UML
 

• As stated on http://www.embarcadero.com/support/what_is_uml.asp:

   The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a standard way to
   specify, construct, and document systems that use
   object-oriented code such as Java, C++ or IDL. As with any
   language, the UML has its own notation and syntax. Its notation
   comprises a set of specialized shapes for constructing different
   kinds of software diagrams. Each shape has a particular
   meaning, and the UML syntax dictates how the shapes can be
   combined.

   Although many major object-oriented analysis and design
   methods influenced the development of the UML, it is derived
   primarily from three notations: Booch OOD (Object-Oriented
   Design), Rumbaugh OMT (Object Modeling Technique), and
   Jacobson OOSE (Object-Oriented Software Engineering).

   In 1997, the Object Management Group (OMG) made the
   UML a standard modeling language for object-oriented
   applications.   The OMG includes more than 800 software
   vendors, developers, and users who seek a common
   architectural framework for object-oriented programming.

   The entire UML specification and UML usage guidelines are
   available for viewing and download from the OMG."
 

• The best way to explain UML is with a UML tool.  So let's start by evaluating the tools that are available for UML development.

Created by:  Brandan Jones December 17, 2001