UML (Unified Modeling Language) is a standard modeling language used to document and visualize the design of object-oriented software systems. It was developed in the 1990s to standardize the different object-oriented modeling notations that existed. UML is based on several influential object-oriented analysis and design methodologies. It includes diagrams for modeling a system's structural and behavioral elements, and has continued to evolve with refinements and expanded applicability. Use case diagrams are one type of UML diagram that are used to define system behaviors and goals from the perspective of different user types or external entities known as actors.