I am trying to define a social simulation model using UML diagrams. Previously I defined an algorithm using a logic flow chart. Is the "activity diagram" the UML equivalent of a "logic flow chart"? Are there any pitfalls of using an "activity diagram" for this purpose?
I have always found an "activity diagram" and "logic flow chart" to be equivalent but indicative of your generation..
Mr. Siebers
I recommend you to use STARUML and Use Case Diagrams.
Walter.
I suppose that both can be used to represent the same issue.
Anyway, the activity diagram seems to be a standardized version (in UML language) of the logic flowchart.
So, as you are trying to do, maybe it's better to use the activity diagram, because of its standard.
The standard helps to face implementation problems and, moreover, it will be also easier to share the idea underlying the representation to third-party "users".
Dear Peer,
I suppose we can use Activity Diagram as a equivalent for Logic Flow Diagram. However the syntax and symantic of the both the diagram diffier. In order to have an insight of how activity diagram can be used to depict some logic kindly read:
Trust that it helps.
Regards
Syed
http://agilemodeling.com/artifacts/activityDiagram.htm
I am not quite sure what you mean by "logic flowchart", but I assume that you are referring to the "classical" control-flow type flowcharts used in specifying programs, which use different types of "boxes" to represent actions to be performed and use arrows connecting these boxes to show the sequencing of the corresponding actions. If this is what you mean, then UML activity diagrams can certainly be used as more refined version of those, since they allow the specification of information that classical flowcharts do not support, such as: who/what is doing the action, data flow as well as control flow, the possibility of interruption of running activities, modeling of concurrency forking and synchronization, etc.
Have a look at the dictionary for Activity vs Flow and Diagram vs Chart.
The UML (unified modeling language) notation have made the life easier bringing in the standard notation. OMG group maintain the UML and the latest is v2.5 (http://www.omg.org/spec/UML/2.5/).
IMHO there are no pitfalls it depends what is it for, what are you trying to describe with it and who is meant to read it. Using different techniques is meant to help spot the errors or determine what level of details to use.
UML Activity diagrams have more features such as synchronization bars to show parallel activities, swimlanes to show partitions etc.
Check the following URLs to see the differences.
http://creately.com/blog/diagrams/flowchart-guide-flowchart-tutorial/#FlowchartSymbols
http://www.uml-diagrams.org/activity-diagrams.html
I agree to the previous mentioned considerations; namely using activity diagrams. However:
for special aspects, a logical flow (w.r.t. decision making and its simulation), state charts may also be helpful.
Moreover, you might consider BPMN as a superior tool compared to UML activity diagrams
yes you can use activity diagram you can also use bpmn because is rich by several notations but its not a UML standard
Activity diagram for sure.
But pay attention to how some UML tools provide activity diagram features. Some of them do not completely follow the UML standard specification.
I recommend that you use the logical view of the UML
https://www.ooportal.com/uml/module2/logical-view-uml.php
An activity diagrams represent the business and operational workflows of a system. An Activity Diagram shows the overall flow of control.
More on this topic can be found at
https://www.ooportal.com/uml/module3/draw-uml-activity-diagram.php
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