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Software Design Center
HOW TO DRAW SHLAER-MELLOR DIAGRAMS (cont'd)
Object Information Model Notations
Objects
Objects are abstractions of real-world items, roles, incidents, or interactions. They are instances of larger, more general groups called classes and they provide the basis for object-oriented programming. You can draw Shlaer-Mellor objects using SmartDraw rectangles.
Learn how to edit text on objects.
Relationships and Multiplicity
Use arrows to illustrate relationships between objects and represent multiplicity with the number of arrowheads on the relationship line. Two single arrowheads illustrate a one-to-one relationship, while two double arrowheads indicate a many-to-many relationship. Indicate conditions on a relationship by placing the letter "C" above or below the relationship line.
Learn how to connect shapes.
Learn how to create arrows.
Inheritance
Inheritance is used to describe a relationship in which one object derives some of its attributes from a supertype object.
Learn how to draw this inheritance relationship.
State Transition and Action Data Flow Diagrams
Shlaer-Mellor's state transition diagram describes an object's life cycle. It is similar to the statechart diagram used in the Unified Modeling Language (UML). A Shlaer-Mellor activity data flow diagram illustrates the processing associated with state diagrams.
State Transition Diagram Notations
States
Use boxes to represent states and use arcs to represent transitions between states.
Learn how to edit text on this object.
Activity Data Flow Diagram Notations
Process
A process is something that manipulates data. Draw a process using an oval.
Learn how to edit text on this object.
Data Flow
Illustrate data flow or control flow between processes with arcs.
Learn how to connect process shapes in SmartDraw.
Data Store
Data stores represent the logical component of the system where information is stored.
Learn how to resize grouped objects like data stores.
