Unified Modelling Language
The Unified Modelling Language (UML®) was developed to enable the modelling of a variety of crucial aspects of systems. The UML enables a system designer to move between models that elucidate a variety of aspects of the system under construction. The models are created either directly in a tool or by reverse engineering of previously written code. In the latter case, the tool creates a model that corresponds with the code: the better quality tools enable not only reverse engineering, but "round trip" development.
We use Rhapsody®, as our UML platform. It offers a comprehensive implementation of the UML, which is particularly suited to the development of real time and embedded applications.
- Use Case diagrams define the structure of the specification of the system. The Use Cases themselves will typically be linked with documentation managed by a requirements management tool, which defines them.
- Scenarios are models of a particular sequence of events that take place inside a system as part of a Use Case. They enable the designer to experiment with aspects of the system to verify that it will implement a part of the specification correctly.
- Class diagrams may be created to define the logical structure of the code in a system. They help the designer to partition the system into components of suitable sizes and to identify where previously written code may be imported to assist the system's construction.
- State diagrams enable the designer to consider how objects (and possibly Use Cases) function in the system in a formal manner.
- Activity diagrams model the flow of control through a system whilst it is being developed.
- Component diagrams define the physical structure of a software system. The modelled components effectively control how the software is partitioned into modular components.
Overall, these models form both a basis for experimentation with a system under construction and the means by which the system implementation may be linked with its specification.
Please see our TraceIT® products pages for further information on how links may be established between Use Cases and UML artefacts.
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