Executable UML How to Build Class Models [Paperback]

Leon Starr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 26, 2001

Executable UML is for software professionals who want to apply object-oriented analysis and modeling techniques to real-world UML projects. In this book, Leon Starr presents the skills and techniques needed to build useful class models for creating precise, executable software specifications that generate target code in multiple languages and for multiple platforms. Leon, who wrote the definitive guide to Shlaer-Mellor modeling, emphasizes the practical use of executable UML modeling, presenting extensive examples from real-time embedded and scientific applications. Using the materials in his How to Build Shlaer-Mellor Object Models as a starting point, Leon presents an entirely new introduction to Executable UML, expresses all diagrams in Executable UML notation, and adds advanced new object modeling techniques. Coverage include: classes; attributes; associations and relationships; binary associations; association classes; specialization-generalization relationships; model constraints and descriptions; and reflexive, network, linear, and tree patterns for effective object modeling.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The practical guide to developing class models with Executable UML.

In Executable UML, Leon Starr shows how to build precise class models that form the foundation of rigorous software specifications. These specifications can be tested, debugged and optimized to generate code for multiple languages and platforms. Leon presents a wide range of examples from his projects in the fields of science and engineering-focusing on real-time environments where precise and accurate software specification is especially critical.

Using the materials in his classic How to Build Shlaer-Mellor Object Models as a starting point, Leon offers an introduction to Executable UML class models, expressing all diagrams in Executable UML notation with more object modeling techniques. Coverage includes:

• Executable UML classes and attributes
• Associations and relationships
• Binary associations and association classes
• Specialization-generalization relationships
• Loop constraints
• Reflexive, network, linear, and tree patterns for effective object modeling

Whether you're creating technical or business applications, Executable UML gives you the tools you need to build reliable software, readily deployed on a variety of specialized hardware and software platforms.

About the Author

LEON STARR has been developing real-time and embedded software with executable models since 1985. His models have been used in factory material transport control systems, ultrasound diagnostic and cardiac pacing systems, gas chromatography and semiconductor wafer inspection systems, video post-production systems, and networked military battle simulators. The author of How to Build Shlaer-Mellor Object Models and Executable UML: A Case Study, he is a founding member and senior consultant at Model Integration, LLC in San Francisco, CA.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR; 1st edition (December 26, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130674796
• ISBN-13: 978-0130674791
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,239,250 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Planning to actually use UML? Must read this book!, February 3, 2002

By 

Gary Marcos (Walnut Creek, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Executable UML How to Build Class Models (Paperback)

Any developer who is currently using or is planning to use UML on a real project should read this book. Successful completion of one or more Class Diagrams is an essential step for every UML project. This book provides the developer with the information needed to create rock solid Class Models (Class Diagrams augmented with supporting documentation to enable review by other developers). The book is very detailed and yet is written in an easy-to-read and entertaining style. Numerous informative examples are included to reinforce comprehension of the essential topics.

For the beginning UML developer:
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The basic elements of the Class Diagram (Classes, Attributes, and Relationships) are defined simply and clearly. Categories of each of these elements are then enumerated. Each category is then supported by at least one easily understood example.
An especially useful spectrum of Class categories spanning from the concrete to the abstract is presented. The class categories of hard/physical, discovered, invented, simulated, specification, incident, interaction, and role are covered in detail.

For the intermediate UML developer:
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Even if you have been building class diagrams for some time, you will likely benefit from several chapters on advanced relationship topics. These topics include Loops and Constraints, Advanced Generalization Relationships, Reflexive Patterns, Network Patterns, Linear Patterns, and Tree Patterns.

For the advanced process-aware developer:
--------------------------------------------
You will be intrigued by the introductory section "What is Executable UML?". This section contains a concise yet exciting description of where the UML is currently headed. For more details on this evolving aspect, you can read about the Action Semantics extension to the UML and the Model Driven Architecture initiative (MDA) of the Object Management Group.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More technical works should be written like this!!!!, January 6, 2003

By 

Lourdes C. Martinez (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Executable UML How to Build Class Models (Paperback)

I've read more than my share of technical texts over the years. With a few exceptions, most are dry, difficult to understand and cover too much material without developing any topic particularly well.

Leon Starr's book "Executable UML: How to Build Class Models" is refreshingly different. Not only is it written in a uniquely engaging style, but it does a fantastic job of developing the concepts that go into Executable UML class modeling.

Furthermore, his introduction "What is Executable UML?" is the best concise overview of the topic I have *ever* read. In under 25 pages, Leon hits every major point of discussion in Executable UML in enough detail to provide real value for the reader. Although it's well worth reading for anyone who's interested in Executable UML modeling, I would especially recommend this chapter to anyone who is *new* to Executable UML, and wants to understand what all the fuss is about.

Leon's approach to the subsequent chapters on class modeling doesn't bog down the book with a complicated discussion of an abstract (and potentially complicated) topic. His discussion is clear, concise, with frequent use of examples to hammer home his points.

He always provides a brief scenario before he launches into a modeling example, giving a excellent context for why he used certain modeling techniques. For beginners in Executable UML, this is an excellent way to get into the mindset of modeling. More experienced readers can also benefit a great deal from the best practices discussed.

Another myth about technical texts is that good content = dry read. Not so! Leon's book is *very* entertaining. This has got to be one of the most pleasant technical reads out there. Interestingly enough, when I turned the final page, not only had I enjoyed the journey, but I found that I *really* understood the topic.

More books should be written like this! "Executable UML: How to Build Class Models" is the exception that *should* become the rule.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Excellent about UML, not much about "executable", March 4, 2003

By 

Lars Høidahl (Uppsala, Sweden) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Executable UML How to Build Class Models (Paperback)

I was disappointed with this book because there is nothing here about UML action language or constraints. That's what I thought "executable" meant, but I obviously got something wrong.

The book is the best I have read class modeling, though. If you want to learn practical UML modeling, I strongly recommend this book.