UML Connectors

Connectors link elements together and are typically represented as lines on diagrams showing how the elements relate to each other. Making a comparison to natural languages, if the elements are nouns the connectors are verbs that describe how the nouns relate to each other.

The UML has a wide variety of connector types that are used to express the nature of the relationship between the model elements involved. Some connectors such as the Association define structural relationships whereas others such as the Control Flow define the passage of time. Each connector type has a notation that helps modelers recognize the connector and understand its purpose.

Connectors can be viewed in a wide range of windows such as the Relationships Windows, the Hierarchy Window, the Relationship Matrix, the 'Element' tab of the Browser window and an element's 'Properties' dialog.