UML versions and UML modeling tools/software.
What are UML Diagrams?
UML Diagrams stands for Unified Modeling Language. It is a standard mainly used for creating object-oriented, meaningful documentation models for any software system in the real world. It provides us with a way to develop rich models that describe the working of any software/hardware system.
UML serves as a great way of creating professional documentation which is a necessary part of any project development. UML is an essential part of creating an object-oriented design of systems. It provides you with means for creating powerful models and designs for sound systems that can be understood without difficulty.
UML Versions: Date Version and About
Date: November 1997
Version: 1.1
About: UML was adopted by Object Management Group. This was the first version of UML.
Date: March 2000
Version: 1.3
About: A minor upgrade was done to the existing model with notable changes in semantics, notations, and meta-models of UML.
Date: September 2001
Version: 1.4
About: This was the period of the major update to the UML. It scaled UML by providing various extensions. Visibility, artifact, stereotypes were introduced in diagrams.
Date: September 2001
Version: 1.4
About: This was the period of the major update to the UML. It scaled UML by providing various extensions. Visibility, artifact, stereotypes were introduced in diagrams.
Characteristics of UML
- It is a generalized modeling language.
- It is different from software programming languages such as Python, C, C++, etc.
- It is a pictorial language that can be used to generate powerful modeling elements.
- It is related to object-oriented designs and analysis.
- It has unlimited applications even outside the software industry. It can be used to visualize the workflow of a factory.
UML Tools
Since UML is a Unified Modeling Language, it is used to create meaningful, object-oriented models for a software application. It clearly represents the working of any hardware/ software system. There are numerous tools, both commercial and open-source, which are available for designing UML diagrams, are enlisted below:
Draw.io is an open-source modeling tool to create flowcharts, process diagrams,UML, ER, and network diagrams.
Features:
- Since it is very easy to use, it provides an intuitive interface, drag& drop functionality, a huge amount of templates, and also, it does not need to install.
- It offers security and reliability.
- It can be used anywhere, both online and offline.
- It is compatible with every browser.
Lucidchart is an HTML 5 based UML tool that allows user interaction while drawing, editing, and sharing diagrams and charts. With Lucidchart, you can create simple flowcharts as well as complex technical diagrams.
Features:
- It works faster with keyboard shortcuts.
- It constitutes the concept of containerization as the complex diagram involves several steps and people.
- It manages user account by increasing security.
- It is platform-independent.
Magic Draw is used to model UML diagrams, SysML, BPMN, and UPDM that supports the dynamic collaboration of the team. This tool is meant for business analysts, software analysts, programmers, and QA engineers. It facilitates analyzing and designing object-oriented systems and databases.
Features:
- It provides round-trip support for programming languages (J2EE, C#, C++, COBRA IDL), .NET, XML Schema, DDL generation, and database schema.
- It incorporates the concept of reverse engineering.
- It is a domain-specific language.
- It constitutes model decomposition that categorizes the main project into several distinct independents parts.
- It encompasses model refactoring to improve the existing model.
Visio is a part of the Microsoft family, which is a diagramming software. It is helpful in drawing building plans, floor charts, data flow diagrams, process flow diagrams, business process modeling, swimlane diagrams, and many more.
Features:
- It connects the diagrams and the flowcharts to real-time data.
- Since it is a platform-independent, it can be accessed from anywhere.
Dia is an open-source general-purpose drawing tool, which is licensed under GPL. It let you create flow charts, UML diagrams, network diagrams, circuit diagrams, and many more. It allows you to incorporate a subset of Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) while writing a simpleXML
file for drawing new shapes.
Features:
- Dia can export diagrams to several formats, which include EPS (Encapsulated PostScript), SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), DXF (AutoCAD’s Drawing Interchange Format), CGM (Computer Graphics Metafile defined by ISO standards), WMF (Windows Meta File), PNG (Portable Network Graphics), JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), and VDX (Microsoft’s XML for Visio drawing).
- It let you create many different types of diagrams as it incorporates special objects that help you in drawing ER diagrams, UML diagrams, network diagrams, flowcharts, etc.
Draw.io vs. Lucidchart: Which is better in 2022?
Some things are near impossible to explain using words alone. This is especially true in the software world when describing systems, and the relationships between them. How do we solve that problem? With diagrams, of course. Two great tools for creating diagrams across all types of industries are Lucidchart and Draw.io. So, which is the best for your business? Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
Lucidchart is a popular, US-based diagramming tool with an abundance of different shapes and diagram types to choose from. It’s easy to use, doesn’t need a download, and is compatible with many other programs.
Draw.io is another diagram tool from the UK that practically anyone can get the hang of in a matter of minutes. Like Lucidchart, Draw.io also has templates to choose from, and is compatible with other programs. One of the best things about Draw.io is that you can start creating straight away just by visiting their website.
What features do they have?
Lucidchart and Draw.io have plenty of things in common, which makes choosing the best one for your team or business a little complicated. While they offer very similar services and benefits, there are some differences that make each stand out.
Templates and shapes
Both have plenty of templates to choose from, be it a flowchart, mind map, or UML diagram. All of the basics are available on Draw.io, but for more intricate and industry-specific templates, like wireframes, Lucidchart is the best choice. As for shapes, both have all the shapes you could ever need. For a more artistic flair, like when creating an infographic or a banner, Draw.io has better style choices.
Templates and shapes
Both have plenty of templates to choose from, be it a flowchart, mind map, or UML diagram. All of the basics are available on Draw.io, but for more intricate and industry-specific templates, like wireframes, Lucidchart is the best choice. As for shapes, both have all the shapes you could ever need. For a more artistic flair, like when creating an infographic or a banner, Draw.io has better style choices.
Importing, exporting, and integrations
One great feature you can find in both tools is the ability to import and export files. Files from Google, Gliffy, Jira, Confluence, and more, are all compatible with Draw.io and Lucidchart. Both also allow for third-party integrations from many other services. Have a look at this chart for a better understanding of what programs you can use with each. There are too many third-parties to name here, so check out their websites for a full list.
User interface
What’s more important than usability? Both programs are simple, clean, and intuitive. You can drag and drop shapes as well as files directly onto the diagram. A benefit of Draw.io is that you can start right away, with no sign-up or download. Both options do have downloadable programs, if that’s what you prefer.
Which is better, Draw.io or Lucidchart?
Of course, the matter of ‘which is best’ depends on your needs. For larger enterprises, with more complex diagram requirements, Lucidchart is widely regarded as the best choice. For things like engineering, software design, and architecture, Lucidchart will provide you with all the support and options you need. However, for diagrams you need on the go, or for more creative designs, Draw.io is best suited to those categories. Still not sure which one is best for you? Try their free trials, and see which one you like more.
Summary
- UML stands for unified modeling language.
- It is used for creating object-oriented models for representing the design and functioning of a system.
- It was developed by Grady Booch, Ivar Jacobson, and James Rumbaugh.
- UML is a successor of object-oriented languages, but it is far different than them.
- Structural, behavioral, and interaction are three types of UML diagrams.
- UML is recognized as an ISO standard which is used by many industries for developing documentation and model blueprints.
Make your own diagram with any of the UML tools. Goodluck
