I’m trying to figure out what program was used to make those neat UML statecharts in Miro Samek’s book about C/C++ statecharts. You know, the one called ‘Practical UML Statecharts in C/C++’. Has anyone here read it? The diagrams look really clean and professional. I’d love to create similar ones for my own projects. Does anyone know if he used a special UML tool or just a regular drawing program? I’ve been using basic flowchart software, but it doesn’t quite cut it for more complex state machines. Any ideas or suggestions would be super helpful!
Having worked extensively with UML diagrams, I can attest that achieving the level of quality seen in Samek’s book often requires a combination of tools. While specialized UML software provides the necessary notation and structure, the final polish often comes from vector graphics programs. In my experience, a workflow using Enterprise Architect for initial modeling, followed by refinement in Adobe Illustrator, yields excellent results. This approach allows for both technical accuracy and visual appeal. However, it’s worth noting that modern tools like Lucidchart or Draw.io have significantly improved, offering a good balance between UML specificity and graphical customization without the need for multiple software packages.
hey mikechen, i’ve got that book! the diagrams r pretty sweet. i think samek might’ve used a dedicated UML tool, maybe Enterprise Architect or Rational Rose? those r popular for pro-level UML stuff. but u could probly get similar results with some of the newer diagramming apps too. just my 2 cents!
yo mikechen, i actually emailed samek about this once. he said he used visio for initial sketches but then had a pro designer polish em up in adobe illustrator. kinda explains why they look so slick. if ur not tryna spend big bucks tho, maybe check out lucidchart? its pretty good for UML stuff n easier to use than some of the fancier tools
I’ve used several UML tools over the years, and the diagrams in Samek’s book do look quite polished. While I can’t say for certain, my suspicion is that he used a specialized UML modeling tool rather than general-purpose diagramming software. Based on the timeframe when the book was published, it’s possible he utilized IBM Rational Rose or Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect. Both were prevalent in the industry for UML work at that time. However, nowadays there are more accessible options that can produce comparable results, such as Visual Paradigm or even web-based tools like draw.io with its UML templates. The key is finding software with robust support for UML notation and layout conventions.
I actually had the opportunity to attend a workshop where Miro Samek discussed his book and UML diagrams. If memory serves, he mentioned using a combination of tools to achieve those clean statecharts. The initial drafts were done in Microsoft Visio, which he praised for its flexibility. However, for the final polished versions in the book, he collaborated with a graphic designer who used Adobe Illustrator to refine and standardize the look.
This approach allowed for precise control over every element, ensuring consistency across all diagrams. It’s a bit more labor-intensive than using a dedicated UML tool, but the results speak for themselves. If you’re aiming for that level of quality, you might consider a similar two-step process: draft in a UML-friendly tool, then refine in a vector graphics program. It takes more time, but the outcome can be worth it for important presentations or publications.