Overview
The following is a summary of the steps you perform to describe the interactions between objects using collaboration
diagrams:
-
Create a collaboration
diagram under the Use-Case Realization
-
Create an object in a collaboration diagram
-
Create links between the objects
-
Create messages between objects
For detailed information about collaboration diagrams, see:
1. Create a collaboration diagram under the
Use-Case Realization
When you create a collaboration diagram for a use case realization, consider naming the diagram "<use-case name>
- <flow type>". This naming convention simplifies future tracing of objects to the use-case realization that they
participate in. Also, use the documentation window to enter a brief description of the scenario that the collaboration
diagram depicts.
2. Create an object in a collaboration diagram
A collaboration diagram is an interaction diagram that shows the sequence of messages that implement an operation or a
transaction. Collaboration diagrams show objects, their links, and their messages. They can also contain simple class
instances and class utility instances. Each collaboration diagram provides a view of the interactions or structural
relationships that occur between objects and object-like entities in the current model. In this step, you:
3. Create links between objects
Links provide a way for two objects/actors to exchange messages. A link is an instance of an association, analogous to
an object being an instance of a class.
4. Create messages between objects
A message represents the communication between actors and objects, indicating that an action will follow. It carries
information from the source focus of control to the destination focus of control. In a collaboration diagram a message
icon can represent multiple messages. When you create a message, use the documentation field in the Message
Specification to describe the message.
The collaboration diagram toolbox contains two message tools. The forward message tool, bearing an arrow pointing
"northeast," places a message icon from client to supplier. The reverse message tool, bearing an arrow pointing
"southwest," places a message icon from supplier to client. The default synchronization for a message is "simple."
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