UML CLASS DIAGRAM

UML Class Diagram

The class diagram depicts a static view of an application.

A class consists of its objects, and also it may inherit from other classes.

A class diagram is used to visualize, describe, document various different aspects of the system, and also construct executable software code.

 It constitutes class names, attributes, and functions in a separate compartment that helps in software development.

Purpose of Class Diagrams

The main purpose of class diagrams is to build a static view of an application. 

1. It analyses and designs a static view of an application.

2. It describes the major responsibilities of a system.

3. It is a base for component and deployment diagrams.

4. It incorporates forward and reverse engineering.

Vital components of a Class Diagram

The class diagram is made up of three sections:

o Upper Section: The upper section encompasses the name of the class. A class is a representation of similar objects that shares the same relationships, attributes, operations, and semantics. Some of the following rules that should be taken into account while representing a class are given below:

1. Capitalize the initial letter of the class name.

2. Place the class name in the center of the upper section.

3. A class name must be written in bold format.

4. The name of the abstract class should be written in italics format.

o Middle Section: The middle section constitutes the attributes, which describe the quality of the class. The attributes have the following characteristics:

1. The attributes are written along with its visibility factors, which are public (+), private (-), protected (#), and package (~).

2. The accessibility of an attribute class is illustrated by the visibility factors.

3. A meaningful name should be assigned to the attribute, which will explain its usage inside the class.

o Lower Section: The lower section contain methods or operations. The methods are represented in the form of a list, where each method is written in a single line. It demonstrates how a class interacts with data.