Unified Modelling Language Handout
Unified Modelling Language Handout
COM 213
1. Proper choice of model: Choose your models well. The right models will
highlight the most nasty development problems. Wrong models will mislead you, causing
you to focus on irrelevant issues.
2. Levels of precision: Sometimes, a quick and simple executable model of the user
interface is exactly what you need. At other times, you have to get down to complex
details such as cross-system interfaces or networking issues etc. In any case, the best
kinds of models are those that let you choose your degree of detail, depending on who is
viewing it. An analyst or an end user will want to focus on issues of what and a developer
will want to focus on issues of how.
3. Connection to reality: In software, the gap between the analysis model and the
system’s design model must be less. Failing to bridge this gap causes the system to
diverge over time. In object-oriented systems, it is possible to connect all the nearly
independent views of a system into one whole.
4. No single model is sufficient: Every non-trivial system is best approached through a
small set of nearly independent models. In the case of a building, you can study electrical
plans in isolation, but you can also see their mapping to the floor plan and perhaps even
their interaction with the routing of pipes in the plumbing plan.
1. Agilian is a software tool used for business process modeling and design. It allows users
to create visual representations of business processes, analyze them, and optimize them
for efficiency.
2. UML Tools: UML stands for Unified Modeling Language, a standard notation for
describing the structure and behavior of systems using diagrams. UML tools are systems
design tools that support the creation and editing of UML diagrams, such as use case
diagrams, class diagrams, sequence diagrams, and state diagrams. UML tools can help
you to capture the requirements, design the architecture, communicate the logic, and
document the system. Some examples of UML tools are Visual Paradigm, Sparx
Enterprise Architect, and Lucidchart.
3. SysML Designer is a software tool that helps engineers and designers to create, edit, and
analyze models based on the Systems Modeling Language (SysML). SysML is a general-
purpose modeling language for systems engineering that is used to specify, analyze,
design, and verify complex systems.
UML provides a standard notation for many types of diagrams which can be roughly divided into
three main groups: behavior diagrams, interaction diagrams, and structure diagrams.
UML has evolved since the second half of the 1990s and has its roots in the object-oriented
programming methods developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In 1997, UML was adopted as a standard by the Object Management Group (OMG) and has
been managed by this organization ever since. In 2005, UML was also published by the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) as the ISO/IEC 19501 standard. Since then the standard has been periodically
revised to cover the latest revision of UML.
It is originally based on the notations of the Booch method, the object-modeling technique
(OMT), and object-oriented software engineering (OOSE), which it has integrated into a single
language.
Unified Modeling Language (UML) offers several types of diagrams, each serving a specific
purpose in modeling different aspects of a software system. Here's an explanation of the main
types of UML diagrams:
1. Class Diagrams: Class diagrams depict the static structure of a system by showing
classes, their attributes, methods, and relationships between classes. They illustrate the
logical organization of classes and their associations, aggregations, and inheritances.
2. Object Diagrams: Object diagrams represent instances of classes and their relationships
at a specific point in time. They show a snapshot of the system's runtime behavior by
depicting objects and their associations.
3. Use Case Diagrams: Use case diagrams illustrate the interactions between users (actors)
and the system. They describe the functional requirements of a system from the
perspective of its users, depicting use cases (functions or services provided by the
system) and actors, along with their relationships.
4. Sequence Diagrams: Sequence diagrams visualize the interactions between objects over
time, showing the sequence of messages exchanged between objects to accomplish a
specific task or scenario. They represent the dynamic behavior of a system and help
understand the flow of control and communication between objects.
Unified Modeling Language (UML) plays a significant role in the Unified Software
Development Process (USDP) by providing a standardized way to visualize, design, and
document software systems. Here's how UML is relevant in the context of USDP:
1. Visual Representation: UML offers a set of graphical notations that allow developers,
designers, and stakeholders to visually represent various aspects of a software system.
This visual representation helps in understanding the system's architecture, structure,
behavior, and interactions.
3. Requirement Analysis: UML diagrams such as use case diagrams and activity diagrams
are used during the requirements analysis phase to capture and model the functional
requirements of the system. Use case diagrams help in identifying the system's
functionalities and the actors interacting with it, while activity diagrams depict the flow
of activities or processes.
4. Design Phase: During the design phase, UML is extensively used to create models that
represent the system's architecture, components, relationships, and interactions. Diagrams
like class diagrams, sequence diagrams, and state diagrams aid in designing the structure
and behavior of the system. Class diagrams illustrate the static structure of the system by
showing classes, their attributes, methods, and relationships. Sequence diagrams depict
the interaction between objects over time, helping in understanding the dynamic behavior
of the system. State diagrams model the various states of an object and transitions
between these states.
The Unified Modeling Language (UML) symbol set consists of various graphical
notations used to represent different aspects of a software system. These symbols are
standardized and are used to create diagrams that depict the structure, behavior, and interactions
of the system. Here's an overview of some key symbols used in UML:
1. Class Diagrams:
Class: Represents a blueprint for creating objects. It consists of attributes
(properties) and operations (methods).
Association: Represents a relationship between classes, indicating that instances
of one class are connected to instances of another class.
Generalization/Inheritance: Indicates an "is-a" relationship between classes,
where one class (subclass or derived class) inherits attributes and operations from
another class (superclass or base class).
