ModelingJavaThreadsinUML.PDF

Modeling Java Threads in UML 2-97 Martin Schader, Axel Korthaus Lehrstuhl f¨ur Wirtschaftsinformatik III Universit¨at Mannheim, Schloß D-68131 Mannheim, Germany Tel.: +49 621 292 5075 email: fmscha | korthausg@wifo.uni-mannheim.de Abstract: Modern programming languages such as Java facilitate the use of concurrent threads of control within computer applications. Considering concurrency is an important prerequisit e for the adequate realization of object-oriented ideas, since real world objects usually operate in parallel. This brings up the requirement to be able to express concurrency issues already in de sign models, which precede implementation activities. The paper examines the possibilities of modeling Java threads using the Unified Modeling Language (UML). UML is the official industry standard for object-oriented modeling as defined by the Object Management Group (OMG). Key words: Unified Modeling Language, Java, Threads, Concurrency, Synchronization, Static Structure Diagrams, Dynamic Diagrams 1 STANDARDIZATION OF THE UML 1 1 Standardization of the UML In order to cope with the complexities of modern software products, today’s software devel- opment methodologies propagate a model-based approach. Graphical models of the system’s structure and behavior are built and serve as a high-level, easy-to-understand means of commu- nicating requirements and analysis/design concepts to software developers, management, end users, and customers. In the field of object technology there are at least 80 different analysis and design methodologies which define notations for building