UML Chart Software "Agile"

Question

I tried about 7-8 UML programs from a simple to a reasonable complex, and I have not yet found any software that I'm in love with.

Gliffy is closest to the right path. It is limited by functions, which means that nothing prevents you from just drawing. And it can be integrated with my problem tracker and the wiki is fine too. However, there are no symbols for activity and state diagrams. Plus its connection process is a bit awkward.

So, I also use MagicDraw. He very quickly creates circuits using connection modes. However, the program is too much for my use. I just want to type <<cat>> into the class field, and not define it as a new stereotype in the UML profile at first, etc. .... In addition, the program takes loading, saving, etc. forever.

The Autodesk Sketchbook and graphics tablet are pretty good enough, and I use it as my whiteboard for a lot of things. Quickly, but randomly, and moving characters around and maintaining connections is much faster in vector boxes.

So, I continue to search for UML diagram software, which says that the Agile developer typically uses to quickly sketch without having to fight the tool or slow down the tool. No reverse engineering or code development, no smart features that block you in standard UML. I know what to draw, I just want to get enough tools to speed it up.

Visio I didn’t like it for 5 minutes, the same with ArgoUML and something Dusan and some others that I tried?

Does anyone use something that just doesn't bother without exploring quirks?

Edit: Windows platform.

Answer 1

Have you tried http://yuml.me/ ? The text is manageable and super easy. That's right if you do not want to be nervous with an overloaded tool.

You just enter:

 # Cool UML Diagram [Customer]+1->*[Order] [Order]++1-items >*[LineItem] [Order]-0..1>[PaymentMethod] 

It creates a chart as follows:

Answer 2

Try PlantUML . It is easy to use.

Write the following lines in your favorite text editor:

 @startuml class Cat << cat >> @enduml 

And run plantuml. As a result, you will get a beautiful diagram in the same directory:

Answer 3

If you're on a Mac, you can try OmniGraffle. It will make your diagrams without any charge, but can only support the most common types of diagrams 4 or 5 UML from memory.

Answer 4

Does anyone use something that just doesn't get in the way without having to learn his quirks?

I think you already know the answer: "No, this is impossible."

I liked JUDE because the community published a good job. He has been gutted since they renamed him Astah .

I will ask one more question: is UML really important? This is similar to the idea of ​​the 90s, whose day is long gone. UML and agile do not belong to the same sentence. This usually means BUFD and the standards set by the architecture teams.

Autodesk's sketchbook and graphics tablet is almost good enough, and I use it as my board for tons of stuff. Quickly, but randomly, of course, moving characters around and keeping connections in the vector is much faster based on boxes.

I like this solution. It seems to be more in the spirit of what you want. Why is this not so?

Answer 5

If you are using Java, it is important to match the mapping between the XMI and Java identifiers.

As for your "cat" of free text in the diagram, please do not forget that in UML you have 2 levels of customization. You can use free text before the class name or stereotypes. This parameter is usually called a keyword. As for the stereotype, this requires the creation of a profile that has its own rules. The keyword "cat" is better for your example.

Answer 6

What about Gaphor ? When using UMLasSketch, Gaphor is useful because it allows you to mix elements from different types of diagrams in the same model.

Answer 7

This may sound abnormal, but have you recently tried using Google Docs ? The chart symbols and connectors in Google Drawing work very well - they seem to work a lot more than "what I think" compared to Visio.

In addition, you have the advantage that it is stored and shared online using simple URLs.

Answer 8

If you are looking for a visual modeling tool, try Dia .

Answer 9

For me, the best modeling tool (for UML, ER, BPM, etc.) is Sybase PowerDesigner, but it is expensive (licenses for thousands of dollars).

A cheaper alternative is Sparx Enterprise Architect.