Help: how to start with EA?

[fradax]

Hi all,
(I think) I know how to develop a project from req. analysis, design, implementation... but when I open Enterprise Architect and try to "trasport" my project documents in it, well, I'm a bit confused. Yes, EA is flexible, so flexible that I cannot find a starting point! Is there an example, a document, with a new project to follow? The online help tells nothing about "procedures" in EA...

Thanks for help, I hope you've understood me... ;-)

Bye
David

[mbc]

Hi David

EA does not force you to use a specific process, therefore it is not really possible to describe "the right way" to use EA for a project. Personally I have changed the default structure of the EA project to match that of the Unified Process, i.e. I have a Use Case Model, and Analysis Model and a Design Model. I like the Unified Process, and if you want to read more about that, I recommend the book "Applying UML and Patterns" by Craig Larman. But there are many other processes out there and many opinions and preferences too.

Mikkel

[Sean Kearon]

The Zicom Mentor 'add-in' for EA also has an 'Introduction to EA' course in it, which you might find useful.  There are some tutorials in the Resources section of the Sparx home page too.  I would also recommend reading 'UML Distilled' by Martin Fowler - it's small but packed with good stuff.

However, as Mikkel says, there is no 'right way' to use EA, it depends on your preferred development process, project scope, etc.  (The Fowler book above has some discusses this area briefly.)

Sean

[fradax]

Thanks for answers! I've read Fowler's book...more than once... but my problem is more technical, within EA. The Zicom course is not free I think...

Thanks again for answers

Bye
David

[JourneymanDave]

re: the tool-specific help it sounds like you're looking for, I'd have to second the recommendation for Zicom Mentor for EA.  It's really quite a good add-in, and the tutorial is very no-nonsense if you want to spool up more quickly and get ideas on workflow.  There is a non-trivial value too in having it around to remind you of diagram semantics and as a UML reference, available from inside the app itself.  

You can get a 30-day eval of Zicom's product if you really want to test the waters, and I'm not sure what your expectation for its cost is, but it's a measly $30.00 US.  It's been well worth the money, IMHO.