Reviews for Sams Teach Yourself UML in 24 Hours

1. An excellent introduction to the UML world

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, May 12th, 2002

   As an unsergraduate wishing to understand the raw concepts of UML I found this book to be the most useful. Other books such as "UML distilled" assume you already have a theoretical framework of ideas so throw you in at the deep end. The main obstacle I found in trying to learn UML before I found this book was that there was no clear explanation given why you where trying to model systems and no definite examples relating to the real world. Some may criticise the soda machine example as not being a computer system but to me it really explained the concepts of the various diagrams very well. this book is perfect for the beginner and really does allow you to understand why you are actually using UML in the first place. For the more advanced reader who really does understand the basics I suggest finding a more suitable text like "UML distilled". Overall a very good book which did not receive 5 stars because of the typos (but they in no way detract from the main aim of the book which is to teach you UML).

2. Good intro shame about Errors

   Rated 3 out of 5 stars, February 12th, 2002

   This is an excellent intro to UML, the diagrams are clear (except for some obvious errors, which may confuse some.) It can take time for some concepts to make sense, but after reading a section a couple of times it all comes together, I disagree with the review about modelling a soda machine, and not being a part of a computer system, UML is not just for modelling software, it can and should be used for representing a view of any system, computer orientated or not. The spelling mistakes, and errors in some of the diagrams let this book down very badly, I can only assume that this was not proof read, or your proof readers do not understand UML and therefore could not identify the errors, it is a shame because it makes the book look like it has been rushed.
   I learnt a great deal from this book, and by no means will this book make you an expert in this area, but it gives a good start in the subject.

3. UML for beginers, what else do you want in 24 hours?.

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, June 12th, 2001

   I'm writing this in defence of the 24 hour learning books..

   After completing this book in 26 hours (yes the diagrams at the beginning test your will power), I am happy to report that I am more confident and ready to move on to something with more depth. The long winded descriptions of the diagrams are hard to get through, but UML isn't a programming language, and the entire process is developed with diagrams, so I can accept that and am glad I went through it all. Besides, they act as a pretty good reference once your finished.

   The second thing that impressed me about this book is that once you have been brought upto speed on UML, it takes you through the steps of an actual development process, which then demonstrates how and when to apply the different diagrams.

   OK, it demonstrates what is it.. a coke vending machine example? I cant remember, but anyhow, it's simple and clear. With a bit of thought (which is what you need anyway in system development) you can apply it to much larger projects. The process example in the second half is much more substantial anyway.

   So heres to you advanced chaps reading beginners books... !!

   PS. I like Sams books as they split up the chapters to make easier reading.

4. Poor UML Book

   Rated 2 out of 5 stars, May 12th, 2001

   I work in an organisation where UMl is an important part of the analysis and design process - I found the examples in this book really quite poor - aslo the notation is quite limited - especially for state diagrams and the Use case examples are typically unhelpful. Do your self a favour and get something decent - UML Distilled would be a better choice

5. More relevant examples

   Rated 3 out of 5 stars, October 12th, 2000

   Sorry but I don't like computer books that use examples like buying a can of soda from a drinks machine as a system to model with a view to writing a computer system. Who ever heard of a computer system to sell a can of Coke?

   The book suffers from trying to jam in the entire scope of UML into 24 chapters, limit the scope and make it make sense.

   The book was useful in that it showed me that UML is not what I want to use to describe and build computer systems.

   UML is the flavour of the month from the academic community.

   A 20 page pocket book would be more useful with a bit of free software, then I could learn UML in 24 hours like the title says.