What’s the easiest way to understand a system? Many people would think of going through the software’s documentation. But what if there was another, much easier way? The easiest way is called a UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagram.
A UML diagram is a graphical representation of a system and its components. It showcases the classes, objects, and relationships within the structures of software.
The real question, however, is how to draw a UML diagram. You can create one using different applications. Let’s see that and everything else in this guide!
How to Create a UML Diagram
Creating your first UML diagram can be a bit overwhelming. But that’s not the case if you use the right tool. EdrawMax has a large collection of templates you can modify to create the ideal UML diagram.
The first thing to do is to download and install the EdrawMax application. Or, you can head to its web version. After that, follow the steps below to find out how to create UML diagrams.
- Click Templates from the left toolbar.
- Now, select UML Diagram from the main menu.
- You will see all the templates available. Choose any option by hovering over it and clicking Use Immediately. For this guide, let’s go with the UML Object Diagram because it is short and simple.
- To make changes to any component, double-click that area. For instance, let’s change the class name of all three objects.
- Next, you can add more components from the left toolbar. Choose the right option by expanding the sections.
- After drawing the diagram, go to File from the top menu bar to save or export your project in the desired format.
Note that the EdrawMax offers 14 unique exporting options, including PNG, JPG, HTML, xlsx, Word, etc.
Why EdrawMax is the Best UML Diagram Tool?
What makes EdrawMax stand out from the rest?
Here are a few features that make EdrawMax the ultimate UML diagram tool!
1.Ease Of Use
If you are looking for an easy way to draw UML diagrams, look no further than EdrawMax. This tool has a large variety of templates for different systems. You can pick a template, make modifications, and it is ready to go.
2.Saves Time
The use of templates is not only easy but also very quick. That’s because you do not have to create a UML diagram from scratch. The application has built-in templates for various systems. All you need is to adjust an option according to your requirements.
3.Visually Appealing
UML diagrams consist of a wide range of components. Generally, they are represented by different shapes. EdrawMax makes this job more exciting; it offers endless customization options for its elements. Plus, it has a large library of components for different purposes.
4.Supports Different Formats
Saving a file is easy and convenient with EdrawMax. It allows you to export your UML diagram in several formats, including PDF, DOC, XLSX, SVG, PS, and HTML.
5.Share With Others
Done with your first UML diagram? Show it to the world with EdrawMax. The app enables you to generate a link for your project. You can also share your diagram via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or scanning the QR code. If you want others to know the back end of this diagram, EdrawMax can help you share the HTML link of the file.
How To Read a UML Diagram?
A UML diagram is a quicker and more effective way to understand a system. That’s because it provides all the software information visually. But how to read a UML diagram? The answer is by going through its vital components.
Every UML diagram is different but consists of some same fundamental features. They help you in reading the graphical representation of a system. Here’s how you can understand a UML diagram:
Fundamental Concepts Of a UML Diagram
There are some basic building blocks of a UML diagram. One must understand them to read a diagram. They are:
1.Object
An object is also known as an entity. It is a real-world component that serves as the building block of UML diagrams. A system consists of a large number of objects.
2.Class
A class is the collection of objects and the relationships between them. Each class has some attributes and methods.
3.Relationships
A system consists of objects, classes, methods, roles, and artifacts. All of them are connected to each other via some relationship. It is a fundamental concept of UML that describes how one component links to another.
4.Roles
A UML diagram also defines what function a class or object may perform. That is known as the role of that component. We describe it in the diagram to make it easier to understand.
The Three Partitions Of A UML Diagram
A UML diagram consists of the following three sections:
1.The Upper Section
The upper section consists of the basic information about a class. That may include its name.
2.The Middle Section
This partition contains the attributes of a class, along with their visibility. A class may have private (-), public (+), or package (~) visibility.
3.The Bottom Section
The last partition of a UML diagram contains operations, also known as methods, in a system. They define the function that a class will perform.
To read a UML diagram, we go through its partitions and components. We understand the relationships between classes to get a clearer picture. Furthermore, you can also add notes in a diagram. They help in getting a better grasp on the system and its working.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have learned how to draw UML diagrams in 5 simple steps. However, you can not master this art on the first try. Try modifying different templates to get a better understanding. Start with a simpler template that has only a few classes. It will be easier to update according to your requirements.
Once ready, try creating a new UML diagram from scratch on EdrawMax. The application has a wide range of digital components you can integrate into your project. They will help you create a more functional and detailed diagram.
