Appendix: Model-Driven Architecture (MDA)

5.1. Overview

MDA is the approach in which models are automatically translated into complete, deployable, running applications.

MDA defines several levels for these models, Platform independent models, platform specific models and code models.

5.2. Platform Independent Model (PIM)

Represents the business model to be implemented and can be described via UML. The PIM describes the processes of the business model and the structure of the system. The PIM does not specific operating system, programming language and hardware.

5.3. Platform Specific Model (PSM)

The PSM is responsible to specify the technical details to implement the PIM, e.g. the operating system, the programming language. In case several realizations / implementations for a PIM are possible then several PSM are formulated.

5.4. Code Mode

Represents the deployable code. In an ideal MDA scenario this code could be directly compiled and deployed without human interaction.