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What is UML?
UML stands for Unified Modelling Language. At the UML
Resource Center, it's described thus:
The Unified Modeling Language™ (UML) is the industry-standard language
for specifying, visualizing, constructing, and documenting the artifacts of
software systems. It simplifies the complex process of software design, making
a "blueprint" for construction. UML is the trademark of the Object
Management Group.
UML came about from the work of "the Three Amigos" - Grady Booch,
James Rumbaugh, Ivar Jacobson. They all work for Rational
Software Corporation.
It's a relatively new language, the first specification was published in
1997. The latest specification is Version
1.3
Although it is called a language, it's very visual - UML is fleshed with
diagrams. There are ten:
- Activity Diagrams
- Class Diagrams
- Collaboration Diagrams
- Component Diagrams
- Deployment Diagrams
- Object Diagrams
- Package Diagrams
- Sequence Diagrams
- State Diagrams
- Use Case Diagrams
Why am I interested?
For a long time, I've made up Access development and web development work in
my head. Sometimes, when things are a bit complex, I write out sequences and
draw my own simple diagrams. However, nothing that I have made up for myself is
global enough as a standard. UML holds great promise in achieving the following
goals:
- Working as a brainstorming / initial interview tool using rough paper and
pen drafts when I meet and work with the clients.
- Working as a formal diagramming tool for verifying with the client that
major facets of the project, and prompting both the client and myself for
features that have not been understood clearly.
- Working as a formal modelling tool to document and analyse how a system
responds to events i.e. how the thing should work. Keen users may still be
in there contributing but it is sufficient that the developer(s) can display
what their knowledge and understanding is, of the project.
What Software Tools are available?
What References are available?
Online Articles
Paper Books
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