UML - activity diagram tutorial

Looking for a clear UML - activity diagram tutorial? This is the right place! Learn how to create effective activity diagrams in a few easy steps.

1. UML – Activity Diagram Tutorial

2. Activity Diagrams Activity diagrams may seem confusing, but with the right resources, you can make them all on your own. Follow these detailed instructions to learn how.

3. LIST PROCESS STEPS Decide which business or computational process you want to model. Then write down each step that occurs in that process. Activity diagrams can help you : Model the workflow of a software system Analyze a use case by describing and timing the necessary actions Illustrate a complex sequential algorithm Describe applications with parallel processes

4. DO YOUR RESEARCH Before we go any further, be sure to review the basics. You should understand   what an activity diagram is . You may even want to review  what UML is , so you fully understand the language that activity diagrams use as a guide . When you're prepared with the necessary tools—including a diagramming program like Lucidchart —it's time to get started.

5. ADD SHAPES & SYMBOLS Begin your chart with a start symbol—a black circle. Then you can drag out activity shapes; just double-click the shape to add descriptive text. In Lucidchart , all symbols can be dragged from the toolbox to the canvas .

6. SHAPES Cont’d Add symbols as your process requires and use connectors to show the flow of each activity as it ends and begins. We've listed the most common symbols in the next slides, along with their meanings. If you're still confused, check out this comprehensive guide to  activity diagram symbols .

7. SHAPES Cont’d Activity nodes , also known as activity states, represent a single step within a workflow . Transitions  are simply connecting lines that demonstrate which activity node follows another . Decisions  are represented with diamond shapes. They show alternative threads in the workflow . Synchronization bars  are used to model parallel subflows . These thick vertical or horizontal lines allow you to show concurrent threads in a process.

8. Activity Diagram Example 1

9. REVIEW THE FLOW To ensure that you're demonstrating the important steps in your activity, consider questions like : What happens when this process is initiated? How does the process complete itself ? How does one activity affect other steps in the workflow, organization, or system ? When do other factors and people enter the flow? Which options or new paths do they provide?

10. REVIEW THE FLOW When you've covered these questions, ask your team members to review the finished document. They may be able to provide a unique perspective that ultimately improves understanding.

11. ACTIVITY DIAGRAM EXAMPLE 2

12. Resources See Lucid U for examples and tutorials on UML activity diagrams. Try the Lucidchart demo for free! Create a variety of UML diagrams, including activity diagrams, with Lucidchart . Our simple online editor makes it easy to map any process or workflow right from your browser!