3.5 Summary

In this chapter we have seen that the MDA framework can be populated by a number of different OMG standards. At the same time standards like the MOF and UML profiles allow non-OMG organizations to develop their own standards that will fit seamlessly in the MDA framework.

Tools are of great importance to the success of MDA. A wide spectrum of functionality is needed in an MDA environment, including traditional tools. Each tool may provide some or more of the functionality needed, and there are standardized ways that tools can communicate with each other.

Note that MDA is an emerging technology that is still in its infancy. Neither the languages nor the tools are developed enough to achieve the hundred percent code generation that is promised by MDA. There is always a need for manual change within the generated code. However, tools can provide enough functionality to make a significant impact on your software development process.

MDA can be used in existing software development processes. What is needed is more focus on the models that are developed to ensure that they are complete and consistent enough to be used in MDA transformations.

In Chapter 12 we take a look at the promise that MDA brings us. When the languages and tools become more mature, MDA has the ability to become a major paradigm shift in the software development community.