UML connections?

[Stringer]

Hello,

which connection type should I use for a class-diagram where my class makes instances of other classes and add them to the first class's Controls-collection? I mean my class X creates random intances of classes Y,Z or N. Then it adds them to the Controls-collection of the class X.

[Geert Bellekens]

Hmm, that depends on the type of relationship between your classes.
If you search for "composite" on the forum you should find some discussions on composite vs aggregation. That should get you started.

[sargasso]

There is, IMO, no (direct) relationship between the "Controls" attribute of the owning class and the items in the collection.  There is an association (whatever aggrgation you desire) between the classifier of the created things and the classifier you use to model the collection.  At the collection end it associates to the "item" or "items" attribute.  There is also an association between the instantiating class and the "collection" classifier.

hth
bruce

[Stringer]

So what is the proper connection type when I do quick connection? "Usage" dependency?

This is simplified source:

class Y : UserControl
{
}
class Z : UserControl
{
}
class N : UserControl
{
}
class X : Form
{
  public X()
  {
     this.Controls.Add(new Y());
     this.Controls.Add(new Z());
     this.Controls.Add(new N());
  }
}

[Geert Bellekens]

I guess that would be a classic case of a composition.

[Stringer]

Ah thanks! Composite it is then.

[«Midnight»]

Ah thanks! Composite it is then.

Stringer,

That should be composition, rather than composite. Make sure you are not using the EA concept of "composite element" instead of the UML concept of "composition."

David

[Stringer]

Midnight, sorry, it indeed was composition in the quick connect menu.

[«Midnight»]

Midnight, sorry, it indeed was composition in the quick connect menu.

All's well then. I just wanted to make sure you did not trip over the terminology.

David