hiho,
When performing use-case analysis, one typically sees an actor as the first
object because a use case is expected to be initiated by an actror. But
there is no standard in UML that states that sequence diagrams must start
with an actor.
It can be very common to start a sequence diagram with an object that is not
an actor. In the use-case analysis of a complex use case, you might have
sequence diagrams that represent fragments of scenarios that start "in the
middle" of the flow of events -- these wouldn't necessarily start with the
actor or even include the actor. Furthermore sequence diagrams used to show
the internal workings of a subsystem, dynamic behavior of patterns, common
flows within frameworks, and implementation of mechanisms (among many other
usages) wouldn't be expected start with an actor.
Rational Rose will only show an object as the icon of the stereotype
associated with the object's class (or as the standard box). Furthermore, I
would not suggest showing an object using the actor icon if that object was
not in fact an actor. Just get used to the idea that sequence diagrams do
not necessarily start with an actor.
-------- b
--
Brian G. Lyons
Number Six Software - Voted Rational's Best Complementary Service Provider
1655 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 1100
Arlington, VA 22209-3196
http://www.numbersix.com
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Knight, David (MED)
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2001 3:28 PM
To: 'Rose Forum'
Subject: (ROSE) sequence diagram actor
In a UML Sequence diagram, I have always seen the first class
displayed as an actor. Is this a necessary standard, and if so is it
possible to display a class object as an actor without altering its
permanent stereotype in Rose? Any insight on this issue is appreciated.
David Knight
------------------
GE Medical Systems
Software Engineering Intern
(262) 521-6586
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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