Category Archives: CS-343

The Uml digram

 

The blog
post, UML Diagrams – Everything You Need to Know to Improve Team Collaboration,
provides a clear explanation of Unified Modeling Language(UML) Diagram, its
usage and types ending with how it helps to visualize the project. Starting
off, the blog covers the usage of UML diagrams, continuing with its key uses,
forward design, modeling before coding to plan a system, and backward design, modeling
after coding to document a finished system. Also, it covers the thirteen UML diagram
types and what each type shows and describes what each type represents and how
it contributes to visualizing processes effectively.

I chose this
article as it summarizes clearly what the UML diagram, its usage, how the UML
diagram can be used to collaborate with other teammates. First was that since
the class, I felt that I needed to understand UML diagrams better as I still
did not get what use does it has. The fact that it emphasizes UML diagram as
white board for building and analyzing the system the team gave me some reason
for understanding more about UML diagram. Not only that, but the article also
clearly goes in-depth about the UML diagram that goes way in depth compared to
the course of behavioral and structural diagrams and how they can fit together
in real-world workflows. Overall, this blog clarified how UML diagrams support
collaboration as a visual tools to help team members to see and discuss system
structures and behaviors. It made me view UML not just as an academic
requirement but as a practical communication tool that can strengthen teamwork
in future software projects.

           After
looking at the article and learning more about UML diagram, I felt like even
though it might not be perfect, that I might have to use it for future use. When
coding I have something on my mind to create, but when trying to explain it or comment
on the structure of the code. Sometimes others don’t understand or sometimes I cannot
remember why I did that later. Not only that, but the rough draft of the
structure can also be used when talking with other teammates because I cannot
do everything by myself and we need to see the same picture, and I think UML diagram
will be the virtual whiteboard for it.  

 

https://www.bluescape.com/resource-library/uml-diagrams-everything-you-need-to-know-to-improve-team-collaboration

From the blog Sung Jin's CS Devlopemnt Blog by Unknown and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

The Uml digram

 

The blog
post, UML Diagrams – Everything You Need to Know to Improve Team Collaboration,
provides a clear explanation of Unified Modeling Language(UML) Diagram, its
usage and types ending with how it helps to visualize the project. Starting
off, the blog covers the usage of UML diagrams, continuing with its key uses,
forward design, modeling before coding to plan a system, and backward design, modeling
after coding to document a finished system. Also, it covers the thirteen UML diagram
types and what each type shows and describes what each type represents and how
it contributes to visualizing processes effectively.

I chose this
article as it summarizes clearly what the UML diagram, its usage, how the UML
diagram can be used to collaborate with other teammates. First was that since
the class, I felt that I needed to understand UML diagrams better as I still
did not get what use does it has. The fact that it emphasizes UML diagram as
white board for building and analyzing the system the team gave me some reason
for understanding more about UML diagram. Not only that, but the article also
clearly goes in-depth about the UML diagram that goes way in depth compared to
the course of behavioral and structural diagrams and how they can fit together
in real-world workflows. Overall, this blog clarified how UML diagrams support
collaboration as a visual tools to help team members to see and discuss system
structures and behaviors. It made me view UML not just as an academic
requirement but as a practical communication tool that can strengthen teamwork
in future software projects.

           After
looking at the article and learning more about UML diagram, I felt like even
though it might not be perfect, that I might have to use it for future use. When
coding I have something on my mind to create, but when trying to explain it or comment
on the structure of the code. Sometimes others don’t understand or sometimes I cannot
remember why I did that later. Not only that, but the rough draft of the
structure can also be used when talking with other teammates because I cannot
do everything by myself and we need to see the same picture, and I think UML diagram
will be the virtual whiteboard for it.  

 

https://www.bluescape.com/resource-library/uml-diagrams-everything-you-need-to-know-to-improve-team-collaboration

From the blog Sung Jin's CS Devlopemnt Blog by Unknown and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

The Uml digram

 

The blog
post, UML Diagrams – Everything You Need to Know to Improve Team Collaboration,
provides a clear explanation of Unified Modeling Language(UML) Diagram, its
usage and types ending with how it helps to visualize the project. Starting
off, the blog covers the usage of UML diagrams, continuing with its key uses,
forward design, modeling before coding to plan a system, and backward design, modeling
after coding to document a finished system. Also, it covers the thirteen UML diagram
types and what each type shows and describes what each type represents and how
it contributes to visualizing processes effectively.

