UML Notation - Aggregations/Compositions vs “Vanilla” Associations

Question

I\'ve recently spent a good deal of time performing detailed UML designs of various SW components that I have since written. Looking back on what I have recently finished an

Answer 1

You have hit on the head when you say, 'vanilla associations' only practical use is when your understanding of the problem at hand isn't yet developed enough to determine the life cycle difference and show that the relationship exists and you can then come back and change it appropriately when you have a better understanding of the problem at hand.

The UML Meta-Model defines Aggregation and Composition as extensions of Association. An Association can be considered an unrefined relationship between domain objects, in the same way that a Domain object is an unrefined Class. I typically use simple Associations at the Domain Modelling stage and refine it into either Composition or Aggregation as appropriate when I resolve the detailed Class Model.