Modeler: 14/ConstructTypes

Construction Operations

CaseTalk provides several construction operations to build the conceptual model. These are available from the Construct menu and require an active project with at least one repository file open.

Some construction features may require advanced settings to be activated through the Environment Options.

Construct a Fact Type

Creates a new fact type from selected object types and/or label types.

1. Select one or more existing types in a diagram or repository list
2. Choose Construct → Fact Type from the menu
3. Enter the name for the new fact type (defaults to a concatenation of the selected names)
4. The Expression Tree Editor opens so you can define the reading
5. Depending on your Environment settings, the Population Editor and constraint wizards (UC, TC) may open automatically

The new fact type and its roles appear in the repository and on the active diagram.

Construct an Object Type

Creates a new object type (nominalization).

1. Optionally select label types or object types in a diagram to pre-fill the roles
2. Choose Construct → Object Type
3. Enter a name for the new object type
4. Roles to the selected types are created automatically
5. Constraint wizards may run depending on your Environment settings

Construct a Label Type

Creates a new label type (value type / data element).

1. Choose Construct → Label Type
2. Enter a name
3. The label type is added to the repository and the active diagram

Label types represent atomic values (strings, numbers, dates) that identify or describe object types.

Construct Concept or Container

Concept

Creates a concept — a lightweight modeling element for early-stage domain exploration. Choose Construct → Concept and type one or more concept names in the input dialog.

Concepts support a compact text syntax for rapid entry:

Syntax	Result
concept1->concept2	Two concepts with a directed role from 1 to 2
concept1<-concept2	Reverse-directed role (from 2 to 1)
concept1--concept2	Bidirectional link
concept1;concept2;concept3	Multiple concepts without roles
concept1[Person]	Concept with a type tag
concept1=A description	Concept with a description

Container

Creates a container — a grouping element that holds other types as members.

1. Optionally select elements in a diagram
2. Choose Construct → Container
3. Enter a name — the selected elements are automatically added as members

Construct Structure

Creates a structure (Business Transaction) that groups related fact types and concepts into a named business process element.

1. Optionally select elements in a diagram
2. Choose Construct → Structure
3. Enter a name — the selected elements become members

This feature is available in CaseTalk version 13 and later.