UML representation for C/C++ function pointers

Question

What would be the best representation of a C/C++ function pointer (fp) in an UML structural diagram?

I\'m thinking about using an interface element, may be even if \'deg

Answer 1

I have been able to get something sort of working with Enterprise Architect. Its a bit of a hacky solution, but it meets my needs. What I did:

1. Create a new class stereotype named FuncPtr. I followed the guide here: http://www.sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/10/extending_uml_models/addingelementsandmetaclass.html When I did this I made a new view for the profile. So I can keep it contained outside of my main project.

2. Modified the Class code templates. Basically selecting the C language and start with the Class Template and hit the 'Add New Stereotype Override' and add in FuncPtr as a new override.

3. Add in the following code to that new template:

%PI="\n"%
%ClassNotes%
typedef %classTag:"returnType"% (*%className%)(
%list="Attribute" @separator=",\n" @indent="    "%
);

4. Modified the Attribute Declaration code template. Same way as before, adding in a new Stereotype

5. Add in the following code to the new template:

%PI=""% %attConst=="T" ? "const" : ""%

%attType%

%attContainment=="By Reference" ? "*" : ""%

%attName%

That's all that I had to do to get function pointers in place in Enterprise Architect. When I want to define a function pointer I just:

1. Create a regular class
2. Add in the tag 'returnType' with the type of return I want
3. Add in attributes for the parameters.

This way it'll create a new type that can be included as attributes or parameters in other classes (structures), and operators. I didn't make it an operator itself because then it wouldn't have been referenced inside the tool as a type you can select.

So its a bit hacky, using special stereotyped classes as typedefs to function pointers.