How-Tos

How to Create a UML Sequence Diagram

Illustrate the inner workings of a system
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Part 1: What is UML Sequence Diagram?

Unified Modelling Language (UML) is a type of language used to illustrate the inner workings of a system, which include its actors, actions, roles, and classes. Originally used in the fields of software and engineering, UML has now made its way into business, and is a popular method of documenting business processes.

UML primarily uses diagrams to represent systems. These diagrams can be broken down into two types: behavioural UML diagrams, and structural UML diagrams.

UML is an extremely versatile and widely-recognised language. It is the standard language used by many developers, as well as an increasing number of business professionals. Its flexibility means that it can be applied to a number of IT or business-related situations, so that you can make it applicable to the system or technology you are using.

Part 2: How to Make a UML Sequence Diagram Effortlessly?

How to make a UML sequence diagram easily? Using EdrawMax to create your own UML sequence diagram.

Step 1: Open EdrawMax desktop software or EdrawMax web-based application.

Step 2: Navigate to [New]>[Software Development]>[UML Modeling]

Open UML sequence diagram template

Step 3: Select one UML sequence diagram template to edit on it or click the [+] sign to start from scratch. Also, you can use massive UML sequence diagram symbols and elements from libraries in left menu to customize your UML sequence diagram.

customize a UML sequence diagram in EdrawMax

Step 4: Once finished your creation, you can export the file in multiple formats, including Graphics, PDF, editable MS Office file, SVG and Visio vsdx file.

Save or export UML sequence diagram in EdrawMax

Step 5: Besides, you can share your UML sequence diagram with others via social media and web page. Or publish your UML sequence diagram in EdrawMax template gallery to show your work with others.

share and publish UML sequence diagram

Part 3: UML Sequence Diagram Examples

Example1: Spring and Hibernate Transaction Sequence Diagram

Here, we provide an example of a UML sequence diagram that illustrates transaction management related to exception handling. The Spring application development framework for enterprise Java integrates Hibernate transaction management. When a certain business method is called, Spring Transaction Interceptor may intercept it. This creates a Hibernate session behind the background interceptor and starts a Hibernate JDBC transaction, so the business method will run in the context of the new transaction.

Spring and Hibernate Transaction Sequence Diagram

Example2: Facebook User Authentication Sequence Diagram

This is an example of a UML sequence diagram, which shows how to authenticate Facebook users in a web application to allow access to their Facebook resources. Facebook uses the OAuth 2.0 protocol framework, which enables web applications (called "clients") that are not normally Facebook resource owners but represent Facebook users to request access to resources controlled by Facebook users and hosted by Facebook servers. The web application obtains an access token instead of using Facebook user credentials to access protected resources.

Facebook User Authentication Sequence Diagram

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Part 4: Conclusion

According to this article, there are mainly three parts to illustrate what is UML sequence diagram, to tell you how to create UML sequence diagrams and to show you some UML sequence diagram examples. Generally speaking, a UML sequence diagram can visually represent a system along with its main actors, roles, and actions in order to make people better understand the information about the system.

EdrawMax is an easiest all-in-one diagramming tool, you can create UML sequence diagrams and any other type diagrams with ease! With substantial UML sequence diagram symbols and cliparts, making UML sequence diagrams could be as simple as possible. Also, it supports to export your work in multiple formats and share your work with others. Get started to create your UML sequence diagrams now!

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