Unified Modeling Language

language (UML) A non-proprietary, third generation modellinglanguage. The Unified Modeling Language is an open method

used to specify, visualise, construct and document the

artifacts of an object-oriented software-intensive system

under development. The UML represents a compilation of "best

engineering practices" which have proven successful in

modelling large, complex systems.

UML succeeds the concepts of Booch, OMT and OOSE by

fusing them into a single, common and widely usable modelling

language. UML aims to be a standard modelling language which

can model concurrent and distributed systems.

UML is not an industry standard, but is taking shape under

the auspices of the Object Management Group (OMG). OMG has

called for information on object-oriented methodologies, that

might create a rigorous software modelling language. Many

industry leaders have responded in earnest to help create the

standard.

See also: STP, IDE.

OMG UML Home .

Rational UML Resource Center.

(2002-01-03)