Does generalization exist in UML Use Case Diagrams?

Question

I\'m trying to model some requirements and I saw some examples in the web with use cases generalization, but the UML 2.5 standard review doesn\'t say anything about generali

Answer 1

Tricky.

While the Generalization relationship is defined as going between two Classifiers, and a Use Case is itself a specialization of a Classifier, the semantics of the Generalization relationship are primarily focused on Features (eg Attributes). These are inherited, but relationships are not.

On the other hand, the UML specification itself includes an example of use case generalization (2.4.1 Superstructure, fig 16.7, p 609).

Back on the first hand, the same specification omits generalization in table 16.1, "Graphic nodes included in use case diagrams" (p 611-613), but does include the two main intra-use case relationships; Extend and Include.

On the other hand again, the same table includes Actor but excludes the Association between Actor and Use Case.

Sadly, the UML specification is in many respects a horrifying mess, and the 2.5 version is in part an attempt to rectify this.

On balance, I would say no - you can't generalize between use cases.