Hints and Tips
When you model patterns in the UML, remember that they work at many levels of abstraction, from individual classes to the shape of the system as a whole. The most interesting kinds of patterns are mechanisms and frameworks. A well-structured pattern
- Solves a common problem in a common way.
- Consists of both structural and behavioral aspects.
- Exposes the slots, tabs, knobs, and dials by which you adapt those aspects to apply them to some context.
- Is atomic, meaning that it is not easily broken into smaller patterns.
- Tends to cut across individual abstractions in the system.
When you draw a pattern in the UML,
- Expose the elements of the pattern that you must adapt in context.
- Supply use cases for using, as well as adapting, the pattern.