Dependency: Represents a relationship where one class depends on another class,
typically through the use of its methods or attributes.
3. Sequence Diagrams:
Lifeline: Represents the existence of an object over a period of time.
Message: Represents communication between objects, indicating the flow of
control or data between them.
Activation: Represents the period of time during which an object is performing an
operation.
5. Activity Diagrams:
Activity: Represents a unit of work or action performed within the system.
Decision Node: Represents a point in the flow where a decision is made, leading
to different paths.
Fork/Join Node: Represents parallel execution of activities or synchronization of
multiple paths.
3. ArgoUML: ArgoUML is an open-source UML modeling tool that is free to use and
available under the GNU General Public License. It supports various UML diagrams,
including class diagrams, activity diagrams, and use case diagrams. ArgoUML features a
user-friendly interface and provides basic modeling capabilities suitable for small to
medium-sized projects.
4. Gliffy: Gliffy is a web-based diagramming tool that supports various diagram types,
including UML diagrams, flowcharts, wireframes, and network diagrams. It offers an
intuitive drag-and-drop interface for creating and editing diagrams, making it easy for
users to visualize their ideas.
5. MS Visio (Microsoft Visio): Microsoft Visio is a widely used diagramming tool that
supports various diagram types, including UML diagrams, flowcharts, network diagrams,
and organizational charts. It offers a rich set of shapes, templates, and stencils for
creating UML diagrams, making it easy for users to create professional-looking
diagrams.
Object-oriented modeling (OOM) is a method used to model software systems based on the
concept of objects. In object-oriented programming (OOP), objects are instances of classes that
encapsulate data (attributes) and behavior (methods) related to a specific concept or entity within
the system. Object-oriented modeling extends this concept to the design and analysis phases of
software development, allowing developers to represent real-world entities, their relationships,
and interactions in a structured and intuitive manner.
Here's an overview of the key aspects of object-oriented modeling:
1. Objects: Objects represent real-world entities or concepts within the system being
modeled. Each object has a state (attributes) and behavior (methods) associated with it.
For example, in a banking system, objects could include Customer, Account, and
Transaction.
2. Classes: Classes serve as blueprints or templates for creating objects. They define the
structure and behavior shared by a group of objects. Attributes represent the properties of
objects, while methods define their behavior. For instance, a Customer class may have
attributes like name, address, and account number, along with methods like deposit(),
withdraw(), and transfer().
3. Encapsulation: Encapsulation is the principle of bundling data and methods that operate
on the data within a single unit (i.e., a class). It hides the internal state of an object and
only exposes the necessary functionalities through its public interface. This helps in
achieving data abstraction and modularity, enhancing the maintainability and reusability
of the code.
1. Flexibility and Extensibility: OOM supports flexible and extensible software design by
allowing developers to easily add new features, modify existing ones, or replace components
without affecting the overall system. This adaptability is crucial for accommodating changing
requirements and evolving technologies.
4. Testing and Debugging: OOM promotes modular design, which makes it easier to isolate and
test individual components of the system. This facilitates unit testing, integration testing, and
debugging, leading to higher software quality and faster development cycles.
System orientation and object orientation are two different paradigms in software engineering
that guide the design and development of software systems. Let's explore each one:
1. System Orientation: System orientation focuses on designing and developing software
systems from a holistic perspective, emphasizing the integration and interaction of
various components to achieve the desired functionality.
1. Objects: Objects are the basic building blocks of object-oriented systems. They represent
real-world entities or concepts within the software system. Each object has state
(attributes) and behavior (methods) associated with it. For example, in a banking system,
objects could include Customer, Account, and Transaction.
2. Classes: Classes are blueprints or templates for creating objects. They define the
structure and behavior shared by a group of objects. Attributes represent the properties of
objects, while methods define their behavior. For instance, a Customer class may have
attributes like name, address, and account Number, along with methods like deposit(),
withdraw(), and transfer().
1. State of an Object: The state of an object refers to the condition or situation that the
object is currently in at a particular point in time. It represents the values of the object's
attributes at that moment. For example, in a traffic light system, a traffic light object can
have states such as "green," "yellow," or "red."
1. Mind Maps: Mind maps are hierarchical diagrams used to organize and represent ideas,
concepts, or information around a central theme or topic. They typically start with a
central node representing the main idea and branch out into subtopics or related concepts.
Mind maps can be used for brainstorming, note-taking, problem-solving, and decision-
making.
2. Concept Maps: Concept maps are similar to mind maps but focus more on illustrating
the relationships between concepts rather than just organizing them hierarchically. They
consist of nodes representing concepts or ideas connected by labeled arrows representing
relationships or links between them. Concept maps are often used in education for
concept learning, knowledge representation, and assessment.
3. UML Class Diagrams: UML (Unified Modeling Language) class diagrams are used in
software engineering to represent the static structure of a system by modeling the classes,
attributes, methods, and relationships between them. Class diagrams help in visualizing
the conceptual model of a software system and understanding its design and architecture.
5. Flowcharts: Flowcharts are diagrams that represent the flow of control or data in a
system or process. They consist of various symbols such as rectangles (representing
processes or actions), diamonds (representing decisions or branches), arrows
(representing flow or direction), and terminals (representing the start and end of a
process). Flowcharts are commonly used for process modeling, algorithm design, and
workflow analysis.
