A class diagram is a UML structure diagram that shows classes, their attributes, and their relationships.
It describes the information structure of a system. Therefore, it helps teams understand which objects the system manages and how those objects connect.
Each class represents a group of similar objects. For example, a Person class may contain the attribute dateOfBirth. In addition, the diagram can show data types, operations, and visibility rules.
Associations connect related classes. Moreover, multiplicities define how many objects may take part in a relationship. Aggregation and composition can also describe whole-part relationships.
A class diagram focuses on static structure. In contrast, activity, sequence, and state machine diagrams describe behavior over time.
Teams use this model to define domain concepts and identify missing information. Furthermore, it supports communication between stakeholders, requirements engineers, developers, and database designers.
Clear class diagrams improve consistency, shared understanding, and the quality of system requirements.
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