Artifact: Interface
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A model element which defines a set of behaviors (a set of operations) offered by a classifier model element (specifically, a class, subsystem or component). A classifier may realize one or more interfaces. An interface may be realized by one or more classifiers. Any classifiers which realize the same interfaces may be substituted for one another in the system. Each interface should provide an unique and well-defined set of operations. |
| UML representation: | Interface |
| Worker: | Architect |
| Reports: | Design Package/Subsystem |
| More information: | Guidelines: Interfaces |
Purpose 
The following people use the Interface:
- Architects, to define the behavior of a class, subsystem or component.
- Designers, to understand and express the behavior of a class, subsystem or component.
Properties
Property Name |
Brief Description |
UML Representation |
| name | the name of the interface | attribute |
| description | a short description of the interface | attribute |
| operations | the operations of the interface | aggregation association to 1..n operations. |
Timing
Interfaces are created
Responsibility
An Architect is responsible for the integrity of the Interface, ensuring that:
- it defines a unique set of operations which do not overlap with those of another Interface.
- it provides a logical grouping of related operations which is easy to comprehend.
