STATE CHART DIAGRAM

What is State Chart Diagram in UML?

A state chart diagram, also known as a state machine diagram, is a type of diagram
used in computer programming, software engineering, and other related fields of
study. It is used to model the behavior of a system by depicting the different states
that a system can be in and the transitions between those states.

Each state represents a different condition of the system and is connected to other
states through arrows that represent the possible transitions between them. The
state chart diagram can be used to show the different reactions or actions that occur
when the system moves from one state to another.

Definition of State Chart Diagram

A state diagram, also known as a state machine diagram or state chart diagram, is

an illustration of the states an object can attain as well as the transitions between
those states in the Unified Modeling Language (UML). In this context, a state
defines a stage in the evolution or behavior of an object, which is a specific entity
in a program or the unit of code representing that entity.

State Chart Diagram Example

Uses of state diagrams
State diagrams can be useful in a variety of applications and in all forms of object-
oriented programming (OOP). This type of UML diagram is helpful for:

 Listing the events responsible for altering system states.

 Modeling dynamic behavior and activity of a system.
 Understanding the response of a system to different types of stimuli.
 Representing finite state machines graphically.
 Visualizing the entire lifecycle of an object.

Basic Element and Notation in State Chart diagrams?

1. State: A state represents a condition or situation of an object or system. It is
represented by a rectangle with rounded corners.

2. Initial state: The initial state represents the starting point of the system. It is
represented by a filled circle.

3. Final state: The final state represents the end point of the system. It is
represented by a circle with a dot inside.

4. Transition: A transition represents a change of state in the system. It is

represented by an arrow connecting two states.

5. Event: An event is a trigger that causes a transition from one state to another. It
is represented by a small label on the transition arrow.

6. Guard condition: A guard condition is a Boolean expression that must be true for
a transition to occur. It is represented by a square bracket on the transition arrow.

7. Action: An action is a task that is performed when a transition occurs. It is

represented by a label on the transition arrow.

Process of Modeling State Chart Diagram

The process of modeling a state chart diagram typically involves the following
steps:

1. Identify the system or object to be modeled: The first step is to identify the
system or object that you want to model using a state chart diagram. This could be
a software system, a control system, or a business process.
2. Identify the states: Next, you need to identify the different states that the system
or object can be in. This could include states such as "idle," "processing," "error,"
or "complete."

3. Identify the events: Once you have identified the states, you need to identify the
events that cause the system or object to transition from one state to another. This
could include events such as "start," "stop," "error detected," or "task complete."

4. Create the diagram: Using a state chart diagram tool or software, you can create
the diagram by representing the states as nodes and the events as transitions
between the nodes. You can also add additional information such as actions,
conditions, and guards to the transitions.

5. Test and refine: Finally, you should test the state chart diagram to ensure that it
accurately represents the behavior of the system or object. You may need to refine
the diagram based on feedback or changes to the system or object.

Overall, the process of modeling a state chart diagram requires careful analysis and
understanding of the system or object being modeled, as well as the events and
states that it can experience.