Chapter 1. Introduction

The StarUML™ Developer Guide provides essential information for developers to use the extension mechanism of StarUML™, a UML-based software modeling platform, to develop StarUML™ Add-Ins.

StarUML OverView

StarUML™ is a software modeling platform which supports UML (Unified Modeling Language). It is based on UML version 1.4 and provides UML version 2.0 notations and eleven different types of diagram. It actively supports the MDA (Model Driven Architecture) approach by supporting the UML profile concept. StarUML™ is excellent in customizability to the user’s environment and has a high extensibility in its functionality.

UML Tool which Adjusts to the User

StarUML™ provides maximum customization to the user’s environment by offering customizing variables that can be applied in the user’s software development methodology, project platform, and language.

True MDA Support

Software architecture is a critical process that can reach 10 years or more into the future. The intention of the OMG (Object Management Group) is to use MDA (Model Driven Architecture) technology to create platform independent models and allow automatic acquisition of platform dependent models or codes from platform independent models. StarUML™ complies truly with UML 1.4 standards and supports UML 2.0 notations. It provides the UML Profile concept, allowing creation of platform independent models. Users can easily obtain their end products with simple scripting through external COM interfaces or writing document template.

Excellent Extensibility and Flexibility

StarUML™ provides excellent extensibility and flexibility. It provides Add-In frameworks for extending the functionality of the tool. It is designed to allow access to all functions of the model/meta-model and tool through COM Automation, and it provides extension of menu and option items. Also, users can create their own approaches and frameworks according to their methodologies. The tool can also be integrated with any external tools.

Why UML/MDA Platform

StarUML™ is a Software Modeling Platform. Why do we need a modeling platform rather than just a UML tool?

• End users want customizable tools. Providing a variety of customizing variables to meet the requirements of the user environment can ensure high productivity and quality.
• No modeling tool provides a complete set of all possible functionalities. A good tool must allow future addition of functions to protect the user’s investment costs in purchasing the tool.
• MDA (Model Driven Architecture) technology requires not only independent platforms but multi-platform functionality. Modeling tools confined to specific development environments are not suitable for MDA. The tool itself should become a modeling platform to provide functionality for various platform technologies and tools.
• Integration with other tools is vital for maximization of the tool’s efficiency. The tool must provide a high level of extensibility, and allow integration with existing tools or user’s legacy tools.