Placitas, NM ­- (press release excerpt) — Excel Software today announced the availability of QuickUML Linux, the first Linux addition to its suite of Macintosh and Windows software engineering tools. QuickUML is an object-oriented design tool that provides extensive integration and unmatched ease-of-use for a core set of UML models. An entire project is accessible through a tabbed window with smooth integration between use cases, class models, object models, dictionary and code. The project is saved as an XML file that is compatible with QuickUML Windows so design work can be shared between platforms.

Use cases capture the essence of user-visible functions the system must perform. Each use case describes a named interaction in terms of actor inputs and system responses. Use case entries link to models, code, foreign files or other use case entries to provide a solid foundation for development. Designers enjoy easy navigation and two-way traceability between use cases, related models, code files and foreign documents.

Class models describe the types of objects in the system and various kinds of static relationships that exist among them. They may contain classes, interfaces, components, packages and other objects. Flexible presentation options allow different instances of a class to be presented with its full list of attributes and operations, compressed to show just the class name or selectively showing class members relevant to the context of a specific diagram. Projects may contain hundreds of diagrams accessible through a contents view that provides easy navigation and flexible diagram management.

Sequence diagrams illustrate how objects interact with emphasis on the order in which things occur. Horizontal operation connections are drawn between vertical lifelines under objects, modules and packages. A project dictionary is automatically produced as class and object models are drawn, but designers can also directly access dictionary entries. Changes made to an object in any model are instantly reflected throughout the project.

QuickUML contains advanced features for multiple language projects, design namespaces, UML stereotype extensions, flexible color support, custom detail fields and automated generation of class models from the dictionary. Diagrams can be exported as BMP, JPEG, PNG or XPM files. An integrated code manager enables the designer to navigate through code files linked to use cases and diagram objects.

 
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