What is UML Collaboration Diagrams?

Use a collaboration diagram (collaboration diagram: An interaction diagram that shows, for one system event described by one use case, how a group of objects collaborate with one another.) to show relationships among object roles such as the set of messages exchanged among the objects to achieve an operation or result.

UML Collaboration diagrams (interaction diagrams) illustrate the relationship and interaction between software objects. They require use cases, system operation contracts, and domain model to already exist. The collaboration diagram illustrates messages being sent between classes and objects (instances). A diagram is created for each system operation that relates to the current development cycle (iteration).

When creating collaboration diagrams, patterns are used to justify relationships. Patterns are best principles for assigning responsibilities to objects and are described further in the section on patterns. There are two main types of patterns used for assigning responsibilities which are evaluative patterns and driving patterns.

Each system operation initiates a collaboration diagram. Therefore, there is a collaboration diagram for every system operation.

In Edraw Professional, the UML Collaboration Diagrams template and shapes are in the Software folder.

Who can use them and how?

• Software developers: Represent software applications using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) notation.
• Software developers: Illustrate and interpret software application relationships, actions, and connections.
• Program managers: Show high-level static software structures in presentations and specification documentation.

UML Collaboration Diagram Symbols

Edraw is ideal software to draw UML collaboration diagrams.

Examples of UML Collaboration Diagram

An example diagram for purchasing a bus ticket.