Kasutusmudelid

Kasutusmudelid, often translated as "usage models" or "use cases," are a fundamental concept in software engineering and systems design. They describe how a user or an external system interacts with a given system to achieve a specific goal. A use case typically outlines a sequence of actions or steps that the system performs in response to a trigger from an actor, which can be a human user or another system.

The primary purpose of use cases is to capture functional requirements from the user's perspective. They help to define the scope of a system and what it should do. Each use case focuses on a particular goal and details the interactions between the actor and the system, including the expected outcomes. This clarity is crucial for communication between stakeholders, developers, and testers.

Use case diagrams, part of the Unified Modeling Language (UML), visually represent these interactions. They show actors and the use cases they participate in, connected by lines indicating the relationships. While diagrams provide an overview, detailed use case descriptions often accompany them, elaborating on pre-conditions, post-conditions, main success scenarios, and alternative or exception flows.

By defining what the system does from an external viewpoint, use cases ensure that the developed system meets the intended needs and functionalities. They serve as a valuable tool throughout the software development lifecycle, aiding in planning, design, implementation, and testing.