Uml ( Unified Modeling Language

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UML (Unified Modeling Language) is a universal modeling language in the field of software engineering. It is designed to provide a standard way to visualize the design of a system allowing the programmer to visually see what is required for the software he/she is working on. Many people believe that UML is not important to learn. That it is simply just a time consuming task, and in some cases that is true. But while UML can be time consuming, it can help multiple people understand the essence of a program that is being created. It allows everyone to be on the same page of what the end goal is and of the means to reach the end. There are two types of UML Diagrams. There are Structural Diagrams, and Behavioral Diagrams. Structural Diagrams consist of diagrams such as Class Diagrams, Component Diagrams, and Deployment Diagrams. Behavioral Diagrams consist of diagrams such as Activity Diagrams, Communication Diagrams and Timing Diagrams. Structural Diagrams show what the software is made up of, while Behavioral Diagrams show what the software is doing step by step. Above is an example of a Class Diagram. It consists of three sections. The upper section contains the Name of the class, it is necessary whether talking about a classifier or an object. The middle section contains the Attributes of the class. Attributes describe the variables of the class. This will tell what data type they are and whether they are public or private variables. This (↑) is an example of a Component Diagram. It shows the components working together to create a system. The diagram names the objects tells the order, and shows the steps to reach the next component. This diagram in particular shows the water cycle. It shows that it is constantly goi... ... middle of paper ... ...him/her to know exactly what is supposed to happen step by step. It allows for a much easier thought process. Another type of Behavioral diagram along with Activity Diagrams would be a Sequence Diagram. Sequence Diagrams focus on the interactions going on in the system. They show how objects communicate with other objects to perform a function. This diagram shows the system of making a new event on a calendar and announcing it. This is generally what happens any time you use something like google calendar to schedule something or other. First the form is requested and displayed, it is then filled out and the date is checked to make sure it is valid. If the date is valid then the occurrence is put on your schedule and an email alert will be made. This type of diagram helps the reader to understand what object is working with what other object and how it is doing so.

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