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State Diagram for Online Shopping System

A state diagram models the different states an object or system can be in and the transitions between those states. It represents the dynamic behavior of a system in response to external events. The diagram uses various notations like states, transitions, forks, and joins to depict the changes in state. Common elements are the initial state, transitions between states labeled with triggering events, and typically a final state. State diagrams are useful for understanding how objects react to stimuli over time.

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52 views8 pages

State Diagram for Online Shopping System

A state diagram models the different states an object or system can be in and the transitions between those states. It represents the dynamic behavior of a system in response to external events. The diagram uses various notations like states, transitions, forks, and joins to depict the changes in state. Common elements are the initial state, transitions between states labeled with triggering events, and typically a final state. State diagrams are useful for understanding how objects react to stimuli over time.

Uploaded by

sahara77us
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Unified Modeling Language (UML) |

State Diagrams

A state diagram is used to represent the condition of the system or part of


the system at finite instances of time. It’s a behavioral diagram and it
represents the behavior using finite state transitions. State diagrams are also
referred to as State machines and State-chart Diagrams. These terms are
often used interchangeably. So simply, a state diagram is used to model the
dynamic behavior of a class in response to time and changing external
stimuli. We can say that each and every class has a state but we don’t model
every class using State diagrams. We prefer to model the states with three
or more states.

Uses of statechart diagram –


 We use it to state the events responsible for change in state (we do not
show what processes cause those events).
 We use it to model the dynamic behavior of the system .
 To understand the reaction of objects/classes to internal or external
stimuli.

Firstly let us understand what are Behaviour diagrams? There are two
types of diagrams in UML :

1. Structure Diagrams – Used to model the static structure of a system, for


example- class diagram, package diagram, object diagram, deployment
diagram etc.

2. Behaviour diagram – Used to model the dynamic change in the system


over time. They are used to model and construct the functionality of a
system. So, a behaviour diagram simply guides us through the
functionality of the system using Use case diagrams, Interaction
diagrams, Activity diagrams and State diagrams.

Difference between state diagram and flowchart –

The basic purpose of a state diagram is to portray various changes in state


of the class and not the processes or commands causing the changes.
However, a flowchart on the other hand portrays the processes or
commands that on execution change the state of class or an object of the
class

Figure – a state diagram for user verification

The state diagram above shows the different states in which the verification
sub-system or class exist for a particular system.

Basic components of a statechart diagram –

Initial state – We use a black filled circle represent the initial state of a
System or a class.
Figure – initial state notation

Transition – We use a solid arrow to represent the transition or change of


control from one state to another. The arrow is labelled with the event which
causes the change in state.

Figure – transition

State – We use a rounded rectangle to represent a state. A state represents


the conditions or circumstances of an object of a class at an instant of time.

Figure – state notation

Fork – We use a rounded solid rectangular bar to represent a Fork notation


with incoming arrow from the parent state and outgoing arrows towards the
newly created states. We use the fork notation to represent a state splitting
into two or more concurrent states.
Join – We use a rounded solid rectangular bar to represent a Join notation
with incoming arrows from the joining states and outgoing arrow towards the
common goal state. We use the join notation when two or more states
concurrently converge into one on the occurrence of an event or events

Self transition – We use a solid arrow pointing back to the state itself to
represent a self transition. There might be scenarios when the state of the
object does not change upon the occurrence of an event. We use self
transitions to represent such cases.

Composite state – We use a rounded rectangle to represent a composite


state [Link] represent a state with internal activities using a composite
state

Figure – a state with internal activities

Final state – We use a filled circle within a circle notation to represent the
final state in a state machine diagram.
Steps to draw a state diagram –

1. Identify the initial state and the final terminating states.


2. Identify the possible states in which the object can exist (boundary values
corresponding to different attributes guide us in identifying different
states).
3. Label the events which trigger these transitions.
Figure – state diagram for an online order

The UMl diagrams we draw depend on the system we aim to represent. Here
is just an example of how an online ordering system might look like :
1. On the event of an order being received, we transit from our initial state to
Unprocessed order state.
2. The unprocessed order is then checked.
3. If the order is rejected, we transit to the Rejected Order state.
4. If the order is accepted and we have the items available we transit to the
fulfilled order state.
5. However if the items are not available we transit to the Pending Order
state.
6. After the order is fulfilled, we transit to the final state. In this example, we
merge the two states i.e. Fulfilled order and Rejected order into one final
state.

