Components

In UML modeling, components are model elements that represent independent, interchangeable parts of a system. They conform to and realize one or more provided and required interfaces, which determine the behavior of components. Components make a system more flexible, scalable, and reusable.

Component model element

As the following figure illustrates, a component is displayed as a rectangle with three compartments that contain the name, required interfaces, and provides interfaces.
Component shape

Interfaces in Components model elements

Compartments are used to display information about the provided and required interfaces of the component model element. You can specify the types of interfaces as follows:
  • Provided interfaces: These interfaces describe the services that instances of a classifier (supplier) offer to their clients.
  • Required interfaces: These interfaces specify the services that a classifier needs to perform its functions and to fulfill its own obligations to its clients.
    Edit Component window.
    You can choose to show or hide either all or selected interfaces in the component compartments by selecting or clearing the check box. Only the selected interfaces are displayed in the component element.
    Show or hide the component interfaces.