I need to create UML diagrams for homework about a game ( called Downfall). I have to create it so that it works on any number (n) of player.
If this is an exact number that appears in multiple places of the diagram, should I use n or *? I would use it in multiplicity parameters and in size of array.
For example: There are n sides, and if there is a dial on a side, there has to be dial on each side at that position, so the dial has n-1 connected dials.
According to the UML specification, n
is syntactically a valid multiplicity (see Ister's answer), but to make sure it is also semantically correct, you would have to define the meaning of n
somewhere. Usually, n
is not used as a multiplicity in UML diagrams.
I would advise you to use *
in this case. If the minimum number of players is 2, you may use 2..*
.
Additionally, you may use notes or constraints, e.g. { the number of connected dials is equal to the number of sides minus one }
. You may also use a formal constraint language, like OCL.