Showing Java attributes of collection type as associations in domain modeling class diagrams

You can show Java attributes of collection type, such as array lists, vectors, and so on, as association relationships to the collection type in domain modeling class diagrams. It is also useful to show the type of elements that the collection contains.

Before you begin

You must have a class diagram open.

About this task

To show a Java attribute of collection type as an association in a domain modeling class diagram, complete the following steps:

Procedure

  1. In the diagram editor, right-click an attribute of collection type; then click Filters > Show as Association.
  2. In the Select Type window, from the Matching type list, specify the type of elements that the collection contains and click OK.

Results

The attribute is removed from the classifier and displayed as an association relationship along with the element type that the collection contains.

What to do next

Note: The Select Type window opens only when the field does not already have a collection content type specified. In Java 5, collection content types are already specified, hence you no longer see the Select Type window.
Tip: You can also drag an attribute outside the classifier to show the attribute as an association.

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