Activity Diagrams to Model Use Case Dependencies

In Chapter 9, we discussed the use of UML activity diagrams for modeling a complex use case flow of events. We have found activity diagrams to be a useful tool for in modeling use case dependencies, as well.

To model a dependency stream in an activity diagram, each use case is represented as an activity in the diagram. The dependency between use cases is modeled as a transition between the use cases. If a variation in one use case affects the execution of a use case that depends on it, the analyst can use branching and guards to model the relationship.