Attribute   An attribute is a string item listed in the attribute compartment of a classifier. An attribute defines an aspect or dimension of a classifier. An attribute may be assigned a value when an instance of a classifier is created. It is semantically equivalent to a classifier having a composite association with another classifier of the type specified in the attribute expression.

Explanation

Attributes are the properties of classifiers. Along with operations they give the classifier its essential characteristics. When an instance of a class is created the attributes are assigned actual values that identify the object amongst other instances. The syntax for the attribute is given below:

     visibility name : type-expression [ multiplicity ordering ] = initial-value { property-string }

Important Points

The value of attributes define the state of a class instance.

When an instance of a classifier is created values are assigned to its attributes. The values of the attributes describe the state or condition of the instance.

Related Entries

Operation  Graphically Similar An operation is related to an attribute because they have many similarities in the syntax of their expression. They are distinguished from each other graphically by the compartment in which they are listed.

Composite  Similar Usage A composite is related to an attribute in so far as a classifier connected to another classifier with an adornment of composite has the same meaning as a classifier with an attribute whose type is the classifier. They are alternate notations one showing the structural nature of the relationship the other showing the contents of the classifier.

Class  Used Together A class is related to an attribute in so far as the attributes are contained in the attribute compartment of the class.