How UML is used

Reviewer: Andrew Brooks

A Web survey on unified modeling language (UML) usage was carried out between March 2003 and March 2004. It yielded 171 usable responses from analysts using UML. Object, component, and deployment diagrams were excluded from the survey. Results indicated that class diagrams were the most frequently used component, and collaboration diagrams were the least used. At least half of the UML projects were not use case driven. Clients were involved not only in the development, review, and approval of use case diagrams and use case narratives, but also with other UML components. Lack of understanding was a major reason for infrequent use of UML components. The authors' interpretations seem reasonable, but they fail to remind the reader that questionnaire surveys are the weakest form of instrument. Without confirmation from case studies or experiments, the veracity of survey results is always in doubt. The actual questions used are not provided, and readers cannot judge for themselves the quality of question wording. Data analysis is based on percentages of particular fractions of the survey. This can be confusing. For example, in Table 2, it is reported that class diagrams were not well understood 50 percent of the time; text on an earlier page reveals that the fraction being discussed represents only eight respondents. Despite this article's shortcomings, this research has revealed that clients can be involved in UML components other than use case diagrams and use case narratives. As such, this article will be of interest to anyone with an interest in UML. Online Computing Reviews Service