Use-Case Diagram
OOAD
Thilagavathi M, AP(Sr.), SCORE
1
Why Create a Use-Case Model?
A use-case model allows the customer and
system developer to communicate WHAT
the system should do, in a language
understandable to the customer.
Consider the use-case model as the visual
contract between customer and developer.
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What Is a Use-Case Model?
A use-case model is representation of the
system’s intended functions and its
environment.
It is created in the Use-Case View and
can include the following
Use-case diagrams
Use-case flow of events
Supplemental information
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What Is a Use-Case Diagram?
A use-case diagram is an illustration that
shows the relationships among use cases
and actors and among related use cases.
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Actors
An actor is someone or something outside
the system that interacts with the system.
Example: Human user, external hardware or
another system.
In the UML, an actor is represented by a
“stickman.”
<<actor>> <<actor>>
Customer Customer
Customer
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Use Cases
A use case is a sequence of actions
performed by the system that yields a
measurable value for an actor.
In the UML, a use case is represented
by an oval.
Use Case
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Relationships
A relationship illustrates a semantic
connection among model elements.
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Communication Relationship
May exist between an actor and a use case and
between use cases.
Also called association relationship.
Is often referred to as a “communicate” relationship
since it refers to communication between actor and use
case.
Can be navigable in one or both directions. The
navigation direction represents who is initiating the
communication.
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Communication Relationship
An association with an arrowhead denotes
communication in one direction and is called a
unidirectional association. The end with the arrow
indicates who or what is receiving the communication.
An association without an arrowhead denotes
communication in both directions and is called a bi-
directional association.
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Uses Relationship
The uses relationship is used when use cases
have some sub flows in common.
In the UML, a uses relationship between use
cases is shown by a generalization arrow from
the use case.
<<uses>>
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Extends Relationship
The extends relationship is used when you
have one use case that is similar to another use
case but does a bit more. In essence, it is like a
subclass.
In the UML, the extends relationship between
use cases is shown by a generalization arrow
from the use case.
<<extends>>
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Example: Library Management System
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