I chose this
article as it summarizes clearly what the UML diagram, its usage, how the UML
diagram can be used to collaborate with other teammates. First was that since
the class, I felt that I needed to understand UML diagrams better as I still
did not get what use does it has. The fact that it emphasizes UML diagram as
white board for building and analyzing the system the team gave me some reason
for understanding more about UML diagram. Not only that, but the article also
clearly goes in-depth about the UML diagram that goes way in depth compared to
the course of behavioral and structural diagrams and how they can fit together
in real-world workflows. Overall, this blog clarified how UML diagrams support
collaboration as a visual tools to help team members to see and discuss system
structures and behaviors. It made me view UML not just as an academic
requirement but as a practical communication tool that can strengthen teamwork
in future software projects.

           After
looking at the article and learning more about UML diagram, I felt like even
though it might not be perfect, that I might have to use it for future use. When
coding I have something on my mind to create, but when trying to explain it or comment
on the structure of the code. Sometimes others don’t understand or sometimes I cannot
remember why I did that later. Not only that, but the rough draft of the
structure can also be used when talking with other teammates because I cannot
do everything by myself and we need to see the same picture, and I think UML diagram
will be the virtual whiteboard for it.  

 

https://www.bluescape.com/resource-library/uml-diagrams-everything-you-need-to-know-to-improve-team-collaboration

From the blog Sung Jin's CS Devlopemnt Blog by Unknown and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

The Uml digram

 

The blog
post, UML Diagrams – Everything You Need to Know to Improve Team Collaboration,
provides a clear explanation of Unified Modeling Language(UML) Diagram, its
usage and types ending with how it helps to visualize the project. Starting
off, the blog covers the usage of UML diagrams, continuing with its key uses,
forward design, modeling before coding to plan a system, and backward design, modeling
after coding to document a finished system. Also, it covers the thirteen UML diagram
types and what each type shows and describes what each type represents and how
it contributes to visualizing processes effectively.

I chose this
article as it summarizes clearly what the UML diagram, its usage, how the UML
diagram can be used to collaborate with other teammates. First was that since
the class, I felt that I needed to understand UML diagrams better as I still
did not get what use does it has. The fact that it emphasizes UML diagram as
white board for building and analyzing the system the team gave me some reason
for understanding more about UML diagram. Not only that, but the article also
clearly goes in-depth about the UML diagram that goes way in depth compared to
the course of behavioral and structural diagrams and how they can fit together
in real-world workflows. Overall, this blog clarified how UML diagrams support
collaboration as a visual tools to help team members to see and discuss system
structures and behaviors. It made me view UML not just as an academic
requirement but as a practical communication tool that can strengthen teamwork
in future software projects.

           After
looking at the article and learning more about UML diagram, I felt like even
though it might not be perfect, that I might have to use it for future use. When
coding I have something on my mind to create, but when trying to explain it or comment
on the structure of the code. Sometimes others don’t understand or sometimes I cannot
remember why I did that later. Not only that, but the rough draft of the
structure can also be used when talking with other teammates because I cannot
do everything by myself and we need to see the same picture, and I think UML diagram
will be the virtual whiteboard for it.  

 

https://www.bluescape.com/resource-library/uml-diagrams-everything-you-need-to-know-to-improve-team-collaboration

From the blog Sung Jin's CS Devlopemnt Blog by Unknown and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

The Uml digram

 

The blog
post, UML Diagrams – Everything You Need to Know to Improve Team Collaboration,
provides a clear explanation of Unified Modeling Language(UML) Diagram, its
usage and types ending with how it helps to visualize the project. Starting
off, the blog covers the usage of UML diagrams, continuing with its key uses,
forward design, modeling before coding to plan a system, and backward design, modeling
after coding to document a finished system. Also, it covers the thirteen UML diagram
types and what each type shows and describes what each type represents and how
it contributes to visualizing processes effectively.

