UML Distilled: A Brief Guide to the Standard Object Modeling Language, Third Edition

The Unified Software Development Process

Applying UML and Patterns : An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design and Iterative Development (3rd Edition)

Uml

Unified Modeling Language Reference Manual, The (2nd Edition) (Addison-Wesley Object Technology Series)

Format: Hardcover
Author: James Rumbaugh
ReleaseDate: 19 July, 2004
Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional
Rating:

Essential reference for all projects
While it is true that for most developers, this means that you will regularly use a smaller percentage of the language, the actual percentage will vary from person to person and from day to day. Like all dynamic languages, the Unified Modeling Language (UML) is growing more complex over time. Therefore, no abridged UML manual could possibly be adequate. Written by the three creators of the UML, this manual is clearly definitive and one that all developers should have at extended arms reach. Designed to cover the changes in the recently released UML 2. 0, which were significant, a CD with the full text in Adobe PDF form with hotlinks to the definitions of the key terms is also included.
The opening chapter is an overview of the UML and most people can skip it. Chapter two is an overview of models, and this one is worth reading. Short, it introduces some of the fundamental terminology and approaches. A walkthrough of UML is done in chapter three, which introduces the various formal views of a project. They are: static, design, use case, state machine, activity, interaction, deployment, and model management. Each of these views is then explained in a short chapter. These chapters should be required reading for users of the book, as they establish much of the notational and definitional background used in the reference section.
The real value of the book is in the five hundred plus pages of detailed definitions of the key terms and phrases in the UML. Listed in alphabetical order, each entry has the following form:

*) Entry name: the term or phrase.
*) A brief definition, generally one or two sentences.
*) The semantics of the term, generally using several paragraphs. This section Includes the structure,
subordinate items and often an example.
*) The notation of usage. Options and guidelines for use are often included.
*) Discussion (occasional), where the author's opinions and/or a background explanation of the term
are given.
*) History (where appropriate), the changes in how the term is interpreted from earlier versions of the
UML.

Quite frankly, I cannot see how it would be possible for any developer to use anything more than a very tiny subset of the UML if they do not have access to this book. All speakers of a language can use that language in informal communication, but when we want to communicate ideas formally and precisely, a dictionary is essential. That is the role that this book will fill, as no human communication is more precise than when we do it with notations that describe software.

Published in the online Journal of Object Technology, reprinted with permission.

Well written and organized
The bulk of the book is in the dictionary of terms which is organized alphabetically. This isn't something that I would sit down and read just for fun, but it is well written and organized, which makes it easy to use. Each one is described using both a text definition and a notational graphic, and often an example. There is a section on the different types of views at the front of the book.

Tip Top for the dedicated UML modeler
It has in-depth information, is well-written, and is well-organized. I do a lot of UML modelling, and I keep this book by my desk at all times.

The Reference Manual and the Users Guide are generally sold as a pair. Quite frankly, if you have the Reference Manual, then you don't need the Users Guide.

If you are just learning UML and are already familiar with any formal design methodologies, then you can do just fine with the Reference Manual alone. However, if you are new to graphical modeling in general, you may want to buy "UML for Dummies" to serve as a useful introduction.