Creating a State

This topic explains how to create a state.

To create a state:

Using the Tool Palette buttons: On the diagram Tool Palette, choose to create a state node. Click an appropriate place on your diagram. Alternatively: Using the context menu of the diagram: Right-click the diagram background. Select AddState on the context menu.
Note: You can place a state inside of the existing state. It is possible to hide individual states. For example, you might want to hide the content of composite states for better understanding of the whole diagram.
When a new state is placed on a diagram, you can use the Object Inspector to adjust its properties, including:
- Configure standard properties of the element.
- In the State Invariant field, select the language of the expression from the Language list box. The possible options are OCL and plain text.
- In the Properties page, configure the behavior of the state by setting or viewing the following additional properties:

Field	Description
Composite	Set to True if there is one or more regions in this state (not editable)
Orthogonal	Set to True if there are two or more regions in this state (not editable)
Simple	Set to True if there are no regions in this state (not editable)
Do activity	Specify the activity to be performed during execution of the current state by using the Object Inspector. This activity may be selected from any Activity diagram of the project
Entry	Specify the activity to be performed when the current state starts executing by using the Object Inspector. This activity may be selected from any Activity diagram of the project
Exit	Specify the activity to be performed when the current state finishes executing by using the Object Inspector. This activity may be selected from any Activity diagram of the project

In the edit field below the list box enter the OCL expression for this state.