Ball (Interface Realization)

A Ball, also known as Interface Realization in UML, is a relationship that shows that a Class or Component implements the behavior specified by an Interface. In Modeldraw, you can use the Ball notation to represent this relationship in a compact and visually distinct manner, particularly useful in class and component diagrams.

A Ball (Interface Realization)

Understanding Ball (Interface Realization)

The Ball notation for Interface Realization represents the commitment of a Class to support all the operations defined in an Interface. Key characteristics include:

• It shows that a Class implements an Interface

• It's represented by a circle (the "ball") connected to the implementing Class

• The Interface name is typically shown near the ball

• It's often used in component diagrams to show provided interfaces

Creating a Ball (Interface Realization)

To create a Ball (Interface Realization) in Modeldraw:

1. Create the Interface and the implementing Class on your diagram if they don't already exist.

2. Select the Ball (Interface Realization) tool from the toolbox.

3. Click on the implementing Class.

4. A dialog will appear, showing a list of available Interfaces in your diagram.

5. In the dialog, select the Interface that the Class implements.

6. Click the "Add" button in the dialog to confirm your selection.

7. The Ball will be created, connected to the implementing Class, and labeled with the selected Interface name.

Renaming a Ball

The name of a Ball can be changed by renaming the underlying Interface:

1. Double-click the shape of the underlying Interface

2. In the properties dialog that shows up change the name of the Interface

3. Click OK. The Ball will show the updated name automatically.