Investigating the Role of UML in the Software Modeling and Maintenance - A Preliminary Industrial Survey

In the paper we present the results of an industrial survey conducted with the Italian software companies that employ a relevant part of the graduate students of the University of Basilicata and of the University of Salerno. The survey mainly investigates the state of the practice regarding the use of UML (Unified Modeling Language) in the software development and maintenance The results reveals that the majority of the companies use UML for modeling software systems (in the analysis and design phases) and for performing maintenance operations. Moreover, maintenance operations are mainly performed by low experienced practitioners.