UML Weekend Crash Course™ - To Parent Directory

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Sunday Afternoon
Take a look at the central elements of the tool:
Main Menu: At the top of Figure 30-1, you see the typical menu. In a modeling tool, you
will also find a menu, often called Tools or something similar, that gives you access to the
code generation features, database schema creation, export and import of models, and links
to related tools like data modeling tools and Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
or coding environments.
Figure 30-1 Modeling tool interface
Model Navigation: Each tool typically provides a navigation window. Figure 30-1 shows
the navigation window in the left side panel. The upper portion looks a lot like a directory
tree. Notice that it uses packages (folder icons) containing diagrams and definition files.
The lower half of the left side is a detail window that displays the properties of the
currently selected item. Often this is a thumbnail view of a diagram or audit details about a
package or other selected item.
Canvas: The large white area on the right side of Figure 30-1 is the drawing canvas. This
is where you create, view, and maintain all your diagrams. Just above the canvas is a row of
buttons, or a toolbar, for each diagram element. This toolbar may also appear to the immediate
left of the canvas or float over the canvas depending on the tool. The contents of the
toolbar change depending upon which diagram you are drawing.
Explaining Evaluation Criteria for Modeling Tools
The next big question is, “How do I choose the right tool for my project” As with any
decision, you first must decide what your needs are. Modeling tools come in all shapes and