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Lightweight UML/Diagramming Tools

 
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I usually use Together, but I've found it to be a pain for anything small. I need something that doesn't take up many resources, is clean, easy to use and free. I really need just all the functionality of a piece of paper and some post-its, but on the computer.

I'd like to be able to turn out some quick class diagrams, some sequences... nothing linked up, or major.
[ September 26, 2004: Message edited by: Maxim Katcharov ]
 
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Hi,

How about Jude???
 
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Originally posted by Sathya Srinivasan:
Do you want these diagrams for internal documentation or external? If internal, I would suggest that you simply draw a nice diagram on the board and take a snapshot using a digital camera.

You really want the content of the diagram, not how pretty it looks. I have seen lots of person-hours spent on battling with an UML tool only to throw away (or shelf) the design after a few months. For such situations, a picture speaks a lot more than a 1000 Rose diagrams!!!



Good point!
 
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Have to second the motion for using a whiteboard. I suspect 90% of all modeling is done on whiteboards, BTW.

If you're interested in some whiteboarding tips, check out http://www.agilemodeling.com/essays/whiteboards.htm .

If you're interested in seeing how to easily clean up a whiteboard diagram, check out http://www.agilemodeling.com/essays/whiteboardModeling.htm

- Scott
 
Ilja Preuss
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I've heard good things about UMLet... (google should be able to find it for you)
 
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ArgoUML is a free, open-source UML diagramming tool that is gaining more popularity of late. It is maintained at tigris.org

Do you want these diagrams for internal documentation or external? If internal, I would suggest that you simply draw a nice diagram on the board and take a snapshot using a digital camera.

You really want the content of the diagram, not how pretty it looks. I have seen lots of person-hours spent on battling with an UML tool only to throw away (or shelf) the design after a few months. For such situations, a picture speaks a lot more than a 1000 Rose diagrams!!!
 
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And there is open source ArgoUML, as well as "community editions" of Poseideon, MagicDraw, and VisualParadigm, just to name a few of my favorites.
 
Maxim Katcharov
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I'd definitley prefer a whiteboard over the computer based tools I've seen. There's something to be said for having a diagram that takes up the better part of a wall, and upon which you don't have to execute 5 actions just to draw an arrow.

Unfortunatley, I don't have a whiteboard at home - hence the request. I've decided to go with Jude, as all I really need is the ability to draw some boxes and lines, and an export feature so I can send diagrams over the net.


I appreciate the links, esp the one on making the photo look nice. And it's very reassuring to see people suggest whiteboards as the modeling tool of choice. For the project we're currently working on, my group spent 5% of the time on a whiteboard, and the rest just getting it all into Together. Ugh.
 
Sathya Srinivasan
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If you are in US, you can get a whiteboard for $10 from your friendly neighborhood Walmart.
 
Maxim Katcharov
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$22 for a 2x3' board from my local office supply store... I guess that'll hold till I can afford a really huge one. Point taken! I'll try and pick one up this weekend.
 
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