Multiple and Dynamic Classification
Classification refers to the relationship between an object and its type.
Most methods make certain assumptions about this type of relationship—assumptions that are also present in mainstream OO programming languages. These assumptions were questioned by Jim Odell, who felt that they were too restrictive for conceptual modeling. The assumptions are of single, static classification of objects; Odell suggests using multiple, dynamic classification of objects for conceptual models.
In single classification, an object belongs to a single type, which may inherit from supertypes. In multiple classification, an object may be described by several types that are not necessarily connected by inheritance.
Note that multiple ...
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