I chose this
article as it summarizes clearly what the UML diagram, its usage, how the UML
diagram can be used to collaborate with other teammates. First was that since
the class, I felt that I needed to understand UML diagrams better as I still
did not get what use does it has. The fact that it emphasizes UML diagram as
white board for building and analyzing the system the team gave me some reason
for understanding more about UML diagram. Not only that, but the article also
clearly goes in-depth about the UML diagram that goes way in depth compared to
the course of behavioral and structural diagrams and how they can fit together
in real-world workflows. Overall, this blog clarified how UML diagrams support
collaboration as a visual tools to help team members to see and discuss system
structures and behaviors. It made me view UML not just as an academic
requirement but as a practical communication tool that can strengthen teamwork
in future software projects.

           After
looking at the article and learning more about UML diagram, I felt like even
though it might not be perfect, that I might have to use it for future use. When
coding I have something on my mind to create, but when trying to explain it or comment
on the structure of the code. Sometimes others don’t understand or sometimes I cannot
remember why I did that later. Not only that, but the rough draft of the
structure can also be used when talking with other teammates because I cannot
do everything by myself and we need to see the same picture, and I think UML diagram
will be the virtual whiteboard for it.  

 

https://www.bluescape.com/resource-library/uml-diagrams-everything-you-need-to-know-to-improve-team-collaboration

From the blog Sung Jin's CS Devlopemnt Blog by Unknown and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

The Uml digram

 

The blog
post, UML Diagrams – Everything You Need to Know to Improve Team Collaboration,
provides a clear explanation of Unified Modeling Language(UML) Diagram, its
usage and types ending with how it helps to visualize the project. Starting
off, the blog covers the usage of UML diagrams, continuing with its key uses,
forward design, modeling before coding to plan a system, and backward design, modeling
after coding to document a finished system. Also, it covers the thirteen UML diagram
types and what each type shows and describes what each type represents and how
it contributes to visualizing processes effectively.

I chose this
article as it summarizes clearly what the UML diagram, its usage, how the UML
diagram can be used to collaborate with other teammates. First was that since
the class, I felt that I needed to understand UML diagrams better as I still
did not get what use does it has. The fact that it emphasizes UML diagram as
white board for building and analyzing the system the team gave me some reason
for understanding more about UML diagram. Not only that, but the article also
clearly goes in-depth about the UML diagram that goes way in depth compared to
the course of behavioral and structural diagrams and how they can fit together
in real-world workflows. Overall, this blog clarified how UML diagrams support
collaboration as a visual tools to help team members to see and discuss system
structures and behaviors. It made me view UML not just as an academic
requirement but as a practical communication tool that can strengthen teamwork
in future software projects.

           After
looking at the article and learning more about UML diagram, I felt like even
though it might not be perfect, that I might have to use it for future use. When
coding I have something on my mind to create, but when trying to explain it or comment
on the structure of the code. Sometimes others don’t understand or sometimes I cannot
remember why I did that later. Not only that, but the rough draft of the
structure can also be used when talking with other teammates because I cannot
do everything by myself and we need to see the same picture, and I think UML diagram
will be the virtual whiteboard for it.  

 

https://www.bluescape.com/resource-library/uml-diagrams-everything-you-need-to-know-to-improve-team-collaboration

From the blog Sung Jin's CS Devlopemnt Blog by Unknown and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

The Uml digram

 

The blog
post, UML Diagrams – Everything You Need to Know to Improve Team Collaboration,
provides a clear explanation of Unified Modeling Language(UML) Diagram, its
usage and types ending with how it helps to visualize the project. Starting
off, the blog covers the usage of UML diagrams, continuing with its key uses,
forward design, modeling before coding to plan a system, and backward design, modeling
after coding to document a finished system. Also, it covers the thirteen UML diagram
types and what each type shows and describes what each type represents and how
it contributes to visualizing processes effectively.

I chose this
article as it summarizes clearly what the UML diagram, its usage, how the UML
diagram can be used to collaborate with other teammates. First was that since
the class, I felt that I needed to understand UML diagrams better as I still
did not get what use does it has. The fact that it emphasizes UML diagram as
white board for building and analyzing the system the team gave me some reason
for understanding more about UML diagram. Not only that, but the article also
clearly goes in-depth about the UML diagram that goes way in depth compared to
the course of behavioral and structural diagrams and how they can fit together
in real-world workflows. Overall, this blog clarified how UML diagrams support
collaboration as a visual tools to help team members to see and discuss system
structures and behaviors. It made me view UML not just as an academic
requirement but as a practical communication tool that can strengthen teamwork
in future software projects.

