Model-Driven Software Development: Technology, Engineering, Management

Chapter 11

MDSD Tools: Roles, Architecture, Selection Criteria, and Pointers

In this chapter we want to address important properties of generic MDSD and MDA tools more closely¹. Such properties can be used as selection criteria for tools. However, for obvious reasons, we cannot recommend any commercial tools. The OMG offers a list of MDA tools [OMGT], but not all of the tools listed there meet the requirements we discuss in this chapter. One reason is that the tools on the list are merely registered by the manufacturers and not certified by any kind of authority such as the OMG.

This chapter is divided into three parts. Section 11.1 describes the kinds of tools that play a role in MDSD, while Section 11.2 describes some MDSD tool foundations. The characteristics described there should be considered when selecting and implementing MDSD tools, or when building tool chains. Section 11.3 finally points to a number of specific tools, concepts, and ideas that might be interesting starting points in the context of MDSD tool selection.

11.1 The Role of Tools in the Development Process

Model-Driven Software Development doesn’t make sense without tool support. This section provides a brief overview of the typical tool categories that should be used in the context of an MDSD project or a domain architecture.

11.1.1 Modeling

The central tool is the modeling tool. Depending on the DSL, different concrete tools can be used in this category. One should try to provide a suitable editor for a specific ...