In Unified Modeling Language (UML), what multiplicities can an object or association end legitimately have when modeling real systems?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of the above.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Multiplicity in the Unified Modeling Language (UML) describes how many instances of a class may participate in a relationship or can exist for a given role. Understanding multiplicity is essential for accurate object oriented analysis and design because it captures real world cardinality rules such as zero, one, optional, and many.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The question asks about possible multiplicity values that an object or association end can have.
  • We consider standard UML semantics used in class diagrams and association ends.
  • Typical forms include 0, 1, 0..1, 1.., and 0.. along with fixed ranges like 2..5.


Concept / Approach:
Multiplicity expresses allowable counts. Zero indicates the absence is permitted. One indicates exactly one instance is required. More than one indicates a collection or set of instances. UML supports single numbers, ranges, and the wildcard star to indicate many. Therefore, zero, one, and more than one are all legitimate and frequently used.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Recognize that UML uses multiplicity at each association end and on compositions/aggregations.Map common patterns: 0..1 for optional, 1 for mandatory single, and 0..* or 1..* for collections.Conclude that zero, one, and many are all valid multiplicities.


Verification / Alternative check:
Review standard UML references and modeling tools; all support 0, 1, and ranges including many. Tool palettes typically include 0..1 and 0..* presets that confirm these are standard.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Zero only: ignores mandatory and collection cases.
  • One only: ignores optional and many relationships.
  • More than one only: ignores single mandatory and optional cases.
  • Exactly two only: there is no such fixed rule in UML.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing multiplicity with navigation or ownership; forgetting to model 0..1 when participation is optional; using many where exactly one is required and causing integrity issues later in the database schema.



Final Answer:
All of the above.

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