Rational Rose allows two different views of an interaction. The sequence diagram, which provides the logic flow of a scenario, is ordered by time. The collaboration diagram, which provides the alternate view, lets you explore the impact of change by showing how objects interact with one another. A collaboration diagram also shows data flow. As soon as one diagram has been created, Rational Rose can generate the alternate interaction diagram.
Interaction diagrams can use objects, object classes, or both.
Before generating code, messages must be mapped to an operation of the receiving class. Behavior can also be specified through state chart and activity diagrams, another set of companion diagrams. A state chart shows the valid state of an object and the events that cause the transition from one state to another. The activity diagram illustrates the conditions that cause the transition between states. Rational Rose supports two system design level diagrams.