Object Diagram

An object diagram is a graphical representation that showcases objects and their relationships at a specific moment in time. It provides a snapshot of the system's structure, capturing the static view of the instances present and their associations.

PlantUML offers a simple and intuitive way to create object diagrams using plain text. Its user-friendly syntax allows for quick diagram creation without the need for complex GUI tools. Moreover, the PlantUML forum provides a platform for users to discuss, share, and seek assistance, fostering a collaborative community. By choosing PlantUML, users benefit from both the efficiency of markdown-based diagramming and the support of an active community.

Definition of objects

You define instances of objects using the object keyword.

Relations between objects

Relations between objects are defined using the following symbols :

Type Symbol Purpose
Extension <|-- Specialization of a class in a hierarchy
Implementation <|.. Realization of an interface by a class
Composition *-- The part cannot exist without the whole
Aggregation o-- The part can exist independently of the whole
Dependency --> The object uses another object
Dependency ..> A weaker form of dependency

It is possible to replace -- by .. to have a dotted line.

Knowing those rules, it is possible to draw the following drawings.

It is possible a add a label on the relation, using : followed by the text of the label.

For cardinality, you can use double-quotes "" on each side of the relation.

Associations objects

Adding fields

To declare fields, you can use the symbol : followed by the field's name.

And you can mix objet's fields definition:

It is also possible to group all fields between brackets {}.

Common features with class diagrams

Map table or associative array

You can define a map table or associative array, with map keyword and => separator.

And add link with object.

[Ref. #307]

[Ref. QA-12934]

[Ref. #307]

Program (or project) evaluation and review technique (PERT) with map

You can use map table in order to make Program (or project) evaluation and review technique (PERT) diagram.

[Ref. QA-12337]

Display JSON Data on Class or Object diagram

Simple example

[Ref. QA-15481]

For another example, see on JSON page.