Delegation Connector   A delegation connector is a kind of connector that is specialized for use in component modeling. It is used to show how the specification of behavior is realized by a component. When a delegation connector is specified, any signals arriving at the port will be passed (delegated) onto an internal part, which may be another component or a part owned by the component. Similarly when a component needs to communicate with its external environment, these signals are passed from the internal part or component to a port or interface via a delegation connector.

Explanation

A delegation connector is used when a component does not carry out the work expressed in its contracts itself but rather sub-contracts the work to other components or parts that it owns. A component represents a modular part of a system that can be utilized and replaced without knowing its internal workings. A delegation connector is used to express how a component carries out the contracts, which are declared by its ports and interfaces. When a signal arrives at a port or interface it is forwarded to owned components, parts or ports to carry out the work. Similarly when the component has finished a delegation connector expresses which ports and supplied interfaces these signals will be available on. This concept occurs in our daily lives; for example when we put our car in for a service at a service station. Depending on the type of problem the work may be sub-contracted (delegated) to any one of a number of automotive specialists such as an auto-electrician, brake specialist and the car cleaning and detailing section. These are part of a large mechanical workshop and when we collect our car we are none the wiser about the internal workings of the workshop or how the work was done. If we were to ask the workshop manager they would be able to follow the delegation connectors and tell us how and by whom the work was carried out.

Related Entries

Component (Icon Presentation)  Used Together A component is related to a delegation connector in that this type of connector is used exclusively with components to express how the component's contracts are carried out by owned components or parts.

Assembly Connector  Another Kind An assembly connector is related to a delegation connector as they are both kinds of connectors specialized for use with components. While the delegation connector connects ports and interfaces to internal parts and components, an assembly connector is an external connector that connects the required interface or port of one component to the provided interface or port of another component.