Naming Relationships

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An association may be named. Usually the name is an active verb or verb phrase that communicates the meaning of the relationship. Since the verb phrase typically implies a reading direction, it is desirable to name the association so it reads correctly from left to right or top to bottom. The words may have to be changed to read the association in the other direction (e.g., a Professor teaches a Course, a Course is taught by a Professor). It is important to note that the name of the association is optional. Names are added if they are needed to add clarity to the model. Aggregation relationships typically are not named since they are read using the words "has" or "contains."

NAMING RELATIONSHIPS IN RATIONAL ROSE

1. Click to select the relationship line on a class diagram.

2. Enter the name of the relationship.

A named relationship is shown in Figure 6-5.

Figure 6-5. A Named Association

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