The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a standardized visual modeling language used to design, specify, construct, and document software systems.

Elaboration:

• Used for visualizing system architecture before development.
• Includes 14 diagram types categorized as structural (e.g., Class Diagram, Object Diagram) and behavioral (e.g., Use Case Diagram, Sequence Diagram).
• Helps in communication among developers, stakeholders, and analysts.

Example (Class Diagram):

A UML class diagram representing a Bank Account system:

+------------------+
|   BankAccount   |
+------------------+
| -accountNumber  |
| -balance        |
+------------------+
| +deposit()      |
| +withdraw()     |
+------------------+