from
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)
Unified Modeling Language
UML
<language> (UML) A non-proprietary, third generation {modelling
language}. 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 (http://uml.org/).
Rational UML Resource Center
(http://rational.com/uml/index.jsp).
(2002-01-03)