UML - Unified Modeling Language


What is UML ?

UML is an object-oriented, graphic analysis and design standard from the Object Management Group (OMG). It defines nine kinds of diagram.

1. Use Case Diagram
Shows a systems functions from a user's point of view

UML1.gif - 2005 Bytes
2. Sequence Diagram
Shows message flow between entities in the system
UML2.gif - 12648 Bytes
3. Collaboration Diagram
Shows the structure of relationships between entities
UML3.gif - 9452 Bytes
4. Class Diagram
Shows "classes" of system entities. Each class has "attributes" and "operations". Lines between classes are "associations".
UML4.gif - 11796 Bytes
5. State Chart
Describes the discrete states which are possible in the system.
UML5.gif - 21966 Bytes
6. Component Diagram
Shows software module interaction
7. Deployment Diagram
Shows hardware nodes
8. Activity Diagram
Shows tasks
9. Object Diagram
Shows instantiations of classes (rarely used)

When to Use UML

UML is most useful on large projects particularly those which use Object Oriented Development. It is a relatively "heavy" environment requiring specialized skills and software (see below). It is essential on projects like air traffic control or online banking where "you must get it right first time".

Resources

Software Tools

Background

In the late 1980's, a proliferation of modeling languages meant that when modeling specialists changed jobs, or even projects, they had to learn a new set of tools. The leading specialists, Grady Booch (Rational Software), James Rumbaugh (Object Modeling Technique), and Ivar Jacobson (Use Cases) among others, agreed on a modified version of a notation originally developed by David Embley and his colleagues. The UML was published by the Object Management Group in 1997..


by Gary Rathwell © reserved

Back to PERA Home Page