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[SA-Depot] > [UML 2.0 Notation Update] > [13 Diagram Types]

13 Diagram Types

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UML 2.0 defines thirteen types of diagrams, divided into three categories: Six diagram types represent static application structure; three represent general types of behavior; and four represent different aspects of interactions:

  1. Structure Diagrams include the Class Diagram, Object Diagram, Component Diagram, Composite Structure Diagram, Package Diagram, and Deployment Diagram.
  2. Behavior Diagrams include the Use Case Diagram (used by some methodologies during requirements gathering); Activity Diagram, and State Machine Diagram.
  3. Interaction Diagrams, all derived from the more general Behavior Diagram, include the Sequence Diagram, Communication Diagram, Timing Diagram, and Interaction

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Figure 1 – A Classification of 13 UML Diagrams in UML 2

Overview of UML Diagrams

There are two major kinds of diagram types: structure diagrams and behavior diagrams:

Structure Diagram

Structure diagrams show the static structure of the objects in a system. That is, they depict those elements in a specification that are irrespective of time. The elements in a structure diagram represent the meaningful concepts of an application, and may include abstract, real-world and implementation concepts. For example, a structure diagram for an airline reservation system might include classifiers that represent seat assignment algorithms, tickets, and a credit authorization service. Structure diagrams do not show the details of dynamic behavior, which are illustrated by behavioral diagrams. However, they may show relationships to the behaviors of the classifiers exhibited in the structure diagrams.

Behavior Diagrams

Behavior diagrams show the dynamic behavior of the objects in a system, including their methods, collaborations, activities and state histories. The dynamic behavior of a system can be described as a series of changes to the system over time. Behavior diagrams can be further classified into several other kinds.

Please note that this taxonomy provides a logical organization for the various major kinds of diagrams. However, it does not preclude the mixing different kinds of diagram types, as one might do when one combines structural and behavioral elements (e.g., showing a state machine nested inside an internal structure). Consequently, the boundaries between the various kinds of diagram types are not strictly enforced.