UML
Unified Modeling Language
A standard visual notation used to describe software structure behavior and interactions through several diagram types.
Plain English
A shared set of diagram symbols for explaining how parts of software relate or communicate.
In context
Teams may use UML class sequence activity or component diagrams to communicate a design at the level of detail needed for discussion implementation or documentation.
Example
“The RFC includes a UML sequence diagram for the login request across services.”
When you'll hear this
- system design
- architecture review
- technical documentation
Common misunderstanding
UML is not one diagram type and teams do not need to model every part of a system formally for a diagram to be useful.
Also known as
unified modeling languageUML diagram
Commonly used by
Related terms
Updated: 2026-08-28
