[Bluej-discuss] the "uses" arrow

[Stephen Bloch]

I agree with the posts thus far: I have had no use for the "uses" 
arrow as it currently exists.  To make it useful, several things 
should be done (in priority order):

1) make it accurately and automagically reflect the code, as the 
"extends/implements" arrow does (which probably means getting rid of 
the "insert 'uses' arrow" button);

2) allow it to be shown or hidden, independently of the 
"extends/implements" arrow (already done);

3) distinguish between "X has an instance variable of type Y", and "X 
mentions Y, either as a static reference or as the type of a 
parameter or local variable" (these, too, should be independently
shown/hidden);

4) use more standard UML notation, e.g. the "solid lollipop" for the 
former and (IIRC) an "open arrow" for the latter.

In re (3), there are some non-obvious cases.  What about an instance
variable in an inner class?  What if the inner class is static?  But I'm
sure the programming-languages geeks can resolve these :-)

-- 
					Stephen Bloch
					sbloch at adelphi.edu