Types of Behavioral UML diagrams
A state diagram is used to represent the condition of the system or part of the system at finite instances of time. It’s a behavioral diagram and it represents the behavior using finite state transitions.
- State diagrams are also referred to as State machines and State-chart Diagrams .
- These terms are often used interchangeably. So simply, a state diagram is used to model the dynamic behavior of a class in response to time and changing external stimuli.
We use Activity Diagrams to illustrate the flow of control in a system. We can also use an activity diagram to refer to the steps involved in the execution of a use case.
- We model sequential and concurrent activities using activity diagrams. So, we basically depict workflows visually using an activity diagram.
- An activity diagram focuses on condition of flow and the sequence in which it happens.
- We describe or depict what causes a particular event using an activity diagram.
Use Case Diagrams are used to depict the functionality of a system or a part of a system. They are widely used to illustrate the functional requirements of the system and its interaction with external agents(actors).
- A use case is basically a diagram representing different scenarios where the system can be used.
- A use case diagram gives us a high level view of what the system or a part of the system does without going into implementation details.
A sequence diagram simply depicts interaction between objects in a sequential order i.e. the order in which these interactions take place.
- We can also use the terms event diagrams or event scenarios to refer to a sequence diagram.
- Sequence diagrams describe how and in what order the objects in a system function.
- These diagrams are widely used by businessmen and software developers to document and understand requirements for new and existing systems.
5. Communication Diagram
A Communication Diagram (known as Collaboration Diagram in UML 1.x) is used to show sequenced messages exchanged between objects.
- A communication diagram focuses primarily on objects and their relationships.
- We can represent similar information using Sequence diagrams, however communication diagrams represent objects and links in a free form.
6. Time Sequence Diagram
- Time Sequence Diagram are a special form of Sequence diagrams which are used to depict the behavior of objects over a time frame.
- We use them to show time and duration constraints which govern changes in states and behavior of objects.
7. Interaction Overview Diagram
- An Interaction Overview Diagram models a sequence of actions and helps us simplify complex interactions into simpler occurrences.
- It is a mixture of activity and sequence diagrams.
Behavioral Diagrams | Unified Modeling Language(UML)
Complex applications need collaboration and planning from multiple teams and hence require a clear and concise way to communicate amongst them. So UML becomes essential to communicate with non-programmers about essential requirements, functionalities, and processes of the system. UML is linked with object-oriented design and analysis. UML makes use of elements and forms associations between them to form diagrams.
Important topics for Behaviour UML diagrams
- Behavior UML diagrams
- Types of Behavior UML diagrams
- Benefits of using Behavior UML diagrams
- Challenges faced in developing Behavior UML diagrams
- Best Practices for developing Behavior UML diagrams
- Conclusion