Mapping Interactions: The Use Case Model

 

Use case models are diagrammatic representations that describe how users (actors) interact with a system to achieve specific goals. They include use cases, which are scenarios that describe the steps taken by actors to accomplish a task. Use case models help in understanding the functional requirements of a system from the user's perspective.

Key Components of Use Case Models:

• Actors: The individuals or entities that interact with the system.
• Use cases: Scenarios that describe the interactions between actors and the system.
• Relationships: The relationships between actors and use cases, such as association, generalization, and dependency.

Benefits of Use Case Models:

• Defines system functionality: Clearly outlines the system's capabilities and how users will interact with it.
• Facilitates requirements gathering: Helps to identify and document user requirements.
• Supports system design: Provides a basis for designing the system's architecture and components.
• Aids in testing: Helps to define test cases and ensure that the system meets user requirements.

Key Terms:

• Actor: An individual or entity that interacts with the system.
• Use case: A sequence of steps that an actor takes to achieve a goal.
• Use case diagram: A visual representation of use cases and their relationships.

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