Implements relationships

In Unified Modeling Language (UML) class diagrams, an implements relationship exists between two classes when one of them must implement, or realize, the behavior specified by the other.

The class that specifies the behavior is called the supplier, and the class that implements the behavior is called the client. An implements relationship can include those between interfaces and classes.

For example, an implements relationship connects an interface to a subsystem. The interface specifies the behaviors, and the subsystem implements the behaviors.

In UML class diagrams, an implements relationship represents a class that implements the operations in a Java™ interface.

As the following figure illustrates, an implements relationship connector is displayed as a dashed line with an unfilled arrowhead. The connector points from the client (that realizes the behavior) to the supplier (that specifies the behavior).

Java source code UML visualization
The image shows the sample Java source code. The image shows how an implementation relationship is represented in UML visualization diagrams.
Related concepts
Association relationships
Dependency relationships
Extends relationships
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Customizing queries for showing related elements
Showing related Java elements
Showing related Java elements based on outgoing relationships
Showing related Java elements based on incoming relationships
Creating implements relationships between Java classes and interfaces
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