Composite structure diagram

A composite structure diagram (English composite structure diagram ) is one of the 14 chart types in the Unified Modeling Language ( UML), a modeling language for software and other systems.

The composite structure diagram consistently shows the interior of a classifier and its interaction with its environment.

Part

Parts are parts of the whole, which belong by a composition relation to the whole or to be composed of the whole. A part is represented using a rectangle, which can have its own multiplicity. They are surrounded by a whole with a large frame. Inside the frame, the parts show their relationships using connectors with each other on, to the outside world via interfaces ( interfaces) are shown the means offered and provided characteristics (features).

At the beginning it was indicated that a part need not necessarily be a part of the whole, although it is needed to complete the whole. " Outsiders " Parts can be included in the representation of the whole, however, the rectangle of the outside part is dashed to distinguish.

Connector

A connector ( connector ) is used to describe a communication path between instances. Instances that are connected via a connector, have the opportunity to interact with each other, ie they " know " at runtime. Primary connectors are used to represent the interaction of parts.

The appearance of a connector is effected by a continuous single line, identical to an association. As association ends have connectors also multiplicities. This can be different from the multiplicity of parts. Thus, an entire interconnected network of parts are shown on the connectors.

Two specializations of the connector are the composing ( assembly connector ) and the delegation connector ( delegation connector ).

Composition connector

A composition connector is the connection between interfaces or ports offered and used. Thus it is pointed out that a component provides services that are used by others.

Delegation connector

A delegation connector, however, shows the connection between the "external" behavior of the component having the internal structure ( parts), which realizes the behavior. These compounds are always realized through the ports, where a delegation connector is always realized between the port of the component and the port of the part.

( Translated from: Documenting Component and Connector views with UML 2.0)

Port

Ports ( UML) are interaction points at which ready a variety of interfaces offered and need. Ports can also establishing relationships with each other and thus connected to each other to form a complex whole (eg components into a whole stick ).

Example

The left figure shows a composite structure diagram with an encapsulated classifier, four parts and two connectors.