Learn in the textbookDesign and Analysis Methods and Modeling
DefinitionUML (Unified Modeling Language) is a standard notation that defines the kinds of diagrams and how to draw them, so that a system's structure and behavior can be shown in pictures.
ExplanationUML is widely used in object-oriented analysis and design and is not tied to any particular programming language or product. Its diagram types are each made for a purpose, and you pick the ones that fit what you need to show.
AnalogyBecause musical notation is fixed, anyone reading a score plays the same piece. UML is like a shared score for drawing designs.
Memory hookThe U stands for Unified: UML came from merging several notations that had been separate, and the name keeps that history.