Question

Sequence Diagram - Correct Structure and Messaging?

Asked by: DarrenD

Hi,

I'm fairly new to the area of modelling software systems so pleae bear with me!!

What I am trying to model in the message flow when an administrator wishes to search for an existing group within the system, add a new group to the system and then save or update the group information.

frmMain is an MDI form.

frmListings is a child form that displays the search criteria available to the user which they must enter or the user can select new to create a new group or cancel.

frmGroup is the actual form where group information is displayed to the user where they can then enter or edit information and then either Save or Cancel. If it is a new group then Save will automatically create otherwise Save will update an existing group.

GroupManager contains all of the business logic for the creation and validation of a group

Group is where the group information is saved to the database.

My Questions:
Does my diagram make sense?
What do I need to change in order to correct it?
What would you do diffeently?

Lastly:
If I wanted to make this a Web Service would you add in another timeline showing the calls to the web service before calling the GroupManager or just leave it?

If you need any more information please let me know.

Thanks,

Darren

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Asked On
2008-08-03 at 05:03:53ID23617149
Tags

UML

,

.NET Windows Application

Topics

.NET

,

Miscellaneous Programming

,

Software/Systems Design

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Comments
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Answers

 

by: TheLearnedOnePosted on 2008-08-08 at 15:35:10ID: 22194060

I would say that on the surface, it doesn't really make sense, since I can't really see how the methods are attached to the elements in the sequence.  Does the flow start at the top, and go to the bottom?

 

by: DarrenDPosted on 2008-08-09 at 01:59:29ID: 22195678

Hi Bob,

Thanks for you're input.

Yes the sequence does start at the top and run to the bottom.

The first area shows the user interaction with frmMain MDI Form. This then creates the frmListings.

The second area shows the different options that the user may select. If the user enters criteria and selects search then the search is performed. Otherwise the user can select New, enter the information and Save below or Cancel

The third area is trying to show that the user can save or cancel.

Can you explain what you mean by 'I can't really see how the methods are attached to the elements in the sequence'

I am trying to show is the message flow between the presentation layer, the control layer and the entity layer. Can you give me a simple example of a sequence diagram showing how to maintain for example either a list of customers or orders. In the system we are building we have to maintain many different lists.

If you need any more info let me know. I really need some help with this.

I have attached a new diagram where I have gotten rid of the Create in the first area, but I've left the rest as is.

Cheers,

Darren


 

by: DarrenDPosted on 2008-08-09 at 02:05:22ID: 22195690

Hi again,

Here is the Participants class diagram I get from the sequence diagram. I've added some properties to the entity class.

Cheers,

Darren

 

by: TheLearnedOnePosted on 2008-08-09 at 06:37:08ID: 22196244

I meant that there isn't any mention of events that trigger sequences, so how are the different methods started?  Otherwise, to me, it looks more like a flow chart, and that is a horse of a different color.

 

by: DarrenDPosted on 2008-08-09 at 07:53:39ID: 22196472

Hi,

Are my methods not are started by the Administrator (Actor).

Can you give me an example of: 'events that trigger sequences' that might fit into my example.

Administrator ---------------->Event (User interaction DblClick)---------------->Show Groups

Thanks for you're continued help,

Darren

 

by: TheLearnedOnePosted on 2008-08-09 at 08:04:00ID: 22196499

Darren,

1) I don't use sequence diagrams very much.

2) I believe that I got something stuck in my head that is not right.

3) Let's review:

UML's Sequence Diagram
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/rational/library/3101.html

4) From that article, I would surmise that your sequence diagram is pretty spot on.

5) I will have to go back to the drawing board on UML diagrams (d'oh).

 

by: DarrenDPosted on 2008-08-09 at 08:34:48ID: 22196622

Hi Bob,

Thanks for trying.

I'm not too sure how many people use these things in everyday situations. It seems to be for big organisations that can afford to spend a few months (depenging on the size of the system) developing diagrams. I'm developing a system for work which is also going to form part of my thesis on RSA and MDA.

I think with these types of diagrams it's pretty much trial an error. You never know how much detail you should go into until you're there.

Thanks for the article it's very good one.

Darren

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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