System developers have used modeling languages for decades to specify, visualize, construct, and document systems. The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is one of those languages. UML makes it possible for team members to collaborate by providing a common language that applies to a multitude of different systems. Essentially, it enables you to communicate solutions in a consistent, tool-supported language.

Today, UML has become the standard method for modeling software systems, which means you're probably confronting this rich and expressive language more than ever before. And even though you may not write UML diagrams yourself, you'll still need to interpret diagrams written by others.

"UML 2.0 in a Nutshell" from O'Reilly feels your pain. It's been crafted for professionals like you who must read, create, and understand system artifacts expressed using UML. Furthermore, it's been fully revised to cover version 2.0 of the language.

This comprehensive new edition not only provides a quick-reference to all UML 2.0 diagram types, it also explains key concepts in a way that appeals to readers already familiar with UML or object-oriented programming concepts.

Topics include:

The role and value of UML in projects

The object-oriented paradigm and its relation to the UML

An integrated approach to UML diagrams

Class and Object, Use Case, Sequence, Collaboration, Statechart, Activity, Component, and Deployment Diagrams

Extension Mechanisms

The Object Constraint Language (OCL)

If you're new to UML, a tutorial with realistic examples has even been included to help you quickly familiarize yourself with the system.

Globe-trotting travelers have long resorted to handy, pocket-size dictionaries as an aid to communicating across the language barrier. Dan Pilone's "UML 2.0 Pocket Reference" is just such an aid for on-the-go developers who need to converse in the Unified Modeling Language (UML). Use this book to decipher the many UML diagrams you'll encounter on the path to delivering a modern software system.

Updated to cover the very latest in UML, you'll find coverage of the following UML 2.0 diagram types:

Class diagrams

Component diagrams*

Sequence diagrams*

Communication diagrams*

Timing diagrams*

Interaction Overview diagrams*

Package diagrams*

Deployment diagrams*

Use case diagrams

Composite structure diagrams*

Activity diagrams*

Statechart diagrams*

* New or expanded coverage in this edition

Also new in this edition is coverage of UML's Object Constraint Language (OCL). Using OCL, you can specify more narrowly the functionality described in a given diagram by recording limits that are the result of business rules and other factors.

The "UML 2.0 Pocket Reference" travels well to meetings and fits nicely into your laptop bag. It's near impossible to memorize all aspects of UML, and with this book along, you won't have to.

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