Non standard multiplicity in IE notation

[Paolo F Cantoni]

I believe it is the normal convention in Information engineering data modelling that if there is a non-standard multiplicity, that this is indicated in addition to the normal "crows-foot" glyph.  Thus: if the multiplicity is 2..*, then one would see:
    /
--|-
    \
(2:n)

Now, I think in this world of UML, we could gainfully use:
     /
--|-
     \
2..*

but not the current:
-----

What do others think?

[«Midnight»]

I don't quite get what you're saying about the UML side.

[Paolo F Cantoni]

I don't quite get what you're saying about the UML side.

Well, in IE notation, multiplicity (the concept formerly known as cardinality ) was expressed as (m:n).  but in UML, the syntax is: m..n.  (BTW, I've corrected my example above accordingly)

So I'm advocating EA use the UML syntax.  Best of all would be the option...

Paolo

[«Midnight»]

Gotcha!

I think the best bet would be default to UML and offer the option. Perhaps with a further option to define the delimiter pair.

Or, a set of options for delimiter pair and separators. By separators, I mean list and extent, to allow for [1,3..5] and other exotic breeds.

Am I watching the correct picture yet?

David

[Paolo F Cantoni]

Gotcha!

I think the best bet would be default to UML and offer the option. Perhaps with a further option to define the delimiter pair.

Or, a set of options for delimiter pair and separators. By separators, I mean list and extent, to allow for [1,3..5] and other exotic breeds.

Am I watching the correct picture yet?

David

Sounds good to me, David...

Paolo