The Block Diagram. The Structure of the System.
What is a block diagram, why is it important and what properties and elements do block diagrams have?
A block diagram helps us understand systems – hardware and software systems as well as business processes and operations.
An interface specifies operations and signals that are used or realized by blocks.
A realized relationship expresses that the block has realized the interface. This relationship is indicated by a green dotted line with an arrow – the arrow points to the interface.
A block visualizes a system building block and describes logical and physical system components. An open block shows additional properties like parts or references etc.
An aggregation shows, just like a composition, how the whole is comprised of its parts. The lifespan of these parts is connected to that of the whole. If the aggregate block is deleted, block parts are also deleted.
A block diagram gives you a quick overview of system building blocks and their relationship with each other.