2.6 Summary

In this chapter we have seen the MDA framework and the role that the different elements play within it:

• A model is a description of a system

  • A PIM is a Platform Independent Model, which describes a system without any knowledge of the final implementation platform.

  • A PSM is a Platform Specific Model, which describes a system with full knowledge of the final implementation platform.

• A model is written in a well-defined language .

• A transformation definition describes how a model in a source language can be transformed into a model in a target language.

• A transformation tool performs a transformation for a specific source model according to a transformation definition.

The framework is neutral with respect to the languages that are used to model or code a system. In practice, UML is the most widely used modeling language and probably will be for a while.