Visualizing Existing Code

When you have to modify an existing software system, Visual Studio Ultimate can help you visualize and understand the organization, relationships, and behavior of the code. Before you make changes to that code, use Visual Studio Ultimate to explore how those changes will affect the code and help you assess the work and risks that result from those changes.

For example, to examine the existing relationships and patterns in the code, you can generate dependency graphs. To communicate the intended architecture of your system, create layer diagrams. You can then use these diagrams to keep the code consistent with the design. To understand how the code implements a method, generate sequence diagrams. To explore the structure of existing classes, create class diagrams. To model and communicate different aspects of the system, draw Unified Modeling Language (UML) diagrams. For example, you can model a system's components, types, interactions, and processes.

These tools can also help you communicate more easily with the people involved with your project. For example, you can use UML class diagrams to create a common glossary for discussing the system with project stakeholders, users, and team members.

You can extend capabilities for this release by downloading and installing feature packs when they are available. For more information, see Visual Studio Feature Packs.

Common Tasks

External Resources

See Also

Concepts

Scenario Overview: Change Your Design Using Visualization and Modeling Tools

Modeling the Application

Developing Models for Software Design

Modeling User Requirements

Modeling the Architecture of a Software System

Using Models within the Development Process