Eclipse

Eclipse UML Plugin Example

In this example, we will see how to model a system using Unified Modeling Language (UML) with the help of Eclipse UML Plugins. This example was tested with Eclipse Version: Mars.1 Release (4.5.1).

1. Introduction

UML is the standard way to model systems, particularly software systems and it helps to visualize the design of a system.

If you are new to UML, please visit here to know more about UML.
 
 
 

2. Eclipse UML Designer

UML Designer is a graphical tool to edit and vizualize UML 2.5 models.

It uses the standard UML2 meta-model provided by Eclipse Foundation and it implements the following generic UML diagrams:

  • Package Hierarchy
  • Class Diagam
  • Component Diagram
  • Composite Structure Diagram
  • Deployment Diagram
  • Use Case Diagram
  • Activity Diagram
  • State Machine
  • Sequence Diagram
  • Profile Diagram

2.1 Install UML Designer

UML Designer can be downloaded as a bundle from here or, it can be installed as a plugin in your Eclipse IDE.

Let us proceed with the second approach of installing this as a plugin in Eclipse. In this example, we have used the latest release of Eclipse, Mars.1 Release (4.5.1)

The easy way to install ‘UML Designer’ eclipse plugin is to use Eclipse Marketplace. Please refer the picture shown below and open Eclipse Marketplace.

Open Marketplace
Open Marketplace

Type UML in the search box and click search button. It gives you list of available plugins related to UML. Locate ‘UML Designer’ and click ‘Install’ button as shown below:

Search and Locate UML Designer
Search and Locate UML Designer

Accept all default values and proceed to install.

You may be asked to restart your IDE after successful installation of this plugin. Now, your home page of the IDE will be looking like the one shown below.

Eclipse UML Designer Home
Eclipse UML Designer Home

UML Designer plugin has been installed. Now, let us create an UML Project. For this, open ‘File – New – Other – UML Designer – UML Project’ as depicted below

Create UML Project
Create UML Project

Enter project details and click finish.

UML Project Setup
UML Project Setup

Now, you are ready with UML Project dashboard to proceed further.

UML Project Dashboard
UML Project Dashboard

2.2 UML Components

To create UML components, right click on the Model and navigate through ‘New Representation’ as shown below.

UML Component
UML Component

3. Papyrus

Like UML Designer, you can also use Papyrus for UML modeling. This plugin can also be installed in Eclipse. Please refer the sequence of images given below.

3.1 Install Papyrus – Eclipse Plugin

This plugin is installed from their software site.

Papyrus Select
Papyrus Select

Under Modeling, select ‘Papyrus UML’ and install

Select Category
Select Category

Install Papyrus
Install Papyrus

3.2 Papyrus – UML Project

After successful installation of ‘Papyrus’, you can create ‘Papyrus Project’.

Papyrus Project
Papyrus Project

Select UML

Papyrus Project
Papyrus Project

Enter Project Details

Project Details
Project Details

Select Diagram and proceed with your model.

Select Diagram
Select Diagram

Happy Modeling !!!

4. Conclusion

In this example, we have seen how to install and use two different Eclipse UML plugins namely ‘UML Designer’ and ‘Papyrus’.

Mohanraj Gurubatham

Mohanraj Gurubatham is an Engineering graduate and currently running a Technology consulting firm. He also has got a post graduation in Master of Business Administration specialized in Retail Sales. Basically he is a Java and Android enthusiast and he is very much interested in using java whether it be a core java or using frameworks like spring. He has more than 18 years of practical experience in software development using Java/EE Technologies and worked as a technical architect for more than 9 years.
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