ArgoUML

ArgoUML is a free desktop modeler for UML 1.4, best suited to people who need diagrams alongside code generation or reverse engineering. Its broad language and export support is useful, but the Java runtime requirement and focus on an older UML standard narrow its appeal.

Overview

ArgoUML conforms to the OMG UML 1.4 standard and stores models in a JMI-based repository. That makes it a focused choice for work built around UML 1.4, rather than a general-purpose modeler for users who need a different UML standard.

It saves models in XMI, imports XMI 1.1 and 1.2, and writes XMI 1.2. Diagrams can be exported as GIF, PNG, PostScript, Encapsulated PostScript, PGML, or SVG, giving users several options for sharing or incorporating diagrams in other documents.

Key features

Modeling and design support

ArgoUML supports all nine UML 1.4 diagram types. The documented types include class, statechart, activity, use case, collaboration, deployment, and sequence diagrams. Design critics analyze models in the background and add suggestions to a to-do list; this gives designers feedback without interrupting their work.

Users can create and distribute UML profiles, with Java, C++, and UML 1.4 profiles included. OCL constraint modeling adds syntax and type checking through the Dresden OCL toolkit, making ArgoUML more relevant to users who need constraints as part of their models, not just diagrams.

Code and model exchange

Code generation covers Java, C++, C#, PHP4, and PHP5. Reverse engineering supports Java source, with additional modules for importing Java JARs and class files. That combination can help developers move between code and models, although its stated language coverage is specific rather than broad.

XMI import and export support gives models a standard exchange format, while the separate diagram exports cover both raster and vector formats. ArgoUML is also available in American and British English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, Norwegian Bokmål, and Chinese.

Pricing

ArgoUML is free and open source under the Eclipse Public License (EPL) 1.0. Its Free/Open source plan costs nothing and requires Java 5+. There are no paid tiers to weigh against its diagram, code-generation, or reverse-engineering features.

Platforms

ArgoUML is desktop software for Windows, macOS, and Linux through a Java runtime. It is written entirely in Java and is intended to run on platforms with Java 5 or Java 6; installation is provided through Java Web Start. The runtime requirement is a practical consideration for anyone deploying it on older or managed systems.

Who it's for

ArgoUML suits developers and modelers who need a no-cost UML 1.4 tool with code generation, Java reverse engineering, XMI exchange, or OCL constraint support. Its profile support and background design critics add value for users working with structured models. It is a weaker fit for anyone who needs a newer UML standard or does not want to depend on Java.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free under EPL 1.0, with no paid feature tiers to navigate.
• Pros: Combines UML 1.4 modeling with code generation for five languages and Java source, JAR, and class-file reverse engineering.
• Pros: XMI import and export plus six diagram formats make it practical to exchange models and rendered diagrams.
• Cons: Its stated compliance is specifically UML 1.4, limiting its fit for work that depends on another UML version.
• Cons: It depends on Java 5 or Java 6, which users must account for when selecting or maintaining a runtime environment.

Alternatives

For other choices, browse UML Modeling Software.

• BESSER is another free, open-source option; its platform coverage includes web, API, and self-hosted use as well as desktop operating systems.
• BOUML is a free desktop alternative for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• BridgePoint is free and open source, with an Open Source plan covering an editor, verifier, and model compilers.
• Gaphor is a free, open-source desktop alternative for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Horusec is a free open-source option with CLI and platform components, available across desktop, web, API, extension, and self-hosted platforms.
• Violet UML Editor is a free cross-platform UML editor, including web support.
• Visual Paradigm is worth considering for web use: its free plan is strictly non-commercial, while Starter costs $4 a month, billed annually.
• Umple is another free option, with web and self-hosted platforms as well as desktop operating systems.

Verdict

Choose ArgoUML if you need free UML 1.4 modeling with code-generation, Java reverse-engineering, and model-exchange tools in one desktop application. Look elsewhere if the Java 5 or Java 6 requirement or the UML 1.4 focus does not suit your work.