Composite Structure Diagram

A Composite Structure diagram reflects the internal collaboration of Classes, Interfaces or Components (and their properties) to describe a functionality. Composite Structure diagrams are similar to Class diagrams, but whilst Class diagrams model a static view of Class structures, including their attributes and behaviors, Composite Structure diagrams model a specific usage of the structure. You can use them to express run-time architectures, usage patterns and the participating elements' relationships, which might not be reflected by static diagrams.

In a Composite Structure diagram, Classes are accessed as Parts or run-time instances fulfilling a particular role. These Parts can have multiplicity, if the role filled by the Class requires multiple instances. Ports defined by a Part's Class should be represented in the composite structure, so that all connecting Parts provide the required interfaces specified by the Port. There is extensive flexibility, and a consequent complexity, that come with modeling composite structures. To optimize your modeling, consider building Collaborations to represent reusable patterns responding to your design issues.

Example Diagram     Example Composite Structure Diagram

Tools

Select Composite Structure diagram elements and connectors from the Composite pages of the Toolbox.

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