Dropping actor like link or instance in use cases

[jepessen]

Hi.

I'm starting to create Use Case Diagram.

I've created a diagram containing the list of actors, and then I drag them into other use case diagram.

EA by default Drop the actor as Object(Instance). I'm used to drag element in class diagrams, and they are dropped as link. So I'd like to know what's the difference between dragging an actor as Object instead as a link, and if there's a preferred method.

[qwerty]

When you create an instance it represents a real object rather than it's abstraction. So if you drag the actor Student onto a diagram and make EA to create an instance then this will represent a real student (e.g. Joe). Sometimes it's more practicable to use real objects to clarify things. It's up to you what you take.

Now there's a practical difference between both. If you re-use the actor as link it has all connectors in one place. Instances have their own connectors each.

q.

[jepessen]

Ok thanks for the reply. I'll use links for now because they're best suited in my case.