2. Purpose of UML

UML was developed primarily as a communication tool.

Normally, software is developed by a team of people. They might not even be at the same location. And so they need to have an effective communication tool so everyone understands how the software system is put together.

With UML they can see how the system is partitioned into static objects and they can see how those objects interact over time.

UML is very flexible and robust as it can do all of these things. Furthermore it is quite easy to learn and it is independent of any particular vendor. UML can work over many different operating systems and various hardware platforms.

UML can be used by people involved at every stage of the Systems Life Cycle starting with specification all the way through to maintenance.