What does an exception flow refer to in use case modeling?

An exception flow in use case modeling specifically refers to scenarios that deviate from the main or primary flow of events when a use case is executed. This is particularly relevant in situations where the usual path fails to achieve the intended goal, resulting in a termination of that flow. Therefore, it captures circumstances where the desired outcome is not reached due to errors, unexpected inputs, or other issues that prevent the main process from completing successfully.

This concept is crucial in requirements analysis as it helps to identify potential failures and ensures that the system has appropriate handling mechanisms in place. By documenting exception flows, developers and stakeholders can better understand risks and incorporate necessary error handling or recovery strategies into the system design.