We are attempting to use VS2008 Class Designer for a UML-like class diagram. However, when we create an “association” link between two classes, VS2008 is adding lines to our code! We do not want this.
One reason we don’t want this is that our idea of association (via a collection parrameter, etc.) is different than VS2008. For example, we have the following types of association we would like to include in the class diagram:
- Class A is a property of Class B.
- Class A is inside a collection property of Class B.
- Class A instantiates and uses a property or method of Class B.
VS2008 seems to consider all relationships to be of type #1 and to force them into this model by re-writing the code. Is there anyway to use the VS2008 class modeling tool to more effectively accommodate all 3 types of associations?
UPDATE: I went with Visio, however I think there are some tools out there allowing UML modeling with round-tripping, including Enterprise Architect and possible VS2010.
Use Visio. The class diagram designer in Visual Studio is designed to tightly integrate with your code and keep in synch with it.