ( :).

	Tip
	It is the presence of the colon (`:`) and the underlining of the name and type that distinguishes a node instance from a node.

23.3.1. Node Instance Details Tabs

The details tabs that are active for node instances are as follows.

ToDoItem

Standard tab.

Properties

See Section 23.3.2, “ Node Instance Property Toolbar ” and Section 23.3.3, “ Property Fields For Node Instance ” below.

Documentation

Standard tab.

Presentation

Standard tab. The Bounds: field defines the bounding box for the node instance on the diagram.

	Warning
	Beware that in the current release of ArgoUML, the bounding box just refers to the front face of the cube. This means that the three dimensional top and side may be ignored, for example when determining the limits of a diagram for saving graphics.

Source

Standard tab, containing just the name of the node instance.

	Caution
	A node instance should not generate any code, so having this tab active is probably a mistake.

Tagged Values

Standard tab.

	Note
	The UML `Element` metaclass from which all other model elements are derived includes the tagged element `documentation` which is handled by the documentation tab under ArgoUML

Checklist

Standard tab for an Instance.

23.3.2. Node Instance Property Toolbar

Go up

Navigate up through the package structure.

New Stereotype

This creates a new Stereotype (see Section 16.6, “ Stereotype ”) for the selected node instance, navigating immediately to the properties tab for that stereotype.

Delete

This deletes the node instance from the model

	Warning
	This is a deletion from the model not just the diagram. To delete an node instance from the diagram, but keep it within the model, use the main menu `Remove From Diagram` (or press the Delete key).

23.3.3. Property Fields For Node Instance

Name

Text box. The name of the node instance. By convention node instance names start with a lower case letter and use bumpy caps to divide words within the name.

	Note
	ArgoUML does not enforce this naming convention.

Stereotype

Drop down selector. Node instance has no stereotypes by default in the UML standard.

Navigate Stereotype

icon. If a stereotype has been selected, this will navigate to the stereotype property panel (see Section 16.6, “ Stereotype ”).

Namespace

Drop down selector. Records the namespace for the node instance. This is the package hierarchy.

Stimuli sent

(To Be Written).

Stimuli Received

(To Be Written).

Residents

Text box. Lists any residents (see Section 23.4, “ Component ”) designed to be deployed on this type of node.

Button 1 double click navigates to the selected entry.

Classifiers

Text field. A Node instance type can be selected here.

	Caution
	ArgoUML V0.18 lists many more items in the dropdown list then solely Nodes. Beware to select Nodes only.

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