For those who wish to use the Unified Modeling Language in conjunction with .NET, there are a number of powerful tools available that can allow you to do this. One good example is Rational XDE Professional. It is a high end software engineering application that will allow you to design, document, and review the .NET solutions completely within the VS.NET interface.
The XDE program offers full support for UML, and this support has been integrated in .NET. If you are developing advanced applications through C#, you will find this feature to be very helpful. To use UML with .NET efficiently, you need to find an approach which will allow you to support the basic UML diagrams.
If you are using XDE, this can be done with the Model Explorer. The Model Explorer will allow you to work with use cases, UML, and class diagrams. Most importantly, this can be done within the .NET solution. XDE has multiple components which will allow you to create models visually. Many developers praise XDE for its ability to allow them to model solutions directly in the .NET environment. The models can be constructed using the very same methods that you use to construct screens and other components. If you want to maximize the efficiency of using .NET with UML, you will need an approach which allows for excellent .NET integration.
The C# integration can be very powerful when you combine these two systems. The class diagram is a very important component of UML, and it has often been called the epicenter of the UML design. The XDE will support a high level of integration among class diagrams and C#. It can create and maintain these C# classes when you alter the class diagrams of UML. It should also be noted that this can be accomplished without leaving markers in your code. To construct class diagrams through C# source code, you will need a method that allows for reverse engineering. If you use an application like XDE, there won't be a need to allow the source code to drift during the development phase.
Additional Features You Will Need for UML and .NET Integration
To successfully use UML with .NET, you will need a method that allows for pattern support. By having pattern support, you will be able to populate and construct classes, and it will come with a number of patterns that are standard for the industry. You must be able to define patterns and create an individual pattern library. When you work on .NET projects, it is important for you to have solutions which are standardized. At the same time, if you have not used UML before, you will need to learn how to use it. While the documentation for programs such as XDE are decent, you must be prepared to invest your time if you wish to become proficient with UML.
While XDE is a powerful software solution, there are a few areas in which improvements can be made. For example, the synchronization for the C# class diagram may bring attributes and operations, but it won't be very useful for class associations. If you define a specific class, XDE won't define a member variable or collection to create the implementation for this association. I would also like to see the features of this application extended to add support for VB.NET synchronization. However, if you're looking for a multi-purpose application which will allow you to use UML with .NET, XDE is something you will want to consider. However, it should be noted that this is just one of the many programs that can be used for this purpose.
No matter which tool you pick, it should be one that will allow you to work with complex systems. While UML is a very powerful language, it hasn't been without its complaints. However, many of these complaints involve the way in which UML is taught. Many people feel that these lectures focus on the analysis of UML rather than the actual delivery. Perhaps the most important aspect of using UML properly is the ability to transform models into code. Many lectures and books on the topic fail to address these issues, and it can be tedious for serious developers who are looking to maximize the features of this program. When you study UML, and you are learning how to use it with .NET, you must be able to apply it to your own project.