Class diagrams are versatile tools used in software engineering for various purposes throughout
the software development lifecycle. Here are some common uses of class diagrams:
1. Designing System Architecture: Class diagrams are used to design and model the static
structure of a software system. They provide a high-level view of the system's
architecture, showing the classes, their attributes, methods, and relationships. Designing
the system architecture with class diagrams helps in organizing and structuring the
software system effectively.
2. Identifying Classes and Relationships: Class diagrams help in identifying the classes
(objects or concepts) within the system and their relationships. By visualizing the classes
and their connections, developers can better understand the domain of the problem and
determine the essential components of the system.
3. Organizing Classes and Attributes: Class diagrams aid in organizing and categorizing
classes and their attributes. They provide a clear representation of the data model,
showing how classes relate to each other and what attributes they possess. This helps in
defining the structure of the system's data and ensuring consistency in the design.
An object diagram is a type of UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagram used in software
engineering to represent a snapshot or instance of a system at a particular point in time. It
illustrates the objects and their relationships within the system, showing the state of objects and
the connections between them. Object diagrams provide a detailed view of the runtime structure
of a system and are often used in conjunction with class diagrams to depict specific scenarios or
examples.
Object diagrams have several important uses in software engineering, providing insights into the
runtime structure of a system. Here are some common uses:
1. Illustrating Specific Scenarios: Object diagrams are used to illustrate specific scenarios
or instances of a system. They depict how objects interact with each other and the state of
objects at a particular point in time. This helps in understanding how the system behaves
in different situations and provides concrete examples for analysis and discussion.
2. Debugging and Testing: Object diagrams are valuable tools for debugging and testing
software systems. They allow developers to visualize the state of objects and their
relationships at runtime, helping in identifying and diagnosing issues or errors in the
system. By examining object diagrams, developers can trace the flow of data and
messages between objects and identify potential sources of bugs or unexpected behavior.
4. Analyzing Object Interactions: Object diagrams help in analyzing how objects interact
with each other and exchange messages or data during system execution. They provide
insights into the runtime structure of the system, including the creation and destruction of
objects, method invocations, and the flow of control between objects. By examining
object diagrams, developers can gain a better understanding of the system's behavior and
identify opportunities for optimization or refinement.
Modeling with class diagrams involves a systematic process of identifying, designing, and
representing the classes, attributes, methods, and relationships that constitute a software system.
Here's a step-by-step guide to modeling with class diagrams:
1. Identify Classes: Begin by identifying the key concepts, entities, or objects within the
system. These will serve as the classes in your class diagram. Classes represent the
building blocks of the system and encapsulate data and behavior related to specific
entities or concepts.
2. Define Attributes: For each class identified, define the attributes or properties that
describe the state of objects belonging to that class. Attributes represent the data
associated with objects and are typically represented as named rectangles within the class
rectangle. Consider the types of data each class needs to store and define appropriate
attributes accordingly.
3. Specify Methods: Next, specify the methods or operations that objects of each class can
perform. Methods represent the behavior or functionality of objects and define how
objects interact with each other and manipulate data. Methods are typically represented as
named rectangles within the class rectangle, along with their visibility (public, private,
protected) and return type.
5. Refine the Model: Refine the class diagram by adding details, refining relationships, and
improving the overall structure of the model. Ensure that the diagram accurately reflects
the system's requirements, constraints, and design decisions. Consider factors such as
encapsulation, cohesion, and modularity to create a well-organized and maintainable
design.
Modeling with object diagrams involves capturing specific instances or snapshots of a system at
a particular point in time. Object diagrams provide a detailed view of the runtime structure of a
system by illustrating the objects and their relationships. Here's a step-by-step guide to modeling
with object diagrams:
1. Identify Scenarios: Start by identifying specific scenarios or instances of the system that
you want to model. These scenarios should represent particular situations or states of the
system that are relevant to your analysis or design objectives. Consider the context,
requirements, and use cases of the system to determine which scenarios to model.
2. Identify Objects: For each scenario identified, identify the objects that are relevant to
that scenario. Objects represent instances of classes within the system and encapsulate
data and behavior related to specific entities or concepts. Identify the classes from your
class diagram that correspond to the objects in the scenario.
3. Define Attributes and Values: For each object identified, define the attributes or
properties that describe its state in the given scenario. Specify the values of these
attributes to reflect the current state of the object at the particular point in time being
modeled. Attributes and their values provide a detailed representation of the object's state
in the object diagram.
5. Create the Object Diagram: Once you have identified the objects, attributes, values,
and relationships for the scenario, create the object diagram. Represent each object as a
named rectangle with its attributes and values listed inside. Use lines to connect related
objects and label them to indicate the type of relationship between them. Ensure that the
object diagram accurately reflects the scenario being modeled and the relationships
between objects.
6. Validate and Iterate: Validate the object diagram by reviewing it with stakeholders,
domain experts, and other members of the development team. Ensure that the model
accurately captures the runtime structure of the system for the specific scenario being
modeled. Iterate on the design based on feedback and make necessary revisions to refine
the object diagram further.
