The Elements of UML 2.0 Style is an ideal quick reference describing UML modeling guidelines.

The Unified Modeling Language (UML) has been an important part of the software development landscape since its introduction in 1997. We’ve seen the UML evolve over the years, it is now into its 2.x series of releases, yet one thing has been constant and is likely to remain so – modeling style. Models are used by professional developers to communicate their work to project stakeholders or to other developers, and by understanding and following common modeling style guidelines you can improve the effectiveness of your models.

This book describes a collection of standards, conventions, and guidelines for creating effective UML diagrams. They are based on sound, proven software engineering principles that lead to diagrams that are easier to understand and work with. These conventions exist as a collection of simple, concise guidelines that if applied consistently, represent an important first step in increasing your productivity as a modeler.

The Strengths of The Elements of UML 2.0 Style

This guide attempts to emulate Strunk and White’s seminal text, The Elements of Style, which lists a set of rules describing the proper application of grammatical and compositional forms in common use within the written English language. This book is small, short, and to the point. Using a similar style of presentation, The Elements of UML 2.0 Style defines a set of rules for developing high-quality UML diagrams. In doing so, this guide:

• • Employs existing standards defined by the Object Management Group (OMG) wherever possible
  • Provides a justification for each rule
  • Presents standards based on real-world experience and proven software-engineering principles.
  • Gathers critical modeling guidelines in a compact and handy format – a book that fits right in your shirt pocket.

Book Organization

• • Chapter 1: Introduction
  • Chapter 2: General diagramming guidelines (26 guidelines)
  • Chapter 3: Guidelines for common UML modeling elements (31 guidelines)
  • Chapter 4: UML Use case diagram guidelines (29 guidelines)
  • Chapter 5: UML Class diagram guidelines (59 guidelines)
  • Chapter 6: UML Package diagram guidelines (12 guidelines)
  • Chapter 7: UML Sequence diagram guidelines (25 guidelines)
  • Chapter 8: UML Communication diagram guidelines (15 guidelines)
  • Chapter 9: UML State Machine diagram guidelines (23 guidelines)
  • Chapter 10: UML Activity diagram guidelines (43 guidelines)
  • Chapter 11: UML Component diagram guidelines (10 guidelines)
  • Chapter 12: UML Deployment diagram guidelines (13 guidelines)
  • Chapter 13: UML Object diagram guidelines (3 guidelines)
  • Chapter 14: UML Composite Structure diagram guidelines (4 guidelines)
  • Chapter 15: UML Interaction Overview diagrams guidelines (2 guidelines)
  • Chapter 16: UML Timing diagram guidelines (13 guidelines)
  • Chapter 17: Agile Modeling (a listing of the values, principles, and practices)
  • Chapter 13: Summary (a listing of all the guidelines)

Related Resources:

• • Introduction to UML 2.x
  • Modeling Style