Chapter 8 - Structure Analysis and Design

Abstract

Structure analysis and design is an activity within Topological UML modeling process. The main goal of structure analysis and design is to develop a topological class diagram which contains classes together with their attributes and responsibilities. To identify classes and assign the right responsibility to each one of them a Topological Functioning Model (TFM) is used. This chapter shows the transformation of TFM into communication diagram and communication diagram into topological class diagram (together with refinement of it). Structure analysis and design activity is based on the results obtained within the very first Topological UML modeling activity—problem domain functioning analysis in which TFM is developed for the system under consideration. The TFM holistically represents the functioning of the problem and solution domains. As a holistic model, TFM includes necessary information to develop diagrams reflecting structure of the solution domain. Topological UML modeling models structure by means of the topological class diagram. To design a structure reflecting diagrams, the following activities are performed: initially TFM is transformed into communication diagram showing objects and messages they send each other, afterward the communication diagram is further transformed into topological class diagram. For better understanding of the system’s structure and to analyze relationships between classes, object diagram is developed.