Thursday, May 05, 2005

UML: Labels versus Stereotypes for Associations and Dependencies

I think I am clear on what to use where for Associations: The label is very specific, identifying the association or relationship between the two specific nodes. A stereotype doesn't normally make sense for associations, since it identifies a kind of association. Examples I have seem is <<include>> for use cases, and identification of the protocol for component associations.

For Dependencies: A label often does not make sense, since the relationship is always "depends on." A stereotype further defines the nature of the dependency.

Good UML Links

I really like Scott Ambler's stuff at: http://www.agilemodeling.com/style/

This looks like a solid overview: http://www.vico.org/UML_FAQ_jGuru.pdf

Looks interesting: http://www-inf.int-evry.fr/COURS/UML/semantics/

And of course: http://www.uml.org/#UML2.0

Hmmm: http://www.holub.com/goodies/uml/