Common questions

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Fork and join notations enhance the functionality of state diagrams by allowing the representation of concurrent state transitions. A fork splits a state into two or more concurrent states, providing a way to depict parallel processing within a system . Conversely, a join notation is used to converge multiple states into a single state, facilitating synchronization points in the system's behavior . This helps in modeling systems with concurrent processes effectively.

Labeling transitions with events is significant in UML state diagrams as it specifies the conditions under which a state change occurs, thereby defining the system's responsiveness to stimuli . This aids in behavioral modeling by making the diagram more intuitive and informative, as stakeholders can understand the triggers for each transition, ensuring accurate representation of system interactions.

A state diagram focuses on depicting various changes in states of a class or object, emphasizing the dynamic behavior in response to events, while not detailing the processes causing state changes . In contrast, a flowchart highlights the processes or commands that, upon execution, change a class or object's state . Both contribute to system modeling by providing complementary views: state diagrams for understanding dynamic behavior and flowcharts for mapping process logic.

State diagrams are primarily used to model the dynamic behavior of a system, highlighting the objects' reactions to stimuli and time-dependent changes . They differ from other UML diagrams by focusing on state transitions rather than static structures or use cases. Unlike class diagrams which depict relationships and static structure, or use case diagrams that represent system interactions, state diagrams illustrate the sequence of states an object undergoes, emphasizing lifecycle progression and event-driven behavior .

The self-transition in UML state diagrams allows for the representation of scenarios where an event occurs, but the state's condition does not change, thereby highlighting state persistence despite event occurrence . Scenarios necessitating its use include commands or processes that are regularly executed but do not modify the object's state, thereby maintaining its current status until a different event triggers a transition .

Behavior diagrams like state diagrams contribute significantly to understanding a system's functionality by illustrating how a system reacts to internal and external stimuli over time . They model the dynamic aspects, highlighting the transitions and state changes of classes or objects, thereby offering insights into the system's interactive behavior and operational flow, which are crucial for identifying functional requirements and potential issues in system design .

The steps involved in constructing a state diagram include identifying the initial and final states, as well as potential states based on attributes . Events triggering state transitions are then labeled, assisting in accurately mapping the object's lifecycle. This systematic approach ensures all possible states and transitions are considered, capturing the object's complete behavior over time as it responds to various inputs or stimuli .

A composite state in UML state diagrams is represented by a rounded rectangle containing internal states or activities, which can encapsulate nested state diagrams . It is particularly useful in complex system modeling as it simplifies the diagram by reducing the number of transitions and states that need to be depicted on the primary level. This allows for hierarchical representation, making it easier to manage the complexity of systems by breaking down processes into sub-states or sub-activities .

Using a state diagram to model an online ordering system effectively demonstrates the state's progression from initial order to completion . It captures various potential states such as "Unprocessed order," "Rejected order," and "Pending order," illustrating transitions triggered by system events like order processing and item availability . This not only clarifies the possible paths an order can take but also helps in identifying bottlenecks and improving system responsiveness by visualizing concurrent states and decision points, aiding in robust system design and analysis .

Distinguishing between initial, intermediate, and final states in a UML state diagram is important for accurately modeling the lifecycle and progression of an object or class through various conditions . The initial state marks the starting point, providing context for system entry. Intermediate states reflect temporal conditions or activities an object undergoes, while the final state signifies completion, ensuring the entire behavior model is logically structured and complete .

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