UML 2.0 - Overview

UML - Sequence Vs Collaboration Vs Communication Diagrams

Quiz

Sequence diagrams and Collaboration diagrams are UML diagrams that show behavioral flows among system objects or components. A sequence diagram focuses on the time and order of events, a communication diagram emphasizes the messages exchanged between objects.

Sequence Diagram

A sequence diagram shows messages flowing between objects in a specific order. Its emphasis is on how messages or events are exchanged and the time sequence they follow. Sequence diagrams are time-ordered, showing interactions step by step between objects.

Collaboration Diagram

A collaboration diagram illustrates how objects are connected to implement logic between them. It uses loops, conditions, concurrency, etc., to represent the logic among objects. The focus is on the organization of objects and their interactions. Objects are shown using rectangles, and messages with arrows and sequence numbers.

Communication Diagram

A communication diagram extends the object diagram by depicting the objects and the messages that flow between them. These diagrams provide a broader view by displaying the messages sent between objects.

Differences Between Sequence Diagram and Collaboration Diagram

The following is the comparison of Collaboration Diagrams and Sequence Diagrams −

Sequence diagrams	Collaboration diagrams
Sequence diagrams show the sequence of messages flowing between objects and focus on how events are exchanged and in what time order.	Collaboration diagrams show how objects connect using logic structures like conditions and loops.
The Sequence diagram focuses on interaction, representing messages step by step in time order.	The Collaboration diagram shows the organization of objects and their interactions.
A Sequence diagram models the sequential logic, and ordering of messages with respect to time, so it is categorized as a Dynamic modeling diagram.	A Collaboration diagram mainly represents the organization of a system, so it is not classified as a Dynamic modeling diagram.
A sequence diagram is used to describe the behavior of several objects in a particular single-use case with the implementation of all possible logical conditions and flows.	Collaboration diagrams are used to describe the general organization of the system for several objects in several use cases.

Communication Diagrams vs Sequence Diagrams Comparison

The following is the comparison of Communication Diagrams and Sequence Diagrams −

Communication Diagram	Sequence Diagram
Both diagrams are semantically the same and convey identical information.	Both diagrams are semantically the same and convey identical information
Can be converted into a sequence diagram.	Can be converted into a communication diagram.
Elements are arranged according to space.	Elements are arranged according to time.
Used less often compared to sequence diagrams.	More frequently used compared to communication diagrams.
Useful for visualizing relationships between objects collaborating on a task.	Focuses more on the order and timing of interactions between objects.
Can help verify the correctness of static models like class diagrams.	Less effective for checking static models like class diagrams.

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