UMLint: Identifying defects in UML diagrams

Abstract

We present UMLint, an automated tool for detecting defects in UML diagrams. This tool is designed to improve object-oriented models developed by students. Standard tools such as IBM Rational Rose provide little feedback on model quality, so students must rely on feedback from instructors. Often there is a significant delay between completing a diagram and getting this feedback, resulting in missed learning opportunities. UMLint addresses this issue by identifying common defects, hopefully encouraging students to look more deeply for other defects. UMLint is available as a web service to allow use by both students and the community at large. This paper presents the checks made by UMLint, suggests possible future directions, and invites discussion about what standards should be expected of student-created models. © 2011 American Society for Engineering Education.