Class Diagram

What is a class diagram

• Static diagram
• Shows what classes of objects are required (NO interaction, NO implementation)
• Document 2 types of data
  1. Processing requirement -- how we process things
  2. Data storage requirement -- what data are we going to store
• Objects must be identifiable -- Object reference: one unique attribute for each object (e.g. SSN)

Class Symbol

Relationship

• Association: same as the Things association.

• Generalization/specialization: "is-a" relationship
  • Enables inheritance of attributes and methods
• Aggregation: "has-a" relationship

Association Class

A class attached to an association

Data belongs to the association (but not to either of the classes involved)

Represented by a dotted line

Generalization/Specialization (Inheritance)  

• Generalization: Groups similar types of classes that share characteristics such as attributes, associations, or methods
  • Superclass​ can act as abstract class -- does not have any corresponding objects
  • Concrete class inherit superclass characteristics --  can have real objects. ​​​​​​
• Generalization encourages reuse
• Specialization: subclass existing classes, inherit parent characteristics

1. Savings Account has 4 attributes and 3 methods (including those from the super class)
2. Checking Account has 5 attributes and 2 methods (including those from the super class)

Multiple Inheritance

A class that inherit from more than 1 superclass

Total attribute comes from both superclasses.

Aggregation (Whole/part)

• Represented by a diamond symbol
• Definition: whole-part relationship between the aggregate (whole) and its components (parts), where the parts can exist separately

** processor, monitors, etc. are all parts of a computer

*** NOTE: all computer parts can exist without being a part of a computer

Composition

• Represented by a solid diamond symbol
• Definition: aggregation relationship but the parts CANNOT exist separately

** Here BoatHull is part of a BoatAssembly but it cannot exist on its own. 

Methods

• Standard methods: 
  • Create (a new object of this class)
  • Delete (a existing object of this class)
  • Get (attributes of the object)
  • Set (attributes of the object)
• Custom methods:
  • e.g. students -- pay tuition

Question

1. Practice Exam Q46 -- What is the term that describes the number of times that an object can participate in a relationship? -- ______