Component Diagrams - See Examples, Learn What They Are

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What is a Component Diagram?

A component diagram, also known as a UML component diagram, describes the organization and wiring of the physical components in a system. Component diagrams are often drawn to help model implementation details and double-check that every aspect of the system's required functions is covered by planned development. In the first version of UML, components included in these diagrams were physical: documents, database table, files, and executables, all physical elements with a location. In the world of UML 2, these components are less physical and more conceptual stand-alone design elements such as a business process that provides or requires interfaces to interact with other constructs in the system. The physical elements described in UML 1, like files and documents, are now referred to as artifacts. A UML 2 component may contain multiple physical artifacts if they naturally belong together.

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Basic Component Diagram Symbols and Notations

Component

A component is a logical unit block of the system, a slightly higher abstraction than classes. It is represented as a rectangle with a smaller rectangle in the upper right corner with tabs or the word written above the name of the component to help distinguish it from a class.

Interface

An interface (small circle or semi-circle on a stick) describes a group of operations used (required) or created (provided) by components. A full circle represents an interface created or provided by the component. A semi-circle represents a required interface, like a person's input.

Dependencies

Draw dependencies among components using dashed arrows.

Port

Ports are represented using a square along the edge of the system or a component. A port is often used to help expose required and provided interfaces of a component.

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How to Draw a Component Diagram

Take stock of everything needed to implement the planned system. For example, for a simple e-commerce system, you'll need components that describe products, orders, and customer accounts.
Create a visual for each of the components.
Describe the organization and relationships between components using interfaces, ports, and dependencies.

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What's the Difference Between a Package Diagram and a Component Diagram?

Package diagram elements are always public, while component diagram elements are private.

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Component Diagram

Quickly and easily create component diagrams and other UML type diagrams

What is a Component Diagram?

Component Diagram Symbols

How to Draw a Component Diagram

Package Diagram vs Component Diagram

How to Make UML Diagrams

Tips for UML Diagrams

Other UML Diagrams

With SmartDraw, You Can Create More than 70 Types of Diagrams, Charts, and Visuals

What is a Component Diagram?

Basic Component Diagram Symbols and Notations

Component

Interface

Dependencies

Port

How to Draw a Component Diagram

What's the Difference Between a Package Diagram and a Component Diagram?

More Component Diagram Information

Try SmartDraw's Component Diagram Software Free

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DiagrammingBuild diagrams of all kinds from flowcharts to floor plans with intuitive tools and templates.

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Learn

Getting StartedLearn to make visuals, familiarize yourself with the UI, choosing templates, managing documents, and more.

TemplatesGet inspired by browsing examples and templates available in SmartDraw.

DiagramsLearn about all the types of diagrams you can create with SmartDraw.

WhiteboardLearn how to combine free-form brainstorming with diagram blueprints all while collaborating with your team.

Data VisualizersLearn how to generate visuals like org charts and class diagrams from data.

SupportSearch through SmartDraw's knowledge base, view frequently asked questions, or contact our support team.

Developer Resources

Development PlatformBrowse built-in data visualizers and see how you can build your own custom visualization.

Open APIThe SmartDraw API allows you to skip the drawing process and generate diagrams from data automatically.

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Additional Resources

Enterprise

Site LicenseSite licenses start as low as $2,995 for your entire organization.

Team LicenseThe SmartDraw Team License puts you in control with powerful administrative features.

SecuritySee how we keep your data safe.

Apps & IntegrationsConnect to all the tools you use.

Component Diagram

Quickly and easily create component diagrams and other UML type diagrams

With SmartDraw, You Can Create More than 70 Types of Diagrams, Charts, and Visuals

What is a Component Diagram?

Basic Component Diagram Symbols and Notations

Component

Interface

Dependencies

Port

How to Draw a Component Diagram

What's the Difference Between a Package Diagram and a Component Diagram?

More Component Diagram Information

Try SmartDraw's Component Diagram Software Free

Diagramming
Build diagrams of all kinds from flowcharts to floor plans with intuitive tools and templates.

Whiteboarding
Collaborate with your team on a seamless workspace no matter where they are.

Data
Generate diagrams from data and add data to shapes to enhance your existing visuals.

Enterprise Friendly
Easy to administer and license your entire organization.

Security
See how we keep your data safe.

Apps & Integrations
Connect to all the tools you use from Microsoft, Google Workspace, Atlassian, and more.

Product Management
Roadmap features, brainstorm, and report on development, so your team can ship features that users love.

Software Engineering
Design and maintain complex systems collaboratively.

Information Technology
Visualize system architecture, document processes, and communicate internal policies.

Sales
Close bigger deals with reproducible processes that lead to successful onboarding and training.

Getting Started
Learn to make visuals, familiarize yourself with the UI, choosing templates, managing documents, and more.

Templates
Get inspired by browsing examples and templates available in SmartDraw.

Diagrams
Learn about all the types of diagrams you can create with SmartDraw.

Whiteboard
Learn how to combine free-form brainstorming with diagram blueprints all while collaborating with your team.

Data Visualizers
Learn how to generate visuals like org charts and class diagrams from data.

Support
Search through SmartDraw's knowledge base, view frequently asked questions, or contact our support team.

Development Platform
Browse built-in data visualizers and see how you can build your own custom visualization.

Open API
The SmartDraw API allows you to skip the drawing process and generate diagrams from data automatically.

Shape Data
Add data to shapes, import data, export manifests, and create data rules to change dashboards that update.

Site License
Site licenses start as low as $2,995 for your entire organization.

Team License
The SmartDraw Team License puts you in control with powerful administrative features.

Security
See how we keep your data safe.

Apps & Integrations
Connect to all the tools you use.