Abstract:
Powertypes constitute an advanced 00 modelling mechanism that is usually utilized in
the form of a specific pattern. Stereotypes comprise the basic customization and
extension mechanism in UML, and are also used following a certain pattern. Although
different in purpose, these two patterns present some interesting similarities and are
shown here to become structurally identical in specific circumstances. This fact can help
reduce the apparent complexity of UML and may be of special importance for tools that
store and transform models that use powertypes and stereotypes.
