DSM
Generate Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM) to show dependency relationships between Classes, Interfaces and Packages. DSM quickly alerts you to overly specific dependencies and circular references in a concise color-coded chart.
How to Install
- Download the Plug-in file. If you are using the old version of Astah, please download one that works for your Astah version.
- Drag the downloaded .jar file to an open instance of Astah. A pop-up will appear asking you to confirm installation choose [Yes]. Then restart Astah. If the pop-up below opens restart Astah.
- If you see the [DSM] window below the diagram editor, the installation is complete!
If there is no window below the diagram editor, go to [View] – [Show/Hide Extra View] to open.
How to use
If you have installed DSM Plug-in successfully, [DSM] tab should appear in the bottom pane just below the Diagram Editor.
When there is a color in the cell, that means the following alert. So when your DSM has color cells, try fixing your model accordingly.
Clear analysis using DSM could help to find the risks of the dependencies of models as you model.
Color | Meaning | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Circular reference | Could rise the dead lock and closed loop, degrade of the modulability |
| Pink | Indirect circular reference | Same as above |
| Yellow | Indirect circular reference | Too much responsibility on one pole. Changing of this model could rise big influences in wide filed. |
Supported models in DSM
Astah loads the following relationships between Class (Interface, Actor, Entity, BusinessEntity, Boundary, Control and BusinessWorker) and Package (Subsystem, Model) as Dependencies.
Model | Note |
|---|---|
| Associations | Non-navigable is treated as dependent unidirectional. |
| Association (Aggregation) | Counts "one-way" dependency from the container to the other. |
| Association (Composition) | Counts "one-way" dependency from the container to the other. |
| Dependency, Usage Dependency, Realization and Template Binding | - |
| Generalization | Counts one as a dependency from SubClass to Super Class. |
| Realization | Counts as a dependency from Implement Class to Interface. |
| Dependencies within a Package | All the dependencies within a Package are not counted. |
Filter by namespace
You can switch the DSM view by namespace. Only the models in selected namespace would appear in DSM.
Export DSM to Excel
You can export the DSM to Excel by selecting the top right button “Export to Excel”.
NOTE
- If there are more than 100 models in one DSM, an alert appears to warn you because it may cause the performance issue.
- Anonymous bound class would not appear.
Download Old Versions
| Compatible with | Plug-in Version | Release Date | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astah Professional and UML version 6.6 – 8.3 | 1.3.5 | 2019.4.11 |  |