UML Profile for Framework Architectures, The

1.2. Object-oriented frameworks–extensibility is the key

The UML-F profile focuses on object-oriented frameworks for which we define the relevant terminology in this section. What are frameworks? Instead of having to assemble systems using single Lego-like building blocks, object-oriented frameworks are prefabricated extensible sets of classes/components^[1]. For example, think of a universal kitchen device into which one can plug in a certain part and use it as shaker. Another part converts the device to a meat grinder. This multi-purpose device illustrates the characteristics of an object-oriented framework. It consists of several separate components such as an electric motor, a driving axle, a power plug, a switch, and a casing – all of which ...