MODULE 2: UML FOR WEB APPLICATIONS

2.1 Introduction to UML for Web Applications

Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a standardized modeling language used to visualize,

design, and document the structure and behavior of software systems, including web
applications. UML helps developers and stakeholders understand system workflows, user
interactions, and system architecture before implementation.

Why UML is Important in Web Applications

• Provides a clear blueprint for system development.

• Enhances communication among developers, designers, and business analysts.

• Facilitates early error detection, reducing development costs.

• Improves system maintainability and scalability.

2.2 Representing User Interactions with UML

User interactions are crucial in web applications, and UML provides various diagrams to
represent them effectively.

2.2.1 Use Case Diagrams

Use case diagrams depict the interactions between users (actors) and the system. They help
in identifying system functionalities and user roles.

Key Elements of Use Case Diagrams:

• Actors: Represent external entities (users or other systems) interacting with the
system.

• Use Cases: Functionalities or processes performed by the system.

• Relationships: Connections between actors and use cases.

Example: E-Commerce Website Use Case Diagram

Actors: Customer, Admin

Use Cases: Register, Login, Browse Products, Add to Cart, Checkout, Manage Orders

Customer ----> Register

Customer ----> Login

Customer ----> Browse Products

Customer ----> Add to Cart

Customer ----> Checkout

Admin ----> Manage Orders

2.2.2 Sequence Diagrams

Sequence diagrams describe the step-by-step flow of interactions between users and the
system components over time.

Example: User Login Process

1. User enters login credentials.

2. System verifies credentials in the database.

3. If valid, system grants access; otherwise, an error message is displayed.

Actor Action

User Enters username and password

System Checks credentials in database

Database Returns authentication result

System Displays success/failure message

2.2.3 Activity Diagrams

Activity diagrams represent workflows and decision-making processes in a system.

Example: Online Order Placement Workflow

1. User selects a product.

2. User adds product to cart.

3. User proceeds to checkout.

4. Payment is processed.

5. System confirms the order.

6. Order is shipped.

(Start) --> [Select Product] --> [Add to Cart] --> [Proceed to Checkout]

--> [Process Payment] --> [Confirm Order] --> [Ship Order] --> (End)

2.3 Behavioral Designs in Web Applications

Behavioral diagrams in UML illustrate the internal logic and operations of the system.

2.3.1 State Machine Diagrams

State machine diagrams define the different states an object goes through during its lifecycle
and the transitions between those states.

Example: User Authentication States

• Logged Out → (User submits login credentials)

• Logging In → (System verifies credentials)

• Authenticated → (User can access the system)

• Logged Out (Upon session expiration or logout action)

[Logged Out] --> [Logging In] --> [Authenticated] --> [Logged Out]

2.3.2 Collaboration Diagrams

Collaboration diagrams illustrate relationships and message exchanges between system

components.

Example: Online Booking System

Actors: Customer, System, Payment Gateway

1. Customer selects a service.

2. System requests availability.

3. System processes payment via the payment gateway.

4. System confirms the booking.

Customer --> System: Request Service

System --> Payment Gateway: Process Payment

Payment Gateway --> System: Payment Success

System --> Customer: Booking Confirmation

2.4 Practical Implementation of UML in Web Development

Tools for UML Modeling

• Microsoft Visio

• Lucidchart

• draw.io (diagrams.net)

• Enterprise Architect

• StarUML
Best Practices for UML in Web Applications

• Use simple, clear diagrams to avoid complexity.

• Ensure all user interactions are well-documented with use cases.

• Maintain consistency across different UML diagrams.

• Validate diagrams with stakeholders before implementation.

• Regularly update UML models as the system evolves.

2.5 Case Study: Developing a Library Management System

Scenario

A university library wants to develop a web-based Library Management System (LMS) that
allows students to search for books, borrow books, and return books. The librarian should
be able to manage books and members.

UML Diagrams for LMS

1. Use Case Diagram: Defines actors (Students, Librarian) and their interactions with
the system.

2. Sequence Diagram: Illustrates the book borrowing process from search to checkout.

3. Activity Diagram: Shows the workflow of returning a book.

4. State Machine Diagram: Defines the book's lifecycle (Available → Borrowed →

Returned → Available).

Practical Exercise

1. Draw a Use Case Diagram for the LMS system based on the above scenario.

2. Create a Sequence Diagram that represents the book borrowing process.

3. Design an Activity Diagram showing how a student returns a book.

 4. Develop a State Machine Diagram that captures the book's status transitions.

2.6 Summary and Key Takeaways

• UML is essential in designing and documenting web applications.

• Use Case Diagrams illustrate system functionalities and user interactions.

• Sequence and Activity Diagrams represent workflows and system behaviors.

• State Machine and Collaboration Diagrams help in defining internal system logic.

• A case study on a Library Management System (LMS) helps understand UML in

practical web applications.

• Hands-on UML exercises enhance understanding and implementation skills