What is the UML?

If you missed the beginning of this series, you may be wondering what the UML is and why it is important to you. The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is an analysis and design specification that defines the diagrams, the graphical notation, and the syntax for describing and documenting software designs. In November of 1997, the UML was adopted by the OMG (Object Management Group) standards committee and quickly became the universal modeling language. Before that time, there were over 50 different methodology camps, each with their own proprietary symbols and syntax. Three of the main OO gurus—Grady Booch, Ivar Jacobson, and James Rumbaugh—united together under the umbrella of Rational Software Corp. They took the best of their own methodologies (as well as a number of other leading gurus) and "unified" them into a single modeling language. Finally, we have what other engineering disciplines have had for many years—standard diagrams and syntax that enables us to create models that we can exchange with others to convey the meaning of our software designs. These days, it's difficult to find a college or university that doesn't teach the UML to its IT students. The UML is not a silver bullet, but more and more companies are looking for UML skills in job candidates to determine whether they are "serious" professionals.