           After
looking at the article and learning more about UML diagram, I felt like even
though it might not be perfect, that I might have to use it for future use. When
coding I have something on my mind to create, but when trying to explain it or comment
on the structure of the code. Sometimes others don’t understand or sometimes I cannot
remember why I did that later. Not only that, but the rough draft of the
structure can also be used when talking with other teammates because I cannot
do everything by myself and we need to see the same picture, and I think UML diagram
will be the virtual whiteboard for it.  

 

https://www.bluescape.com/resource-library/uml-diagrams-everything-you-need-to-know-to-improve-team-collaboration

From the blog Sung Jin's CS Devlopemnt Blog by Unknown and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

The Real Value of Open Source Software

Open source software is so valuable to society, but how would that value be translated into currency? About 96% of all commercial companies contain code that originates from an open source software (OSS). But according to new articles and papers being written on the subject the amount that these free softwares save these companies is a lot larger than people originally expected. Without it, firms would pay an estimated 3.5 times more to create the software and platforms that run their entire business which in total would be around $8.8 trillion in total. Due to this many companies make sure to express how important it is to hire people who have experience with open source software as it is the backbone of companies. The authors  of the article calculated the estimated value of open source software by combining data from The Census II of Free and Open Source Software and BuiltWith, which is a database that takes millions of websites and identifies technologies they use. To estimate the cost of recreating these open source projects from scratch, the researchers analyzed the number of lines of code in each project and used the COCOMO II cost estimation model, that predicts development effort and expense based on the size of the code and how complex the code is. They then adjusted these amounts using regional wage data to show how much it would cost in labor throughout the world. This allowed them to estimate that both the cost it would take to replace all of the software would be around $4.2 billion and the total value of open source software being used in the world is almost $8.8 trillion. The reason I used this specific article was because of our current discussions of open source software and how important it is to not only people who are in tech, but also people who are less fortunate and need the resources that this free software gives them. So to see an article that explains what the commercial value this software provides around the world and how much it is actually worth is shocking and goes along perfectly with the importance we saw of it in class. The article itself was very interesting to read about as well. To think about how much it would actually cost to create this software is absurd and really opens my eyes as to how large it actually is. Before reading I believed that it was helpful, but I didn’t know the importance it has in actual companies. As well as how helpful it is to have experience in open source software when it comes to jobs as well. I am definitely going to do more research into different software and hopefully it helps me with my future career.

https://www.library.hbs.edu/working-knowledge/open-source-software-the-nine-trillion-resource-companies-take-for-granted

From the blog Thanas CS343 Blog by tlara1f9a6bfb54 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Navigating UML

I read the article Navigating Complex UML Diagrams: Tips and Tricks for Developers. This gives a lot of insights into practical strategies that you can use to maintain and understand UML Diagrams, specifically larger ones. This article focused on UML stereotypes and the organization of diagrams. UML stereotypes are an extension of standard UML elements. Developers use these to add more specific definitions. Stereotypes allow you to label a class, an interface, or a service component, etc.  This adds a layer to help the diagram effectively communicate the structure and intention of the code. The article also suggested using color coding for groups to emphasize relationships. Keeping your layout styles and naming conventions consistent and clear is also very important. UML allows architects and developers to show both the structure and behavior. These diagrams can be extremely important in a collaborative environment. Having a clear UML diagram would keep everyone on the same page and help avoid having to rework code. UML can also help show off early architectural flaws before you put time into a project. Since you can visualize the relations, dependencies, coupling, and flow before any of it is implemented, you can prevent issues. Many of my issues with coding come from the planning aspect of it. I plan on continuing to get better at making these diagrams because I feel they can have a very positive impact on my coding. It can be difficult to picture how different parts of a program will come together, and it can become very overwhelming very quickly. It’s also interesting how different UML diagrams serve unique purposes. Visual Paradigms, UML Practice Guide, says structural diagrams like class, component, and package diagrams are good for showing how different parts of a system fit together, while behavioral diagrams like sequence and activity show how things interact over time. With this separation, a developer can handle one part of the design at a time, instead of trying to understand everything at once. There also exist Artificial intelligence tools that can support UML. PlantText AI, Visual Paradigm Smart Assistant, and PlantText AI can help save time and reduce manual errors. In the future, I’m curious if this is something that will still be manually done, or if AI will spread deep into this too. I can’t see these diagrams ever losing importance, but I do question if humans are going to be directly making these in the future. Either way,  I am excited to practice these techniques and implement UML diagrams into my planning.

