ACH - Define a new Architecture Model

Starting from CAST AIP 8.3.23, CAST Architecture Checker will no longer be installed as part of the CAST AIP setup, whether installing CAST AIP from scratch or on a server where a previous release of CAST AIP exists. CAST Architecture Checker has evolved into a standalone component where all feature requests and bug fixes are now managed. This standalone component can be downloaded from CAST Extend (https://extendng.castsoftware.com/#/search-results?q=archichecker).

Up-to-date documentation can be found here: CAST Architecture Checker.

Define a new Architecture Model

When you first launch the Architecture Checker, you need to to define a new Architecture Model to get started:

Use the File > New Architecture Model option or right click the blank Main window (Model tab) and select New Architecture Model
A dialog box will then be displayed enabling you to define the new model:

Architecture Model name

Enter a name for your Model - this simply identifies the Architecture Model to you.

Choose Template

Allows you to select the custom template you require from the drop downlist - the CAST Architecture Checker will offer you all predefined templates shipped with the software, and any custom templates you have saved to the default template storage location (%USERPROFILE%\Documents). Your new model will open containing all configuration saved to the custom template you have chosen.

Alternatively you can choose Blank Template, which will give you an empty Architecture Model.

See Working with Templates for more information.

Note that the predefined templates shipped with the software are located in the configuration\ACTemplate folder in the CAST AIP installation folder.

Dependency Type

This drop down list enabled you to select the type of Architecture Model you want to create, depending on your requirements:

a model defining authorized dependencies between layers - i.e. links that are allowed
a model defining forbidden dependencies between layers - i.e. links that are not allowed

Notes Authorized model type:

- When two layers have no links between them in the model and in reality there are links, then a violation will be reported.
- If a link between two layers is created in the model, then no violations will ever be raised regardless of whether in reality links exist or not.

Forbidden model type:

- When two layers have no link between them in the model, whatever the reality is, no violations will be reported.
- Violations will be reported only when a link between two layers is created in the model and in reality the link exists.

Click OK to complete the creation of the Architecture Model.
Refer to Define Layers, Sets and Dependencies and also Define Layer or Set Contents for more information about the rest of the creation process.
You should also use the Save option (see Toolbar for more information) to save your model for future re-use.
You may also wish to define various Properties for your model (for example, weight and criticality of the associated Quality Rule) - if so, see Configuring model properties. Otherwise default values will be used.