6.18. Further Readings

The most popular use-case guide, translated into several languages, is Writing Effective Use Cases [Cockburn01].^[7] This has emerged with good reason as the most widely read and followed use-case book and is therefore recommended as a primary reference. This introductory chapter is consequently based on and consistent with its content. Suggestion: Do not be put off the book by the author's use of icons for different use case levels, or the early emphasis on levels and use case taxonomy. The icons are optional and minor. And although the discussion of levels and goals may at first seem a diversion to those new to use cases, those who have worked with them for some time appreciate that the level and scope of use cases are key practical issues, because their misunderstanding is a common source of complication in use-case modeling.

^[7] Note that Cockburn rhymes with slow burn.

“Structuring Use Cases with Goals” [Cockburn97] is the most widely cited paper on use cases, available online at www.usecases.org.

Use Cases: Requirements in Context [GK00] is another useful text. It emphasizes the important viewpoint—as the title states—that use cases are not just another requirements artifact, but that they are the central vehicle that drives requirements work and information.

Another worthwhile read is Applying Use Cases: A Practical Guide [SW98], written by an experienced use case teacher and practitioner that understand and communicate how to apply use cases in an iterative lifecycle.