What is a port

[SomersetGraham]

Hi everyone
Please could someone explain what a uml port is (in simple language)

Thanks

Graham

[Makulik]

Hi,

Sorry, no simple language, I'm citing UML 2.2 Superstructure:

9.3.11 Port (from Ports)
A port is a property of a classifier that specifies a distinct interaction point between that classifier and its environment or
between the (behavior of the) classifier and its internal parts. Ports are connected to properties of the classifier by
connectors through which requests can be made to invoke the behavioral features of a classifier. A Port may specify the
services a classifier provides (offers) to its environment as well as the services that a classifier expects (requires) of its
environment.

So in practice, ports can be used to specify physical (communication) ports available in a particular hw environment, but as well sw interfaces on the border of your subsystems/components.

HTH
Günther

[Geert Bellekens]

We use ports to indicate the difference between services offered to the GUI, services for batch processing, messaging services etc...

Geert