The less well known UML: A short user guide

Abstract

The general perception and opinion of the Unified Modeling Language in the minds of many software professionals is colored by its early versions. However, the language has evolved into a qualitatively different tool: one that not only supports informal lightweight sketching in early phases of development, but also full implementation capability, if desired. Unfortunately, these powerful new capabilities and features of the language remain little known and are thus underutilized. In this article, we first review how UML has changed over time and what new value it can provide to practitioners. Next, we focus on and explain one particularly important new modeling capability that is often overlooked or misrepresented and explain briefly what is behind it and how it can be used to advantage. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.