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. Similarly, the Facet Of stereotype will be explained here. If you would like to learn about creating an example similar to one presented above, please read Working with association classes. Furthermore, if you would like to see how the modeling tool supports Associations Classes, please view Association classes.
|