What is the best modeling methodology for representing software system?

Question

What is the best modeling methodology for representing software system. I mean like UML and so on. Is UML better or is there something better than that out there? My need is to represent graphically my web application , which is a 3-tier architecture. I need a engineering model methodology like UML to depict the entire software system from the front end portal to middleware EAI to the database.

What is out there for such a thing? Please do not close this question , not related to programming but software. So a request to the SO community . Do not close this question.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I don't use any formal modelling language at all, instead merging bits from UML, flowcharts and doodles together with a brief description of what is happening.

Although the ideals of UML is to provide a common unambiguous interpretation of what is going on, I've found that in practice one needs to provide a description alongside - either verbally or otherwise.

My two cents...

Answer 2

You might wanna take a look at ArchiMate - http://www.archimate.org/

Answer 3

UML should work. MS Visio is a decent tool to create the models. You can write descriptions on the Visio UML diagrams as well.

A tool or modeling language can never compensate for a bad design! Simpler and elegant the design, lesser the dependency on tool or language.