(no subject)

[beermat]

I need to do a bit of documentation, process flow diagram, flowchart, state machines, that kind of thing.
Haven't a clue what software I can use on Windows to do this.

Perhaps I should learn UML - though I have a feeling anything for the PC for UML is going to be expensive...

Comments

[sciamachy.livejournal.com]

There are one or two freeware UML apps, but tbh the one you want to know is IBM's Rational Rose system, which is kind of the de facto industry standard. Most UML is theoretical or doable on paper though anyway - you don't really need any software for that. Get yourself Object Oriented Systems Analysis & Design with UML - I have this book myself, and what it doesn't explain probably isn't worth knowing. (BTW - if you buy it via the link I've just given you, the commission goes to help a biker mate of mine who's recovering from an almost fatal accident, at no extra charge to you)

[aeia.livejournal.com]

For drawing stuff like charts I think Smart Draw is supposed to be OK. I downloaded it once but my free trial ran out so its a while since I used it.

[meltie.livejournal.com]

*shudders*

Microsoft Project?

[sciamachy.livejournal.com]

Here you go - freebie UML app that works on anything:
http://argouml.tigris.org/

[the-magician.livejournal.com]

As has been said, there are some excellent free and shareware UML things around as these are very common final year projects for Computer Science students to write.

We used a very good one on my Software Engineering Masters course, but I have no idea what it was called and I don't have the CD anywhere where I'll be able to find it, er, for months probably!

The UML book that was recommended is very good ... I bought the "in a nutshell" book, and while it is fine if you already know UML and just want to be reminded of things, I think a more comprehensive and in depth book would suit most people better as a learning tool. I'm sure there are also plenty of on-line sites that can help.

[sbisson.livejournal.com]

There's a $90 piece of software called Enterprise Architect which I've heard good things about.

Visio

[spodlife]

I've been trying Visio (2000?) for UML diagrams. It's OK. I've used Rational Rose before (up until 2000) but found it very buggy then and quite a crap drawing tool.

Visio is a super drawing tool, but the UML extentions need improvement (it doesn't just draw UML diagrams, but understands some of the logic behind them too, even as far as some pointless code generation).