Showing Java attributes of collection type as associations in UML class diagrams

You can show Java™ attributes of collection type, such as array lists, vectors, and so on, as association relationships to the collection type in Unified Modeling Language (UML) class diagrams. It is also useful to show the type of elements that the collection contains.

To show a Java attribute of collection type as an association in a UML class diagram:
  1. In the diagram editor, right-click an attribute of collection type; then click Filters > Show as Association.
  2. In the Select Type window, from the Matching type list, specify the type of elements that the collection contains and click OK.
The attribute is removed from the classifier and displayed as an association relationship along with the element type that the collection contains.
Note: The Select Type window opens only when the element type that the collection contains is not defined.
Tip: You can also drag an attribute outside the classifier to show the attribute as an association.
Related concepts
Association relationships
Attributes
Related tasks
Showing and hiding relationships
Showing operation signatures of classifiers
Showing parent names of classifiers
Showing Java attributes as associations in UML class diagrams
Showing associations as attributes
Changing Java field collection types
Changing Java association collection types
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