UML...Do I need it?

Hi guys

I have just started learning C++, using a dummie books. I came across some information about UML, which sounds interesting. Unfortunatly I am kind of short on time. Now here is the question(s). Is it worth my time to learn UML, as i have need to code something big. and if so, is there any free tools availble? if someone can code-fu chops these two quesiton in the head for me that will be great.

Regards

Grasshopper Esq.

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Originally Posted by GrasshopperEsq

Hi guys

I have just started learning C++, using a dummie books. I came across some information about UML, which sounds interesting. Unfortunatly I am kind of short on time. Now here is the question(s). Is it worth my time to learn UML, as i have need to code something big. and if so, is there any free tools availble? if someone can code-fu chops these two quesiton in the head for me that will be great.

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You should know how to read the more common diagrams at least (sequence, class, etc.). However, it almost two decades in the business I've rarely seen proper UML. Most design docs I've seen/written use simple higher level bubble or block system diagrams to convey architecture.

Rarely do I see designs down to the level of detail where UML is useful on a large scale. Maybe to describe a module or two, but not an entire system. And there are tools that will read code and spit out UML diagrams from it, but I'd rather look at an API generated by Doxygen.