1. Node Diagrams: Node diagrams are the primary type of implementation diagram and are
used to represent the physical hardware nodes in a system. Nodes can include servers,
workstations, routers, switches, databases, printers, or any other hardware device. Nodes
are depicted as rectangular boxes, and their relationships are shown using communication
paths (edges).
A component diagram is a type of UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagram used in software
engineering to illustrate the structure and relationships of the components within a system. It
provides a high-level view of the system's architecture, focusing on the components and their
dependencies rather than the implementation details. Component diagrams help in visualizing
how the system is decomposed into modular and reusable components and how those
components interact with each other.
Component diagrams in UML (Unified Modeling Language) are used to depict the organization
and dependencies between software components in a system. Here are some common uses of
component diagrams:
Deployment diagrams are a type of UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagram used in
software engineering to visualize the physical deployment of software components onto
hardware nodes in a system. They depict how software artifacts are distributed across computing
nodes and how those nodes are interconnected.
2. Illustrating Hardware Nodes: Deployment diagrams depict the hardware nodes in the
system and their relationships, showing how software components are deployed onto
these nodes. Nodes represent physical or virtual computing devices where software
artifacts are deployed and executed. Nodes can include servers, desktop computers,
laptops, mobile devices, IoT devices, and other hardware devices.
1. Identify Components: Start by identifying the key components within the system.
Components represent the modular and reusable building blocks of the system,
encapsulating and providing specific functionalities or services. Identify the classes,
modules, libraries, executables, or other artifacts that constitute the components in your
system.
2. Define Interfaces: For each component identified, define the interfaces that it exposes or
requires. Interfaces define the contract or specification that a component provides or
expects from other components. Specify the operations, methods, or services that the
component offers or requires from other components. Interfaces should be designed to be
clear, consistent, and well-defined.
1. Identify Hardware Nodes: Begin by identifying the hardware nodes within the system.
Hardware nodes represent physical or virtual computing devices where software
components are deployed and executed. Nodes can include servers, workstations,
routers, switches, databases, printers, and other hardware devices. Identify the types and
roles of hardware nodes in the system.
3. Map Components to Nodes: Determine how the software components are mapped to the
hardware nodes in the system. Specify which components are deployed on which nodes
and how they interact with each other. Consider factors such as performance, scalability,
reliability, and security when deciding the deployment configuration. Ensure that
components are appropriately distributed across nodes to optimize system performance
and resource utilization.
6.1 DEFINITION
A use case diagram is a type of UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagram used in software
engineering to visualize the interactions between actors (users or external systems) and a system
under consideration. It illustrates the various ways in which users interact with the system to
achieve specific goals or tasks. Use case diagrams provide a high-level view of the system's
functionality and help in understanding the requirements and behaviors of the system from a
user's perspective.
Use case diagrams serve several important purposes in software engineering, offering a clear
visualization of the system's functionality and interactions with its users or external systems.
Here are the main uses of use case diagrams:
1. Requirements Elicitation and Analysis: Use case diagrams are crucial for eliciting,
organizing, and documenting the functional requirements of a system from a user's
perspective. They help stakeholders, including clients, users, and developers, understand
the system's intended behavior and features by visually representing the system's
interactions with its actors.
3. System Design and Architecture: Use case diagrams play a crucial role in designing the
system's architecture and user interface. They help in structuring the system's
functionality by identifying the primary use cases and defining the interactions between
actors and use cases.
1. Actors: Actors represent external entities (users, systems, or other entities) that interact
with the system being modeled. They are depicted as stick figures or named rectangles
outside the system boundary. Actors represent the roles that users or external systems
play in relation to the system. Actors initiate and participate in use cases but are not part
of the system itself.
2. Use Cases: Use cases represent the functionalities or services provided by the system to
its actors. Each use case describes a specific interaction or scenario where the system
performs a task or provides a service to fulfill a user's goal. Use cases are depicted as
ellipses inside the system boundary, with descriptive names that convey the action or
functionality being performed. Use cases capture the system's behavior from the user's
perspective
.
3. System Boundary: The system boundary represents the boundary of the system being
modeled. It defines the scope of the system and separates internal components from
external actors. Use cases are contained within the system boundary, indicating that they
are part of the system under consideration. Actors interact with the system by invoking its
use cases.
4. Associations: Associations represent the relationships between actors and use cases,
indicating which actors are involved in each use case. An association line connects an
actor to one or more use cases to show their involvement in the system's functionality.
Associations represent the communication pathways between actors and use cases and
illustrate how actors interact with the system to achieve their goals.
Use cases represent specific functionalities or services provided by a system to its users or
external entities. They capture the behavior of the system from the perspective of users and
describe the interactions between users and the system to achieve specific goals or tasks. Use
cases can be categorized into different types based on their characteristics and purposes. Here are
some common types of use cases:
1. Primary Use Cases: Primary use cases represent the core functionalities or main features
of the system. They capture the primary goals or tasks that users typically perform when
interacting with the system. Primary use cases are essential for achieving the system's
primary objectives and are often the focus of development efforts. Examples of primary
use cases include "Login," "Place Order," "View Profile," and "Make Payment."
