How to: Connect Applications on Application Diagrams
In Application Designer, you can define communication pathways between applications by connecting their endpoints. When you begin a connection directly from an application, the application that begins the connection must be the consumer application. To begin a connection from a provider application, begin or draw the connection from a provider endpoint.
Note
Creating a connection from a provider application creates a consumer endpoint on the destination application; however, you cannot add provider endpoints by completing a connection. If an application requires provider endpoints, you can add them from the Toolbox. For more information, see How to: Add Endpoints to Applications.
For more information, see the following topics:
To begin a connection directly from an application
On the diagram, select the application from which you want to begin the connection.
On the Diagram menu, choose Connect.
In the Create Connection dialog box, select the destination application and then a compatible provider endpoint on that application.
A consumer endpoint appears on the application that began the connection. A connection line with an arrow appears, indicating the direction of communication from consumer to provider.
Tip
You can also right-click an application and choose Connect.
Note
In the Create Connection dialog box, you can choose to view all the applications and endpoints on the diagram instead of only those that are compatible. However, you will not be able to connect incompatible applications or endpoints.
You can also begin a connection from an application endpoint or draw connections between endpoints.
To begin a connection from an application endpoint
Select the endpoint from which you want to begin the connection.
On the Diagram menu, choose Connect.
In the Create Connection dialog box, select the destination application and then a compatible endpoint on that application.
Tip
You can also right-click an endpoint and choose Connect.
You can also draw connections between endpoints.
To draw connections between endpoints
In the Toolbox, select the Connection tool.
Tip
If the Toolbox is not visible, open itfrom the View menu by choosing Toolbox.
Drag the Connection tool from the endpoint you want to connect to the destination endpoint.
Tip
When you select the Connection tool, click it instead of dragging it from the Toolbox. To leave connection mode after selecting the Connection tool, press the ESCAPE key. You can also activate the Connection tool by moving the pointer over an endpoint, pressing the ALT key, and then dragging the Connection tool. To cancel connection mode, release the ALT key.
See Also
Tasks
Walkthrough: Defining Applications on Application Diagrams
How to: Configure Connections to External Databases
How to: Reroute and Redraw Connections on Application Diagrams
How to: Delete Connections from Application Diagrams