![]() Stencils are predefined groups of shapes to create the UML diagram easily. Generally, the diagram will use a particular type of shape, and in Visio, these are grouped into categories called stencils. Visio is so versatile that you can even create and import your own shapes, such as logos or images. In Visio, Shapes can be simple and basic or very complicated and contain incredible data. ![]() Visio creates all types of UML diagrams, such as UML Activity, UML Collaboration, UML Class, UML Deployment, UML Use Case, UML Component, UML Sequence, UML Statechart, etc. This approach to diagramming makes it possible for anyone to create impressive charts and diagrams by putting shapes together. The idea behind Visio is to provide standardized tools that enable you to quickly assemble drawings or diagrams using basic building blocks known as shapes. It’s a tool that allows you to visually communicate detailed information or concepts with a polished and professional look. ![]() Probably some of the nicest tools I've used belong to the Rational family of tools.Microsoft Visio is an application that allows you to create a visually distinctive and professional diagram for various settings, subjects, and professions. I definitely agree with mashi that whiteboards are great (together with a digital camera or cellphone). An interesting modeling tool free alternative is Umbrello, but I haven't really used it much. Free as in speech and beer :)Īs for the diagramming tool Dia, it's quite ugly (interface and resulting drawings), but it does get the job done. Works great on any Eclipse-enabled platform. Last I used it it still had some bugs, but it worked, and seems to have evolved nicely since. Otherwise i find the Topcased an interesting project (or group of projects). I've been trying out MagicDraw a bit, but while functional, I found the user interface distracting. OmniGraffle also has some UML stencils built in and more are available at Graffletopia, but I wouldn't recommend that as a diagramming tool as it has too many quirks (quirks that are good for many things, but not UML). It could be that I have grown used to it as it is the primary diagramming tool at my current assignment. When using Visio, I tend to use these stencils for my UMLing needs (the built in kind of suck). This also means I don't give tools that handle round-trip modeling well any bonus points. Also, they tend to have a large overhead for the occasional drawing. Wiki UML Tool ListĪs I usually use UML more as a communication tool rather than a modeling tool I sometimes have the need to flex the language a bit, which makes the strict modeling tools quite unwieldy. NEW - Found a good list of many UML tools with descriptions. This is a straight brain dump so a couple details may not be perfect, however, this should provide a general map to the questions and solutions to looking into. Watch out for closed or product specific code generation processes or frameworks as you could end up stuck with that product. Sparx and Visual Paradigm do UML really well and generate code well, however, hooking into project lifecycles and other process is where RSM/RSA is strong. Ok, that was way too detailed, so a simpler example would be ArgoUML, which has no code generation features and focuses on drawing more than the modeling aspect of UML. Do you need more mature processes such as use case management, pattern creation, asset creation, RUP integration, etc? (RSA/RSM/IBM Rational Products)ĭetailed Examples: IBM Rational Software Architect did not implement UML 2.0 all the way when it comes to realizes type relationships when creating a UML profile, but Visual Paradigm and Sparx got it right.Would you want to generate code stubs or full functioning code?( GenMyModel, Visual Paradigm, Sparx, Altova).Do you have an existing set of documents that you need to work with? (Depends on the documents).Are you concerned about model portability, XMI support? ( GenMyModel, Sparx, Visual Paradigm, Altova).Do you want to formalize your modeling through profiles or meta-models? OCL? ( Sparx, RSM, Visual Paradigm).Will you be modeling in the future? (For basic modeling - Community editions of pay products).Are you modeling or drawing? (Drawing - ArgoUML, free implementations, and Visio).Note: The listed answers are my view as the best even if other products support a given feature or need. Here are the questions that should be answered as each vendor product/solution does some things better than others. Sure, diagrams are important, but really you are creating a model. A common misunderstanding is that UML is about creating diagrams. The previous posts have too many answers and not enough questions. Some context: Recently for graduate school I researched UML tools for usability and UML comprehension in general for an independent project.
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