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.

You generate Composite Structure diagram elements and connectors from the 'Composite' pages of the Diagram Toolbox.

Example Diagram

This diagram shows a Collaboration used in a Composite Structure diagram to show a relationship for performing an installation. Collaborations are often used to model common patterns.

The next diagram uses this Install Collaboration in a Collaboration Use, and applies it to the UtilLoad Class via a «represents» relationship. This indicates that the classifier UtilLoad uses the Collaboration Pattern within its implementation.

Composite Structure Diagram Element Toolbox Icons

Icon	Description	See also
	A Class is a representation of a type of object that reflects the structure and behavior of such objects within the system.	Class
	An Interface is a specification of behavior (or contract) that implementers agree to meet.	Interface
	Parts are run-time instances of Classes or Interfaces.	Part
	Ports define the interaction between a classifier and its environment.	Port
	A Collaboration defines a set of cooperating roles and their connectors.	Collaboration
	Use a Collaboration Use to apply a Pattern defined by a Collaboration to a specific situation, in a Composite Structure diagram.	Collaboration Use
	The Expose Interface element is a graphical method of depicting the required or supplied interfaces of a Component, Class or Part, in a Component or Composite Structure diagram.	Expose Interface

Composite Structure Diagram Connector Toolbox Icons

Icon	Description	See also
	Connectors illustrate communication links between Parts to fulfill the structure's purpose, typically in a Composite Structure diagram.	Connector
	An Assembly connector bridges a component's required interface (Component1) with the provided interface of another component (Component2), typically in a Component diagram.	Assembly
	Role Binding is the mapping between a Collaboration Use's internal roles and the respective Parts required to implement a specific situation, typically in a Composite Structure diagram.	Role Binding
	The Represents connector indicates that a Collaboration is used in a classifier, typically in a Composite Structure diagram.	Represents
	An Occurrence relationship indicates that a Collaboration represents a classifier, in a Composite Structure diagram.	Occurrence
	A Delegate connector defines the internal assembly of a component's external Ports and Interfaces, on a Component diagram.	Delegate

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