Introduction

This chapter is a bit different from the others in this book. Whereas the prior chapters answered multiple questions that we are frequently asked on the given topic, this chapter addresses one question: How do I get started with the UML? You've already made a good start by reading this book (and we are sure there will be many others in your future). But what's next? In this chapter, we will discuss various guidelines for adopting the UML. This is by no means an exhaustive treatment of how to fully prepare to utilize the UML. These are merely some key practices and common pitfalls, one or more of which will probably impact your UML journey, each in its own way. This chapter is meant to shine light on your path so that you can avoid at least these common problems and leverage hard-learned lessons from those who have gone before you.