4. Abstract Use Cases: Abstract use cases represent high-level functionalities or system
behaviors that are not directly executable but serve as placeholders for more detailed use
cases or sub-use cases. They provide a conceptual overview of the system's
functionalities and help in organizing and structuring the use case model. Abstract use
cases are often decomposed into more detailed use cases during requirements analysis
and system design. Examples of abstract use cases include "Manage User Accounts,"
"Manage Orders," and "Manage Products."
Use case specification and use case templates are documentation artifacts used in software
engineering to describe the details of individual use cases within a system. They provide a
structured format for capturing the requirements, behaviors, and interactions associated with
each use case. Let's explore each of these concepts:
1. Use Case Specification: A use case specification is a document that provides detailed
information about a specific use case within a system. It describes the purpose, preconditions,
post conditions, main flow, alternate flows, and exceptions associated with the use case. Use
case specifications help stakeholders, including developers, testers, and project managers,
understand the expected behavior of the system and the interactions between users and the
system.
2. Use Case Template: A use case template is a standardized format or structure for
documenting use cases within a system. It provides a consistent way of capturing the
essential details of each use case, making it easier for stakeholders to understand and analyze
the system's functionality. Use case templates typically include predefined sections or fields
that must be filled out for each use case.
Modeling with a use case diagram involves a systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and
representing the interactions between actors and use cases within a system. Here's a step-by-step
guide to modeling with a use case diagram:
1. Identify Actors: Begin by identifying the actors or external entities that interact with the
system. Actors can be users, other systems, or external entities that interact with the
system to accomplish specific goals or tasks. Identify the different roles or types of users
and external entities that will interact with the system.
2. Identify Use Cases: Identify the primary functionalities or tasks that the system must
perform to fulfill the needs of its actors. Use cases represent the specific interactions
between actors and the system to achieve specific goals or tasks. Brainstorm and identify
the various actions or scenarios in which actors interact with the system to accomplish
their objectives.
3. Define Relationships: Determine the relationships between actors and use cases to
capture how actors interact with the system to achieve their goals. Identify which actors
are involved in each use case and how they interact with the system. Establish
associations between actors and use cases to indicate their involvement in the system's
functionalities.
4. Refine Use Cases: Refine and define the details of each use case by specifying its name,
description, preconditions, post conditions, main flow, alternate flows, and exceptions.
Define the steps or actions involved in each use case and document any alternative or
exceptional paths. Ensure that each use case accurately captures the intended behavior of
the system from the user's perspective.
5. Organize and Structure: Organize and structure the use cases within the use case diagram
to reflect the system's functionality and interactions with its actors. Group related use
cases together and organize them in a logical manner to provide a clear and coherent
representation of the system's behavior. Use actors to categorize and differentiate the
various types of users and external entities interacting with the system.
7.1 DEFINITION
An activity diagram is a type of UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagram used in software
engineering to model the flow of actions or activities within a system or process. It illustrates the
sequence of actions, decisions, and interactions between components, users, or external systems
to accomplish a specific task or goal. Activity diagrams are particularly useful for visualizing the
dynamic behavior of a system and understanding the workflow or process logic.
7.2 Uses of Activity Diagram
Activity diagrams serve several important purposes in software engineering and business process
modeling. Here are the key uses of activity diagrams:
1. Modeling Business Processes: Activity diagrams are commonly used to model and
visualize business processes within organizations. They provide a clear and intuitive
representation of the sequence of activities, tasks, decisions, and interactions involved in
performing various business processes.
2. Modeling Software Workflows: Activity diagrams are widely used to model and design
the workflow or process logic of software systems. They depict the sequence of actions,
tasks, and interactions between software components, users, or external systems during
the execution of a software process.
3. Visualizing Use Case Scenarios: Activity diagrams are useful for visualizing and
documenting the flow of activities and interactions associated with specific use case
scenarios within a system. They provide a step-by-step representation of how users
interact with the system to achieve specific goals or tasks.
4. Analyzing System Behavior: Activity diagrams are valuable for analyzing and
understanding the dynamic behavior of a system or process. They provide insights into
the sequence of activities, decisions, and interactions within the system, allowing
stakeholders to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or areas for optimization.
In an activity diagram, several basic elements and notations are used to represent the various
components and relationships within a process or workflow. These elements help in visualizing
the sequence of activities, decisions, and interactions within the system. Here are the
fundamental components of an activity diagram:
1. Activity: An activity represents a specific action or task that occurs within the system or
process. Activities are depicted as rounded rectangles with descriptive labels indicating
the action to be performed. They represent the individual steps or actions involved in
completing a process.
2. Control Flow: Control flow arrows represent the sequence in which activities are
executed within the process. They depict the order of execution and the flow of control
between activities. Control flow arrows connect activities and indicate the direction of
execution, showing how activities are interconnected and dependent on each other.
3. Decision Node: A decision node represents a point in the process where the flow of
control diverges based on certain conditions or decisions. It is depicted as a diamond-
shaped symbol with multiple outgoing control flows, each corresponding to a different
possible outcome based on the decision. Decision nodes have conditions or expressions
associated with them, which determine the path the control flow will take.
4. Merge Node: A merge node represents a point in the process where multiple control
flows converge after branching from decision nodes or other points in the process. It is
depicted as a diamond-shaped symbol with multiple incoming control flows and a single
outgoing control flow. Merge nodes consolidate multiple alternative paths into a single
path.
