Relationships

UML diagrams support defining base classes for the more specific classes using generalizations. The name of the base class can be displayed inside the classifier box.

Apart from standard attributes defined within a UML class, the attributes of a UML class can also be expressed using the associations.

Software Ideas Modeler maintains logical relationships between elements in the data model. Thanks to a well-defined model, the navigation to the related items (even in another diagram) is quick and straightforward.

Complex diagrams and models can include many relationships and connectors. Software Ideas Modeler provides various tools and features that help you to navigate large models effectively.

The relationships in data models can be represented by various types of associations depending on which cardinality is required.

A relationship with one-to-many cardinality represents a link between two entities A and B, where one instance of the A entity refers to many instances of the B entity.

A N-ary association allows you to create an association between more than two classifiers.

The entity-relationship diagram offers only one connector element - relationship, but it can be depicted with various combinations of caps on the ends depending on its cardinality.

UML diagrams use different types of arrows. Each arrow type represents another relationship. Sometimes the relationships are depicted in the same way, but they have a slightly different meaning. In that case, they can be annotated with a stereotype.

Each connector tool has defined a default direction in which it is inserted into the diagram. You may change this setting using the context menu for the tool.

You may place a new element on a relationship. It will cause splitting the relationship into two parts which will be connected to the original start and end element on one side and to the new element on the other side.