METHOD FOR ASSOCIATING CLASSES CONTAINED IN THE SAME OR DIFFERENT MODELS

A method for associating classes contained in models stored in a computer system memory. The computer system has a repository program operating therein, which executes this method beginning with the step of initializing each persistent type object in one of the models. For each persistent type object initialized in the preceding step, a determination is made if the persistent type object is an association type. If it is, then at least two association-end objects are created. Next, the association-end objects are added to a collection of features owned by the persistent type object. The method further includes the steps of creating association objects that connect objects defined by persistent types associated by one of the association types; calling a setProperty function to specify an association between a first object and a collection of objects; passing to the setProperty function one of the two association end objects; the setProperty function interpreting the definition of the association type that owns the association-end parameter in order to determine whether: the association type is a valid association for associating objects of the persistent type which defines the target object; the association type is a valid association for associating objects of the persistent type which defines the value object; and, if the setProperty function determines that an association can be made, constructing association instance objects to link the target object to the value object.