UML Components: A Simple Process for Specifying Component-based Software (Component Based Development Series) [Paperback]

The Unified Modeling Language (UML) has gained acceptance as the de facto standard for modeling object software systems -- and, with this book, UML proves itself as an architectural description language, as well. Leading component developers John Cheesman and John Daniels show how to use UML 1.3 to specify and design any mid-to-large-size system utilizing server-side component technologies -- and, along the way, introduce powerful rules and guidelines for enhancing any component architecture. First and foremost, UML Components focuses on process: design processes for producing large-scale component-based systems that can be implemented through existing project management processes. Second, the book offers detailed, expert techniques for using UML 1.3 notation and diagrams to create component specifications that can support change, by allowing for easy substitution as new business problems and technical opportunities arise. The book includes detailed coverage of the Object Constraint Language, practical techniques for configuring and using UML tools, and a complete, start-to-finish case study.

Other books provide an overview of UML, but this book explains specifically how to use UML to specify components. Most importantly, it also provides a simple step-by-step process for moving from requirements to component specifications.

Developers using component technologies such as COM+ and Enterprise JavaBeans need to be able to define and express specifications for their components. They can do so using the Unified Modeling Language (UML), whether or not the components are being implemented internally using object technology. However, they also need a simple process that ensures specifications relate correctly to requirements.

Although originally conceived as a notation for object-oriented modeling, UML has great potential for component-based systems. UML Components applies UML to the world of component architecture, demonstrating how it can be used to specify components, their interactions, and their integration into cohesive systems. This book shows readers which elements of UML apply to server-side component-based development and how to use them most effectively. Following a simple step-by-step process, the authors walk through requirements definition, component identification, component interaction, component specification, and provisioning and assembly. Throughout, the focus is on the specification of the external characteristics of components and their inter-dependencies, rather than on internal implementation. Numerous UML diagrams illustrate component specifications, and a detailed case study demonstrates important concepts and techniques.

System architects, designers, programmers, and testers interested in leveraging the advantages of UML will find this a concise, practical, and insightful guide. The authors address the two great challenges of designing and constructing enterprise-scale component-based software: finding a process that can support the construction of large component systems, and making the best use of the wide range of notations and techniques found in the UML.

John Cheesman is Director of Enterprise Application Development for ComponentSource. He has extensive experience applying component-based development processes, tools, and standards within large corporations. John specializes in modeling, specification, and repositories, and was a key contributor to the development of the UML. He is a regular speaker at international conferences on component-based development. John Daniels is an independent consultant and trainer. A pioneer of object-oriented concepts and practices, John has applied object and component technology to a wide range of fields during the past fifteen years, from factory automation to banking. He co-developed the Syntropy method, from which the UML Object Constraint Language is directly descended. John is a frequent speaker at international conferences on object technology, components, and development processes, and is co-author of Designing Object Systems: Object-Oriented Modeling with Syntropy (Prentice-Hall, 1994).

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Breakthrough UML 1.3 techniques for defining component architectures and enhancing component development. - Start-to-finish processes for enterprise-class component specification and implementation. - Using UML notation to create more effective server-side component designs. - Includes rules, guidelines, examples, and a detailed case study.

The Unified Modeling Language (UML) has gained acceptance as the de facto standard for modeling object software systems and, with this book, UML proves itself as an architectural description language, as well. Leading component developers John Cheesman and John Daniels show how to use UML 1.3 to specify and design any mid-to-large-size system utilizing server-side component technologies and, along the way, introduce powerful rules and guidelines for enhancing any component architecture. First and foremost, UML Components focuses on process: design processes for producing large-scale component-based systems that can be implemented through existing project management processes. Second, the book offers detailed, expert techniques for using UML 1.3 notation and diagrams to create component specifications that can support change, by allowing for easy substitution as new business problems and technical opportunities arise. The book includes detailed coverage of the Object Constraint Language, practical techniques for configuring and using UML tools, and a complete, start-to-finish case study.

John Cheesman is Director of Process Architecture for the Sterling Software Application International Group and a Senior Member of Technical Staff on the Sterling Software technical ladder. He was a contributor to the original UML standard.

John Daniels is an independent consultant and trainer. He is joint author, with Steve Cook, of Designing Object Systems (Prentice Hall, 1994).