The Unified Modeling Language (UML) changed in a number
of ways from version 1.4 to version 2.1. While visual modeling tools
such as IBM® Rational Rose® and IBM Rational® XDE® support
UML 1.4, the new IBM Rational modeling products support
UML 2.0. Use this topic as a quick reference to learn the new names
of specific model elements that have changed in the UML 2.0 version.
For example, while a specific model element that defines
who or what performs a specific role is named a
swimlane (or
partition)
in UML 1.4, in UML 2.1, it has been renamed
activity partition.
In general, the most important changes between these UML versions
are in the area of behavioral diagrams; specifically, activity diagrams
and sequence diagrams. In some cases, a renamed model element indicates
significant change to the model element functionality since version
1.4.
At a very high level, the following information provides a
good place to start learning about the differences between UML 1.4
and UML 2.1; the table is not meant to be a comprehensive resource
that documents every UML notation difference. For detailed information
about the UML and the various versions, refer to the following resources:
Note: Model elements referenced in this table have a different
name between each version of UML; if a model element is not listed,
assume it has the same name as in UML 1.4.
| UML 1.4 model element name |
UML 2.1 model element name |
| Association end |
Member end and Property |
| Object (when used in activity diagrams) |
Object node |
| Object (when used in sequence diagrams) |
Lifeline |
| Collaboration diagrams |
Communication diagrams |
| Swimlane (or partition) |
ActivityPartition |
| Activity |
Structured activity node |
| Decision |
Decision node or merge node |
| Final State or end state |
Final Activity Node |
| Initial state or start state |
Initial node |
| Object Instance (in activity diagrams) |
Central buffer node |
| State |
Structured activity node |
| State machine |
Structured activity node |
| Synchronization bar (synch bar) |
Fork node or Join node |
| Transition (on an activity diagram) |
Control flow |
| Transition condition (guard condition) |
Control flow guard |
| Formal Argument |
Template Parameter Substitution |
| Formal Arguments (collection of Formal Arguments) |
Template Binding |
| Three-tiered diagrams |
Class diagrams |
| Class Instance |
Lifeline |
| Self-link |
Message pathway |
| Connection relationship |
Communication Path |
| Process (in a deployment diagram) |
Artifact |
| Processor |
Execution environment |
| Destruction marker |
Stop node |
| Focus of Control |
Execution Occurrence |
| Action |
UML activity |
| State diagram |
Statechart diagram |