Publication Type
Conference Proceeding Article
Version
acceptedVersion
Publication Date
6-2004
Abstract
UML (Unified Modeling Language) has been criticized for its complexity, relating to users, and those learning to use it. Using Rossi and Brinkkemper’s [9] complexity metrics, Siau and Cao [10] completed a complexity analysis of UML and 36 other modeling techniques, finding that UML is indeed more complex than other techniques. Siau, Erickson and Lee [11] argued that Rossi and Brinkkemper’s metrics present the theoretical maximum complexity, as opposed to a practitioner-based complexity, that must be less than the theoretical maximum. The current research proposes that a subset of UML (a kernel) composed of the most commonly used constructs, would be more representative of the complexity that practitioners face when using the modeling language. A Delphi study is conducted using practitioners as experts, in an attempt to identify a use-based UML kernel and a practical complexity of UML. The differences between theoretical and practical complexity of UML are discussed.
Discipline
Databases and Information Systems
Research Areas
Information Systems and Management
Areas of Excellence
Digital transformation
Publication
Proceedings of the Ninth CAiSE/IFIP8.1/EUNO International Workshop on Evaluation of Modeling Methods in Systems Analysis and Design (EMMSAD 04), Riga, Latvia, June 7-11
First Page
171
Last Page
178
City or Country
Riga, Latvia
Citation
ERICKSON, J. and SIAU, Keng.
The complexity of UML: Differentiating practical and theoretical complexity. (2004). Proceedings of the Ninth CAiSE/IFIP8.1/EUNO International Workshop on Evaluation of Modeling Methods in Systems Analysis and Design (EMMSAD 04), Riga, Latvia, June 7-11. 171-178.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sis_research/9647
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