MDA (Model Driven Architecture) refers to an approach and set of practices in software development that emphasizes the use of models for design and implementation. It is a framework established by the Object Management Group (OMG) that promotes the separation of system specification from implementation details.
In MDA, software systems are developed using a series of models that describe various aspects of the system. These models serve as abstractions of the system and are independent of any technology or platform. The final application is generated from these models using automation tools.
The MDA framework consists of three key components. The Computation Independent Model (CIM) captures requirements and high-level business processes, providing a system overview from a non-technical perspective. The Platform Independent Model (PIM) describes the software requirements and functionality in a platform-neutral manner. The Platform Specific Model (PSM) focuses on mapping the PIM to a specific technology or platform, incorporating implementation details and optimizations.
By utilizing MDA, developers can improve productivity, reduce complexity, and enhance software reusability. MDA supports the principle of "separation of concerns," allowing stakeholders to focus on different aspects of the software development process without interfering with each other's work. Furthermore, it enables portability, as the model-driven approach allows for the generation of code for multiple platforms, adapting to the specific needs of different technologies.
Overall, MDA is a methodology that fosters a systematic and model-based approach to software development, facilitating collaboration between stakeholders, promoting software reuse, and increasing efficiency in the development process.
