Realization relationships

In UML modeling, a realization relationship is a relationship between two model elements, in which one model element (the client) realizes the behavior that the other model element (the supplier) specifies. Several clients can realize the behavior of a single supplier. You can use realization relationships in class diagrams and component diagrams.

Typically, realization relationships do not have names. If you name a realization, the name is displayed beside to the realization connector in the diagram.

As the following figure illustrates, a realization is displayed in the diagram editor as a dashed line with an unfilled arrowhead that points from the client (realizes the behavior) to the supplier (specifies the behavior).

A component shape, called Component2, connected to a class, called Class3, by a dashed line. A hollow arrowhead  points from the component to the class.

You can model the following situations using realization relationships:

Parent topic: Relationships between model elements

Related tasks
Adding relationships to diagrams

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