BOUML
What it is
BOUML is a free UML 2 toolbox for modeling systems and generating code, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its diagram types include use case, sequence, communication, class, composite class, activity, state, object, composite object, component, and deployment. Built-in code generators cover C++, C, Java, PHP, Python, IDL, and MySQL. Reverse-engineering tools are listed for C++, Java, PHP, and MySQL, while round-trip tools cover C++, Java, and PHP. Plug-outs provide XMI 1.2 and 2.1 generation, XMI 2.1 import, and Rational Rose model import. Developers can also build external plug-outs in C++ or Java that run outside BOUML. An HTML documentation generator can output diagrams as PNG or SVG images. Project control and synchronization tools support work on a project by several people. The maker says the software can manage several thousand classes while using little memory. Version 7.11 is identified as the final release, with patch 4 listed for some distributions. Releases since version 7.0 are free to use, and the maker says the software comes without warranty.
For and against
For
- Free to use for releases since version 7.0.
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Includes generators for seven listed programming languages.
- Project control and synchronization tools are included.
Against
- Version 7.11 is identified as the final release.
- Software is distributed without warranty.
- Some distributions list patch 4.
The verdict
BOUML offers modeling, code generation, and project collaboration tools across desktop platforms at no charge. Its final-release status and lack of warranty are relevant considerations.
Who it suits
BOUML suits developers and modelers who want a free UML toolbox with code generation and reverse-engineering tools. Its project control and synchronization tools may suit people working on shared projects.
Plans and prices
BOUML
Free to use; no price listed
Read 30 Sep 2026 · bouml.fr
On the record
- Code generation
- Built-in plug-outs include generators for C++, C, Java, PHP, Python, IDL, and MySQL.bouml.fr · read 30 Sep 2026
- Collaboration tools
- Project control and project synchronization tools are listed for working on a project with several people.bouml.fr · read 30 Sep 2026
- Documentation output
- An HTML documentation generator can produce diagrams as PNG or SVG images.bouml.fr · read 30 Sep 2026
- Extensibility
- External plug-outs can be developed in C++ or Java and run outside BOUML.bouml.fr · read 30 Sep 2026
- Interchange
- Plug-outs provide XMI 1.2 and 2.1 generation, XMI 2.1 import, and Rational Rose model import.bouml.fr · read 30 Sep 2026
- License and warranty
- Releases since version 7.0 are free to use; the maker states the software is distributed without warranty.bouml.fr · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- BOUML is a free UML 2 toolbox with a modeler for specifying systems and generating code.bouml.fr · read 30 Sep 2026
- Release status
- The download page identifies version 7.11 as the current and final release and lists patch 4 for some distributions.bouml.fr · read 30 Sep 2026
- Reverse engineering
- Built-in reverse tools are listed for C++, Java, PHP, and MySQL.bouml.fr · read 30 Sep 2026
- Round trips
- Built-in round-trip tools are listed for C++, Java, and PHP.bouml.fr · read 30 Sep 2026
- Scale
- The maker says BOUML can manage several thousand classes while using little memory.bouml.fr · read 30 Sep 2026
- Supported languages
- BOUML supports programming in C++, Java, PHP, Python, IDL, and MySQL.bouml.fr · read 30 Sep 2026
