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Superstates - Purpose
publish date: 2026/06/09 19:47:11.833887 UTC
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True or False: A superstate in a UML state diagram is used to hide complexity by encapsulating a number of separate sub-states, making the high-level diagram simpler while allowing the detail to be shown on a separate expanded diagram.
Correct Answer
True
Explanation
A superstate encapsulates sub-states to manage complexity. At the high level, it looks like a single state, but it can be expanded on a separate diagram to show its internal states and transitions. For example, the Operation superstate in the microwave oven contains sub-states Checking, Cook, Done, and Alarm. Without superstates, large systems would have too many states to model clearly.
Reference
Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition