Class Diagrams and Class Structure Charts
You can use class diagrams and class structure charts to analyze the architectural domains of a system. They are
part of the Object-Oriented Design Language (OODLE) of the Shlaer-Mellor method. A Shlaer-Mellor class diagram depicts
the external view of a single class. A class structure chart shows the internal structure of a class with code and
operations.
A Shlaer-Mellor class diagram
Class Diagram Notations
Classes
Classes represent the translation of an object from the analysis phase into the design phase.
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Logical Component
A logical component is a part of the data type in a class. For example, "seconds" is a logical component of the data type "time."
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Conditional Parameter
A conditional parameter is a characteristic or argument that is restricted in some way.
Run-time bound operation
A run-time bound operation refers to an operation that can be carried out at run-time only.
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Deferring operation
The deferring operation symbol refers to a polymorphic operation that specifies the name of the operation and input/output parameters. Polymorphic operations affect classes other than the one they are specified in.
Exception
Attached to a class or module, this diamond symbol represents a case that is other than the norm.
Class Structure Chart Notations
Module
A module refers to code called by one or more other modules.
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Foreign Module
A foreign module is a piece of code that is not part of the class.
Exception Handler
The exception handler tries to correct an abnormal condition or notify the user of an error.
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Data element
A data element is code that stores values and information.
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