Node Types vs Nodes

Node Types vs Nodes

Node Type (Metamodel / M2)

A Node Type is a type definition — it describes a category of elements.

• Created in the metamodel layer
• Defines properties that instances will have (e.g., a "Server" type might have properties: "IP Address", "OS", "RAM")
• Has a name, color, and shape for visual display
• Appears in the Toolbox for dragging onto the canvas
• Found under Node Types in the Tree View

Node (Model / M1)

A Node is a concrete instance of a Node Type.

• Created in the model layer
• Has specific property values (e.g., IP = "10.0.1.5", OS = "Linux")
• Has a label (display name) and optional description
• Can be placed on diagrams (canvas)
• Can be connected via relationships
• Found under Nodes in the Tree View

How to Create Each

Creating a Node Type:

1. In the Tree View, find the Node Types section
2. Click the + button to add a new Node Type
3. Give it a name (e.g., "Server")
4. Add properties in the Properties Panel
5. Optionally set a color and shape

Creating a Node (Instance):

1. Open a diagram on the canvas
2. Find the Node Type in the Toolbox (left panel)
3. Drag the type onto the canvas
4. A new node instance is created and placed on the diagram
5. Edit its label and properties in the Properties Panel

Example

Node Type (M2)	Nodes (M1)
Server	web-server-01, db-server-02
Application	payment-service, auth-service
Person	Alice, Bob, Charlie