Specialization Lattice stands for
2014
Specialization Lattice stands for
- A.
An entity type can participate as a subclass in only one specialization.
- B.
An entity type can participate as a subclass in more than one specialization.
- C.
An entity type that can participate in one specialization.
- D.
An entity type that can participate in one generalization.
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Correct answer: B
Answer: An entity type can participate as a subclass in more than one specialization.
Explanation: A specialization lattice is a modeling structure where an entity type may belong to multiple specializations simultaneously. This creates a lattice (network) rather than a strict tree, allowing overlapping subclasses and multiple inheritance of properties and constraints.
Key points:
Allows overlapping specializations: an entity can be a member of more than one subclass.
Contrasts with a single-inheritance specialization tree, where an entity participates in only one specialization.
Example: a Person can be both an Employee and a Student at the same time; the model should allow such overlapping roles.
Design implication: attributes and constraints may come from multiple specializations, so modelers must resolve potential conflicts.
Therefore, the correct description of a specialization lattice is that an entity type can participate as a subclass in more than one specialization.