Unified Modeling Language (UML)又称统一建模语言或标准建模语言，是始于1997年一个OMG标准，它是一个支持模型化和软件系统开发的图形化语言，为软件开发的所有阶段提供模型化和可视化支持，包括由需求分析到规格，到构造和配置。 面向对象的分析与设计(OOA&D，OOAD)方法的发展在80年代末至90年代中出现了一个高潮，UML是这个高潮的产物。它不仅统一了Booch、Rumbaugh和Jacobson的表示方法，而且对其作了进一步的发展，并最终统一为大众所接受的标准建模语言。(Unified Modeling Language (UML) is also called the unified modeling language is a standard modeling language, began in 1997 with a OMG standard, it is a graphical language support model and software system development, support model and visualization for all stages of software development, including the demand analysis to the specifications, and to construct configuration. The development of the OOA&D (OOAD) method developed from the end of the 80s to the 90s, and UML was the product of this climax. It not only unified the representation method of Booch, Rumbaugh and Jacobson, but also made further development for it, and finally unified it into the standard modeling language accepted by the public.)