Using This Book

While other tutorials focus on teaching you about the UML or some pseudomethodology or process that uses the UML, this one focuses on teaching you the essentials. It shows how to effectively and successfully apply the UML, including coverage of object orientation, common usage guidance, and suggestions on how to model systems. Each chapter uses an example-driven approach to progressively introduce key UML concepts with increasingly more involved examples. A project-management system case study is elaborated throughout the book, guiding you in learning how to read, understand, write, and effectively and successfully apply the UML. The objective is not to create a "complete" or "comprehensive" design from which to implement the system, but to explore the case study and to learn how to effectively and successfully apply the UML to communicate in real-world system development. Exercises are included so that you can practice and improve your skills.

When you are done reading this book, you will understand how to use the various UML diagrams and their elements based upon what you want to communicate and what each diagram emphasizes rather than based upon some pseudomethodology or process. You will also have gained insight into the rationale behind the language and how different pieces of the language fit together rather than be left with the perception that the UML is a hodgepodge of different types of diagrams without any underlying scheme, so that you'll generally be able to more effectively and successfully apply the UML. Such an understanding will allow you to stay abreast of the UML as it evolves and new versions become available.

This book, just like every other book ever written, is a snapshot of thoughts in time. The UML will most likely have evolved since the writing of this book; however, this book captures the foundation for learning and effectively and successfully applying the UML. Therefore, this book should remain valuable to you.