5. Initial Node: The initial node represents the starting point of the activity diagram. It
indicates where the process begins and serves as the entry point for the control flow. The
initial node is depicted as a small filled circle at the top of the diagram.
Modeling with activity diagrams involves a systematic process to represent the flow of activities,
actions, and decisions within a system or business process. Here's a step-by-step guide to
modeling with activity diagrams:
1. Identify the Scope: Define the scope of the activity diagram by identifying the specific
system or business process you want to model. Understand the goals, inputs, outputs, and
stakeholders involved in the process.
2. Identify Activities: Identify the primary activities or tasks within the system or process.
These are the actions that need to be performed to achieve the desired outcome. Use verb
phrases to describe each activity clearly.
3. Define Initial and Final States: Determine the initial state of the system or process,
representing the starting point. Also, identify the final state or states, representing the end
points or possible outcomes of the process.
4. Model Activities: Use activity nodes to represent individual activities or tasks. Connect
these nodes with arrows to indicate the flow of control between activities. Use swimlanes
to organize activities performed by different actors or departments.
5. Decompose Complex Activities: If an activity is complex and involves sub-tasks,
decompose it into smaller activities using sub-activity diagrams or call behavior actions.
This helps in maintaining clarity and modularity in the diagram.
6. Include Decision Points: Identify decision points or conditions within the process where
the flow of control branches based on certain conditions. Use decision nodes to represent
these points and outgoing arrows labeled with conditions or guard expressions.
7. Model Parallel Activities: Identify parallel activities that can be performed concurrently
within the process. Use fork nodes to represent the start of parallel flows and join nodes
to represent synchronization points where parallel flows converge.
8. Include Control Flows: Use control flow arrows to represent the sequence of activities
within the process. Ensure that the flow of control is clear and logical, indicating the
order in which activities are performed.
10. Review and Validate: Review the activity diagram to ensure that it accurately represents
the intended behavior of the system or process. Validate the diagram with stakeholders
and domain experts to ensure that it aligns with the requirements and expectations.
11. Iterate and Refine: Iterate on the activity diagram based on feedback and changes in
requirements. Refine the diagram to incorporate any modifications or enhancements,
ensuring that it remains an accurate and up-to-date representation of the system or
process.
By following these steps, you can effectively model with activity diagrams to capture the flow of
activities, actions, and decisions within a system or business process, facilitating communication,
analysis, and design.
A state chart diagram, also known as a state machine diagram or state transition diagram, is a
type of UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagram used to represent the dynamic behavior of a
system or object over time. It visualizes the different states that an object or system can be in and
the transitions between those states based on external events or conditions. State chart diagrams
are particularly useful for modeling the lifecycle of objects, the behavior of software systems,
and the control flow of processes.
State chart diagrams serve several important purposes in software engineering and system
design. Here are the key uses of state chart diagrams:
1. Modeling Object Behavior: State chart diagrams are used to model the dynamic behavior of
objects or entities within a system. They represent the various states that an object can be in
and the transitions between those states based on external events or conditions.
2. Modeling System Behavior: State chart diagrams are useful for modeling the behavior of
complex software systems or processes. They represent the different states that a system can
be in and the transitions between those states in response to external stimuli or events.
3. Modeling Lifecycle Transitions: State chart diagrams are commonly used to model the
lifecycle of objects or entities within a system. They represent the various stages or phases
that an object goes through during its lifecycle and the transitions between those stages.
4. Specification and Validation: State chart diagrams are used to specify and validate the
behavior of systems or objects against requirements and specifications. They provide a
formal and visual representation of the system's behavior, enabling stakeholders to verify that
the system meets its intended requirements and behaves as expected under different
scenarios.
5. Design and Implementation: State chart diagrams are used during the design and
implementation phases of software development to guide the development of system
behavior. They provide a blueprint for implementing the control logic, state transitions, and
event-driven behavior of the system.
1. States: States represent the various conditions or modes that an object or system can be in
during its lifecycle. Each state represents a distinct stage of behavior or condition. States
are typically depicted as rounded rectangles with labels indicating the name of the state.
2. Transitions: Transitions represent the movement from one state to another in response to
events or conditions. They define the conditions under which a state change occurs.
Transitions are depicted as arrows connecting states, with labels indicating the triggering
event or condition.
3. State Actions: State actions represent the actions or behaviors associated with entering,
exiting, or being in a particular state. These actions are performed when the system
transitions into, out of, or while it remains in the state. State actions can include
computations, updates to variables, or interactions with external systems.
4. Entry Point: An entry point is a pseudo-state that indicates the initial state of the state
machine. It represents the starting point of the system's behavior when it first enters the
state machine. Entry points are depicted as small circles connected to the initial state with
a transition arrow.
5. Exit Point: An exit point is a pseudo-state that indicates the final state of the state
machine. It represents the termination point of the system's behavior when it exits the
state machine. Exit points are depicted as small circles connected to the final state with a
transition arrow.
6. History States: History states maintain the history of previous states within the state
machine. They allow the system to remember its previous state or states when re-entering
a state machine. History states can be shallow history states, which remember the
immediate previous state, or deep history states, which remember the entire history of
states.
