I’m trying to figure out what program Miro Samek used to create those polished state diagrams in his book on UML statecharts for C and C++. The illustrations are exceptionally clear and professional-looking. Does anyone know what software might have been used? I’m asking because I want to design similar diagrams for my project, but I’m not sure where to begin. I’ve seen some samples from the book, and they’re quite impressive. The layout is straightforward, and making transitions is simple. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
i used to work with samek and he actually used a custom tool he developed himself. it’s not publicly available but you could try lucidchart or staruml for similar results. they’re pretty user-friendly and can make some nice looking diagrams without too much hassle
As someone who’s dabbled in UML diagramming for years, I can say that while the tool is important, it’s the clarity of thought that really shines through in Samek’s work. That said, I’ve found Astah Professional to be an excellent choice for creating UML state diagrams. It’s got a bit of a learning curve, but the results are worth it.
I’ve used it on several projects, and the level of detail and customization it offers is impressive. You can easily create complex state machines with nested states, transitions, and guards. The layout tools are also quite powerful, allowing you to arrange elements just the way you want.
One thing I particularly appreciate about Astah is its ability to generate code from the diagrams. This feature has saved me countless hours when implementing state machines in C++.
While it might not be exactly what Samek used, Astah can certainly produce diagrams of similar quality. Just remember, the tool is only as good as the person using it. Spend time understanding your system’s states and transitions, and you’ll create diagrams that are not only visually appealing but also truly useful.
As someone who’s worked extensively with UML diagrams, I can say that Samek’s illustrations are indeed top-notch. While I can’t say for certain what tool he used, I’ve found that Microsoft Visio is excellent for creating professional UML state diagrams. It offers a wide range of shapes and connectors specifically designed for UML, and the learning curve isn’t too steep.
Another possibility is Enterprise Architect, which I’ve used for larger projects. It’s more comprehensive and might be overkill for simpler diagrams, but it produces very polished results.
If you’re looking for something more accessible, draw.io (now diagrams.net) is a free online tool that can create decent UML diagrams. It might not have all the bells and whistles, but it’s great for getting started.
Ultimately, the tool matters less than understanding the principles behind good diagram design. Samek’s diagrams are clear because he understands how to effectively communicate complex state transitions. Focus on that, and you’ll be able to create impressive diagrams regardless of the tool you choose.
Having worked on several projects requiring UML state diagrams, I can attest that the tool choice significantly impacts the final result. While Samek’s diagrams are indeed impressive, achieving similar quality is possible with modern software. I’ve found PlantUML to be an excellent option for creating clean, professional-looking state diagrams. It uses a simple text-based syntax, which might seem daunting at first, but quickly becomes intuitive. The advantage is that you can version control your diagrams easily, and the output is consistently polished. For a more graphical interface, yEd Graph Editor is worth considering. It’s free, cross-platform, and offers a good balance between ease of use and diagram quality. Remember, though, that the key to great diagrams lies in clear thinking and effective layout, regardless of the tool used.