UML Tools

Posted on | 23 August 2006 | No Comments
Tags: ide | uml

UML is the defacto standard for visually representing object-oriented design. UML diagrams can simplify wordy design documents without the need for complicated key legends to explain adhoc symbols. In companies where adhoc diagramming are used, the legends are often missing, causing ambiguities and confusion. UML goes hand-in-hand with Java programming, as it is suitable for orient-oriented design. So there is no excuse for not using UML in Java projects, especially for transferring design to programmers or for programmers to document their designs.

The most common arguments against using UML is the cost of licensing of suitable software. However, there exists very cheap options.
Here is a good list of UML Tools just so you know what is out there. I have no idea how current this list is, but it seems quite comprehensive.

I also have another suggestion that is not on the list, probably because the list was compiled before this software was in existence. That is the MyEclipse add-on which has support for UML, Spring, Hibernate, and Struts, among others. And at just around $50 for the Professional Edition that includes the UML editor, MyEclipse is still VERY affordable. So if you’re using Eclipse anyway, then MyEclipse is probably the best way to go.

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