ArgoUML
ArgoUML is a free and open-source Unified Modeling Language (UML) modeling tool designed to support the creation of UML diagrams for software design and documentation.[1] It provides comprehensive support for all standard UML 1.4 diagram types, including class, state, use case, activity, collaboration, deployment, and sequence diagrams, and is built entirely in Java to ensure cross-platform compatibility on any Java Virtual Machine (JVM)-enabled system.[1] Released under the Eclipse Public License (EPL) version 1.0, ArgoUML emphasizes cognitive support through features like design critics and to-do lists to aid users in identifying and resolving modeling issues.[1][2] The project originated in January 1998 as an open-source initiative and saw its initial public release in April 1999, evolving through community contributions hosted initially on Tigris.org before migrating to GitHub in 2019.[3] Over its development, ArgoUML has undergone multiple iterations, with the stable release 0.35.1 made available in 2014, incorporating enhancements for stability and usability based on user feedback and resolved issues exceeding 600 in earlier updates.[4] As a mature tool, development ceased after the 0.35.1 release, though it remains available for download and use, supporting multilingual interfaces in ten languages and with community resources including mailing lists and IRC channels.[1] ArgoUML's interface is structured around four primary perspectives: a project browser for hierarchy navigation, a diagram editor for visual modeling, a to-do list for design critiques, and a details pane for element properties, promoting an intuitive workflow for developers, architects, and analysts.[1] Beyond core diagramming, it includes export options to formats like XMI, PDF, and PS, along with modular extensions for code generation in languages such as Java, C++, and PHP through community-developed plugins.[3] Despite its focus on UML 1.4 standards, the tool's lightweight design and emphasis on accessibility have made it a popular choice for educational and professional environments seeking a no-cost alternative to commercial UML software.[1]Overview
Description and Purpose
ArgoUML is a Java-based, open-source UML diagramming application developed for creating, editing, and documenting object-oriented software designs.[1] It provides a visual environment that enables users to model complex systems through standardized notations, facilitating the representation of software architectures and behaviors.[1] The primary purpose of ArgoUML is to support visual modeling for software architects and developers, adhering to Unified Modeling Language (UML) standards.[1] UML serves as a standardized language for specifying, visualizing, and documenting the artifacts of software-intensive systems, originally developed in the 1990s and maintained by the Object Management Group (OMG).[5] By leveraging UML, ArgoUML aids in the early stages of software development, promoting clarity and consistency in design communication among teams.[1] As of the early 2000s, the ArgoUML project attracted over 19,000 registered users, primarily academic researchers and professional software designers seeking an accessible tool for UML-based modeling.[6] Its implementation in Java ensures platform independence, allowing it to run on various operating systems without modification.[1]Licensing and Platform Support
ArgoUML is released under the Eclipse Public License (EPL) version 1.0, an open-source license that allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software, including in both open and proprietary derivatives, provided that modifications are clearly indicated and source code is made available for any redistributed copies.[1] This licensing model promotes widespread adoption and community-driven development while ensuring compatibility with other open-source projects under similar permissive terms. As a pure Java application, ArgoUML exhibits strong cross-platform compatibility, running on any operating system that supports the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), such as Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions.[1] It requires Java 2 (JRE or JDK 1.4 or higher); users must ensure a compatible JVM is installed separately.[7] The minimal system needs include approximately 10 MB of free disk space and standard input devices like a mouse and keyboard.[7] Distribution occurs primarily through downloadable executable JAR files available from the project's GitHub releases page, enabling straightforward access without complex setup.[8] Historically, ArgoUML supported deployment via Java Web Start for one-click launches and automatic updates, but this method has become deprecated and unreliable following Oracle's discontinuation of Java browser plugins and shifts in JVM security policies.[9] Installation is simplified by the absence of native installers or bundled dependencies; after downloading the JAR file, users launch ArgoUML by double-clicking it (assuming the operating system associates JAR files with the JVM) or executing the commandjava -jar argouml-<version>.jar from a terminal or command prompt, where <version> is replaced with the specific release number.[10] This approach leverages Java's portability to minimize platform-specific hurdles, though users may need to configure JVM options for larger projects or custom environments.