Unified Modeling Language
     
         (UML) A non-proprietary, third generation modelling
        language.  The Unified Modeling Language is an open method
        used to specify, visualise, construct and document the
        artifacts of an object-oriented software-intensive system
        under development.  The UML represents a compilation of "best
        engineering practices" which have proven successful in
        modelling large, complex systems.
     
        UML succeeds the concepts of Booch, OMT and OOSE by
        fusing them into a single, common and widely usable modelling
        language.  UML aims to be a standard modelling language which
        can model concurrent and distributed systems.
     
        UML is not an industry standard, but is taking shape under
        the auspices of the Object Management Group (OMG).  OMG has
        called for information on object-oriented methodologies, that
        might create a rigorous software modelling language.  Many
        industry leaders have responded in earnest to help create the
        standard.
     
        See also: STP, IDE.
     
        OMG UML Home (http://www.uml.org/).
     
        Rational UML Resource Center
        (http://www.rational.com/uml/index.jsp).
     
        (2002-01-03)