How can a database be an actor in a use-case diagram?

[YourSurrogateGod]

I have a group project in my DB class. We are to make a mock job search. One thing that we must do is make a use-case diagram. I already have 3 actors (seeker (looks for a job), poster (posts a job) and admin (can edit most of the seeker's and poster's parts.)) One of the people in my group suggested that I should add the database itself as an actor. I'll be honest, I have no idea how this could be done in such a specific context. I don't understand what actions a database would undertake in a use-case diagram (I can understand a bar-code scanner in a bookstore that scans a code and that info is stored in a DB.)

Any ideas?

The below link gives more info on the specifcs, it's rather lengthy...
http://www.engr.uconn.edu/%7Esteve/Cse255/cse255semesterprojectfa04.pdf

Note: I'm not asking someone to do this for me, I just don't understand how a database would act within a use-case diagram, it seems odd...

[TheCPUWizard]

If your database design uses TRIGGERS, then it can be represented as an Actor.

[multiple edits since I seem to have forgotten how to speak in english!]

[YourSurrogateGod]

If your database design uses TRIGGERS, then it can be represented as an Actor.What are those? I don't think that we've covered that topic. We just went over the basic SQL commands and how to represent the retrieval of information from a database in algebraic equations.[multiple edits since I seem to have forgotten how to speak in english!]That's my line :p .

[TheCPUWizard]

A TRIGGER is when the database is configured to automatically perform some function based on a specific event. An example would be when an INSERT into one table must automatically UPDATE another table.

If you dont know what they are, then you ware probably not usng them :D [or at least shouldn't be :eek: ] so I can not see a reason for portraying the DB as an Actore in the Use-Case.

[YourSurrogateGod]

A TRIGGER is when the database is configured to automatically perform some function based on a specific event. An example would be when an INSERT into one table must automatically UPDATE another table.

If you dont know what they are, then you ware probably not usng them :D [or at least shouldn't be :eek: ] so I can not see a reason for portraying the DB as an Actore in the Use-Case.Oh, ok, now I understand. I've never heard my professor use that word. He simply said "If there is an action in table abc, then table xyz must be updated."

[TheCPUWizard]

He simply said "If there is an action in table abc, then table xyz must be updated."


The issue is HOW will the other table get updated :rolleyes:

By counting on the programmer doing the right thing :sick:

Or by embedding the requirement directly within the database (typically with a TRIGGER, but there are other techniques]

[YourSurrogateGod]

I don't dare call myself an expert on databases, but I've already worked with MySQL and thought that it's a good platform. <---- Comments on MySQL?

[YourSurrogateGod]

The issue is HOW will the other table get updated :rolleyes:

By counting on the programmer doing the right thing :sick:

Or by embedding the requirement directly within the database (typically with a TRIGGER, but there are other techniques]I'll read up on triggers at a later time. Thanks for the info.

[TheCPUWizard]

omments on MySQL?
Can't beat the price :) :) :)

However for LARGE systems or those requiring very high performance (in many different ways), you do need to go with something like SQL Server or Oracle.


Thanks for the info.

No problem, and give my regards to mama or was that mamá :eek: :D

[YourSurrogateGod]

Can't beat the price :) :) :)I know :) .No problem, and give my regards to mama or was that mamá :eek: :DMama mia :eek: !! ;)

[TheCPUWizard]

mama miá

Can we please leave your breasts out of this discussion :sick:

[YourSurrogateGod]

Can we please leave your breasts out of this discussion :sick:Who says they're mine :ehh: ?

I have Adriana Sklenarikova in mind ;) . Google it, I don't think that it'll be kosher with the rules here ;) .

Or...

http://www.desktopwallpapers.net/celebs/claudiaschiffer/claudiaschiffer07_800x600.jpg

The possibilities are endless :D .

[Joe Nellis]

http://www-106.ibm.com/developerworks/forums/dw_expandTree.jsp?thread=61442&forum=340&cat=24&message=4232256

[TheCPUWizard]

OK, so we are back on topic....

Your previous description [or at least my read of it] did not mention OTHER applications making modifications to the database.

That would indeed be a valid actor type [typically highlighted in some fashion as an "external"]

[YourSurrogateGod]

Your previous description [or at least my read of it] did not mention OTHER applications making modifications to the database.It is most likely that there are no other actors. I've just spoken with one of my group mates and we concluded that the database could not be considered an actor.

I figured also that there could be an extra app or hardware that could interact with the database somehow. However, I don't think that's the case in this instance.

[TheCPUWizard]

...there are no other actors...

On the other hand, if an actress happens to show up, send her this way [they like New York much better than Conneticut :eek: ] :wave:

Good luck on the project

[YourSurrogateGod]

On the other hand, if an actress happens to show up, send her this way [they like New York much better than Conneticut :eek: ] :wave:She'll stop at my place first ;) .Good luck on the projectThanks dude :thumb: .