It is possible to use both Dependency and Interface connections in Component diagram? What is the difference?

Question

i would like to ask what is the difference between Dependency connection and Interface/Port when they are used in one component diagram.

My thought is that Interface/Port need to be used when there is some data flow between components and Dependency is used when one component is using some of another components methods or functions. Is this right?

Another question about Dependency connection: is it necessary to use "use" title on connection?

I have read many tutorials but every is different and one is using "use" title another is not. It is same with definition of connections.

_{(source: skrisa10 at student.fiit.stuba.sk)}

I made it in VS 2012.

Thank you for your answers, realy appreciate it :)

Answer 1

They are difference between Dependency and Interface/port connections.

Interface/Port connections are used in order to specify a type (data type, services) of the connection needed or used by a given Component/Port.

Dependency are used in order to model the fact that an element depends from another. This does not have a very specific semantic.

Usage, which are Dependency with <>, model the fact that a Component uses another or an Interface (this pattern is a requirement of the usage of *Provided/Required Interfac * usage).

Hoping it helps.