UML Structural Models

UML Structural Diagrams depict the elements of a system that are independent of time and that convey the concepts of a system and how they relate to each other. The elements in these diagrams resemble the nouns in a natural language and the relationships that connect them always show structural or semantic relationships. For example, a structural diagram of a vehicle reservation system might contain elements such as Car, Reservation, Drivers Licence and Credit Card, and contain connectors linking these elements. Experienced modelers will also show the relationships to behavioral elements on these diagrams.

The UML defines seven types of UML structural diagrams.

Structural Diagram types

Diagram Type	Detail	See also
Class	Class diagrams capture the logical structure of the system, the Classes and objects that make up the model, describing what exists and what attributes and behavior it has.	Class diagrams
Composite Structure	Composite Structure diagrams reflect the internal collaboration of Classes, Interfaces and Components (and their properties) to describe a functionality.	Composite Structure diagrams
Component	Component diagrams illustrate the pieces of software, embedded controllers and such that make up a system, and their organization and dependencies.	Component diagrams
Deployment	Deployment diagrams show how and where the system is to be deployed; that is, its execution architecture.	Deployment diagrams
Object	Object diagrams depict object instances of Classes and their relationships at a point in time.	Object diagrams
Package	Package diagrams depict the organization of model elements into Packages and the dependencies amongst them.	Package diagrams
Profile	Profile Diagrams are those created in a «profile» Package, to extend UML elements, connectors and components.	Profile Diagrams