The “part-whole”, or “a-part-of”, relationship in which objects representing…
2014
The “part-whole”, or “a-part-of”, relationship in which objects representing the components of something associated with an object representing the entire assembly is called as
- A.
Association
- B.
Aggregation
- C.
Encapsulation
- D.
Generalisation
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Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct answer: Aggregation
Explanation: Aggregation represents the part–whole (a-part-of) relationship where objects representing components are associated with an object representing the entire assembly. In aggregation, the parts can usually exist independently of the whole.
Definition: Aggregation is a weak whole–part relationship; parts are linked to the whole but have independent lifecycles.
Example: A classroom (whole) and students (parts). Students can exist outside the classroom, so this is aggregation rather than composition.
Contrast with other terms:
Association is any relationship between objects and does not necessarily imply a part–whole structure.
Composition is a stronger form of part–whole where parts typically cannot exist independently of the whole (dependent lifecycle).
Encapsulation relates to hiding internal state; generalisation (inheritance) expresses an is-a relationship. Neither describes part–whole.