Modeling with state chart diagrams involves a systematic process of identifying, defining, and
representing the states, transitions, events, and actions associated with the behavior of a system
or object. Here's a step-by-step guide to modeling with state chart diagrams:
1. Identify States: Begin by identifying the different states that the system or object can be
in during its lifecycle or operation. States represent the various modes or conditions in
which the system exists at different points in time. Identify the distinct phases, modes, or
states of operation that characterize the behavior of the system or object.
2. Define Events: Identify the external stimuli, occurrences, or events that can trigger state
transitions within the system. Events represent the signals or triggers that cause the
system to change its state. Define the events that can occur and the conditions under
which they occur, such as user inputs, system signals, or environmental changes.
3. Define Transitions: Define the transitions between states in response to the identified
events. Transitions represent the paths or routes that the system can take as it moves from
one state to another. Specify the conditions or criteria that must be met for each transition
to occur, as well as any actions or behaviors associated with the transition.
Interaction diagrams are a type of UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagram used to visualize
the interactions between objects or components within a system. They provide a dynamic view
of the system by depicting how objects collaborate and communicate with each other to
accomplish specific tasks or scenarios. Interaction diagrams are particularly useful for modeling
the flow of messages, method calls, and interactions between objects during the execution of a
use case or scenario. There are two main types of interaction diagrams in UML:
A sequence diagram is a type of UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagram that illustrates the
interactions and sequence of messages exchanged between objects or components within a
system over time. It provides a dynamic view of system behavior, showing how objects
collaborate and communicate with each other to accomplish specific tasks or scenarios.
Sequence diagrams are particularly useful for modeling the flow of control and data during the
execution of use case scenarios, system operations, or business processes.
1. Modeling System Behavior: Sequence diagrams are used to model the dynamic behavior
of software systems by illustrating the interactions and sequence of messages exchanged
between objects or components within the system. They provide a visual representation
of how objects collaborate and communicate with each other to accomplish specific tasks
or scenarios.
2. Visualizing Use Case Scenarios: Sequence diagrams are useful for visualizing and
documenting the sequence of interactions between actors and objects within a use case
scenario. They provide a step-by-step representation of how users interact with the
system and how the system responds to user actions.
3. Identifying System Interactions: Sequence diagrams help identify the interactions and
dependencies between objects or components within a system. They provide insights into
how objects collaborate and communicate with each other to accomplish specific tasks or
functionalities.
4. Designing System Architecture: Sequence diagrams play a crucial role in designing the
architecture of software systems by illustrating the interactions and dependencies
between system components or modules. They help architects and designers define the
interfaces, interactions, and collaborations between system elements, facilitating the
design of modular, scalable, and maintainable systems
5. Analyzing System Dynamics: Sequence diagrams are useful for analyzing the dynamic
behavior and performance of software systems. They provide insights into the sequence
of interactions, message flows, and processing times between objects or components
during system execution.
Sequence diagrams use several elements and notations to represent the interactions and sequence
of messages exchanged between objects or components within a system. These elements help
visualize the dynamic behavior of the system during the execution of a use case scenario or
operation. Here are the key elements and notations of sequence diagrams:
1. Lifeline: Lifelines represent the existence of objects or components over a period of time
during the execution of the sequence diagram. Each object participating in the sequence
diagram is represented by a vertical line called a lifeline.
4. Return Message: Return messages represent the response or return value sent by an
object in response to a message received from another object. Return messages indicate
the completion of an operation or method call and the transfer of control back to the
calling object. Return messages are depicted as arrows returning from the receiver object
to the sender object's lifeline. They indicate the flow of control and data between objects
during the execution of the sequence diagram.
Modeling with sequence diagrams involves a systematic process of identifying, defining, and
representing the interactions and sequence of messages exchanged between objects or
components within a system during the execution of a use case scenario or operation. Here's a
step-by-step guide to modeling with sequence diagrams:
1. Identify Objects: Begin by identifying the objects or components that participate in the
sequence diagram. Objects represent the entities within the system that interact with each
other to accomplish specific tasks or scenarios. Identify the relevant objects, actors, or
system components involved in the use case scenario or operation being modeled.
3. Draw Lifelines: Draw the lifelines for each identified object on the sequence diagram.
Lifelines represent the existence of objects over time during the execution of the
sequence diagram. Place the lifelines vertically on the diagram, one for each object, and
extend them downwards to indicate the lifespan of each object during the sequence of
interactions.
4. Add Messages: Add messages to the sequence diagram to represent the interactions and
communication between objects. Place arrows between lifelines to depict the flow of
messages exchanged between objects. Label each message with the name of the method
or operation being invoked, along with any parameters or arguments passed during the
interaction.
5. Draw Activation Bars: Draw activation bars to represent the periods of time during which
objects are active and processing messages. Place horizontal lines extending from the
lifelines to indicate when objects are actively engaged in processing messages and
performing operations.
Collaboration diagrams, also known as communication diagrams, are a type of UML (Unified
Modeling Language) diagram used to visualize the interactions between objects or components
within a system. They are particularly useful in depicting the dynamic aspects of a system,
showcasing how objects collaborate to achieve certain functionalities or behaviors. Here are
some of the key uses of collaboration diagrams:
3. Designing and Developing Systems: Collaboration diagrams are valuable tools during the
design and development phase of a system. They allow designers and developers to
visualize the interactions between objects and refine the system's structure and behavior
accordingly.