https://moldstud.com/articles/p-navigating-complex-uml-diagrams-tips-and-tricks-for-developers

From the blog CS@Worcester – Aaron Nanos Software Blog by Aaron Nano and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

UML Diagrams…Why?

For this quarter’s blog post, I chose to deepen my understanding of Unified Modeling Language (UML) Diagrams, which directly relates to current coursework in my Software Construction, Design, and Architecture class of translating between code and visual diagrams (i.e., UML class and sequence). Initially, I found both processes overwhelming and questioned the purpose of using such diagrams instead of simply reviewing the source code step-by-step. To overcome this hurdle, I looked at several resources, but I will focus on Miro’s comprehensive guide, “The Ultimate Guide to UML Diagrams,” which provided much needed clarity on the concept of UML Diagrams.

This guide offers an excellent foundational overview, and emphasizes UML Diagrams as the commonly used and encouraged visual language in software development. It identifies the 14 types of diagrams and categorizes them as either Structural or Behavioral. Structural diagrams are used to define the components of the code, while Behavioral diagrams are used to examine how the code operates over time.

A key part of this research involved understanding the drawbacks of using UML diagrams. With my own initial experience being overwhelming, complex, and tedious; it validated the discourse surrounding the love-hate relationship with UML in the software development field. Disadvantages often centered on the process being time-consuming, complex, overwhelming, and potentially ambiguous, especially as projects grow or when team members and stakeholders are not aware of coding and diagram literacy. While arguments exist for making these diagrams optional, I understand that this is a necessary and helpful step in professional practice. 

This and other resources consistently emphasize one core objective: UML Diagrams are primarily communication tools. While recognizing their flexibility, standardization, and (often) simplicity, their greatest benefit is serving as a visual aid. They create a working summary of a program/code that allows other team members and stakeholders, who may have limited time and/or specific knowledge, to look through hundreds of lines of code, to quickly grasp the architecture and operational flow.

I also learned that the perceived disadvantages of UML are the trade-off required for effective team collaboration and risk mitigation. When working through class activities and homework, working with smaller codes, I experienced some of the limitations. I fully understand how a program with 50+ classes would be completely overwhelming and time-consuming to look through and explain without an established visual reference. My personal practice of using UML class and sequence diagrams showed me the tediousness of detailing every code component, but also the value of creating and having a visual summary of the code’s building blocks.

In my future practice, I intend to apply this knowledge by creating diagrams to help me summarize the code. Whether working on class activities, homework, personal projects, and/or within a development team; I will use UML diagrams to practice summarizing and communicating code as if I were speaking with a team and/or non-technical stakeholders. Ultimately, a diagram is easier to critique and comprehend than 500+ lines of unread code spread across multiple files. 

Link To Main Resource:
https://miro.com/diagramming/what-is-a-uml-diagram/ – The Ultimate Guide to UML Diagrams

Link To Additional Resources:
https://www.theknowledgeacademy.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-uml/ – Advantages and Disadvantages of UML: An In-Depth Analysis 

https://creately.com/guides/sequence-diagram-tutorial/#what-is-a-sequence-diagram – Sequence Diagram Tutorial – Complete Guide with Examples

https://creately.com/blog/diagrams/uml-diagram-types-examples/#UseCaseDiagram – UML Diagram Types Guide: Learn About All Types of UML Diagrams with Examples

https://creately.com/guides/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-uml/ – Why the Software Industry Has a Love-Hate Relationship with UML Diagrams

https://www.synergycodes.com/blog/why-use-uml-class-diagrams – Why Use UML Class Diagrams?

From the blog CS@Worcester – Vision Create Innovate by Elizabeth Baker and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.