Connectors

In Unified Modeling Language (UML) visualization diagrams, connectors are notations or graphic representations of relationships.

A connector is a line that represents a relationship between shapes. Connectors show all or part of the semantic information about the underlying relationships, but do not contain any semantics.

A connector represents only one relationship, and each relationship is represented by one connector. However, a relationship can be represented by multiple instances of a connector, or none at all, in one or more diagrams.

Each connector has properties that govern its appearance in a diagram. Adjusting these properties only changes the appearance of the connector and does not affect the underlying relationship or any other connectors that represent the relationship.

For example, each connector has a line color property that you can specify for the color of the connector line.

You can specify connector property values to do the following things:

• Set connectors to avoid obstacles or to run in the closest distance

• Create jump-links and specify jump-link positions and types

• Specify reverse jump-link orientations

• Specify connector line routing styles and smoothness

• Specify connector line colors

You can choose between oblique (by default) and rectilinear line styles for connectors, and manipulate connector routing, color, and bend points.

The oblique line style makes connectors appear in a slanted or angled line. When you add bend points to the connector, you can change the direction of the line. The rectilinear line style makes connectors appear using horizontal and vertical lines. When you add a bend point to a connector, the line changes direction using right angles. It is easier to drag oblique connector lines around other shapes in a diagram than it is to drag rectilinear lines. Oblique lines are also more space-efficient in complex diagrams.

 

Parent topic

About UML visualization

 

Related concepts

UML diagrams
Browse diagrams
Topic diagrams
UML shapes
Geometric shapes
Profiles
Properties
Notes
Note attachment relationships
Text

 

Related tasks

Changing the default color for connectors
Changing the default line style for connectors
Changing the default setting for connector handles
Changing the default setting for connector stereotypes
Specifying the line routing style of connectors
Adding notes to connectors
Attaching notes to connectors