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Structural model vs implementation model

Short answer

A structural model describes the static logical structure (classes, attributes, associations) independent of technology, using class and package diagrams. An implementation model depicts the physical realization as source code, components, and deployment nodes, using component and deployment diagrams.

Compare Structural Model vs. Implementation Model.

A structural model describes the static structure of the system: the classes, their attributes, operations and relationships, without regard to the technology used. An implementation model describes how the system is physically realised: source code, components, files, and the hardware/software nodes on which they run.

PointStructural modelImplementation model
ConcernStatic organisation of problem and designPhysical realisation of the solution
LevelAnalysis and logical designCoding and deployment
ElementsClasses, objects, associations, packagesSource files, components, libraries, nodes
UML diagramsClass, object, package diagramComponent and deployment diagram
Dependence on technologyIndependent of language/platformDepends on language, OS, hardware
AudienceAnalysts, designers, customersProgrammers, system administrators
ExampleClass Order with OrderLine (1 to many)order.jar component deployed on a web server node
 Structural model:
 +-------+ 1        1..* +-----------+
 | Order |---------------| OrderLine |
 +-------+               +-----------+

 Implementation model:
 [Browser] ---- [Web Server] ---- [DB Server]
                 order.jar         orders.mdf

The structural model is converted step by step into the implementation model during coding and deployment.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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