Violet is the diagramming tool you will use for UML work in this course.
At this point, the goal is simply to make sure you can open Violet and save a diagram. You do not need to learn every diagram type or every tool yet. Later activities will introduce the specific UML notation you need as you use it.
Getting the software ready now keeps the focus on modeling when you begin the next activities.
Start with the Violet access or installation directions provided by the course.
Depending on the environment you are using, Violet may already be available in the institutional virtual desktop or you may be directed to install or launch it another way.
Use the course-provided route rather than downloading a similarly named program from an unrelated website.
If Violet is already installed and opens correctly, you do not need to reinstall it.
Launch Violet using the method provided for your course environment.
When Violet opens successfully, you should see the application window and its normal menus or diagram workspace.
Do not worry if the workspace looks unfamiliar. In the next activity, you will learn the small set of controls you need to begin working with diagrams.
For now, the important result is that the application opens without a blocking error.
After Violet opens, use its New command to begin a new diagram.
Violet supports several UML diagram types. You will use different types later in the course for different purposes.
For this setup step, choose the diagram type identified by your course directions. If the course does not ask you to create a specific diagram yet, simply confirm that you can reach the list of available diagram types and then cancel or close the new-diagram process.
You are not expected to understand all of the diagram choices yet.
Violet diagrams should be saved so you can reopen and revise them later.
Use Save or Save As and store the diagram in the location required by your course.
Use a filename that helps you recognize the activity or diagram later.
Violet uses diagram files that preserve the editable diagram. Saving the editable file is different from taking a screenshot or exporting an image. The editable file is the version you can reopen in Violet and continue changing.
If your course provides a folder structure or naming convention, follow it exactly.
Close the diagram and use Violet's Open command to reopen the file you just saved.
This simple step confirms two things:
Knowing where your editable file is located becomes important when you begin revising diagrams based on feedback.
If Violet does not start, avoid changing several unrelated settings at once.
Instead, identify where the process stopped.
For example:
Record the exact message or behavior you observe.
If you need help, describe what you attempted and what happened. A useful screenshot can also help as long as it does not expose passwords, authentication codes, or other private information.
Use the course-provided support process rather than installing a different UML program as a substitute.
You are ready for the next Violet activity when you can:
You do not need to know UML notation yet simply because the software is installed. The next activities will build those skills gradually.