With the modeling tool's new version, an Association Class can now be modeled in a Concept Modeling diagram. It is interpreted as a reified Class with additional noun-phrased properties that are named after the types at the ends of the association. An Association Class is a model element with both Association and Class properties. You can look at an Association Class as an Association that also has Class properties, or as a Class that also has Association properties. Additionally, it connects a set of classifiers, and defines a set of features belonging only to the relationship and not to any of the classifiers.
In a concept model any “fact” may have properties. Of particular importance is the “provenance” of the fact – where the fact came from and thus how much it can be trusted. As implied by its name, an association class has both the properties of an association and the properties of a class. While the association line and box may seem somewhat visually distinct – they represent the same concept.
The above example shows the “Enrollment” UML Association Class, which as an equivalent, shorthand meaning to the next diagram. Note that the expansion of the «Role» concepts will be explained here.
Before creating an Association Class between Class elements in your diagram, make sure the Experimental Features option is enabled. Once the option is enabled, please follow the steps below.
To create an Association Class in a Concept Modeling Diagram
- Right-click on any Class element in your diagram.
- Select Association Class as shown in the figure.
- A Class element can have a Association Class attached to itself, or to another class element. The figure shown below shows the Association Class attached to itself.
- You have created an Association Class in your Concept Modeling Diagram.