3 ms·
> Are UML diagrams used effectively in the dev industry? Are they effective? I say they are when correctly used. For example last year I used plant UML to draw
by inetknght 5y ago
> Are UML diagrams used effectively in the dev industry?
Are they effective? I say they are when correctly used. For example last year I used plant UML to draw a sequence diagram to demonstrate some threading/mutex problems. [1]
I've also used draw.io to draw similar problems. [2]
I would say that tbqh using UML (or maybe just plant UML) is the "better" solution because it can be embedded in code and re-rendered as needed. But draw.io is _much_ easier to use!
I will also say that UML diagrams aren't well taught nor do most devs even know to reach for the tool.
[1]: https://github.com/mavlink/qgroundcontrol/pull/9595 https://github.com/mavlink/qgroundcontrol/pull/9595
[2]: https://github.com/airmap/qgroundcontrol/pull/6 https://github.com/airmap/qgroundcontrol/pull/6
- tomduncalf 5y agoI was going to say, I used a sequence diagram last week to wrap my head around a threading situation. I think they are a good way to visually model anything asynchronous or thread based, and sometimes also user interaction flows, and I think UML's bad rep (is that fair to say?) means a lot of developers either are not aware of them or think they must have no value – I consider using them a bit of a secret superpower ;) I do occasionally use ER diagrams for drawing out data models too, but I'm super rough about following the "rules" with both of these. Really just a convenient way to sketch stuff out (usually using PlantUML or Mermaid, as I find it quicker to do in ASCII).