Introduction: UML modeling for information system architecture

Tutorials > UML modeling for information system architecture > Introduction: UML modeling for information system architecture

Apply the Use Case approach to design part of a hotel reservation system. Begin by analyzing Use Cases, then model with Sequence and Collaboration diagrams, and then build a simple UML Class diagram. Lastly, model the dynamic behavior of one of the classes in the system using a State diagram.

The Unified Modeling Language (UML) has become the standard notation for modeling object-oriented and component-based systems. UML is a language not a method–it provides a specification for a standard set of symbols to represent object-oriented systems and concepts, and a specification for the underlying semantics–clearly defining what the symbols mean and how they are related. It is not a method because it does not specify how to build systems.

Use Case Driven method

There are a number of methods for developing object-oriented and component-based systems with UML. Most popular UML methods (including RUP and Iconix) adhere to a Use Case-driven approach. In general, the Use Case-driven approach involves beginning analysis by trying to capture the problem at hand using Use Case diagrams. Use Cases are used to capture each scenario in the existing system or in the system to be built. Each Use Case is then decomposed by Sequence and/or Collaboration diagrams to model the objects that make the scenario work.

See a Summary of the method for a Use Case-driven approach to systems design.

Learning objectives

By the end of this tutorial, you will know how to:

•model with use cases

•create sequence diagrams and collaboration diagrams

•create class diagrams

•create state diagrams

•map class diagrams to entity relation diagrams

Time required

This tutorial should take over 60 minutes to finish. If you explore other concepts related to this tutorial, it could take longer to complete.

Skill level

Beginner

Prerequisites

Before you begin this tutorial, make sure that you have completed the Prerequisites.

Modules in this tutorial

Module 1: Model with use cases

Examine existing Use Cases, and build a Use Case diagram. Create Use Cases to model the scenario of a customer making a reservation.

Module 2: Create sequence and collaboration diagrams

Build a simple sequence diagram to illustrate the relationships between objects in your Use Cases. Buid a collaboration diagram to see more detail about how objects in a sequence diagram relate.

Module 3: Create class diagrams

Create class diagrams to display the structure of the classes in the hotel system.

Module 4: Create state diagrams

Create a state diagram to show the events that cause a transition from one state to another state, in a class. Build a state diagram for the Reservation class.

Module 5: Map class diagrams to entity relation diagrams

Map a UML class diagram to an Entity Relation (ER) diagram to give you greater modeling capabilities.

Module 1: Model with use cases