What is a state diagram?

Question

Accepted Answer

**State diagram** — shows states of an object and transitions.

**Elements:**
- **States** — conditions of object.
- **Transitions** — changes between states.
- **Events** — triggers for transitions.

**Example - Order States:**
```
[Pending] → (Payment Received) → [Processing]
    ↓                                ↓
(Cancelled)                    (Shipped)
                                    ↓
                              (Delivered)
                                    ↓
                              [Completed]
```

**Benefits:**
- Visualizes object behavior.
- Identifies valid states.
- Supports system design.
- Documents business rules.

**BA role:** Define states and transitions for requirements.

Business Analyst: What is a state diagram?