Excellent Use Case Primer

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If you’re new to use case modelling, or just need a refresher, here is an excellent resource; the UML Use Case Diagrams: Tips and FAQ. Included are sample diagrams and responses to, among others, the questions listed below:

• What is a UML Use Case Diagram (UCD), and when should I use it?

• How do you know who the actors are in a UCD?

• How do you know what to put in the “System” box?

• The actors in my diagram have interactions. How do I represent them?

• I am trying to represent a sequence of actions that the system performs. How do I do it?

• How is a UML Use Case Diagram different from a traditional flow chart?

• What is the difference between uses and extends?

• The scenario I want to describe branches into several possible outcomes, or has some error conditions. How can I represent that with Use Case Diagrams?

I refer have referred to it occasionally both for my own use, and to explain the basics of use case modelling to others, and have found it to be both insightful and intuitive.