5. Testing and Debugging: During the testing phase, collaboration diagrams can be used to
verify whether the interactions between objects are as expected and to identify potential
issues or bugs in the system. They help testers understand the expected behavior of the
system and design test cases accordingly.
Modeling with collaboration diagrams involves several key steps to effectively represent the
interactions between objects in a system. Here's a step-by-step process for creating collaboration
diagrams:
1. Identify Objects: Begin by identifying the key objects or components within the system
you are modeling. These objects represent the various elements that interact to
accomplish tasks or fulfill responsibilities within the system.
2. Define Interactions: Determine the interactions between the identified objects. This
involves understanding how objects collaborate and communicate with each other to
achieve specific functionalities or behaviors. Identify the messages exchanged between
objects and the sequence in which they occur.
3. Draw Objects and Messages: Once you have identified the objects and their interactions,
you can start creating the collaboration diagram. Draw the objects as rectangles or ovals,
representing their respective classes or instances. Place these objects on the diagram
canvas.
4. Connect Objects with Messages: Use arrows or lines to represent the messages
exchanged between objects. Indicate the direction of message flow and label each arrow
with the name of the message being sent. Ensure that the sequence of messages reflects
the chronological order of interactions between objects.
5. Include Lifelines: Optionally, you can include lifelines for each object to represent the
duration of their existence during the interaction. Lifelines are vertical lines extending
from the object's representation, indicating the time period during which the object is
active and participating in interactions.
10.1 DEFINITION
System model conversion refers to the process of transforming a system model from one
representation or notation to another. This conversion allows the same system to be described
using different modeling languages or formalisms, each with its own syntax and semantics.
System model conversion is often performed for various reasons, including interoperability
between different modeling tools, the need to communicate with stakeholders using different
notations, or to leverage the strengths of different modeling languages for specific aspects of the
system.
Model conversion holds significant importance in various aspects of system modeling and
engineering. Here are several key reasons why model conversion is important:
3. Reuse: Model conversion facilitates the reuse of existing system models and artifacts across
different stages of the system development lifecycle. It allows models created for one
purpose or using one notation to be transformed and reused in other contexts, reducing
duplication of effort and promoting consistency and coherence in system modeling and
engineering activities.
4. Integration: Model conversion supports the integration of system models with other software
engineering artifacts and processes. It enables the seamless exchange of information between
system models and other development artifacts, such as requirements specifications, design
documents, and code implementations. This integration enhances traceability, consistency,
and alignment between different aspects of the system development process.
Converting UML diagrams into program code involves translating the design represented in
UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagrams into executable code in a programming language.
This process typically consists of several steps:
1. Analyze UML Diagrams: Review the UML diagrams (such as class diagrams, sequence
diagrams, and activity diagrams) to understand the structure, behavior, and relationships of
the system's components. Identify the classes, objects, methods, attributes, associations, and
other elements depicted in the diagrams.
2. Choose a Programming Language: Select the programming language in which you will
implement the system. Consider factors such as the project requirements, the target platform,
the development team's expertise, and any existing codebase or libraries that need to be
integrated.
3. Translate Class Diagrams to Classes and Interfaces: Begin by translating the class diagrams
into classes and interfaces in the chosen programming language. For each class in the
diagram, create a corresponding class definition in the code, including attributes, methods,
and relationships with other classes. Use inheritance, composition, and association
relationships to represent class hierarchies and associations in the code.
4. Implement Methods and Attributes: Implement the methods and attributes of each class
according to their definitions in the UML diagrams. Translate method signatures, parameter
types, return types, and method bodies into code. Define attributes as fields or properties of
the class and initialize them as needed.
Converting program code into UML diagrams involves reverse engineering, where the
structural and behavioral aspects of the code are analyzed to create visual representations similar
to those found in UML diagrams. Here's a step-by-step process for converting program code into
UML diagrams:
1. Choose a Reverse Engineering Tool: Select a reverse engineering tool that supports the
programming language and development environment of the codebase you want to
analyze. Popular tools include Enterprise Architect, Visual Paradigm, and JetBrains
IntelliJ IDEA.
2. Generate Class Diagrams: Use the reverse engineering tool to generate class diagrams
from the program code. Class diagrams depict the classes, interfaces, attributes, methods,
and relationships present in the codebase. The tool parses the source code files and
extracts information about the classes and their associations.
3. Analyze Class Relationships: Review the generated class diagrams to understand the
relationships between classes, including associations, aggregations, compositions, and
generalizations (inheritance). Verify that the relationships accurately represent the
interactions and dependencies between different classes in the code.
4. Refine Class Diagrams: Refine the generated class diagrams as needed to improve clarity
and completeness. Add additional annotations, stereotypes, or notes to capture design
decisions, constraints, or other relevant information not explicitly present in the code.
Adjust the layout and formatting of the diagrams to enhance readability.
5. Generate Sequence Diagrams: Optionally, use the reverse engineering tool to generate
sequence diagrams from the program code. Sequence diagrams illustrate the interactions
and message exchanges between objects or components during the execution of specific
scenarios or use cases.