how to model components and classes

[fausto bertoli]

We know that a component object should be used to identify which are the main element of deploy.
In the EA helps it is also stated that "A Component can be composed of multiple Classes, or Components pieced together. As smaller Components come together to create bigger Components"
I understand that we could build a component hiearachy with classes at the lower level.
And now my question: how can we build this component hierarchy?
How can we define a component made by other component or classes?
We can do it with packages, in fact a package can contain subpackages.
Bur speaking about high level component how can we define them in term of their child elements?
EA don't  permit to create component or classes as child of high level component...
Please clarify.

[bernardm]

Maybe you could try using Packaging Components (see Component Diagram).
Hope this helps,
Bernard

[fausto bertoli]

Ok, I can use package components to model a component hierarchy, but how to deal with component and classes?
I mean, if the leaf of the hierarchy should be the classes and if I need the hieararchy I shall use package components, when shall I use the component objects?
Fausto

[bernardm]

It's a question of taste... I like "simple" components :
- when I don't have to modelize the internals
- when I need to modelize required/provided interfaces (i.e. for a participation in a sequence diagram)
Bernard