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Modeling for the Home Programmer

I am working on a couple of programs, but I have just started out. Nothing that I'm doing is overly complicated (I suspect) but I want to map it all out before/as I work on it. Right now, I am using a notebook and pencil, but I don't know if that is enough. It lets me work on the overall flow of information, but not really work in classes. I could move on to UML but I am not sure if that's overkill. Any suggestions for the weekend warrior who wants to plan ahead with his software?
-Justin
[500 byte] By [jameyer] at [2008-2-22]
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# 1
Modeling helps you think things out more clearly so I would say do it. But you might also want to start looking at doing some test-driven design that could help in the design process too
sontek at 2007-9-3 > top of Msdn Tech,Architecture,Modeling and Tools...
# 2

Even if you are doing informal programming, modeling can help you a lot. You don't have to necesarily purchase a modeling tool, because you can start by utilizing paper and pencil.

At this point, it is more important for you to learn or understand a standard for the type of model you might be using. For example, if you will be using uncomplicated databases in your programs, you could manually draw an ER diagram; if you are coding simple procedural programs (i.e., not object oriented) depicting a process, SDL and/or dataflow diagram might be more than enough.

If you have enough budget or resources to purchase a modeling tool, MS Visio is a very complete one, because it has a great deal of modeling options useful to code programming (from database models, through process structure/flow diagrams, and even UML models), in addition to models for business, mechanical and electrical engineering and several other charts.

Luger

Luger at 2007-9-3 > top of Msdn Tech,Architecture,Modeling and Tools...
# 3

Hi,

I have similar kind of question and your answer very satisfactory, But before starting to use MS Visio, can i see some examples where some data flow diagrams or UML models are shown for simple database applications. Please provide me with some link.

Also, isn't any visual modeling tool included in MS Visual Studio 2005?

Thank You.

Liquidloop at 2007-9-3 > top of Msdn Tech,Architecture,Modeling and Tools...
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